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6 Tribute Speech Examples

Paying tribute to someone who has made a meaningful impact on your life or the lives of others is a sincere way to express gratitude and admiration.

A well-written tribute speech not only honors the person but also inspires and moves the audience.

Tribute Speech Examples

In this article, we’ll explore six examples of tribute speeches that you can use as inspiration for your own.

Whether you’re preparing for a retirement party, a milestone birthday celebration, or a memorial service, these examples will help you find the right words to convey your sentiments.

Let’s explore and discover the power of a beautifully delivered tribute speech!

1. Short Tribute Speech for a Mentor

Thank you all for gathering here today to honor an extraordinary person who has touched so many lives – our beloved mentor, [Name]. I’ve had the privilege of knowing [Name] for the past five years, and I can say without a doubt that they have been a guiding light in my life.

[Name]’s dedication to their craft and their unwavering commitment to helping others grow is truly inspiring. They have a way of seeing potential in people, even when they don’t see it in themselves. Their patience, wisdom, and kindness have helped countless individuals work through the challenges of their personal and professional lives.

I recall the first time I met [Name]. I was a nervous, unsure young professional, but they immediately put me at ease with their warm smile and encouraging words. Over the years, [Name] has been there for me through the ups and downs, always offering sage advice and a listening ear.

[Name], your impact on my life and the lives of so many others is immeasurable. You have taught us the value of hard work, integrity, and compassion. Your legacy will live on through the countless lives you’ve touched and the ripple effect of your kindness. Thank you for being an extraordinary mentor, friend, and role model. We are all better because of you.

— END OF SPEECH —

Commentary: This short tribute speech is perfect for honoring a mentor who has made a meaningful impact on your life. It highlights the mentor’s dedication, wisdom, and the lasting influence they’ve had on you and others. This speech is suitable for a retirement party, a milestone celebration, or any event where you want to express gratitude to a mentor.

2. Medium-Length Tribute Speech for a Parent

Today, I stand before you to honor an extraordinary person who has been my rock, my inspiration, and my guiding light – my [mother/father], [Name]. Growing up, I watched in awe as [she/he] faced life’s challenges with grace, strength, and an unwavering commitment to family.

[Name] taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. [She/He] worked tirelessly to provide for our family, often sacrificing [her/his] own dreams and aspirations to ensure that we had every opportunity to succeed. Despite the long hours and demanding responsibilities, [she/he] always made time for us, showering us with love and attention.

Beyond being an incredible provider, [Name] was also my confidant and my biggest cheerleader. [She/He] celebrated my successes, no matter how small, and picked me up when I stumbled. [Her/His] wise words and comforting hugs got me through the toughest times, and [her/his] belief in me gave me the courage to pursue my dreams.

[Name], your love and dedication have shaped me into the person I am today. You have taught me the importance of family, the power of resilience, and the beauty of unconditional love. Your selflessness and compassion have touched not only our family but also the lives of everyone you’ve encountered.

As I stand here today, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible [mother/father] you have been. Your legacy lives on through the love you’ve given, the values you’ve instilled, and the memories we’ll cherish forever. Thank you for being my hero, my friend, and my guiding light. I love you more than words can express.

Commentary: This medium-length tribute speech is perfect for honoring a parent who has been a constant source of love, support, and inspiration. It highlights the parent’s hard work, sacrifices, and the profound impact they’ve had on your life. This speech is suitable for a parent’s birthday, retirement party, or any occasion where you want to express your deep appreciation and love for your parent.

3. Long Tribute Speech for a Friend

Friends, we gather here today to celebrate an extraordinary individual who has touched our lives in countless ways – our dear friend, [Name]. [Name] is the kind of person who lights up a room with [his/her] presence, whose laughter is contagious, and whose kindness knows no bounds.

I first met [Name] during our early years in college, both of us wide-eyed and eager to take on the world. From the moment we met, I knew [he/she] was someone special. [Name]’s zest for life, quick wit, and compassionate heart drew people to [him/her] like a magnet.

Over the years, our friendship grew, and I watched in admiration as [Name] tackled life’s challenges with grace and resilience. [He/She] faced adversity head-on, always emerging stronger and wiser. [Name]’s unwavering optimism and ability to find the silver lining in even the darkest of times inspired me and everyone around [him/her].

But what truly sets [Name] apart is [his/her] unwavering loyalty and commitment to [his/her] friends. [He/She] has been there for me through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, always ready with a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or a word of encouragement. [Name]’s selflessness and generosity know no bounds, and [he/she] has touched the lives of countless people with [his/her] acts of kindness.

[Name], your friendship has been one of the greatest gifts in my life. You have taught me the true meaning of friendship, the power of laughter, and the importance of cherishing every moment. Your impact on my life and the lives of everyone here today is immeasurable, and we are all better people because of you.

As we celebrate you today, I want you to know how much you are loved and appreciated. Your presence in our lives is a constant reminder of the goodness in this world, and we are forever grateful for the light you bring. Thank you for being an extraordinary friend, a true inspiration, and a shining example of what it means to live life to the fullest.

To [Name], our dear friend, our confidant, and our guiding light – we raise our glasses in your honor. May your journey be filled with endless laughter, love, and the joy you so freely give to others. We love you, [Name], and we thank you for being an integral part of our lives.

Commentary: This long tribute speech is perfect for honoring a dear friend who has made a meaningful impact on your life. It highlights the friend’s unique qualities, their unwavering support, and the profound influence they’ve had on you and others. This speech is suitable for a milestone birthday, a wedding toast, or any occasion where you want to express your deep appreciation and love for your friend.

4. Long Tribute Speech for a Colleague

Today, we come together to honor an exceptional individual who has made an indelible mark on our lives and our workplace – our esteemed colleague, [Name]. [Name] is not just a coworker; [he/she] is a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to us all.

I had the privilege of working closely with [Name] for the past [number] years, and I can say without a doubt that [he/she] embodies the very best of what it means to be a dedicated professional and a compassionate human being. From the moment [he/she] joined our team, [Name] brought a level of expertise, enthusiasm, and creativity that elevated our work to new heights.

But what truly sets [Name] apart is [his/her] unwavering commitment to excellence and [his/her] ability to bring out the best in everyone around [him/her]. [Name] is a natural leader, always ready to lend a helping hand, share [his/her] knowledge, and guide others towards success. [His/Her] patience, kindness, and genuine interest in the growth and well-being of [his/her] colleagues have made [him/her] a beloved figure in our workplace.

I recall countless instances where [Name] went above and beyond the call of duty. Whether it was staying late to help a team member meet a tight deadline, taking on additional responsibilities to ensure the success of a project, or simply being there to offer a word of encouragement during challenging times, [Name] has been a constant source of support and inspiration.

[Name]’s impact extends far beyond the walls of our office. [He/She] has been a driving force behind our company’s success, consistently delivering exceptional results and setting a high standard for all of us to aspire to. [His/Her] innovative ideas, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to excellence have not only propelled our team forward but have also earned [him/her] the respect and admiration of clients and industry peers alike.

As we bid farewell to [Name] today, we do so with heavy hearts but also with immense gratitude for the incredible contributions [he/she] has made to our lives and our organization. [Name], your legacy will live on through the countless lives you’ve touched, the projects you’ve brought to fruition, and the culture of excellence you’ve helped to foster.

On behalf of our entire team, I want to express our deepest appreciation for your dedication, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to making our workplace a better place. Your presence will be sorely missed, but the impact you’ve made will endure. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors, knowing that wherever you go, you will continue to inspire and make a difference in the lives of those around you.

[Name], thank you for being an extraordinary colleague, a true friend, and a shining example of what it means to live and work with purpose and integrity. We are all better because of you, and we will carry the lessons you’ve taught us and the memories we’ve shared with us always.

Commentary: This long tribute speech is perfect for honoring a colleague who has made a meaningful impact on your workplace and your professional life. It highlights the colleague’s exceptional qualities, their dedication to excellence, and the lasting influence they’ve had on you and your team. This speech is suitable for a retirement party, a farewell celebration, or any occasion where you want to express your deep appreciation and respect for your colleague.

5. Lengthy Tribute Speech for a Teacher

Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the minds and lives of their students, and today, we gather to honor an extraordinary educator who has left an indelible mark on countless lives – our beloved teacher, [Name]. [Name] is not just a teacher; [he/she] is a mentor, a guide, and an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of learning from [him/her].

I first met [Name] when I walked into [his/her] classroom as a wide-eyed [grade level] student, eager to learn but unsure of my own potential. From the moment [Name] greeted us with [his/her] warm smile and infectious enthusiasm, I knew I was in the presence of someone special. [His/Her] passion for teaching and genuine care for each and every student was evident from day one.

[Name]’s classroom was a sanctuary of learning, a place where curiosity was encouraged, and mistakes were celebrated as opportunities for growth. [He/She] had a way of making even the most complicated subjects come alive, infusing [his/her] lessons with creativity, humor, and real-world relevance. [Name] understood that education was not just about memorizing facts and figures but about nurturing critical thinking, fostering a love for learning, and empowering students to become lifelong learners.

