- Victor Ochieng’ explains how different special occasions call for different styles of public speaking.
- He offers practical guidance on delivering introductions, votes of thanks, wedding speeches, graduation addresses and eulogies.
- He argues that successful ceremonial speeches should inspire, honour and connect with audiences rather than merely convey information.
There will be no shortage of moments you will be asked to speak on special occasions. Sometimes, you will be required to do so with no notice — make extempore addresses. The primary purpose of a special occasion presentation is to perform a ritual — a ceremonial act that is characterised by qualities or procedures that are appropriate to the occasion.
In Speech is Free, Make It Matter, a public speaking guidebook I value on the shelf of my self-help books, the putative author contends that all cultures have ceremonial rituals. Weddings, funerals, grand openings, anniversaries, award ceremonies and graduations — are all examples of ritualised events. During such events, public presentations take preeminence. The ritualistic nature of special occasion speeches is important. Such rituals help to bring certainty and comfort to otherwise stressful events. They help attendees know what to expect or share in common collective experience.
Pundits of public speaking posit that ritualised presentations at special occasions weld together the past, present and future. These speeches typically differ in style and unique technique when compared with traditional informative and persuasive speeches. Style here refers to the clarity and ornamentation used during a presentation.
Whereas a typical informative or persuasive speech might selectively use stylistic devices like narratives, metaphors, similes, or analogies — special occasion speeches focus a lot on such things. Special occasion speeches are highly ritualistic. They cordially invite the use of ornamental language. Special occasion presentations are less concerned with information dissemination and argumentation. They are more concerned with the setting a particular tone for the occasion. Nine of the most common purposes for special occasion speaking are to: welcome, pay tribute, introduce, nominate, dedicate, commemorate, say farewell, give recognition and entertain. In a heroic book titled Speak to Win: How to Present with Power in Any Situation, Brian Tracy cites some of the most common special occasion speeches as spelt out in this writ.
- Introductory Speech
Largely, the one poised to do introduce a speaker on stage must strive to gather sufficient information. The facts must revolve around three things: (1) the subject of the speaker’s talk, (2) qualifications of the speaker to talk about that subject, and (3) name of the speaker. Quite oft, the fourth item is obvious: (4) the importance of the subject chosen by the speaker.
In a heroic book titled Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking, Dale Carnegie, recommends TIS Formula. ‘T’ stands for Topic. Start your introduction by giving the exact title of the speaker’s talk. ‘I’ stands for Importance. In this step, you bridge over the area between the topic and particular interests of the group. ‘S’ stands for Speaker. You should cite the speaker’s outstanding qualifications, particularly the ones that agree with the topic, and the interests of the audience. Mention the name of the speaker in a manner that is distinct and clear. Get it right. It is wrong to say the speaker’s name wrongly.
Then, while introducing the speaker, manner is important as matter. Try to be cordial to the audience. Instead of saying how happy you are, just be genuinely pleasant while going lyrical on stage. When you give the introduction with a sense of building to a climax at the end when you announce the speaker’s name, the sense of anticipation will increase. The audience will applaud the speaker more enthusiastically.
Moreover, while pronouncing the speakers name at the tail-end of the introductory session, remember the 3 P’s: Pause, part and punch. Pause means that marking brief silence just before mentioning the name adds heft to the anticipation. Part means that the first and the last name should be separated by a slight pause so that the audience gets a clear impression of the speaker’s name. By punch, I mean that the name should be puffed with some potent power.
As a classic case, refer you to a phenomenal speech available on the YouTube site. Dear reader, I implore you to listen aptly to how John Bercow introduced Barrack Obama to address the House of Commons in the United Kingdom. The phenomenal speech is titled President Obama Addresses the British Parliament. Basically, Berco’s introduction of Obama was on point. When you listen to that introduction, you will discover, at the beginning of your introduction, it is wise to use an anecdote to create emotional connection between the speaker and audience. In the body part, briefly touch on the speaker’s biography and qualifications related to the event. This should also raise other fascinating facts about the person. At the conclusion, summerise the speaker’s qualifications and briefly justify why s/he is the one to speak. Request the audience to help you invite the speaker on by applauding.
