Your Special Occasion Speech

• 3-5 minute time limit• No outline submitted, but

organization is expected• No minimum number of sources,

but documentation expected (when needed)

• Create context or situation

Choose from the Following Genres:• Toast• Roast• Eulogy• Commencement• Expression of grief• Acceptance• Award

presentation• Award acceptance

• Introduction• Tribute• Goodwill• Farewell• After Dinner• Dedication• Keynote/opening

ceremony

Your Special Occasion Speech

• It’s not a monologue• It’s not a song• It’s not a poem• It’s not a dialogue• It’s not a skit

It’s a speech(and it’s worth 50 pts.)

The Key to Writing a Good Special Occasion Speech:

• Meet the audience’s expectations in a way that is uniquely yours.

Pictures from www.Kennedy-center.org and www.rolemodel.com, accessed November 19, 2005.

Two Strategies for Preparing a Special Occasion Speech

• Identification (connecting to the audience; inclusive language; immediacy)

• Magnification (elaborating on specific traits)

The Easiest Special Occasion Speech to Write:• A tribute

– Choose someone you admire/love/respect.– Identify 3-4 traits about them you appreciate.– Each of those traits becomes a main point.– Develop each main point with

examples/stories that support that trait.– Add an appropriate introduction/conclusion.