SpeechChapter 17: Speeches for Special OccasionsOverviewSpecial occasion speeches are part of our everyday lives. They are special because they focus on particular situations, such as an address at a school assembly, a testimonial speech at an awards banquet, or a eulogy at a funeral. One type of special occasion speech is the courtesy speech. Typical courtesy speeches include introduction, presentation, acceptance, and after-dinner speeches. When introducing someone, it is important to refer to the occasion, name the speaker, build enthusiasm, share information, explain why the speaker is there, and welcome the speaker to the microphone or the podium. A second type of special occasion speech is the ceremonial speech. The most common types of ceremonial speeches are commencement addresses and commemorative speeches (testimonials and eulogies). A commencement address should acknowledge the importance of the ceremony and honor the graduates. Commemorative speeches recall heroic events and pay tribute to individuals. A third type of special occasion speech is the contest speech. Some of the popular contest events include original oratory, in which contestants choose their own persuasive speech topics; extemporaneous speaking, in which each speaker picks one of three current event topic choices and prepares a speech in 30 minutes; and dramatic and humorous interpretation, in which each speaker memorizes and performs a work of literature. |  |
