Chapter 16: Ideas & Materials for Instruction
CHAPTER 16: Speaking on Special Occasions
Overview Objectives Ideas for Instruction
Ceremonial Speaking in a Free
Society
Remembering the Past ·Honoring
Heroes ·Celebrating Shared Beliefs
and Values ·Offering Inspiration and
Encouragement
pp. 326–331
16.1 Discuss the role of ceremonial
speaking in a free society.
Discussion questions:
16a; 16b; 16c
Activities: 16a; 16b
Lecture: 16a
Social Values in Ceremonial
Speaking
pp. 331–333
16.2
Explain how ceremonial speeches
define and reinforce social values.
Discussion questions:
16d; 16e
Activities: 16c
The Forms of Ceremonial Speech
The Speech of Introduction ·
Welcome and Farewell Addresses ·
Presentation and Acceptance
Speeches ·Commemoration and
Commencement Speeches ·Tributes
and Eulogies ·Inaugural and Keynote
Addresses ·The After-Dinner Speech
·Sermons
pp. 333–341
16.3 Identify and describe different
types of ceremonial speeches.
Activities: 16d; 16e
Lecture: 16a
Style and Delivery in Ceremonial
Speaking
Vivid Language and Imagery ·
Rhythm and Cadence ·Speaking from
a Manuscript
pp. 341–345
16.4 Define eloquence
and discuss the
importance of style and delivery in
ceremonial speaking.
Discussion questions:
16f; 16g
Activities: 16e
Ideas for Instruction
As noted elsewhere, you will not be able to cover everything in the text—nor should you attempt to (i.e., “The
more we teach, the less they learn.”). I always “assume” students have read the assigned reading and that my job
as an instructor is to highlight a few, select ideas from the reading (or to introduce supplemental material) for
students to contemplate, reflect upon, and apply. My goal is to help them build meaning and internalize what they
have learned, retaining it for future use.
What follows are ideas for how some material might be treated through discussion and activity. My
selections are ones I typically highlight in my own classes—depending on how much time I have to devote to a
chapter. In light of larger class sizes (which require more days per speech round), I rarely can spend more than 50
minutes per chapter. There are only so many days in the semester, after all.
For each activity or discussion item I offer, I also estimate how much time it would require. The actual time
Discussion Questions. Use these to stimulate discussion and prompt reflection. As students process the material
at a deeper, more meaningful level, they likely will offer interesting observations or pose provocative questions of
Chapter 16: Ideas & Materials for Instruction
their own. Make note of these, literally! Let students know when you’re particularly impressed by their thinking
and let them see you writing it down in your lesson file. They will feel valued/motivated—as long as you don’t go
Discussion Question 16a
Approximate time required: 2–4 min.
What is the role of ceremonial/epideictic speeches?
Students should recall that epideictic speeches bring us together as members of a community and
remind us of our responsibilities as citizens. As we honor heroes, remember our heritage, and
commemorate important events, our ceremonial speeches articulate and reinforce important social
values and strengthen the bonds that unite us. They are the glue that holds society together. Not only do
they reaffirm our values and—as a result—provide direction, but they also serve to inspire and
encourage us.
Discussion Question 16b
Approximate time required: 2–4 min.
What is meant by the following statement? “Ceremonial speeches may be ritualistic and symbolic, but in
some ways that makes them even more important than other types of speeches.”
Ceremonial speeches provide us time to pause and reflect—to take time out of our busy lives and remind
Discussion Question 16c
Approximate time required: 2–4 min.
What are the benefits of remembering historic events?
Students will likely recall that by remembering our past, we can have a clearer understanding of who we are as
Discussion Question 16d
Approximate time required: 3–5 min.
A ceremonial speech might make an implicit political argument. What is an example?
Students should recall that an example of a ceremonial speech that makes an explicit political argument is one that
Chapter 16: Ideas & Materials for Instruction
Discussion Question 16e
Approximate time required: 4–6 min.
As the text notes, some argue that because ceremonial speeches articulate and reinforce existing social values,
these speeches are inherently conservative. Is this the case? Why or why not?
