OccasionConsider your audience, purpose, and occasion

SITUATION

In an occasion speech the situation dominates.

The situation determines both the audience and the purpose.

The Graduation Speech

Valedictory Address—meant to be a farewell address. It should acknowledge the promise of the day.

Usually recalls shared experiencesCelebrates students’

accomplishmentsReflects on futureSometimes motivates and inspiresIs personal and intimate

Introduction:Acknowledge the people you are addressing, including teachers, family members, and fellow graduates.

Grab the audience’s attention with an amusing anecdote or quotation.

Introduce your theme, or central message.

Preview the points you’ll make

Body:

Reflect on the past—the experiences your class has shared that relate to your theme

Discuss the significance of the present as it relates to your theme.

Connect your theme to the future

Conclusion:Summarize the points you made and return to your theme.Inspire your audience with a memorable statement of your theme.

The Speech of Introduction

You want the audence to feel friendly toward the speaker and receptive to them.

You will want to know something about the speaker and the subject of the performance.

Present the speaker’s credentials.

Stephanie Meyers example: Content of latest book? Life as a writer? Does the audience know her?

Conclusion:Transfer attention back to the speaker

Finish with a sentence of welcome such as, “It’s my honor to present your guest for today, Sarh Larson.”

Body:

•Tell four things about the speaker’s background that qualify him or her to speak to this audience on this topic.

•Identify the topic or title of the speech / performance

Introduction:

•Get the attention of the audience•Tell them the speaker’s name

Conclusion:Invite the recipient to join you.If appropriate, read the inscription on the plaque or trophy.Give the person the award or gift and shake the person’s hand or exchange a hug.

Body:

•Explain the awards significance and why the recipient is deserving.

•If it’s a gift or other tribute, explain why the recipient is being honored.

•Share anecdotes that illustrate recipient’s personal qualities.

Introduction:•Name the group for which you are speaking.

•If it’s an award, tell what the award is and who the recipient is.

•If it’s a gift, explain the occasion—retirement, special achievement, or contribution.

The Presentation SpeechAn AwardA GiftA Trophy

Acceptance Speech

Body:

•Tell what the award means to you.

•Thank the people who helped you succeed.

Introduction:•Thank the group that gave you the award

Conclusion:•Thank everyone again with a line that wraps it all up: “I am honored to receive this, and I thank you all so much.”

Commemorative Speech

Body:•Develop your theme by sharing three or four examples that illustrate your theme or making three or four points that support your theme.

•Use anecdotes, personal stories, and memories to develop your theme.

Introduction:•Introduce yourself and explain your connection with the person or thing being celebrated or honored.•If appropriate or necessary, acknowledge dignitaries present, welcome people, and thank those who contributed to the achievement.•Introduce your theme.

Conclusion:•Return to your theme and restate it in a way that is memorable and gives the audience some hope for the future.

After-Dinner Speech (Toast)

Body:

•Develop your thesis.

•Present three or four examples that support your thesis.

•Use anecdotes, amusing personal stories, funny statistics, or humorous props.

Click icon to add pictureIntroduction:•Begin with a funny remark or a joke.•Introduce your topic and your thesis.

Conclusion:•Reiterate your thesis•Review your supporting points.•Thank the audience and wish them well.