Ceremonial speech notes
CEREMONIAL OR SPECIAL OCCASION SPEAKING
TECHNIQUES OF CEREMONIAL SPEAKING
CEREMONIAL SPEECHES SHOULD BUILD IN EFFECT UNTIL THEY CONCLUDE
Acknowledging those who made your accomplishment possible
Focus on the values that the award represents
Outline for special occasion speech
After Dinner Speech / Speech of Entertainment
Ceremonial
speaking helps people gain appreciation of themselves throuqh an awareness of
their common heritage. While informative
speaking imparts knowledge, and while persuasive
speaking attempts to change attitudes and behavior, ceremonial speaking shares
aims, beliefs, and aspirations.
Ritual
and ceremony are important to all groups because they draw people together
creating "ties of union" through the "mere exchange of
words." Ceremonial speaking imprints the meaning of a group on its members
by providing idealized, larger-than-life projections of what it means to be
human.
Ceremonial speaking includes speeches of
introduction, giving and receiving awards, inspiration, and celebration. The following techniques are applicable to
all types of ceremonial speaking. These techniques are identification and
magnification.
Identification is the creation of close feelings
among the members of the audience, and between the audience and the
speaker. Since the function of ritual
and ceremony is to draw people closer together, the technique of identification
is the very heart of ceremonial speaking. Without it, ceremonial speaking cannot
achieve its desired effects. Speakers
may further identification through the use of narratives for celebration,
through recognizing heroes, and through a renewal of group commitment.
Ceremonial
speaking is the time for reliving shared golden moments. For example, if you were preparing a speech
for a fund-raising celebration, you could recall things that happened during
those long evenings when student volunteers were making their calls. You might remember moments of discouragement,
followed by other moments of triumph, when the contributions were especially
large or meaningful. Your story would
reflect the meaning of the celebration and would be a tribute both to donors
and to the student volunteers who endured occasional frustration and
discouragement on the way to final victory.
In the preceding situation you may want to
single out those who made outstanding contributions, but be careful. If the hard
work was really performed by many, you run the risk of leaving out someone who
deserves recognition. This omission could create resentment, a divisive feeling
that defeats identification. Therefore,
recognize specific individuals only when they have made truly unusual
contributions or when they are representative.
For example, you might say, "Let me tell you about one person, Mary
Tyrer. She is one of the many who for
the last two months have spent night after night on these phones, talking,
coaxing, winning friends for out school, and raising thousands of dollars in
contributions. Mary--and all the others
like you--we salute you."
Ceremonial speaking is a time both for
celebrating accomplishments and for renewing commitment. Share with your listeners a vision of what
the future can be like for your college if their commitment continues. Plead with them not to be satisfied with
present accomplishments, great as they are.
Renew their sense of identification as an act-ion group moving toward
even greater goals. Now is not the time
to present new programs and challenges -- after all, there is a time for
relaxation and celebration as well as a time for action. But you should at
least leave listeners thinking about the brighter future they are shaping. In his first Inaugural Address delivered on
the eve of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln used the technique of identification
in a final effort to reunite the nation (See this address: "We are not
enemies, but friends...... )
In his RHETORIC, Aristotle advised that
by selecting certain features of a person or event and dwelling on them, we can
magnify them until they fill the minds of listeners and seem to characterize
the subject. These features should
represent some value (distinguish from "role") the speaker would like
to emphasize. MAGNIFICATION is the
technique of selecting and emphasizing features of a subject for the purpose of
emphasizing values. For example, imagine
that you are preparing a speech honoring Jesse Owens' incredible track and
field accomplishments in the 1936 Olympic Games. In your research, you come up with a variety
of facts such as:
a) He had a
headache the day he won the medal in the long jump.
b) He had suffered
from racism in
c) He did
not like the food served at the Olympic training camp.
d) He won
his four gold medals in front of Adolph Hitler, who was preaching the racial
superiority of the Germans.
e) Some
friends did not want him to run for the
f) After
his victories, he returned to further discrimination in
If you used all of this information, your speech
might seem aimless. Which of these items
of information should you elect to magnify and how should you proceed? In this case, you decide that your purpose
(specific) is to emphasize Jesse Owens' courage and determination to succeed,
and the social benefits for his nation.
To make your selection, you need to know what themes are best to develop
when you are magnifying the actions of a person. These themes include the following:
1) The
person must seem to overcome great obstacles.
2) The
accomplishment must be unusual.
3) The
performance of the deed must be superior.
4) The
person's motives must be pure, not selfish.
5) The accomplishment must benefit society.