Note: You might first need to define “conservative.” You might define it as an inclination to preserve existing conditions and
institutions and to limit change.
Students will likely recall the text’s discussion of how some ceremonial speeches have actually been
powerful agents of change. Speakers have often invoked shared values as a means to validate a particular
Discussion Question 16f
Approximate time required: 4–6 min.
What are some especially memorable ceremonial speeches you have experienced? What makes them memorable?
Students responses will vary, of course, but what they identify likely will pertain to matters of language and
delivery. They may recall eloquent phrasing and/or an especially effective delivery. If students have difficulty
Discussion Question 16g
Approximate time required: 3–5 min.
It is crucial that your speech has an effective style. What can you do to ensure that it does?
Students should recall that they will want to write with good oral style—using simple words and shorter
sentences as well as phrases and sentence fragments. These might be inappropriate in a written essay, but they
can be quite effective in spoken discourse. Students should also recall that they should read their work aloud,
Suggested Activities. Use these “hands-on” applications to get students actively involved with the material. What
we suggest often requires students to synthesize what is covered in the chapter, as well as what they were to have
learned from other chapters.
Chapter 16: Ideas & Materials for Instruction
Activity 16a
Approximate time required: 30–35 min.
Help underscore that when we pay tribute to someone, we essentially identify and celebrate qualities worth
emulating. To highlight this fact, have students work with a partner or in a small group to identify a person who
deserves recognition for their contributions to society. The person they choose should be someone familiar to
everyone. Have them create a thesis statement along the lines of:
Activity 16b
Approximate time required: 30–35 min.
Have students work with a partner to identify an admirable trait everyone should strive to have (e.g., honesty,
selflessness, generosity, a good work ethic). Have them create a thesis statement which completes this statement:
“____ is an admirable quality everyone should strive to have.”
Note: See Activity 5i for a review of the thesis statement.
valued the same by other groups (p. 394).
Activity 16c
Approximate time required: 12–15 min.
Help students gain a better sense of how ceremonial speeches—even while celebrating a shared history and
common heroes—can challenge an audience to contemplate their own values and actions. To do so, devote the
last 15 minutes of class to a quick, in-class writing. Have students read and respond to Bill Cosby’s “Pound Cake”
speech. Although profound controversy now surrounds Cosby, this speech provides a good example when placed
in its context/time. Excerpts from the text and/or video can easily be found online to share with the class. Have
them to respond to the following:
What is the shared history Cosby celebrates?
Who are the heroes that he honors?
What did they stand for?
What did they accomplish?
What problems does Cosby identify with the current generation in terms of its values and actions?
What explains the mixed response to Cosby’s speech?
How do you evaluate his speech and why?
Chapter 16: Ideas & Materials for Instruction
Collect the students’ papers as they file out the door. Read the best submissions (or excerpts from them) at the
Activity 16d
Approximate time required: 30–35 min.
Have students get a better understanding of the various kinds of ceremonial speeches by having them work in
groups to contemplate how they would present a specific type. To proceed, form groups of three to five students.
Assign each group one of the following scenarios. After 12 minutes or so, have each group present its ideas for
how to proceed. Discuss to what extent their approach follows what is advised in the text as well as whatever else
might need to be considered.
1) Bono, the lead singer for U2 and a widely respected activist for increasing aid to Africa, is coming to campus
2) Habitat for Humanity student volunteers, from several states in your region, are holding a conference on your
campus to discuss new procedures for chapters. You are a volunteer with a local chapter, and you have been asked
to provide a welcome address to kick off the meeting. How would you go about creating and presenting an
effective speech of welcome?
4) Your community is planning a special Independence Day celebration. There will be a parade, a brass band on an
outdoor stage, and a fantastic fireworks display. The mayor will also speak, just prior to the fireworks. You are
mayor. You will write your own speech. How would you go about creating and presenting an effective speech of
commemoration?
5) The governor of your state has died suddenly and unexpectedly. You were a close personal friend and have been
asked to present a eulogy at the state funeral. How would you go about creating and presenting an effective eulogy
for the fallen leader?
