Special Occasion Speeches Speeches to Entertain
Part ONE
Speeches to Entertain Designed to be entertaining and ceremonialEntertaining doesn’t mean it’s humorous Make the audience feel an emotion or have
an emotional connection LIFE: club meetings, dinners, parties,
graduations, awards ceremonies, holiday, ribbon cuttings, etc.
Most common: Introductory Speech, Master of Ceremonies, Toasts
Key element in public and personal life
Characteristics Usually much shorter than informative or
persuasive speeches More personal Creative use of language (figurative
language) Must play to the audience
Audience, Occasion, Purpose
Develop a Clear Theme Main purpose is to entertain OptimisticUncomplicated Anecdotes
Have one serious ideaToo much fluffAnchors the theme
Point and Proof MethodYour speech is made up of a central idea
supported by a series of examples, anecdotes, or amusing stories
Makes it easy for your audience to remember
1. Open with an anecdote2. Explain the point of the anecdote3. Illustrate your point with additional
anecdotes 4. Close by restating your central point and a
last story
Gathering Material Supporting material adds glitter to a solid frame! Anecdotes, details, examples, jokes, current
events, pop culture, etc.
BrainstormingWhat do you share with the audience or
guest of honor? Common events or experiences Your own experiences (wedding, awards, etc.)
You-Attitude “You Attitude” means look at events from the
audience’s perspective What would you like to hear?What would you not want to hear? Don’t make the speech about you! Focus on the theme
Emotional Appeal (Pathos!) Audiences identify with emotionCommon emotion creates unity
Make it short and sweet
Special Occasion Speeches Specific Entertaining Speeches
Part TWO
Introducing a Speaker 2-3 minutes DO:Title of the speech that the speaker will giveWhy the speaker is qualified to speak on the topicThe speaker’s name (multiple times)
DON’T:Summarize the speaker’s presentation Improve – be prepared!Apologize for the room, audience, speaker, etc. Embarrass the speaker
Commencement -- Graduation Speech 10-15 minutes DO:Keep the good mood!Be memorable Thank the superintendent, principal, parents,
etc.
DON’T:Go too long – Graduation is long enough!Get too specific with issues Inside jokes
Presenting an Award2-3 minutes
DO:Keep it factual and straightforward Explain the award Congratulate the honoree Shake hands to present award
DON’T:Pretend you know the honoree Get distracted while holding the award
Keynote Speech – entire convention is based around speech 15-20 minutes (or longer)
DO: Consider the mood of the conventionRemember that people usually paid to listen Be original
DON’T: Be egotistical
Toast – drink in honor of someone 1-2 minutes DO:Make general statement about the theme of
gatheringInvite the guests to join in a toast
DON’T:Go too long – multiple toasts Inside jokes
Wedding Toasts1. Thank the couple 2. Praise the couple 3. Have a theme or main idea (loyalty, friendship,
etc.)4. Illustrate the theme 5. Wish the couple well in their new life together
DON’T:Be offensive Poke fun at the new spouse Make it about you
Your Turn! Try writing your own Special Occasion Speech to
entertain!
1-3 minutesIdentify:
1. Occasion (Brother’s wedding)2. Audience (200 people, mix of intimate friends and family)3. Environment (large banquet hall)
Point and Proof Method or try a specific SOS formatIf needed, pretend – Make up an event