As you
consider these themes and your specific purpose, it becomes clear which of the
items of information concerning Jesse Owens you should magnify and how you
should go about it. Which of the facts
fall under the main point of courage and determination to succeed and which
fall under the main point of benefits to the nation? You can see that some of the facts
demonstrate the guidelines for the five themes: He overcame obstacles such as
racism in
Magnification also includes using language to create word
pictures. Figurative language, not used in
persuasive or informative speeches, is a tool to use in special occasion
speeches. Metaphor and simile can
magnify a subject through creative associations, such as, "He was a
whirlwind, roaring down the track in search of world records." Anaphora
also can help magnify a subject by repeating key words in a certain order,
until these words become representative of the subject. (See Ben Franklin's
folk wisdom, the Bible). If you were to say of Mother Theresa, "Whenever there was
hurt, she was there. Whenever
there was hunger, she was there.
Whenever there was human need, she was there," you would be magnifying
her dedication and selflessness. This
technique should make those qualities seem to resonate in the minds of
listeners.
Speakers should save their most stunning or
dramatic or amusing stories, the most telling points, until the end of the
speech. Ceremonial speeches must never
dwindle to a conclusion.
Speeches
for special occasions include speeches of introduction, after-dinner speeches, speeches of inspiration, acceptance and receiving
awards. We will give some guidelines for
the other types of ceremonial speeches, then focus on the tribute speech, THE
MOST EFFECTIVE TYPE FOR, CLASSROOM SPEECHES.
1) A speech of acceptance should express gratitude
for the honor;
2) acknowledge those who made the accomplishment
possible;
3) focus on the values the
award represents;
4) be presented in language
that matches the dignity of the occasion.
You would not go amiss if you began with, "Thank
you. I appreciate the honor of this
award." Let others praise you--be modest and appreciative. When Elie Wiesel was awarded the 1986 Nobel
Peace Prize, he began his acceptance speech with these remarks: "It is
with a profound sense of humility that I accept the honor you have chosen to
bestow upon me." Follow his lead and accept an award with grace and
modesty.
Mention some
people who have prepared you for this moment.
You might say, "This award belongs as much to
... as it does to me." If the local historical society is awarding you a
scholarship, it would be appropriate for you to mention some local teachers who
prepared your way to this moment.
"This award belongs as much to Mr. Del Rio as it does to me. He opened my eyes to the importance and
relevance of history in our world today.
When Martin Luther King, Jr. accepted his Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, he
did so in these words: "I accept this prize on behalf of all men who love
peace and brotherhood.... Most of these people will never make the headlines
and their names will not appear in Who's Who.
Yet when years have rolled past .... men and women will know and children will be taught that we
have a finer land, a better people, a more noble civilization--because these
humble children of God were willing to suffer for righteousness sake."
If you were accepting a history scholarship,
you might wish to focus on the values of liberal arts and sciences education
and the contributions of history to the understanding of present-day
problems. In their acceptance speeches,
both Mr. Wiesel and Dr. King stressed the value of freedom and the importance
of involvement--of overcoming hatred with loving concern. Let your language fit the occasion: An
acceptance speech is an occasion for dignity.
Slang and jokes are usually out of place because they might suggest you
do not value the award or take the occasion seriously. Magnification techniques are especially
useful in speeches of acceptance. Dr.
King relies heavilTy on an extended metaphor in his
acceptance speech. He spoke of the
"tortuous road" from
Some
speech occasions call listeners to share joy over some accomplishment. Such occasions may mark the beginning or
completion of a process, such as the opening of the school year or the end of
football season. They can also serve as
fund-raising affairs political rallies, or award banquets. The type of speech most often heard on such
occasion is called an after-dinner speech because it is typically presented
after the speaker and the audience have celebrated the
event by eating. Speakers making such
presentations usually do not introduce radical materials that require listeners
to rethink their values or that ask for dramatic changes in belief or behavior. Nor are such occasions the time for anger or
negativity. A GOOD AFTER-DINNER SPEECH
LEAVES A MESSAGE THAT CAN ACT AS A VISION TO GUIDE AND INSPIRE FUTURE EFFORTS.
Humor
is an essential ingredient in most after-dinner speeches because of the gala
nature of the occasion. In the
introduction of a speech, humor can place both speaker and audience at
ease. Humorous stories can create
identification by building an "insider's" relationship between
speaker and audience that draws them closer together. In sharing humor together, the audience becomes
a community of listeners. Since a
toast--such as at a wedding--is a mini after-dinner speech, be sure to include
all the audience in recalling humorous events by telling what the event was. If the event is not
suitable for all ears to hear, save the story for another time. Telling jokes or making references to events
that only some of the audience is familiar with is alienating and isolating
part of the group gathered. Repeat the
story so all the group can enjoy the humor.
Sometimes inside humor grows out of the share experiences of the group; then a simple
reference to it is useful. Inside humor
can also develop out of the immediate situation. Dick Jackman, the director of corporate
communications at Sun Company, opened an after-dinner speech at a National
Football Foundation with a pointed reference to the seating arrangements, then warned those in the expensive seats under the big
chandelier that it "had been installed by the low bidder some time
ago." His speech also contained lighthearted references to well-known
members of the audience, including some who were there to receive an
award. Since the group assembled at that
particular dinner did not have a history from which to draw stories, the
speaker took advantage of the setting and based his humor on that.
