Chapter 20
Speeches for Special
Occasions
Courtesy Speeches
#10B- A special occasion often requires much more formality than
your classroom presentations.
#1IC- The four typical speeches of courtesy are introduction,
presentation, acceptance, and after-dinner speeches.
#11B- Speeches of introduction should refer to the occasion, name
the speaker, build enthusiasm, share information, explain why the
speaker is to give this talk to this audience at this time, and conclude
by welcoming the speaker to speak.
#2IC- The two functions of introductory speeches serve are to make
the audience want to hear the speaker and to make the speaker want to
share with the audience.
#1T/F- If you are introducing a speaker, you must be careful not to
embarrass the person you are introducing.
Courtesy Speeches
#12B- Mark Twain understood one factor that contributes to a
memorable speech- humor.
#13B- Reminders for making a successful introductory speech include
checking the pronunciation of all words, including the speakers
name, verifying the accuracy of all information, and analyzing the
audiences expectations.
Courtesy Speeches
Presentation speeches are given when a person gives a gift or award.
#3IC- The five guidelines for speeches of presentation are stating the
persons name early (unless suspense is desired), explaining the
awards significance, explaining the selection process, highlighting
the winners qualities, and handing the person the award.
Usually, when you are presenting an award, you are acting on behalf
of a group, so make your comments reflect that of the group.
Courtesy Speeches
Acceptance speeches are given when you get an award.
#14B- The speakers remarks in an acceptance speech serve a double
purpose: to thank the people who are presenting you the award or gift
and to give credit to those people who helped you earn this
recognition.
#4T/F- Acceptance speeches are generally not given at retirement
dinners.
After-dinner speeches are usually given after banquets or meals.
#2T/F- After-dinner speeches should be humorous.
#15B- You should organize the after-dinner speech around a theme.
Remember that this speech is given after
dinner, so keep this speech around 15
minutes so that people who are full
dont get too sleepy.
Ceremonial Speeches
Commencement speeches are given at graduation.
#16B- A commencement address should both acknowledge the
importance of the ceremony and congratulate the graduates.
#3T/F- Most commencement addresses focus on the students future.
#5T/F- Humor is appropriate in a commencement address.
Ceremonial Speeches
Commemorative speeches are inspiring speeches that recall heroic
events or people.
#17B- Commemorative speeches honoring individuals are the
testimonial and the eulogy.
The testimonial honors someone who is living.
#4IC- Five hints for making your testimonial speech successful are
researching the person carefully, choosing your words carefully, using
a warm and caring tone, making it memorable with humor, and
showing a strong sense of celebration.
Ceremonial Speeches
The eulogy honors someone who is dead.
#18B- In preparing a eulogy, you should decide whether you want to
choose a topical or biographical approach.
A biographical approach is the most common. It chronicles the events
in the deceased persons life.
A topical approach focuses on the deceased persons personal
qualities or specific achievements.
Contest Speeches
Original oratory contests require participants to give a speech that is
usually memorized.
These speeches are usually under 10 minutes over a persuasive topic.
#6T/F- In preparing a successful oratory, rules limit the amount of
quoted words used to 150.
#7T/F- Speech contests sponsored by clubs and organizations have
large cash prizes.
#8T/F- Judges in a speech contest almost invariably disagree.
Extemporaneous speaking contests usually require a 5 to 7 minute
based on a current event topic.
#9T/F- Contestants have only 30 minutes to prepare for
extemporaneous speaking.
Contest Speeches
Dramatic interpretation requires you to act out a serious scene.
Humorous interpretation requires you to act out a humorous scene.
#19B- Choose an interpretation selection that fits your personality and
stretches you as a performer, but is not beyond your grasp.
#20B- Three speech contests sponsored by clubs and organizations are
the American Legion Oratorical Contest, the VFWs Voice of
Democracy Contest, and the Optimist Club Oratorical Contest.
