Special Occasion Speech Analysis

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Grammy Speeches, toasts, special address, inaugural address, and retirement speeches. It is hard to imagine what these all have in common. All of these speeches are given only for special occasions. Speeches for special occasions are different from the other speeches discussed in the textbook. Special occasion speeches are help give the occasion. In chapter eighteen of The Art of Public Speaking Stephen Lucas discusses speaking on special occasions. Lucas breaks, special occasion speeches in too four categories speeches of introduction, speeches of presentation, speeches of acceptance, and commemorative speeches. Lucas starts this chapter by talking about the speeches of introductions. Speeches of introduction usually begin with something such …show more content…
Next Lucas speaks on the speeches of presentation. Speeches of presentation are given when someone wins an award or recognition. The main purpose of a speech of presentation is to tell the audience why the recipient is receiving the award. Lucas attaches a sample essay of a speech of presentation. The speech is the President Bill Clinton is presenting the congressional gold medal. Lucas moves on to the speeches of acceptance. Speeches of acceptance directly come after speeches of presentation. Lucas adds an excerpt from the Nelson Mandela acceptance speech of the congressional gold medal. And finally Lucas moves on to commemorative speeches. Commemorative speeches are speeches of praise or celebration. Lucas says “Your aim in such speeches is to pay tribute to a person, a group of people, an institution, or an idea” (Lucas, 2012 pg. 358). The fundamental purpose in a commemorative speech is to not only inform your audience, but inspire them to do great things. When speaking in a commemorative setting you are expressing feelings of deep …show more content…
But trying to create a sense of anticipation and drama you are building up the audience anticipation for the speaker after you. This often happens because the speaker who is giving this speech, because the person who comes after them is very important. If one ever finds themselves in this predicament Lucas suggests speaking into the speaker you are introducing. And finally Lucas says that above all keep your speech creative and dramatic. Speaking to present are speeches that are given prior to the speeches of acceptances. “The main purpose of a speech of presentation is to tell the audience why the recipient is receiving the award” (Lucas, 2012, pg. 356). The goal of this is the speech is to let the audience know about the speaker’s accomplishments and why they deserve this award. This speech is crucial in building credibility towards the speaker who is getting the

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