But what truly set [Name] apart was [his/her] unwavering belief in the potential of every student who walked through [his/her] door. [He/She] saw beyond test scores and grades, recognizing the unique talents and strengths of each individual. [Name] took the time to get to know us, to understand our dreams and aspirations, and to guide us towards reaching our full potential.

I recall the countless hours [Name] spent outside of class, offering extra help, reviewing assignments, and providing guidance and support. [He/She] was always there for us, whether we needed academic assistance, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement. [Name]’s dedication to [his/her] students knew no bounds, and [he/she] went above and beyond to ensure that we had the tools and confidence to succeed.

[Name]’s impact extended far beyond the classroom walls. [He/She] was a pillar of the school community, actively involved in extracurricular activities, mentorship programs, and initiatives that enriched the lives of students and staff alike. [Name]’s leadership and commitment to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment were an inspiration to all who had the privilege of working with [him/her].

As I stand here today, I am just one of the countless lives that have been forever changed by [Name]’s guidance, wisdom, and unwavering belief in our potential. [Name], your legacy lives on through the generations of students you have inspired, the minds you have nurtured, and the lives you have touched. Your impact is immeasurable, and we are all better individuals because of the lessons you have taught us, both inside and outside the classroom.

[Name], on behalf of all your students, past and present, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your dedication, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to our growth and success. You have been more than just a teacher; you have been a guiding light, a role model, and a true inspiration. Your lessons will stay with us long after we leave the halls of this school, and your influence will continue to shape our lives in countless ways.

As you embark on this new chapter of your life, know that you have left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all those who have had the privilege of learning from you. We are forever grateful for the gift of your teachings, your wisdom, and your unwavering belief in our potential. Thank you, [Name], for being an extraordinary teacher, a true mentor, and a shining example of what it means to live a life dedicated to the service of others.

Commentary: This lengthy tribute speech is perfect for honoring a teacher who has made a profound impact on your life and the lives of countless students. It highlights the teacher’s passion for education, their dedication to student success, and the lasting influence they’ve had on shaping minds and nurturing potential. This speech is suitable for a teacher’s retirement celebration, a school event honoring educators, or any occasion where you want to express your deep appreciation and gratitude for an exceptional teacher.

6. Lengthy Tribute Speech for a Community Leader

Today, we come together to honor an extraordinary individual who has dedicated [his/her] life to serving our community and making a difference in the lives of countless people – our esteemed community leader, [Name]. [Name] is not just a leader; [he/she] is a visionary, a tireless advocate, and a true inspiration to us all.

I first met [Name] when I joined [his/her] community organization as a volunteer, eager to make a positive impact but unsure of where to begin. From the moment I walked through the doors, I was struck by [Name]’s warmth, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of our community. [His/Her] passion for service and genuine care for each and every individual was evident in everything [he/she] did.

[Name]’s leadership style was one of inclusivity, empowerment, and collaboration. [He/She] had a way of bringing people together, bridging divides, and fostering a sense of unity and purpose. [Name] understood that true change could only be achieved through the collective efforts of a community working towards a common goal, and [he/she] tirelessly worked to create opportunities for people from all walks of life to get involved and make a difference.

Under [Name]’s guidance, our community organization flourished, taking on projects and initiatives that addressed the most pressing needs of our community. Whether it was providing support for underprivileged families, advocating for social justice, or spearheading educational programs, [Name] was always at the forefront, leading by example and inspiring others to join the cause.

But what truly set [Name] apart was [his/her] unwavering commitment to empowering others and building a stronger, more resilient community. [He/She] recognized the potential in every individual and worked tirelessly to provide the resources, support, and guidance needed to help them achieve their goals. [Name] was a mentor, a confidant, and a source of strength for countless individuals who sought [his/her] guidance and support.

I recall the countless hours [Name] spent listening to the stories and concerns of community members, offering words of encouragement, and working tirelessly to find solutions to the challenges they faced. [His/Her] door was always open, and [he/she] made time for anyone who needed [his/her] help, no matter how busy [he/she] was. [Name]’s compassion, empathy, and genuine desire to make a difference touched the lives of so many, and [his/her] impact will be felt for generations to come.

[Name]’s leadership extended far beyond the walls of our community organization. [He/She] was a vocal advocate for change, working tirelessly to bring attention to the issues that mattered most to our community. [Name] fearlessly stood up for what was right,

even in the face of adversity, and [his/her] unwavering commitment to justice and equality inspired others to join the fight.

As I stand here today, I am just one of the countless lives that have been forever changed by [Name]’s leadership, guidance, and unwavering dedication to our community. [Name], your legacy lives on through the lives you have touched, the organizations you have built, and the positive change you have brought about. Your impact is immeasurable, and we are all better individuals and a stronger community because of your tireless efforts.

[Name], on behalf of our entire community, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your leadership, your compassion, and your unwavering commitment to making our world a better place. You have been more than just a leader; you have been a role model, a changemaker, and a true inspiration. Your lessons in service, empathy, and the power of community will stay with us long after you leave this role, and your influence will continue to shape our lives and our community in countless ways.

As you embark on this new chapter of your life, know that you have left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all those who have had the privilege of working with you and learning from you. We are forever grateful for the gift of your leadership, your wisdom, and your unwavering belief in the potential of our community. Thank you, [Name], for being an extraordinary leader, a true advocate, and a shining example of what it means to live a life dedicated to the service of others.

Your legacy will endure, and we pledge to carry forward the work you have started, to continue building a stronger, more compassionate, and more just community for all. We are forever indebted to you, [Name], and we will strive to honor your legacy through our own actions and commitment to making a difference.

Commentary: This lengthy tribute speech is perfect for honoring a community leader who has made a meaningful impact on your community and the lives of its members. It highlights the leader’s dedication to service, their ability to empower and unite people, and the lasting influence they’ve had on shaping a stronger, more resilient community. This speech is suitable for a community event honoring a leader’s contributions, a retirement celebration, or any occasion where you want to express your deep appreciation and gratitude for an exceptional leader who has made a difference in the lives of many.

Tribute speeches are a powerful way to honor and celebrate the individuals who have made a meaningful impact on our lives and the lives of others.

Whether you’re paying tribute to a mentor, a parent, a friend, a colleague, a teacher, or a community leader, the key is to speak from the heart and share the unique qualities, accomplishments, and influence of the person you’re honoring.

The examples provided in this article showcase the diversity of tribute speeches, from short and sweet to lengthy and profound.

Use these examples as inspiration, but remember to infuse your personal experiences, memories, and sentiments to create a truly heartfelt and meaningful tribute.

When writing your tribute speech, focus on the person’s character, their impact on your life and the lives of others, and the lessons they’ve taught you.

Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points and bring your words to life. Above all, let your genuine appreciation and admiration shine through in every word you speak.

As you deliver your tribute speech, remember that you are not only honoring the person but also inspiring and uplifting those who are listening.

Your words have the power to touch hearts, evoke emotions, and create lasting memories.

Embrace the opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary individuals in your life and to express your gratitude for the profound impact they’ve had on you and the world around them.

So, whether you’re standing in front of a small gathering or a large audience, deliver your tribute speech with sincerity, warmth, and heartfelt appreciation.

Your words will not only honor the person you’re celebrating but also serve as a testament to the enduring power of human connection, love, and the indelible mark we leave on each other’s lives.

How to Give a Dedication Speech

Should Students Take Public Speaking Classes?

If you suffer from a fear of public speaking, you are not alone. Giving a speech can be one of the most nerve-wracking moments of your life, but proper preparation can help steady your nerves. Long before you deliver a dedication speech to honor a family member, colleague or friend, make an effort to prepare the right content to ensure that the entire audience, and especially the guest of honor, will appreciate your words. Once you dazzle the crowd with your dedication speech, you may even be asked to give another at a future event.

Highlight Strengths and Share Experiences

Write the dedication speech to honor the individual. Dedication speeches often take place at retirement parties, anniversary celebrations and award banquets. Regardless of the specific event, your speech should highlight the individual's accomplishments, share personal anecdotes and combine poignancy with humor. You can write the entire speech based on your personal relationship with the honoree, or ask other key people for their input for the speech.

Seek Feedback

Share the speech with some of the guests who'll be in attendance to gauge their reactions. Often, a dedication speech relies on humor, but your speech shouldn't offend any guests. A few neutral parties will help you determine the appropriateness of your words. If they make any useful suggestions, make the necessary changes.

Practice Your Speech

Rehearse the speech until you're completely familiar with it. While taking a printed copy of the speech to the podium is acceptable, simply reading your speech reflects poorly on you. Deliver your speech mostly from memory, while keeping an eye on your notes to maintain your place.

Center Yourself

Relax in the period of time leading up to your speech by breathing, talking with friends and drinking water. Remember that joyous events tend to put people in a relaxed mode. Your speech delivery doesn't have to be perfect, so don't worry about thinking it has to be. Instead, keep calm and don't fret as you get ready to deliver the speech.