Be sure
and avoid religious humor, racist or ethnic humor, sexist humor, and even
political humor if there is possibly anyone present who might have different
religions, racial mix, ethnic backgrounds, varying political values, or both sexes
are present. Why? Because you might--and likely will--offend
someone, thus destroying the group unity you are there to build. Creating negative reactions in some of the
audience or all--can also destroy speaker credibility, and block a fair hearing
of the rest of the speech. Use humor to
make a point. Often the best kind of humor centers on the speakers
themselves. Tell amusing stories about
yourself; they can endear the speaker to the audience, Although the stories the
speaker tells about him or her self seem to put the speaker down, they actually
build the speaker's ethos.
As we
have already indicated, this speech is the most common and effective special
occasion speech given in speech 210 classes.
Let's see how to construct this speech.
If you had developed a speech honoring Jesse Owen's Olympic victories,
you would have prepared a speech of tribute.
The speech of tribute, which may center on a person or on an event,
recognizes and celebrates accomplishments.
You might make a speech honoring a teacher you have had a special friend, or someone you admire--your Father, mother, a sister
or brother. The person you pay tribute
to does not have to be famous, have earned awards, or
be reported in the media. If you can
think of particular values the person has lived out and can think of
experiences or- stories to illustrate these values, then you can construct a
speech of tribute about this person.
Following the guidelines of themes to magnify, these stories or
narratives you use can be symbolic incidents that could benefit society
anywhere--in the family, community, school rooms, business or work.
Accomplishments and events are usually celebrated for two
basic reasons. First, they are important
in themselves; the influence of the person you honor may effect
lives of many or a few--but a positive effect is present. Second, they are important as symbols. The planting of the
American flag atop Mt. Suribachi
on
For this assignment in Speech 210 classes, there is a four-part
introduction, with its interest arousal, topic statement, clarification that
relates the topic to the audience, then the preview that names the values as
the main points of the body. Develop the
main point statements in parallel construction for the best result, then support each
value, or main point, with one extended narrative or story (we've learned to
call this "example" in the informative and persuasive speeches.) Or,
use two or three short stories to support each main point.
The conclusion contains two steps, just as the informative
speech has: a general summary, then a sign-off.
The following example is a typical sentence outline handed in and
followed by a student giving a classroom special occasion speech:
I. Introduction
A. Who has had the
greatest influence on your life? For
many of us, a special teacher probably comes to mind.
B. Throughout
my career as a student, many teachers have come and gone and have been loved and
hated, but none has had a greater impact then Mrs. Jean Wright, my senior
English teacher.
C.
C.
Certainly, all of us have had teachers
who evoked strong emotions in us, both positive and negative; today I would like
to pay tribute to this very special lady.
D. D. Mrs. Jean Wright was the epitome of warmth, concern for others, and
courage as she proved both in her professional and personal lives.
II. Body
A. Jean Wright
taught her students by her example of warmth.
B. Jean
Wright taught her students by her example of concern for others.
C. Jean
Wright taught her students by her example of courage.
III. Conclusion
A. I'm sure that
we have all had teachers who were special to us in some way, and I hope you can
see how Mrs. Wright's warmth, concern and courage made her special to all her
students.
B. The impact
that this lady had upon those who knew her was undeniably proven when the
announcement of her death as a result of the cancer which she had fought for so
long caused a football stadium full of screaming fans to fall silent and to
reflect upon the great loss the school, the community, and the world had
suffered.
Tipper Gore The
vice president's wife introduces him with a biographical video
Remarks to 10th
Annual Awards of Excellence Luncheon Russell Sage Dining Hall
Presented at the
1st World Conference on Music and Censorship, Copenhagen 20-22 November, 1998
A welcome speech
of the President of Polar Explorers Association Chilingarov A.N.
George
W. Bush's Inaugural Address—January 20, 2001
47th IPSD 2002
Reunion: Pedestal Dedication Speeches
John F. Kennedy: Announcing his Candidacy for President
we will do Friday
Is our next speech and
what we will cover friday
Dedication Ceremony for the George Bush Center for Intelligence
Courtney Love's speech to the Digital Hollywood online entertainment conference
**** When you write up what I will say – be sure to name all the nominees in your category. For example,
Best Video Of
The Year |
Winner |
Eminem |
Without Me |
Shady/Interscope |
|
|
Nominee |
*NSYNC |
Gone |
Jive |
|
|
Nominee |
Linkin Park |
In The End |
Warner Bros. |
|
|
Nominee |
P.O.D. |
Alive |
Atlantic |
|
|
Nominee |
The White Stripes |
Fell In Love With A Girl |
Third Man |
|
|
Nominee |
Nas |
One Mic |
Columbia |
|
Linkin Park takes home
best group award
The "new metal"
sensation Linkin Park won both the best group and best hard rock categories,
beating out the might of U2 and Coldplay.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers
won for best rock and best live act.