Because of the highly personalized nature of ceremonial speeches, there
is no "right" outline guide to follow.
Here are the general suggestions we talked about in class.
Because of the highly personalized nature of ceremonial speeches, there
is no "right" outline guide to follow.
Here are the general suggestions we talked about in class.
I. General Guidelines:
A. Use simple language
B. Avoid trite language and clichés
C. Don’t ignore audience expectations
D. Find a theme
E. Be sincere!
II. The Speech of
Tribute (2 types)
A. Eulogies:
1. Attention-getting incident that illustrates a basic character trait
2. Focus on one or more of the following:
a. Other events that establish the person’s character
b. The significance of the person to society
c. Humanize the person—nobody’s perfect
3. Review the important aspects of the speech and end with a statement
or quote that fits your theme
B. Dedication:
1. Describe the object being dedicated or the history of events leading
up to the dedication
2. Discuss what the object symbolizes
3. Discuss the sacrifices that lie behind the object
4. Explain the future significance of the object
5. Name the object’s supreme qualities
6. Emphasize again what the object symbolizes and urge the audience to
continue its good work, sacrifice and values
III. The Welcome
Speech: The purpose of this speech is to show friendliness and hospitality
in order to create a bond of goodwill among the participants. The
mood of this speech is usually dignified and formal, but you need to show
sincerity as well.
A. Identify the welcoming agency
B. Express pleasure in welcoming the newcomers
C. Discuss the goal of the visit
D. Give visitors some information about where they're visiting and/or point
them to places where they can get (more) information
E. Mention complimentary facts about the guests
F. Conclude with your wishes for a pleasant stay
IV. The Acceptance
Speech
A. Modestly express your gratitude—if you're truly surprised, say so!
B. Acknowledge those who made your achievement possible
C. Highlight the values that the award represents to you
D. Make sure that your language fits the formality of the event
E. Indicate your plans for the future and how this award ties into those
plans if possible
F. Never apologize or disclaim your worthiness for the award
V. Toasts: Toasts
should always be eloquent. Be sure to keep your message brief
A. Begin with recounting a significant event in the person/couple’s life/relationship
B. If to a single person, point out that this achievement was beyond what
is expected or required
C. If the person’s/relationship’s accomplishment was made in the face of
difficulty, mention this fact
D. End with an incident that sums up the person’s/relationship’s best qualities
and try to find an inspirational statement either made by that person or
another person to sum up what the audience should admire about the person/relationship
VI. Farewell Speeches:
You can give a farewell speech when someone is leaving or when you are
leaving.
A. Begin by referring to the time spent at the place
B. Point out how that person (if someone is leaving) or how others (if
you're leaving) inspired/helped others/you
C. Begin concluding with a genuine expression of appreciation for that
person or for the people that you're leaving
D. Express an interest in maintaining contact
E. Omit references to sad or unpleasant situations and don't overplay sadness
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