Maintain an Appropriate Pace

Speak clearly and at a slow pace while you're giving the speech. Rushing your delivery when you're feeling nervous is normal, but doing so negatively affects the delivery of your speech. Speak at a normal pace, and take pauses when appropriate, such as after you made a joke. Often, speeches get easier after you speak for a minute or after you earn the first real laugh from your audience.

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Toronto-based journalist William McCoy has been writing since 1997, specializing in topics such as sports, nutrition and health. He serves as the Studio's sports and recreation section expert. McCoy is a journalism graduate of Ryerson University.

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How Do You Write a Dedication Speech?

Writing a dedication speech requires the writer to be both inspiring and celebratory, helping to unite the audience in admiration for the subject the speech addresses. To write a dedication speech, you must honor the individual that is the subject, highlighting their accomplishments and positive qualities.

Before beginning the process of writing the speech, first learn as much about the event or occasion itself as possible. Determine the audience, whether the occasion is formal or informal, and how long the speech should be. Once you have established the foundations for the event, begin writing about your subject. Start with an introduction that grabs the audience’s attention and introduces who you will be talking about. Next provide some background. This will give the audience a setting for the subject’s accomplishments and obstacles.

After providing some background, describe your relationship with this person. Discuss why they are important to you and the impact they have had on you and perhaps others in the audience. Incorporate stories that also show positive qualities about the subject. These stories may also outline the impact this subject has had on the group or the lives of others. Acknowledge what you and the audience can learn from this person’s example. Finally, end your speech with a conclusion that summarizes the key points you have presented and ends on a high note.

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18.2 Special-Occasion Speeches

Learning objectives.

• Identify the different types of ceremonial speaking.
• Describe the different types of inspirational speaking.

M+MD – Birthday Speech – CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Many entertaining speeches fall under the category of special-occasion speeches. All the speeches in this category are given to mark the significance of particular events. Common events include weddings, bar mitzvahs, awards ceremonies, funerals, and political events. In each of these different occasions, speakers are asked to deliver speeches relating to the event. For purposes of simplicity, we’ve broken special-occasion speeches into two groups: ceremonial speaking and inspirational speaking.

Ceremonial Speaking

Ceremonial speeches are speeches given during a ceremony or a ritual marked by observance of formality or etiquette. These ceremonies tend to be very special for people, so it shouldn’t be surprising that they are opportunities for speech making. Let’s examine each of the eight types of ceremonial speaking: introductions, presentations, acceptances, dedications, toasts, roasts, eulogies, and farewells.

Speeches of Introduction

The first type of speech is called the speech of introduction , which is a minispeech given by the host of a ceremony that introduces another speaker and his or her speech. Few things are worse than when the introducer or a speaker stands up and says, “This is Joe Smith, he’s going to talk about stress.” While we did learn the speaker’s name and the topic, the introduction falls flat. Audiences won’t be the least bit excited about listening to Joe’s speech.

Just like any other speech, a speech of introduction should be a complete speech and have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion—and you should do it all in under two minutes. This brings up another “few things are worse” scenario: an introductory speaker who rambles on for too long or who talks about himself or herself instead of focusing on the person being introduced.

For an introduction, think of a hook that will make your audience interested in the upcoming speaker. Did you read a news article related to the speaker’s topic? Have you been impressed by a presentation you’ve heard the speaker give in the past? You need to find something that can grab the audience’s attention and make them excited about hearing the main speaker.

The body of your introductory speech should be devoted to telling the audience about the speaker’s topic, why the speaker is qualified, and why the audience should listen (notice we now have our three body points). First, tell your audience in general terms about the overarching topic of the speech. Most of the time as an introducer, you’ll only have a speech title and maybe a paragraph of information to help guide this part of your speech. That’s all right. You don’t need to know all the ins and outs of the main speaker’s speech; you just need to know enough to whet the audience’s appetite. Next, you need to tell the audience why the speaker is a credible speaker on the topic. Has the speaker written books or articles on the subject? Has the speaker had special life events that make him or her qualified? Lastly, you need to briefly explain to the audience why they should care about the upcoming speech.

The final part of a good introduction is the conclusion, which is generally designed to welcome the speaker to the lectern. Many introducers will conclude by saying something like, “I am looking forward to hearing how Joe Smith’s advice and wisdom can help all of us today, so please join me in welcoming Mr. Joe Smith.” We’ve known some presenters who will even add a notation to their notes to “start clapping” and “shake speakers hand” or “give speaker a hug” depending on the circumstances of the speech.

Now that we’ve walked through the basic parts of an introductory speech, let’s see one outlined:

Specific Purpose: To entertain the audience while preparing them for Janice Wright’s speech on rituals.

Introduction: Mention some common rituals people in the United States engage in (Christmas, sporting events, legal proceedings).

Main Points:

• Explain that the topic was selected because understanding how cultures use ritual is an important part of understanding what it means to be human.
• Janice Wright is a cultural anthropologist who studies the impact that everyday rituals have on communities.
• All of us engage in rituals, and we often don’t take the time to determine how these rituals were started and how they impact our daily routines.

Conclusion: I had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Wright at the regional conference in Springfield last month, and I am excited that I get to share her with all of you tonight. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Wright (start clapping, shake speaker’s hand, exit stage).

Speeches of Presentation

The second type of common ceremonial speech is the speech of presentation . A speech of presentation is a brief speech given to accompany a prize or honor. Speeches of presentation can be as simple as saying, “This year’s recipient of the Schuman Public Speaking prize is Wilhelmina Jeffers,” or could last up to five minutes as the speaker explains why the honoree was chosen for the award.

When preparing a speech of presentation, it’s always important to ask how long the speech should be. Once you know the time limit, then you can set out to create the speech itself. First, you should explain what the award or honor is and why the presentation is important. Second, you can explain what the recipient has accomplished in order for the award to be bestowed. Did the person win a race? Did the person write an important piece of literature? Did the person mediate conflict? Whatever the recipient has done, you need to clearly highlight his or her work. Lastly, if the race or competition was conducted in a public forum and numerous people didn’t win, you may want to recognize those people for their efforts as well. While you don’t want to steal the show away from winner (as Kanye West did to Taylor Swift during the 2009 MTV Music Video Awards, for example http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/435995/taylor-swift-wins-best-female-video.jhtml#id=1620605 ), you may want to highlight the work of the other competitors or nominees.

Speeches of Acceptance

The complement to a speech of presentation is the speech of acceptance . The speech of acceptance is a speech given by the recipient of a prize or honor. For example, in the above video clip from the 2009 MTV Music Video Awards, Taylor Swift starts by expressing her appreciation, gets interrupted by Kanye West, and ends by saying, “I would like to thank the fans and MTV, thank you.” While obviously not a traditional acceptance speech because of the interruption, she did manage to get in the important parts.

There are three typical components of a speech of acceptance: thank the givers of the award or honor, thank those who helped you achieve your goal, and put the award or honor into perspective. First, you want to thank the people who have given you the award or honor and possibly those who voted for you. We see this done every year during the Oscars, “First, I’d like to thank the academy and all the academy voters.” Second, you want to give credit to those who helped you achieve the award or honor. No person accomplishes things in life on his or her own. We all have families and friends and colleagues who support us and help us achieve what we do in life, and a speech of acceptance is a great time to graciously recognize those individuals. Lastly, put the award in perspective. Tell the people listening to your speech why the award is meaningful to you.

Speeches of Dedication

The fourth ceremonial speech is the speech of dedication . A speech of dedication is 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. These speeches are designed to highlight the importance of the project and possibly those to whom the project has been dedicated. Maybe your great-uncle has died and left your college tons of money, so the college has decided to rename one of the dorms after your great-uncle. In this case, you may be asked to speak at the dedication.

When preparing the speech of dedication, start by explaining how you are involved in the dedication. If the person to whom the dedication is being made is a relative, tell the audience that the building is being named after your great-uncle who bestowed a gift to his alma mater. Second, you want to explain what is being dedicated. If the dedication is a new building or a preexisting building, you want to explain what is being dedicated and the importance of the structure. You should then explain who was involved in the project. If the project is a new structure, talk about the people who built the structure or designed it. If the project is a preexisting structure, talk about the people who put together and decided on the dedication. Lastly, explain why the structure is important for the community where it’s located. If the dedication is for a new store, talk about how the store will bring in new jobs and new shopping opportunities. If the dedication is for a new wing of a hospital, talk about how patients will be served and the advances in medicine the new wing will provide the community.

At one time or another, almost everyone is going to be asked to deliver a toast . A toast is a speech designed to congratulate, appreciate, or remember. First, toasts can be delivered for the purpose of congratulating someone for an honor, a new job, or getting married. You can also toast someone to show your appreciation for something they’ve done. Lastly, we toast people to remember them and what they have accomplished.