6) You are a member of a neighborhood watch association and have helped organize several successful watch
Activity 16e
Approximate time required: 30–35 min.
Help students discern the multiple functions of a ceremonial speech as well as the importance of language by
having them examine “Tribute to the Challenger Astronauts,” widely available online. First, read the speech aloud
Chapter 16: Ideas & Materials for Instruction
Lecture Ideas. Some elements in the chapter lend themselves to careful review and/or some supplemental
material. Either way, you’ll amplify something that deserves amplification. We’ll offer some suggestions, often
providing one or more corresponding PowerPoint slides.
Lecture 16a: Use one or more of the slides from the PowerPoint slideshow that accompanies this chapter and
prepare your own examples as illustrations of the concepts featured on the slide(s). Break up the “lecture” by
including some of the discussion questions we provide and/or an activity or two. Any individual slide can
function as either a preview or review of an activity or discussion item.
Exam Items. Testing, of course, can be an important part of instruction. We provide numerous, high-quality
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Chapter Outline: Chapter 16: Speaking on Special Occasions
Chapter Intro:
The Greeks called ceremonial speech epideictic. This is the sort of speech delivered to pay
tribute to someone, present or accept an award, or mark some special occasion or event.
Ceremonial speeches are often associated with culturally significant occasions: weddings,
funerals, graduations, awards banquets, conferences and conventions, or major political events.
We also deliver ceremonial speeches to mark important dates in our history. Some rhetorical
I. Ceremonial Speaking in a Free Society
Learning Objective 16.1—Discuss the role of ceremonial speaking in a free society.
Section intro:
Speeches given on ceremonial occasions are rich in symbolic content—helping define who we
are as a people and binding us together as members of a group, community, or nation. They
remind us of our shared history and traditions, and they articulate and reinforce our shared
Chapter 16: Ideas & Materials for Instruction
A. Remembering the Past
2. We also look to the past for “lessons of history.”
3. In a variety of settings, ceremonial speakers recall past events to help
B. Honoring Heroes
1. In honoring our heroes, we emphasize themes of character and personal
3. Honoring our heroes allows us to speak about their admirable personal
characteristics and to reflect on the social values the community shares.
5. As we define the personal virtues and social values that we admire as a
culture, we create role models for others, especially our young people.
C. Celebrating Shared Beliefs and Values
1. Ceremonial speeches articulate and reinforce common beliefs and values.
2. In thinking about delivering an epideictic speech, ask:
a. What is the occasion for this speech?
b. What defines the audience as a group?
c. Which of the group’s victories or accomplishments inspire the
most pride?
3. The shared beliefs identified might be philosophical or practical, religious
or political, social or economic.
4. The shared beliefs and values of one group may be controversial or
rejected altogether within another community.
D. Offering Inspiration and Encouragement
1. When speakers present awards, pay tribute to individuals, speak at
3. Occasionally, speakers are called upon to sustain people’s morale through
difficult times, and the impact of these speeches can change the course of
history.
II. Social Values in Ceremonial Speaking
Learning Objective 16.2—Explain how ceremonial speeches define and reinforce social
values.
A. In a ceremonial speech, the purpose typically is to articulate and reinforce existing
social values.
B. One typically aims to give eloquent expression to the beliefs and values already held
by the audience.
1. For example, in a eulogy, one need not inform the audience about the
C. Ceremonial speakers not only help celebrate special occasions, but also remind
audiences of the values, traditions, and aspirations shared by people.
D. They also work to define a community’s collective identity, and they make implicit
political arguments by honoring people associated with particular ideas and policies.
E. Historically, ceremonial speeches have also functioned as powerful agents of change,
invoking “shared values as a basis for promoting a vision of what could be.”
III.The Forms of Ceremonial Speech
Learning Objective 16.3—Identify and describe different types of ceremonial speeches.
A. The Speech of Introduction
1. The speech of introduction sometimes sounds like an informative speech,
introducing audiences to an unknown speaker.
