Special Occasion Speeches

• introduction - mini speech given by the host of a ceremony that introduces another speaker and their speech
• acceptance - speech given by the recipient of a prize or honor
• dedication - delivered when a new store opens, a building is named after someone, a plaque is placed on a wall, a new library is completed, and so on
• farewell - allows someone to say goodbye to one part of his or her life as he or she is moving on to the next part of life
• commencement - designed to recognize and celebrate the achievements of a graduating class or other group of people
• commencement - typically takes place at graduation ceremonies
• after-dinner - humorous speeches that make a serious point
• after-dinner - these speeches get their name from the face that they historically follow a meal of some kind
• after-dinner speakers are generally asked to speak (or hired to speak) because they have the ability both to speak effectively and to make people laugh
• motivational - designed not to make an audience experience emotional arousal but to motivate the audience