When preparing a toast, the first goal is always to keep your remarks brief. Toasts are generally given during the middle of some kind of festivities (e.g., wedding, retirement party, farewell party), and you don’t want your toast to take away from those festivities for too long. Second, the goal of a toast is to focus attention on the person or persons being toasted—not on the speaker. As such, while you are speaking you need to focus your attention to the people being toasted, both by physically looking at them and by keeping your message about them. You should also avoid any inside jokes between you and the people being toasted because toasts are public and should be accessible for everyone who hears them. To conclude a toast, simply say something like, “Please join me in recognizing Joan for her achievement” and lift your glass. When you lift your glass, this will signal to others to do the same and then you can all take a drink, which is the end of your speech.

The roast speech is a very interesting and peculiar speech because it is designed to both praise and good-naturedly insult a person being honored. Generally, roasts are given at the conclusion of a banquet in honor of someone’s life achievements. The television station Comedy Central has been conducting roasts of various celebrities for a few years.

In this clip, watch as Stephen Colbert, television host of The Colbert Report , roasts President George W. Bush.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSE_saVX_2A

Let’s pick this short clip apart. You’ll notice that the humor doesn’t pull any punches. The goal of the roast is to both praise and insult in a good-natured manner. You’ll also see that the roaster, in this case Stephen Colbert, is standing behind a lectern while the roastee, President George W. Bush, is clearly on display for the audience to see, and periodically you’ll see the camera pan to President Bush to take in his reactions. Half the fun of a good roast is watching the roastee’s reactions during the roast, so it’s important to have the roastee clearly visible by the audience.

How does one prepare for a roast? First, you want to really think about the person who is being roasted. Do they have any strange habits or amusing stories in their past that you can discuss? When you think through these things you want to make sure that you cross anything off your list that is truly private information or will really hurt the person. The goal of a roast is to poke at them, not massacre them. Second, when selecting which aspects to poke fun at, you need to make sure that the items you choose are widely known by your audience. Roasts work when the majority of people in the audience can relate to the jokes being made. If you have an inside joke with the roastee, bringing it up during roast may be great fun for the two of you, but it will leave your audience unimpressed. Lastly, end on a positive note. While the jokes are definitely the fun part of a roast, you should leave the roastee knowing that you truly do care about and appreciate the person.

A eulogy is a speech given in honor of someone who has died. (Don’t confuse “eulogy” with “elegy,” a poem or song of mourning.) Unless you are a minister, priest, rabbi, imam, or other form of religious leader, you’ll probably not deliver too many eulogies in your lifetime. However, when the time comes to deliver a eulogy, it’s good to know what you’re doing and to adequately prepare your remarks. Watch the following clip of then-Senator Barack Obama delivering a eulogy at the funeral of civil rights activist Rosa Parks in November of 2005.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRsH92sJCr4

In this eulogy, Senator Obama delivers the eulogy by recalling Rosa Parks importance and her legacy in American history.

When preparing a eulogy, first you need to know as much information about the deceased as possible. The more information you have about the person, the more personal you can make the eulogy. While you can rely on your own information if you were close to the deceased, it is always a good idea to ask friends and relatives of the deceased for their memories, as these may add important facets that may not have occurred to you. Of course, if you were not very close to the deceased, you will need to ask friends and family for information. Second, although eulogies are delivered on the serious and sad occasion of a funeral or memorial service for the deceased, it is very helpful to look for at least one point to be lighter or humorous. In some cultures, in fact, the friends and family attending the funeral will expect the eulogy to be highly entertaining and amusing. While eulogies are not roasts, one goal of the humor or lighter aspects of a eulogy is to relieve the tension that is created by the serious nature of the occasion. Lastly, remember to tell the deceased’s story. Tell the audience about who this person was and what the person stood for in life. The more personal you can make a eulogy, the more touching it will be for the deceased’s friends and families. The eulogy should remind the audience to celebrate the person’s life as well as mourn their death.

Speeches of Farewell

A speech of farewell allows someone to say good-bye to one part of his or her life as he or she is moving on to the next part of life. Maybe you’ve accepted a new job and are leaving your current job, or you’re graduating from college and entering the work force. Whatever the case may be, periods of transition are often marked by speeches of farewell. Watch the following clip of Derek Jeter’s 2008 speech saying farewell to Yankee Stadium, built in 1923, before the New York Yankees moved to the new stadium that opened in 2009.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJrlTpQm0to

In this speech, Derek Jeter is not only saying good-bye to Yankee Stadium but also thanking the fans for their continued support.

When preparing a speech of farewell, the goal should be to thank the people in your current position and let them know how much you appreciate them as you make the move to your next position in life. In Derek Jeter’s speech, he starts by talking about the history of the 1923 Yankee Stadium and then thanks the fans for their support. Second, you want to express to your audience how much the experience has meant to you. A farewell speech is a time to commemorate and think about the good times you’ve had. As such, you should avoid negativity during this speech. Lastly, you want to make sure that you end on a high note. Derek Jeter concludes his speech by saying, “On behalf of this entire organization, we just want to take this moment to salute you, the greatest fans in the world!” at which point Jeter and the other players take off their ball caps and hold them up toward the audience.

Inspirational Speaking

The goal of an inspirational speech is to elicit or arouse an emotional state within an audience. In Section 18.2.1 “Ceremonial Speaking” , we looked at ceremonial speeches. Although some inspirational speeches are sometimes tied to ceremonial occasions, there are also other speaking contexts that call for inspirational speeches. For our purposes, we are going to look at two types of inspirational speeches: goodwill and speeches of commencement.

Speeches to Ensure Goodwill

Goodwill is an intangible asset that is made up of the favor or reputation of an individual or organization. Speeches of goodwill are often given in an attempt to get audience members to view the person or organization more favorably. Although speeches of goodwill are clearly persuasive, they try not to be obvious about the persuasive intent and are often delivered as information-giving speeches that focus on an individual or organization’s positives attributes. There are three basic types of speeches of goodwill: public relations, justification, and apology.

Speeches for Public Relations

In a public relations speech, the speaker is speaking to enhance one’s own image or the image of his or her organization. You can almost think of these speeches as cheerleading speeches because the ultimate goal is to get people to like the speaker and what he or she represents. In the following brief speech, the CEO of British Petroleum is speaking to reporters about what his organization is doing during the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCfa6AxmUHw

Notice that he keeps emphasizing what his company is doing to fix the problem. Every part of this speech is orchestrated to make BP look caring and attempts to get some amount of goodwill from the viewing public.

Speeches of Justification

The second common speech of goodwill is the speech of justification, which is given when someone attempts to defend why certain actions were taken or will be taken. In these speeches, speakers have already enacted (or decided to enact) some kind of behavior, and are now attempting to justify why the behavior is or was appropriate. In the following clip, President Bill Clinton discusses his decision to bomb key Iraqi targets after uncovering a plot to assassinate former President George H. W. Bush.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mpWa7wNr5M

In this speech, President Clinton outlines his reasons for bombing Iraq to the American people and the globe. Again, the goal of this speech is to secure goodwill for President Clinton’s decisions both in the United States and on the world stage.

Speeches of Apology

The final speech of goodwill is the speech of apology. Frankly, these speeches have become more and more commonplace. Every time we turn around, a politician, professional athlete, musician, or actor/actress is doing something reprehensible and getting caught. In fact, the speech of apology has quickly become a fodder for humor as well. Let’s take a look at a real apology speech delivered by professional golfer Tiger Woods.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs8nseNP4s0

When you need to make an apology speech, there are three elements that you need to include: be honest and take responsibility, say you’re sorry, and offer restitution. First, a speaker needs to be honest and admit to doing something wrong. The worst apology speeches are those in which the individual tries to sidestep the wrongdoing. Even if you didn’t do anything wrong, it is often best to take responsibility from a public perception perspective. Second, say that you are sorry. People need to know that you are remorseful for what you’ve done. One of the problems many experts saw with Tiger Woods’s speech is that he doesn’t look remorseful at all. While the words coming out of his mouth are appropriate, he looks like a robot forced to read from a manuscript written by his press agent. Lastly, you need to offer restitution. Restitution can come in the form of fixing something broken or a promise not to engage in such behavior in the future. People in society are very willing to forgive and forget when they are asked.

Speeches for Commencements

The second type of inspirational speech is the speech of commencement , which is designed to recognize and celebrate the achievements of a graduating class or other group of people. The most typical form of commencement speech happens when someone graduates from school. Nearly all of us have sat through commencement speeches at some point in our lives. And if you’re like us, you’ve heard good ones and bad ones. Numerous celebrities and politicians have been asked to deliver commencement speeches at colleges and universities. One famous and well-thought-out commencement speech was given by famed Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling at Harvard University in 2008.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkREt4ZB-ck

J. K. Rowling’s speech has the perfect balance of humor and inspiration, which are two of the main ingredients of a great commencement speech.

If you’re ever asked to deliver a commencement speech, there are some key points to think through when deciding on your speech’s content.

