‘Ceremonial’ speeches
(speeches that entertain, inspire, admire)

Of all the speeches you may have to give, it is most likely the ‘special occasion’ speech will call upon you.

At some point in life, you will no doubt be called upon to give a special occasion speech. This might be a wedding toast, a eulogy for a loved one, an introduction for another speaker or even an acceptance speech at the Academy Awards! This presentation will prepare you for what to expect and how to meet audience expectations.

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Why have Special Occasion speeches?

  • They may be persuasive or informative or even a mixture of both.
  • They form bonds between people and put significance of occasion into perspective.

In ceremonial speeches you are inviting the audience to agree with you about the value of a person, object, event or place the special occasion revolves around. In general, they are brief and less than 5 minutes long. It is always wise to remember the words of our late president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt: “Be sincere, be brief, be seated.”

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Avoid “Talking Head” Syndrome

That’s when there is no movement beyond the podium

or microphone.

There is nothing worse than a speaker who drapes themselves over the podium or stands stiffly at attention. Use natural hand gestures and convey enthusiasm through your voice and facial expressions.

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Types: Functions:

  • Recognition

Acceptance

Introduction

Welcome

Nomination

  • Inspiration
  • Social

Agenda-setting =

  • Banquets, awards, dinners, roasts, political and group gatherings

  • Commencement, keynote speeches, sermons
  • Fund-raising, sales pitches
  • Memorials, eulogy, toasts
  • Weddings, anniversaries, retirement

When giving a speech of recognition, which usually involves presenting an award, you normally shake with your right hand and hold the award being presented in the left hand (this might prove awkward with left-handed recipients, so double check to make sure!) Recount the history and the nature of the award, as well as the criteria to win one.

In an acceptance speech, you want to convey your appreciation for an honor or award, as well as those people who made it possible.

A welcome speech is just what it sounds like: an opportunity to make a person, group or organization feel appreciated.

Few of us should have to give a nomination speech, but in one, the idea is to highlight the qualities that make the candidate the best person for the job.

The Tribute link above illustrates how a eulogy can gracefully address the controversies in a deceased person’s life without casting judgment upon them.

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For your consideration

  • Review with speaker

In a speech of introduction, it is especially important to know the protocol if you are in a foreign country. President Obama obviously did not get prepped properly on the fact that “God Save the Queen” is the UK’s equivalent to the “Star-Spangled Banner.” No talking allowed during the duration of the song!!! Check the link above for what not to do.

A speech of introduction should highlight the main speaker’s credentials and accomplishments, without stealing their thunder. Be sure to review what material you plan to cover with the person so you do not step on their toes.

And as long as we are on the topic, NEVER chew gum during a presentation…. Or in China it seems.

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Speeches of introduction

  • When considering your audience:
  • Keep introduction brief
  • Get audience to welcome speaker
  • Identify speaker correctly

How do you pronounce their name?

Benjamin Benoit (BEN-OYT)

OR

David Benoit (BEN-WAH)

There is nothing that will silence a room or cause major embarrassment like mispronouncing a speaker’s name. Don’t assume that it is pronounced a certain way, find out for sure.

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Speeches of Tribute (Eulogies/roasts/toasts)

  • Eulogy = “To Praise”
  • Balance delivery/emotions
  • Eulogies are usually “celebrations of life”
  • Use anecdotes that portray the person in a positive light, but be realistic
  • Remember to acknowledge the family
  • For your citations, include quotes, anecdotes, poems.

The link under the heading offers tips on how to write a eulogy and the difference between a eulogy and an obituary.

Eulogies are a chance for loved ones to remember the lives of those who have passed on. They can be emotional, but they offer both the family and friends a chance for closure and comfort. A eulogy should focus on 3-4 positive aspects of that person’s life, with anecdotes and stories that illustrate your points.

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If you died tomorrow, how would you want to be remembered?
Who would give the eulogy?

Often, death comes as a surprise and shock to family members. There is nothing morbid or unnatural about sharing with family members – beforehand -- how you want to be remembered, what you consider important and how much you care about them. Over the years, many students have expressed to me how much they wish their loved one had done that, especially since in grief it is difficult to find the proper words to celebrate someone’s life.

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Other necessities

  • Proper title
  • Achievements/

awards

  • How will you capture the audience’s attention at 8 p.m. on a school night?

When giving speeches of tribute, be sure to have accurate information. Speeches are sometimes given at inopportune times, so be sensitive to the audience and their needs. If it’s late, acknowledge that fact and assure them your remarks will be brief.

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Speeches of acceptance

  • PREPARATION is the key to a successful acceptance speech, but

Will you know ahead of time?

Will it be a complete surprise?

4 functions

1) Brief 3) Reciprocate

2) Genuine 4) “Feel good”

You want to carry yourself and offer words that make the audience feel good that you received the award. Acceptance speeches are normally no longer than two minutes.

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Keys to a good acceptance speech

  • React genuinely and with humility
  • Give thanks to the people giving the award
  • Give thanks to the people who helped you

"A Beautiful Mind"

Although the above link features Russell Crowe re-enacting a famous speech, he accurately conveys John Nash’s original intent.

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Speeches of recognition
or presentation

  • Outline meaning of speech and why the person was chosen.
  • Present award with left hand, shake with the right.
  • Do you have anecdotes about the person?
  • Personalize the award by telling the audience something about the recipient.

(achievements, background, criteria)

Speeches that entertain
Roasts

  • Prepare ahead of time. Does the person have remarkable traits?
  • Practice
  • Keep it positive
  • Keep your message brief
  • Relate it to your audience
  • Ditch the Chris Rock routines

Anyone who has watched a Comedy Central roast can vouch that they often border on the obscene and sometimes step way over the lines of propriety. In real life, unlike those of celebrity’s, the humor should be “family friendly.” Demonstrating the ethical communication principles of respect and integrity means offering jokes, stories and anecdotes that do not offend.

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After-dinner speeches

  • Business, lunch or

Breakfast

Light-hearted &

Entertaining

Purpose is to set an agenda

Avoid standup comedy, focus on message

Many of us have attended lunches or dinners as a “reward” for attending a time share or other sales pitch. If you are the speaker at one of these events, stay on task. While humor can be a powerful persuader, be sure that the targets of your talk “get” the jokes. Not everyone has the same taste in comedy and it can backfire big time.

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Other ceremonial speeches

As IF!

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Tips to ensure success

  • Use real stories about real people
  • Be dynamic and energetic
  • Make goals clear

Is it to keep a positive attitude in life?

Are you trying to get the audience to do something specific? What??

  • Use a theme or engage an ACRONYM to get message across
  • AVR – Ted Turner
  • Close with drama using quotes, stories, a rhetorical question, a call to action

How to give a toast

  • Personal & appropriate
  • Practice
  • Stay sober
  • Dress for success
  • Humor, within reason
  • Be specific, be sincere, be brief, be seated.

Toastmasters International is an organization dedicated to improving and practicing public speaking skills. In Volusia County there are many chapters throughout the region, as well as on the Daytona State College campus. In other parts of the country, there are even Toastmasters clubs for people learning a foreign language.

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