- Vote of Thanks
You may be the one to thank a speaker after a talk. In this case, take note of the key points covered by the speaker. Briefly recap what you felt were the most key points of the speech. Martin Njoroge, Pasomi Mucha and Austin Bukenya in Spot on Oral Skills contend that a vote of thanks features before the end of an event. It is a way of letting the audience know that an event has ended. It is also an opportunity to thank everyone who made the event access success as well as those who attended it. When giving vote of thanks, be brief, orderly and polite.
A vote of thanks expresses appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the event. Therefore, when you are chosen to move vote of thanks. Thank guest speaker(s) and wish them well in their endeavours. Appreciate organisers and sponsors. Acknowledge special guests, participants, and the audience. Keep the speech concise and sincere. End on a positive note.
- Birthdays Speech
Birthday is a major event in someone’s life. Therefore, when asked to speak in such an occasion, talk to the person being celebrated in advance, and get to know more about him or her. Ask other people more about the person. Then, when you are you chanced to speak, use a congratulatory tone. Shun jokes and jests at the expense of the people you are talking about. Make them feel good about themselves. By doing so, you make people in-attendance feel good about themselves as well.
So, begin by greeting everyone. Congratulate the celebrant. Mention positive qualities and achievements of the person. In case it is appropriate, share a pleasant memory. Remember to wish the celebrant good health, happiness and success.
- Anniversary Speech
An anniversary speech marks a major milestone. It can be a wedding, school, organisation, et cetera, anniversary. When speaking in such occasions, welcome the audience. Cite the significance of the anniversary. Reflect on the important achievements, milestones and memories. Thank the people who contributed to the success. Then, express hope for continued growth and success.
Wedding Speeches
This is one of the most important occasions in a person’s life and in the lives of the parents of the bride and groom. The things you say and the words you use will remain indelible in people’s mortal minds and hearts. Therefore, it is imperative that you craft them carefully with caution. When asked to speak at a wedding, think about your words being timeless. Speak only about love, commitment, lifelong happiness and bliss. Express happiness towards both the bride and groom. Wish them all the best in their lives together.
Your words must celebrate the union of two people. So, welcome guests. Congratulate the bride and groom for presenting them for nuptial vows. Saying they do, because they are done. You can share some appropriate stories or memories. Offer good guidance and advice, as well as wishes for a happy marriage. Keep the speech brief, respectful and positive.
- Graduation Speech
A good graduation speech should not spell out despair out of school. In lieu, when you are poised to deliver a graduation speech, inspire graduates. Foster hope and confidence in graduates. Congratulate graduates for the major milestone. Recognise the joint effort of parents and lecturers. Talk about smorgasbord of opportunities up for grabs after graduation. Talk about skills that make them valuable and employable. Encourage graduates to work hard, remain honest, pursue their dreams, and remain optimistic in the journey of job-hunting and employment. End with best wishes for the future.
- Eulogy or Funeral Speeches
Finally, at some pensive and painful point, you will be expected to read the eulogy or deliver a speech in a funeral of a friend or family member. When asked to do so, please pen on paper your eulogy in advance. You have to wend that way because of two supreme reasons. Firstly, you will probably become quite emotional as you read it. So, in case you do not pen it on paper, you may lose your place, poise and composure.
Secondly, in case you have carefully-crafted the eulogy, some people may oft for copies of it to keep forever. When you read the eulogy, begin by talking about the good side of the departed soul. How s/he was loving, honest, caring person. Go on to talk about the family members. Then, how important s/he was to them. Point out some of the person’s history and accomplishments. End with a statement of sorrow and regret — and that people shall never forget the inspiration or contribution to people’s lives.
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Meaning, in eulogy or funeral speeches, express sympathy to the affected family and friends. Speak respectfully about the deceased. Highlight the person’s positive qualities and achievements. In case it deems fit or apt, share meaningful memories. Offer words of comfort and hope. Keep the speech calm, respectful and sincere.
By Victor Ochieng’
Victor Ochieng’ is a peripatetic speaker. He also rolls out training and consultancy services on Public Speaking. vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232
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