• If there is a specific theme for the graduation, make sure that your commencement speech addresses that theme. If there is no specific theme, come up with one for your speech. Some common commencement speech themes are commitment, competitiveness, competence, confidence, decision making, discipline, ethics, failure (and overcoming failure), faith, generosity, integrity, involvement, leadership, learning, persistence, personal improvement, professionalism, reality, responsibility, and self-respect.
• Talk about your life and how graduates can learn from your experiences to avoid pitfalls or take advantages of life. How can your life inspire the graduates in their future endeavors?
• Make the speech humorous. Commencement speeches should be entertaining and make an audience laugh.
• Be brief! Nothing is more painful than a commencement speaker who drones on and on. Remember, the graduates are there to get their diplomas; their families are there to watch the graduates walk across the stage.
• Remember, while you may be the speaker, you’ve been asked to impart wisdom and advice for the people graduating and moving on with their lives, so keep it focused on them.
• Place the commencement speech into the broader context of the graduates’ lives. Show the graduates how the advice and wisdom you are offering can be utilized to make their own lives better.

Overall, it’s important to make sure that you have fun when delivering a commencement speech. Remember, it’s a huge honor and responsibility to be asked to deliver a commencement speech, so take the time to really think through and prepare your speech.

Key Takeaways

• There are eight common forms of ceremonial speaking: introduction, presentation, acceptance, dedication, toast, roast, eulogy, and farewell. Speeches of introduction are designed to introduce a speaker. Speeches of presentation are given when an individual is presenting an award of some kind. Speeches of acceptance are delivered by the person receiving an award or honor. Speeches of dedication are given when a new building or other place is being opened for the first time. Toasts are given to acknowledge and honor someone on a special occasion (e.g., wedding, birthday, retirement). Roasts are speeches designed to both praise and good-naturedly insult a person being honored. Eulogies are given during funerals and memorial services. Lastly, speeches of farewell are delivered by an individual who is leaving a job, community, or organization, and wants to acknowledge how much the group has meant.
• Inspirational speeches fall into two categories: goodwill (e.g., public relations, justification, and apology) and speeches of commencement. Speeches of goodwill attempt to get audience members to view the person or organization more favorably. On the other hand, speeches of commencement are delivered to recognize the achievements of a group of people.
• Imagine you’ve been asked to speak before a local civic organization such as the Kiwanis or Rotary Club. Develop a sample speech of introduction that you would like someone to give to introduce you.
• You’ve been asked to roast your favorite celebrity. Develop a two-minute roast.
• Develop a speech of commencement for your public speaking class.

Stand up, Speak out Copyright © 2016 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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How to Write and Deliver a Memorable Graduation Speech: Tips, Examples, and Techniques

• The Speaker Lab
• March 7, 2024

Table of Contents

The goal of any graduation speech is to find words that capture the essence of years spent learning and growing. Today, we’ll guide you through that process and help you craft a memorable graduation speech . You’ll learn to weave gratitude with shared experiences, and balance humor with wisdom. We’ll even help you find quotes that strike a chord and deliver them in a way that resonates.

But that’s not all! Dive into proven strategies for public speaking , managing stage fright , and drawing inspiration from iconic commencement speeches. Discover how personal growth stories add depth to your message and explore themes that leave a lasting impact on your peers as they step forward into new beginnings.

Crafting Your Graduation Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to marking the end of your high school or university journey, a graduation speech can capture the essence of this pivotal moment. But how do you start such an important address?

Opening with Impact

The first words of your graduation speech are crucial. They set the stage for what’s to come and grab your audience’s attention. Think about starting strong by sharing a personal anecdote that ties into the broader experience of your class or drawing from Steve Jobs’ Stanford University commencement speech , where he began with, “Today I want to tell you three stories from my life.” This technique instantly piques interest because it promises narratives that have shaped who you are.

An impactful opening also acknowledges shared experiences. Perhaps you could reflect on how moments in classrooms turned strangers into lifelong friends. Or for university commencements, consider touching upon those late-night study sessions that tested perseverance but ultimately led to academic achievements worth celebrating today.

Building the Body of Your Graduation Speech

In crafting the body content, intertwine lessons learned throughout high school years or during university courses with aspirations for what lies ahead. For instance, share how overcoming obstacles like balancing extracurricular activities and academics taught valuable time management skills.

To add depth, incorporate quotes from luminaries like Oprah Winfrey or draw parallels between classroom learnings and real-world applications. Dive deeper by discussing milestones achieved together as a graduating class and recognizing the hard work everyone put in to make it to this monumental occasion.

Concluding with Inspiration

Your conclusion should leave fellow graduates feeling inspired while helping them celebrate high school memories one last time—or honor those unforgettable college years if addressing higher education grads.

Closing remarks could include heartfelt gratitude towards teachers’ support and parental guidance. You might even crack a joke or two. It’s these personalized touches paired with universal truths that resonate most deeply as students step forward into new chapters post-graduation.

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Delivery Techniques for Confident Speaking

Standing in front of a crowd can turn even the most composed student into a bundle of nerves. But fear not, with some smart strategies, you’ll be able to channel your inner orator and deliver your graduation speech with confidence.

Practicing Your Graduation Speech

Becoming familiar with every word of your speech is key. Rehearse it out loud until the words feel like second nature. This practice does more than just help you remember what comes next; it lets you find the natural rhythm and pace of your delivery. Consider recording yourself to catch any quirks or stumbling blocks—you might be surprised at how much this helps refine your presentation.

A trick often overlooked is practicing in different environments. If possible, stand on the actual stage where you will deliver your commencement address. Familiarity breeds comfort, making that once daunting podium seem like an old friend when graduation day arrives.

Overcoming Nervousness and Stage Fright

Nervousness is normal but doesn’t let it dictate your performance. Before stepping up to speak, take deep breaths to steady yourself—a calm body encourages a calm mind. An effective method for easing anxiety is visualization. Imagine delivering each line perfectly and receiving an enthusiastic response from listeners—envisioning success can make it so.

Maintaining Eye Contact

The power of eye contact cannot be overstated. It connects speaker and listener on a personal level that amplifies engagement significantly. Scan across different sections of the audience periodically without lingering too long on any one individual.

Incorporate these techniques diligently when preparing for the big day. In doing so, they become part of muscle memory and help build confidence. With confidence and plenty of practice on your side, your graduation speech is sure to conclude to applause leaving you to celebrate yet another milestone achieved.

Analyzing Renowned Graduation Speeches for Inspiration

When crafting a commencement speech , it’s often helpful to look at the giants whose words have echoed through auditoriums and across campuses. Steve Jobs’ Stanford University Commencement Speech is a classic example of weaving life lessons into an address that connects deeply with graduates. Similarly, Oprah Winfrey’s Harvard University Commencement Address showed how stumbling blocks can become stepping stones if we learn from them.

Steve Jobs’ Storytelling Mastery

Jobs had a knack for turning personal anecdotes into universal truths. In his Stanford address, he shared three stories from his own life without sounding self-indulgent. These stories worked because each one carried a broader message relevant to every graduate: finding what you love, dealing with loss, and facing death head-on. Jobs famously urged students to “stay hungry, stay foolish,” encouraging them not just to pursue success but remain curious about life despite challenges. This advice is especially poignant for today’s graduating class.

Like Jobs, you too can craft narratives around moments that speak volumes about perseverance and passion.

Oprah’s Unflinching Honesty

Much like her television persona suggests, Oprah did not shy away from discussing her setbacks in front of Harvard’s graduating class. Instead, she confidently laid bare the challenges faced by anyone who dares greatly because failure is part of achieving greatness. As she reminded students, “It doesn’t matter how far you might rise… At some point you are bound to stumble.”

In doing so she forged an instant connection with listeners grappling with their fears about what the future holds post-graduation. It was a powerful reminder that even icons like Oprah are not immune to trials but emerge stronger through them.

The power behind these speeches lies not just in their content but also in their delivery. These speakers mastered the art of speaking confidently before crowds, maintaining eye contact, and conveying authenticity—techniques any speaker should aspire to replicate on graduation day.

Themes and Messages That Resonate with Graduates

Facing a sea of caps and gowns, the right words can turn a graduation ceremony from mundane to memorable. When crafting your commencement speech, focusing on themes like overcoming obstacles and perseverance connects deeply with graduates who have hurdled high school or college challenges.

Overcoming Obstacles

Talking about stumbling blocks is not just relatable; it’s inspirational. Think Steve Jobs at Stanford University or Oprah Winfrey at Harvard—both shared personal tales of setbacks turned into comebacks. Beyond simply telling their stories, they showed how those hurdles were stepping stones to success.

Weave your narrative around the potholes you’ve navigated during your high school years. This doesn’t mean airing every bit of dirty laundry, just highlighting that one significant moment where everything seemed against you yet failed to defeat you.

The Power of Perseverance

Perseverance is more than sticking to something—it’s pushing forward when every fiber wants to quit. It resonates because everyone, including your fellow graduates, has felt that urge to give up but chose to persevere instead.

