BASIC STRUCTURE OF SPECIAL OCCASION SPEECHES:
Introducing a speaker:
Ø Welcome audience to your program
Ø Be factual and detailed about his/her background
Ø Don’t be excessive with praise
Ø Discuss how his/her background relates to the audience
Ø Discuss how the speaker’s topic relates to the audience
Ø Formally introduce the speaker/welcome him/her to podium
Speech presenting an award:
Ø Welcome audience to your program
Ø Describe the award and what attributes it recognizes
Ø Read any engraved messages on the award
Ø Describe in detail with examples how the recipient reflects those attributes
Ø Announce the winner/welcome him/her to the stage
Speech to commemorate a person:
Ø Welcome the audience to event (may vary according to the circumstances)
Ø Intro: include an AGD, a brief overall description of the person (tailor it to the event) and list 3 attributes you are recognizing
Ø Focus then on each of the 3 attributes: give several SPECIFIC EXAMPLES of each
Ø Close with the appropriate recognition of person dependent on the event.
Speech to deliver at Commencement:
Ø Start with an AGD, then give appropriate “opening” remarks
Ø Discuss the accomplishments of the graduating class:
· sports teams
· drama, music, etc
· academic - (can include college stats: where they will attend)
Ø Discuss contributions of those who helped the graduates:
· parents, family
· teachers/administration/counselors
· coaches
· others
· BE SPECIFIC – GIVE EXAMPLES OF WHAT THEY DID
Ø Discuss challenges ahead: THIS IS THE BULK OF THIS SPEECH; SPEND MOST OF YOUR TIME HERE.
Ø Close with appropriate wishes to class
Speech to deliver at graduation party:
Ø Same as commemoration speech but to a close friend/friends
Ø More informal than commemoration speech
Ø BE SPECIFIC: TELL STORIES, ENTERTAIN AS WELL