To earn a total of 75 points, you will prepare and deliver a 1-2 minute commemorative speech in the form of a toast, acceptance speech, or eulogy. This assignment will require some imagination.
You can pretend: (a) that you are the best man or maid of honor at your family member or best friend’s wedding and must give a toast to the couple; (
b) that you are at a party in honor of your favorite celebrity or historical figure and must give a toast to that person;
(c) that you have just been given an award of some kind for your work (It can be a real or made-up award.) and must give an acceptance speech; or
(d) that you are delivering a speech to honor the life of a deceased loved one, such as at a funeral or memorial service. Before you speak, you will tell the classroom audience which type of speech you’ve chosen, and we will all pretend along with you.
Your chosen speech type and topic must be sent to me via Canvas message or email by Friday, 12/6, at 11:00 am.
Match your delivery with the mood: Make sure your content and delivery are appropriate for the event.
Adapt to audience expectations: Consider the culture, age, and values of your audience.
Appeal to the audience’s emotions: Evoke laughter, tears, joy, and or pride; make the audience members feel the significance of the event.
Emphasize shared values: Focus on big-picture meanings and contributions.
Respect time constraints: Don’t drone on; don’t be too short
Structure of Your Commemorative Speech
Your commemorative speech should be structured as follows:
Introduction:
A. Attention-Getter: Open with a meaningful or impactful statement, quote, anecdote, or question to draw your audience in.
B. Introduce the Subject: Clearly identify who or what you are commemorating.
C. Thesis Statement: Provide a brief statement on why this subject deserves recognition and why it is important to the audience.
Main Point #1 – Significance:
A. Historical or Contextual Background: Provide context for your subject. Explain its historical, social, or cultural significance.
B. Impact: Share the impact the subject has had—either on individuals, society, a specific community, or globally.
Main Point #2 – Stories or Examples:
A. Personal Connection or Narrative: Share a meaningful story, example, and/or personal connection related to the subject to make it relatable and memorable.
B. Meaning or Lesson: Explain what the audience can learn or take away from the subject’s legacy.
Main Point #3 – Tribute or Recognition:
A. Celebrate Achievements or Contributions: Discuss the achievements, contributions, or qualities that make the subject worthy of recognition.
B. Why We Remember: Reinforce why the subject continues to be important and why they, or it, should be remembered.
Conclusion:
A. Summary: Briefly recap the significance of your subject and why they, or it, is worthy of commemoration.
B. Reflection: Encourage your audience to reflect on the subject’s legacy and how it might continue to inspire or influence them.
C. Closing: End with a memorable statement, quote, or call to action that leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
You are required to prepare and submit two types of outlines for your speech on Canvas before class begins on the day of your speech delivery:
Working Outline (Preparation Outline)
Purpose: This is a detailed outline that will help you fully develop your speech content.
Format: Write this outline in complete sentences. It should include everything you plan to say during your speech.
Content: Ensure that your working outline covers the full structure of your speech, including the introduction, body, and conclusion, with detailed information for each section.
Citations: Not necessary for a commemorative speech
Speaking Outline (Delivery Outline)
Purpose: This is a simplified version of your working outline, designed to assist you during your actual speech delivery.
Format: Use keywords, abbreviations, and short phrases instead of full sentences. This outline should be more concise to help you easily reference key points while speaking.
Content: Include the main points and subpoints of your speech, but omit detailed sentences and explanations.
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