Incorporate this theme by using vivid examples that mirror collective experiences—the all-nighters before exams or balancing sports stars ambitions with academics—to illustrate perseverance isn’t just an idea but lived reality for many students.

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Life Lessons Shared During Graduation Speeches

In addition to sharing content that fellow graduates will find relatable and inspirational, you should also consider sharing life lessons with your audience. Whether young or old, everyone has a unique perspective on life and sharing your wisdom can steer graduates toward a fulfilling path.

The Power of Kindness

Making a positive impact doesn’t require grand gestures; sometimes it’s found in small acts of kindness or an innovative idea that simplifies lives. This message sticks because everyone wants their work to mean something—to know they’ve left footprints on society’s vast canvas.

True Grit and Tenacity

Embracing failure and resilience is another powerful theme echoed by commencement speakers across podiums. Let’s face it; not all endeavors lead straight to success. But as Oprah Winfrey once said during her Harvard University commencement address, “It doesn’t matter how far you might rise… At some point, you are bound to stumble.” Her words remind us: How we pick ourselves up matters more than how we fall.

Making a Positive Impact

A graduating class stands poised on tomorrow’s threshold ready to mold history—and speeches should fuel this transformative fire within them. Memorable graduation speeches show individuals that ovation-worthy achievements are possible if you believe your actions count.

As you prepare your graduation speech, consider including one of these life lessons or one of your own. Don’t be afraid to share your hard-won insights to your fellow graduates—you just might inspire them to make history.

Celebrating Achievements and Acknowledging Contributions

Graduation is not just a ceremony. It’s a tribute to the academic achievements and extracurricular activities that have shaped students into who they are. The acknowledgment of teacher support and parental guidance also plays a pivotal role in these speeches, as they’re the scaffolding upon which student successes are built.

Academic Achievements, Extracurricular Activities

Acknowledging academic prowess goes beyond GPA scores or honor societies; it’s about highlighting unique intellectual journeys. Similarly, shining a light on extracurricular triumphs—be it sports stars setting records or artists winning competitions—adds depth to your speech. Remembering these moments isn’t merely recounting victories but celebrating the relentless spirit of your fellow graduates.

Diving deeper into personal anecdotes helps you connect with peers by reminding them of their growth through challenges faced together—from late-night study sessions to championship games. It’s these stories that make graduation memories stick with classmates long after commencement ends.

Teacher Support, Parental Guidance

The unsung heroes behind every graduate deserve their moment in your address too. Teachers’ dedication can turn classrooms into launch pads for dreams, while parents’ unwavering belief often fuels aspirations during tumultuous times like the pandemic.

In weaving tales of mentorship from teachers or wisdom imparted by parents, you remind everyone that success is rarely a solo act—it’s supported by many hands and hearts along the way. Celebrate this collective effort because each person has contributed uniquely to shaping graduating classes across America, including yours.

Common Issues in Writing and Delivering Graduation Speeches

Staring at a blank page as the clock ticks down to graduation day can rattle even the most seasoned speech writers. Overcoming writer’s block is about finding your message stick—the core idea that you want to leave with your peers. Remember, this isn’t just any talk; it’s one that marks a significant transition for both you and your audience.

Overcoming Writer’s Block

Finding yourself stumped on how to write a speech ? Don’t sweat it. Start by jotting down memories from school years or powerful life lessons that resonate. Think of Steve Jobs’ Stanford University commencement speech where he shared personal stories, which became an inspirational backbone for many other speeches.

If inspiration doesn’t strike immediately, step away from the computer. Take a walk and reflect on high school experiences or browse through commencement speeches archives—like Lin-Manuel Miranda’s address at the University of Pennsylvania. They might spark ideas you hadn’t considered yet.

Navigating Technical Troubles

A great speech can stumble over technical hiccups. To avoid glitches, check all equipment beforehand—a simple but crucial task often overlooked due to nerves or excitement about graduating class celebrations.

Prior rehearsals will also let you handle these issues like a pro should they pop up during delivery. Make sure any videos or slides complement rather than overshadow what you’re saying. After all, graduates aren’t there for bells and whistles—they’re there for meaningful words.

Handling Stage Fright

Your knees may shake thinking delivering in front of proud parents and peers—it’s no small feat, after all. Before you step on stage, visual your success until it feels more real and attainable.

And don’t forget to watch your body language . During your speech, maintain eye contact—not stare-downs—to connect genuinely with fellow students. And if anxiety creeps up despite practice sessions? Take deep breaths to steady yourself and keep going. You’ve handled high school—you can handle this.

FAQs on Writing and Delivering a Graduation Speech

What do i say in my graduation speech.

Share heartfelt stories, acknowledge support from others, and inspire your classmates to chase their dreams boldly.

How do you write a 3 minute graduation speech?

Keep it tight: hit the high notes with gratitude, shared memories, a dash of humor, and wrap up with punchy inspiration.

How do I start a graduation speech?

Kick off with thanks. Give props to family and mentors. Set the stage for reflecting on past adventures together.

What is the most important message of a graduation speech?

The core should spark hope—urge peers to leap into tomorrow equipped with lessons learned during these formative years.

Master your moment with a graduation speech that turns heads and warms hearts. Remember the power of gratitude and connect with your audience through stories, those shared adventures that bind you to your classmates. Don’t be afraid to add a few jokes and quotes to your speech either, as well as personal growth stories to inspire.

When you hit the stage, stand tall, make eye contact, and speak from your heart—the podium’s yours. If butterflies invade, breathe deep and know everyone’s rooting for you. Writer’s block didn’t stop you and neither will this.

Your graduation speech is not just words—it’s a battle cry for your graduating class as you prepare to conquer what lies ahead!

• Last Updated: March 5, 2024

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• Legacy Projects

How to Write a Memorable Tribute Speech: Step-By-Step

Updated 04/19/2024

Published 11/16/2019

Sam Tetrault, BA in English

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

A tribute takes on so many different meanings, it can be hard to remember what it’s supposed to be. But when you write a tribute speech, you can get to its true purpose, which is to honor a specific person. Usually, you can hear tribute speeches at funerals, memorials, and celebrations -- but all tend to follow a similar formula.

Also see our tribute speech topic ideas and tribute speech samples below for some ideas to get you started.

If you’re speaking at a funeral or at a memorial, you might need to write a tribute speech. Or even if you’re speaking at a celebration and simply focusing this piece on a loved one who has died, this guide is for you. 

You want your tribute speech to use the right words and to paint an accurate, admirable picture of the person. A heartfelt speech evokes emotion in the listeners and conveys a clear message.

Tip : While speaking at a virtual event, like a live-streamed memorial organized by a service such as GatheringUs , practice your speech using your video conferencing software ahead of time so you can anticipate and fix any audio issues.

Here is a quick overview of the steps for writing a tribute speech:

• Think About the Person
• Write an Outline
• Get the Audience’s Attention
• Make Your Points
• Finish Strong
• Practice Your Speech

Step 1: Think About the Person

What purpose does your tribute speech serve? Are you sharing a particular moment in a loved one’s life, writing about their successes, or about their positive attributes? Do you want the audience to come away with a particular message or understanding of your loved one?

Brainstorm a few characteristics or key points you’d like to include in the tribute speech. With these kinds of speeches, it’s ok to evoke emotion and share that feeling with your audience. What emotions do you want your audience to feel? If you’re giving your speech at a memorial, you might want your words to highlight a sense of fondness or happiness. Make sure you are considering your audience as well as the person you’re writing about.

After all, writing a tribute speech for your mother will be very different than writing one for a friend.

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Step 2: Write an Outline

Before you begin writing, create an outline. Writing an outline helps you organize your thoughts before putting pen to paper. Most tribute speeches follow the same format. Here’s a quick guideline to follow:

• Introduction: Who is the speech about? What is your relation to this person?
• Main point 1: Start off with a key characteristic of the person you’re talking about, such as their caring nature or listening skills.
• Evidence: What evidence do you have that supports your main point? For instance, if they were a caring person, talk about a time they helped others.
• Main point 2: What’s another point you’d like to make about the person?
• Evidence: Again, support your point.
• Conclusion: Repeat your crucial points and end with something meaningful.

You can include as many main points as you’d wish, but less is usually more. If you’re giving a speech at a funeral, there may be time limits to consider. Knowing what to say when someone dies is never easy. Using an outline organizes your thoughts in a clear way no matter the purpose of your speech. 

Step 3: Get the Audience’s Attention

The hardest part of a tribute speech is often the introduction. How do you capture the audience’s attention? If your speech is during a funeral, for instance, emotions are already high. If you’re giving a speech at another event or celebration, you similarly need to capture attention. How do you hook listeners with your tribute?

Start by relating to the listeners themselves. You need to appeal to the audience on a personal level to develop a connection with your words. If you’re speaking at a funeral, remind them how the deceased person brought everyone together. Open with your relationship with this person, and talk about your loved one’s role in your life. 

A good way to start is with a personal story. Humans naturally are drawn to stories. Including one at the beginning of your speech brings the audience closer to you. From there, it’s easier to share your main points with the listeners’ full attention. 

