Basic Structure of Special Occasion Speeches

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