Special Occasion

Special Occasion Speech – Manuscript Delivery, ONLY!

Special Occasion Speeches – are critical-thinking activities that require the speaker to synthesize and apply his or her speaking skills to unique situations.

Also, if you write poetry, please feel free to recite one of your poems and refer to the Public Speaking LibGuide on How to Read Poetry PowerPoint. Undoubtedly, this will help you read your poem correctly.

Below please find 14 outlines for you to consider when creating/crafting your special occasion speech. Each one of them commemorates an event you will probably encounter in the future. These outlines spell out both what is expected and the traditional order we expect to hear them in. Please be as creative as possible.

A speech designed to fulfill the objectives of a designated special occasion and must meet the

General Guidelines for Special-Occasion Speeches as outlined in chapter 17. Find an example of a Special Occasion Speech in a movie or television show. 1. First, classify the speech as one of the types discussed in the chapter. 2. Next, critique the speech based on the recommendations of the chapter.

· What were the strongest components of the speech and why?

· What areas needed improvement and why?

3. Next, revise the speech, crafting it to conform to the guidelines in the chapter.

· What did you change and why?

· How have you improved the speech?

4. Finally, be ready to deliver your revised speech using a manuscript.

Please practice, practice and practice reading using a manuscript.

Speech of Introduction

1. Greeting and reference to the occasion

2. Statement of the name of the person to be introduced 3. Brief description of the person’s speech topic/company position/role in the organization, etc.

4. Details about the person’s qualifications

5. Enthusiastic closing statement

6. Inviting a warm reception for the next speaker

Speech of Welcome 1. Expression of honor this person’s visit brings to the group

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2. Description of the person’s background and special achievements

3. Statement of the reason for the visit

4. Greeting and welcome to the person

Speech of Dedication

1. Statement of reason for assembling

2. Brief history of efforts that have led to this event 3. Prediction for the future success of the company, organization, group, or person

Anniversary Speech

1. Statement of reason for assembling

2. Sentimental significance of the event

3. Explanation of how this sentiment can be maintained

4. Appeal for encouraging the sentiment to continue in future years

Speech of Presentation

1. Greeting and reference to the occasion

2. History and importance of the award

3. Brief description of the qualifications for the award

4. Reasons for this person receiving the award

5. Announcement of the recipient’s name

6. Presentation of the award

Speech of Acceptance

1. Expression of gratitude for the award

2. Brief praise of the appropriate people

3. Statement of appreciation to those giving the award

4. Closing of pleasure and thanks

Speech of Farewell

1. Expression of sorrow about the person’s departure

2. Statement of enjoyment for the association with this person

3. Brief description of how the person will be missed

4. Announcement of friendship and best wishes for the future

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5. Invitation to return again soon

Speech of Tribute (if honoree is alive) or the Eulogy (if deceased)

1. Expression of respect and love for the honoree

2. Reasons for paying tribute to this person

3. Review of the person’s accomplishments and contributions

4. Clarification of how this person has touched the lives of others

5. Closing appeal to emulate the good qualities of this person

Speech of Installation

1. Orientation of the audience to the occasion and the theme of this installation

2. Introduction of the current officers

3. Praise of the current officers for the work they have accomplished

4. Announcement for the new officers to come forward

5. Explanation of the responsibilities for each office

6. Recitation of the organization’s installation of officer’s pledge

7. Declaration of the installation of the new officers

Speech of Inauguration

1. Expression of appreciation for being elected or placed in office

2. Declaration of the theme or problem focus while in office

3. Explanation of policy intentions

4. Announcement of goals to achieve while in office

5. Closing appeal for confidence in a successful future

Keynote Address

1. Orientation of the audience to the mood and theme of the convention

2. Reference to the goals of the organization and their importance

3. Brief description of the convention’s major events

4. Closing invitation for active participation in the convention

Commencement Address 1. Greeting to the graduates and the audience

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2. Review of the graduates’ successful accomplishments

3. Praise to the graduates for reflecting respected values

4. Prediction and discussion of future challenges 5. Closing inspiration for the graduates to meet these new challenges successfully

After-Dinner Speech

1. Statement of reference to the audience and the occasion

2. Humorous transition into the central idea or thesis

3. Presentation of major points developed with humorous supporting materials

4. Closing that is witty and memorable

Humorous Speech

1. Humorous attention-getter

2. Preview of the comic theme and intent of the speech

3. Presentation of humorous points and supporting materials that are typical of the audience in terms of events, feelings, experiences, or thoughts

4. Closing that presents a strong punch line (Harrell 1997)

Speech will be delivered using a manuscript. Please print two copies. You will have 3-5 minutes to deliver and engage your audience using a manuscript.

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