3. When introducing other speakers, one should keep in mind the purpose: to
introduce another speaker, not to steal the spotlight yourself.
4. The effective speech of introduction should do three things:
a. It should extend a genuinely warm welcome to the speaker.
5. Here are just a few tips for preparing a good speech of introduction:
a. Do your homework about the speaker and the speech she or he will
Chapter 16: Ideas & Materials for Instruction
c. Stay focused on the speaker.
B. Welcome and Farewell Addresses
2. When welcoming a group, one might also offer tips for making the most out
of their visit.
4. Like all ceremonial speeches, welcome and farewell addresses should be
carefully written and adapted to the particular audience and situation in which
they are given.
C. Presentation and Acceptance Speeches
1. Award ceremonies may or may not be occasions for formal speeches.
3. The formula for presenting an award is simple:
a. Introduce oneself and one’s purpose in speaking.
4. When accepting an award, convey a sincere sense of gratitude and
acknowledge the support of others.
6. Whether presenting or accepting an award, it is important to:
a. Learn as much as possible about the award.
D. Commemoration and Commencement Speeches
1. A commemoration speech marks an important date or occasion, such as:
a. a holiday
2. The commencement speech is a special kind of commemorative speech which
marks a graduation ceremony.
4. Commencement addresses should reflect the larger significance of the day and
offer inspiration and guidance.
5. They should, as a rule, be positive and upbeat in tone.
E. Tributes and Eulogies
1. In playing tribute to people—living and dead—we not only reinforce our
2. Tributes to living people are delivered on many occasions, such as award
ceremonies, birthdays, anniversaries, and retirement celebrations.
4. Funerals are typically private affairs, with eulogists mourning the loss and
giving voice to the pain and grief of loved ones.
5. The death of a president or other political leader likewise tends to inspire
F. Inaugural and Keynote Addresses
1. Inaugural addresses are speeches delivered upon assuming a new office or
position.
G. The After-Dinner Speech
1. Although after-dinner speeches are often designed to entertain, they also may
address more serious topics.
2. The after-dinner speaker must look for ways to enliven the speech, perhaps by
telling anecdotes or stories, or by delivering the speech in a more spontaneous
3. An after-dinner speech should not be too long, perhaps no more than five or
4. Keep in mind that audiences expect to walk away from an after-dinner speech
with something to think about, remember, or talk about with others attending
the same event.
H. Sermons
2. When we seek to convert, we are speaking to persuade.
3. When we celebrate and reaffirm our audience’s existing faith—when we
4. The line between epideictic and persuasive speaking is sometimes blurred in
sermons.
IV. Style and Delivery in Ceremonial Speaking
Learning Objective 16.4—Define eloquence and discuss the importance of style and
delivery in ceremonial speaking.
Chapter 16: Ideas & Materials for Instruction
A. Vivid Language and Imagery
1. One way to make the speech more lively and interesting is to strive for
3. Imagery (also known as “word pictures”) can also be powerful.
5. By using metaphors or more specific, concrete words, the imagery and
eloquence of ceremonial speeches can be enhanced.
6. In a ceremonial speech, a speaker should pay closer attention to language
and choose words carefully to achieve a more eloquent tone than that of
speeches to inform or persuade.
B. Rhythm and Cadence
2. Strive for a smooth, balanced rhythm, paying special attention to the
length and structure of the speech’s phrases and sentences.
4. Write for oral delivery that will sound good when delivered aloud.
a. Strive for shorter sentences, perhaps even using phrases or
sentence fragments that might be inappropriate in a written essay.
C. Speaking from a Manuscript
1. On most occasions, ceremonial speeches are delivered from a manuscript.
3. Have the same concern with delivering a ceremonial speech effectively as
any other speech.
5. Delivering a manuscript speech poses special challenges.
a. It is more difficult to maintain eye contact, use physical movement
and gestures, sustain appropriate rate and volume, and react to
audience feedback.
Chapter 16: Ideas & Materials for Instruction
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Instructional ideas for Chapter Sixteen
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