Student Resource
Gamble, The Public Speaking Playbook, 2nd Edition
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Lecture Notes
Chapter 22: Special Occasion Speeches
Learning Objectives
1-1 Explain the goals and functions of special occasion speeches
1-2 Define and distinguish the similarities and differences between speeches of
introduction, presentation, and acceptance
1-3 Explain the functions of the commencement address and a keynote address
1-4 Define the goals and distinguish the differences between a speech of tribute and a
eulogy
1-5 Explain the key characteristics of the after-dinner speech
Outline
I. Special occasion speeches have specific goals and functions.
A. These speeches serve two functions:
1. They help to magnify the significance of the event or person being
honored.
2. They help to unify the audience by affirming common values exhibited
via the celebration or event.
3. Special occasion speakers must be fully aware of the nature of the
occasion in order to adapt successfully to the expectations associated with
the occasion.
II. In a speech of introduction, a speaker “warms up the audience” by creating a desire
among the audience members to listen to the featured speaker.
A. In this type of speech, the speaker establishes the nature of the occasion by
explaining why the speaker is being asked to speak.
1. The speaker must also enhance the speaker’s credibility with the
audience
2. Speakers should also encourage audience members to focus on the
speaker’s message
3. For more well-known speakers, shorter speeches of introduction are
expected.
III. In a speech of presentation, the speaker recognizes the individual being honored as
well as honoring an ideal.
Student Resource
Gamble, The Public Speaking Playbook, 2nd Edition
SAGE Publishing, 2018
A. These speeches must summarize the purpose of the award or gift, including the
history of it and the ideals that it represents, identify the accomplishments of the
person being honored, and present the recipient of the award to the audience.
1. Speeches of presentation should not contain excessive praise.
2. Speeches of presentation should express sincere appreciation for the
individual’s accomplishments.
3. These speeches will also highlight the values and behavior that led to
receiving the award.
IV. In a speech of acceptance, the recipient of an award will have an opportunity to
formally accept the award or the fact that the award was given.
A. The speaker briefly thanks or recognizes those who bestowed the honor and
those who assisted him or her attain it.
1. The speaker also reflects upon the values that are represented by the
award and explains the personal significance of the award.
V. In a commencement address the speaker praises and congratulates the graduating
class.
A. Commencement speakers also acknowledge how the graduates and other
members of the audience (family and friends) contributed to the graduates’
success.
1. Many commencement addresses celebrate the recent events of graduates
as well as challenge the graduates to focus on the future and the roles they
will serve in the future.
VI. The purpose of a keynote address is to get the meeting off to a good start by
establishing the proper tone or mood.
A. The speaker serves as a metaphoric cheerleader who is supposed to push the
audience into the right direction and inspire them to take the appropriate action.
1. Some keynote speakers challenge their audiences to act or achieve a
particular goal.
2. Other keynote speakers outline a problem and identify solutions.
3. The most effective keynote speakers focus attention on the audience and
their common goals.
VII. The speech of tribute honors a living or dead person or event.
A. The goal is to praise and acknowledge the honoree, living or deceased.
1. Speakers need to clearly establish why the individual or event is being
honored.
2. These speeches require participation from the audience members.
3. A speech of tribute contains a section that describes what the subject of
the speech did worthy of praise and recognition.
Student Resource
Gamble, The Public Speaking Playbook, 2nd Edition
SAGE Publishing, 2018
4. The speech also contains a section that describes in more detail what the
subject accomplished.
5. Lastly, the speechof tribute includes a section to let the audience know
more about the honoree’s past accomplishments.
VIII. A eulogy is a type of speech of tribute.
A. The eulogy focuses on the deceased and is designed to comfort members of
the audience without allowing oneself to become overly consumed with emotion.
1. Eulogies must acknowledge the loss suffered by the deceased’s family.
2. The speaker must celebrate the life of the deceased by acknowledging
his or her legacy.
3. The speaker must also utilize personal recollections and quotations from
others.
IX. The after-dinner speech is designed to entertain without the use of technical or
complex information.
A. This speech is usually lighthearted, sometimes humorous, and maybe slightly
satirical.
1. Humor should be functional, not forced, and help you make a point.
2. Usually delivered when audience members are in a mood of
entertainment, and therefore must be easy to digest.