Step 4: Make Your Points

It might be tempting to drag out your introduction, especially if you’re using a personal take to capture the audience’s attention. Consider keeping the introduction brief so you can get to your point sooner rather than later. A concisely worded speech makes more of an impact through brevity and pauses than long drawn-out sentences.

With a tribute speech, you might include any of the following:

• The person’s characteristics
• The person’s accomplishments
• The person’s lasting impact
• Your experience with the person

All of these need real-life evidence. Memories, attributes, and physical creations provide plenty of support for what your loved one did in their life, and how they made you feel. How you share these main points is up to you.

Consider how you knew this person personally. Do you have a particularly funny or touching memory that was not shared widely? Did you see a special side of this person? These are all valuable questions to answer when writing a memorial tribute.

Step 5: Finish Strong

Finish your tribute speech on a high note. Popular quotes or poems can provide a way to tie up your speech. Or even ending with a quote or familiar saying from your loved one can leave your audience fondly remembering the person. Wrapping up your tribute speech can also be used to recall your main points and making a final statement about the person. 

You might ask the audience to remember their own favorite memory of this person or to think of them when they visit a certain place. Either way, leave them with something memorable.

Step 6: Practice Your Speech

Finally, before you present, it’s time to practice. If you’re anxious, use these tips to put you at ease:

• Think of your speech as a performance, not just a reading
• Make eye contact with your audience
• Stand up straight and tall
• Focus on your storytelling skills
• Let your passion show

As long as you’re putting emotion into the topic, this shines through for the audience. Practice really does make perfect. Don’t be afraid to share your speech with your friends and family before the big day.

Tribute Speech Topic Ideas

For inspiration planning your tribute speech, review these topic ideas below. Your tribute can be about anything that matters to you.

• Write about a physical tribute to made for your favorite person. 
• Write about a loved one who passed. 
• Describe an event involving yourself and a loved one. 
• Share a memory.
• Give a tribute to a place that matters to you.
• What movie or book inspired you?
• Did an incident ever change your life?
• Give a toast to someone who matters to you. 
• Share someone or something that changed your mind. 
• Explain the relationships that mean the most to you.

Tribute Speech Samples

To get a strong feel for what a tribute speech looks like, read through these samples below. Each speech serves a different purpose, but you’ll see how they impact the audience through storytelling and compassion. 

Tribute to a friend after their passing

"Good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining me to celebrate the life of my dear friend, Julian. All of us here admired Julian’s devotion to his family. I first met Julian through his wife, Stephanie. There was never a time when he wasn’t raving about Stephanie and all of their adventures together. I remember specifically one late night at work. Julian was the first to tell the whole office to head home. He always said nothing was more important than family, and that was certainly true. That’s the legacy Julian leaves behind: his shining family. I know we’ll all remember him even though he’s no longer with us. We still see Julian in his son and daughter, Mark and Mandy. Let’s make sure he’s never forgotten."

Tribute to a coworker "Thanks for joining me at this year’s celebration. Today, I’d like to highlight the success of Luisa, one of our best underwriters. Luisa is dedicated to her clients and helping them secure the home of their dreams. When Luisa first began working here, she would spend hours pouring over each applicant’s documents. She wanted to get everything right the first time. “The family is counting on us,” she would say. Luisa is right. It’s this kind of passion and attention to detail that makes her such an asset to our company."

Tribute to a sibling for a wedding

"I’m so thankful to be speaking about June on her wedding day. June and I have known each other for basically our whole lives, give or take the two years of me being an only child. Since then, June has always been the one who had my back. From the playground to college, she was always there. June is the first person I want to tell about my day — even if she’s bad at answering her phone! I am so grateful for our special bond. I just wanted to say thank you to my little sister for being my rock.:

Write a Powerful Tribute Speech

With the steps and examples listed above, hopefully you have some inspiration to help you write a top-notch tribute speech. From learning how to hook listeners to find the right words to say, you have many paths you can take with a tribute.

And in the end, a tribute speech is a commemoration of someone special. Whether you’re giving your speech as a sympathy message at a funeral or at a celebration, make the most of this opportunity. 

Everyone deserves to be remembered. Creating a tribute speech is a powerful way to evoke emotion and build strong relationships. They are for personal and professional relationships, remembering those who have died, and even just reminding us of the things we love most. It’s time to put your own pen to paper in honor of someone special. 

For more help finding the right words, read our guide to what to say on a death anniversary .

Categories:

You may also like.

How to Write a Commemorative Speech: Examples & Tips

How to Write a Funeral Speech for Dad From a Daughter

How to Write a Tribute Speech to Your Mother: Step-By-Step

How to Write an Inspiring Farewell Speech: Step-By-Step

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Tribute speech guide 

- how to prepare a sincere commemorative speech.

By:  Susan Dugdale  

A tribute speech belongs in a special category of speeches called commemorative. Its principal purpose is to inspire and celebrate; uniting listeners in sincere, heartfelt gratitude and admiration for its subject.

Have you been asked to prepare a tribute speech and need to know more?

What you'll find on this page

• what occasions are most likely to call for a tribute speech
• the characteristics of a tribute speech
• how to begin the process of writing a tribute speech  
• how to choose a topic
• information about eulogies or funeral speeches, (a special type of tribute speech), with links to examples.

What occasions call for a tribute speech?

A tribute speech may be delivered at any of the following celebrations:

Anniversaries

These may be family events for example; a  50th wedding anniversary  or a  milestone birthday , or they could be public ones, for example; celebrations marking historic events like  Remembrance Day  or, the passing of a famous person.

At a family reunion this form of speech may be given to honor its senior members.

Similarly it will be an important part of the reunions of people brought together by work, sport, interests or vocation.

Memorial services or funerals

The eulogy you hear at a memorial service or funeral is a special type of tribute speech celebrating the life of the person who has passed away.

A tribute speech at an award presentation will honor the achievements of the award recipients. For example film, music or sports awards.

Although thought of as  'wedding speeches', the best man, father-of-the-bride speeches and their variations, are all forms of tribute speeches.

Retirements

The tribute speech heard at a retirement celebration honors the retiree by acknowledging their service and contribution.

The characteristics of the speech

Whether the focus is a person,  or an event involving a  group of people, its characteristics are:

• admiration and respect
• a focus on positive qualities: perseverance, dedication, humility, compassion, honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty, sacrifice, service, kindness, humor ...
• highlighting accomplishments and the difficulties overcome to achieve them
• a reflection on the positive impact and contribution of the focal group or person on the lives of others
• grateful acknowledgment of what we can learn from their example to take into the future

How to begin writing a tribute speech

The first step in your process is finding out as much as you can about the occasion itself and then deciding on a topic, (if it hasn't already been decided for you).

You'll want to know:

• who the audience is
• whether you are the only speaker, or one in a series of speakers
• how long you expected to speak for
• whether the event is formal or informal
• if there are any special requirements the organizers may have that need to be included in your speech

How to choose a topic

Generally the occasion chooses it for you! If you're asked to speak at the celebration marking your Mother's 70th birthday or a similar event, then you know what the central topic is.

What you'll need to decide is how to handle it or what angle to take.

Get some help to find the right topic

If it's not clear what you should talk about, you'll find this page on how to select an inspiring tribute or  commemorative speech topic  helpful.

It walks you step by step through the process of finding a topic to suit your audience's needs and has a great selection of carefully picked links to help you research topic possibilities.

Get some help with planning and writing

There's a  tribute speech template  here that will be useful to help you plan the sections of your speech. Use it as a guide.

(On the same page is a speech I wrote to honor my Mother. It follows the template.)

Or if you'd like more than an outline to help you, you'll find the entire process of writing a speech mapped out step by step here:  how to write a speech .

Are you here because you need to prepare a eulogy?

These links below will guide you through the process:

• How to write a eulogy Step by step guidance for preparing, writing and delivering a eulogy with a free printable eulogy planner. 
• And if you'd like to include a special verse or quotation browse these pages of   funeral poems  and  inspirational quotations .

Would you like to read a sample eulogy before you begin?

Reading others can be really useful in helping you decide what you want to achieve with your own speech.

Well-known tribute speeches 

Here are three famous speeches, each illustrating the characteristics of a fine commemorative speech.

• Ronald Reagan's tribute for the crew of the  Challenger Space Shuttle  that exploded during its launch.
• Sen. Edward Kennedy's eulogy for his slain brother:   Robert F. Kennedy .
• Oprah Winfrey's eulogy for  Rosa Parks .

Not-so well known tribute speeches

I am very fortunate to have a collection of  not-so famous tribute speeches   on write-out-loud.com.  

These are very special because they're by people probably similar to yourself who have been asked to write a speech about someone they've loved dearly. 

There are eulogies for mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, colleagues,  and friends.

All of them have been sent in to provide examples to help people who are trying to write.  Seeing how others have handled the task gives them the courage and confidence to begin.

These eulogy pages get thousands of visitors every week.

And lastly, here is that link to the  commemorative speech for my mother.

Do you need help with preparing to deliver your speech?

You'll find everything you need to help you give your speech confidently by visiting the site map .

There's tips on making and using cue cards , how to overcome fear or anxiety of public speaking , how use your voice well , and more.

If you're struggling for words you may like this offer ...

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How to Write a Dedication

#scribendiinc

And the dedication goes to…

When you have finally completed the gruelling yet wonderful process of writing a book, short story , dissertation, etc., you are then faced with the difficult decision of dedicating this source of all your hard work to someone special. Here are some helpful tips to ease your anxiety and assist you in writing a dedication page.

Picking a person 

The most difficult part of writing this piece of front matter is choosing who you would like to dedicate your work to. Some writers may find it to be the most difficult part of the whole process. When choosing who to write your dedication for, think about the process you just went through and who helped you get through it. This could include a variety of people, including a parent, sibling, or other family member, a spouse or partner, a friend, a supervisor, a colleague, or even a pet. This is a very personal choice and there is no wrong decision.

Naming names

After you have decided who you will write your dedication for, you must decide how you are going to identify them. This will be based on your own personal preference and what is appropriate, according to your relationship with that person. The identification could vary from formal to informal.

On the formal end of the spectrum, your dedication could be addressed to Dr. So and So, Mr. X, or even Mother and Father. In between formal and informal, there are options like Mom, Dad, My sister, My friend, a person’s first and last name (no title), etc. On the informal side, you could use the first name or nickname of someone you know.

Reason for the dedication

The next component in writing your dedication is explaining why you chose this person. Many authors provide a reason for their dedication selections. As with the whole dedication process, this is an extremely personal and subjective decision. The dedication could simply be: "For my mom"; others may choose to explain their decision: "For my mom; without her I would not be here." You may want to write a funny anecdote about the person, an experience you shared, or even a private joke shared only by the two of you. As seen in our example dedication page, there are many types of dedications, each with it's own style. Your reason is completely dependent on your personality and your relationship with the person to whom you are dedicating your work.

Addressing the dedication

There are many ways you can address your dedication. You could write, "I dedicate this book to …", "This is dedicated to …", "To: …", "For: …", or simply just start writing your dedication without any formal address. It should be on its own page so everyone will get the hint that it is a dedication page, even if there isn't any formal address. Take into consideration the person you have chosen to dedicate your work to, your personality, and the formality of your relationship and the address will follow suit.

Alternative dedications

It has been extremely popular over the years to write a dedication page using alternative formats. Authors have used poems or funny anecdotes to express their gratitude. In the past, many dedications were often written in the style of a formal letter.

The most important things to remember when writing a dedication are to keep it simple, concise, and ensure that it truly reflects your personality and your relationship with the person the dedication is for. Remember to get your finished dedication edited by one of our book editors . You don't want to overlook calling your spouse the pettiest person in the world when you really meant the prettiest person in the world!

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14 Ceremonial Speaking

Learning objectives.

• Understand the different types of ceremonial speeches.
• Explain how to deliver a strong ceremonial speech in different contexts.

There are many occasions in which one may be called to speak that do not focus on informing or persuading an audience in the ways we’ve already discussed. Special occasions mark life events, celebrate milestones, and commemorate people and situations. The speeches delivered at these types of events provide perspective on the occasion, help the audience make sense of its significance, and can become a lasting part of the memories formed from the event. Whether you are standing up to give an award speech, a wedding toast, or a eulogy, knowing how to deliver speeches in a variety of different contexts is an important skill of public speaking. In this chapter, we will explore the functions of special occasion speeches, as well as several specific types of special occasion speeches, and four key items to remember when you are asked to deliver one these speeches at an event.

Functions of Special Occasion Speeches

Chris Hill – Chris Hoy – Acceptance Speech – CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Entertain and Celebrate

While speeches intended to entertain an audience may be either informative or persuasive, the rhetorical situation often provides a clear indication of when a speech falls into the special occasion category. Consider roasts and toasts; both entertain and celebrate, albeit in different ways. An awards banquet and weddings are examples of special occasions that call for a speaker to present an upbeat, light speech designed to amuse the audience while celebrating a person, event, or situation.

Commemorate

When we think of a speech crafted to commemorate something or someone, perhaps a eulogy is the first type to come to mind. That is likely because a commemorative speech is one of tribute, and often remembrance, such as a eulogy or when a speaker recalls an anniversary or a milestone event. Speeches of commemoration can also include building or monument dedications that are designed to honor the memory of the person or situation that inspired the site.

Often the rhetorical situation calls for a speaker to present words of wisdom and guidance based upon their personal experiences or what they’ve learned through shared experiences of the audience they are addressing. Examples of this kind of inspirational speaking include one you’ve all likely already witnessed, the commencement speech. Another example is a keynote address at a conference or convention. An inaugural address is another type of speech designed to inspire audiences through the promise of the speaker’s vision for the future.

This textbook is dedicated to encouraging students to stand up and speak out and this type of special occasion speech encompasses the speeches in which individuals do just that. Speeches of advocacy focus on goals and values. They are often cause-oriented or crafted to impact policy-setting or change in some way. Speakers present advocacy speeches at special occasions such as fundraisers, campaign rallies, and even protests or marches.

Types of Special Occasion Speeches

If we consider the functions of special occasion speeches we’ve just reviewed, chances are we could come up with a myriad of different types of speeches that could be included in this section. For our purposes, we are going to focus on several special occasion speeches that you are likely to encounter in your academic, professional, and personal lives. By looking at common types of speeches, we hope to enable you with the tools to stand up and speak out in events and situations in which you may find yourselves given a platform to deliver a speech.

Speeches of Introduction

The first type of speech is called the speech of introduction. A speech of introduction is a short speech that introduces another speaker. There are two main goals of an introduction speech: to provide a bit of context, including who the speaker is and why that speaker will be giving a speech at the particular event, and to entice the audience to pay attention to what the speaker has to say.

Just like any other speech, a speech of introduction should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The information should be delivered as concisely but informative as possible. For an introduction, think of a hook that will make your audience interested in the upcoming speaker. Did you read a news article related to the speaker’s topic? Have you been impressed by a presentation you’ve heard the speaker give in the past? You need to find something that can grab the audience’s attention and make them excited about hearing the main speaker.

The body of your speech of introduction should be devoted to telling the audience about the speaker’s topic, why the speaker is qualified, and why the audience should listen (notice we now have our three body points). First, tell your audience in general terms about the overarching topic of the speech. You may only have a speech title and maybe a paragraph of information to help guide this part of your speech. Remember, your role is to be concise and to the point. The speaker is the one who will elaborate on the topic. Next, you need to tell the audience why the speaker is a credible speaker on the topic. Has the speaker written books or articles on the subject? Has the speaker had special life events that make him or her qualified? Think about what you’ve learned about building ethos and do that for the speaker. Lastly, you need to briefly explain to the audience why they should care about the upcoming speech.

The final part of a good introduction speech is the conclusion. The conclusion is generally designed to welcome the speaker to the lectern. Many introduction speeches will conclude by saying something like, “I am looking forward to hearing how Joe Smith’s advice and wisdom can help all of us today, so please join me in welcoming Mr. Joe Smith.” We’ve known some presenters who will even add a notation to their notes to “start clapping,”  “shake the speaker’s hand,” or “give the speaker a hug” depending on the circumstances of the speech.

Speeches of Presentation

The second type of ceremonial speech is the speech of presentation. A speech of presentation is a brief speech given to accompany a prize or honor. A speech of presentation could be as simple as saying, “This year’s recipient of the Schuman Public Speaking prize is Wilhelmina Jeffers,” or could last up to five minutes as the speaker explains why the honoree was chosen for the award.

When preparing a speech of presentation, it’s always important to ask how long the speech should be. Once you know the time limit, then you can set out to create the speech itself. First, you should explain what the award or honor is and why the presentation is important. Second, you can explain what the recipient has accomplished in order for the award to be bestowed. Did the person win a political race? Did the person write an important piece of literature? Did the person mediate conflict? Whatever the recipient has done, you need to clearly highlight their work. Lastly, if the race or competition was conducted in a public forum and numerous people didn’t win, you may want to recognize those people for their efforts as well. While you don’t want to steal the show away from the winner (as Kanye West did to Taylor Swift during the 2009 MTV Music Video Awards ( https://vimeo.com/173170491 ), you may want to highlight the work of the other competitors or nominees.

Speeches of Acceptance

The complement to a speech of presentation is the speech of acceptance. The speech of acceptance is a speech given by the recipient of a prize or honor. For example, in the above video clip from the 2009 MTV Music Video Awards, Taylor Swift starts by expressing her appreciation, gets interrupted by Kanye West, and ends by saying, “I would like to thank the fans and MTV, thank you.” While not a traditional acceptance speech because of the interruption, she did manage to get in the important parts.

There are three typical components of a speech of acceptance: thank the givers of the award or honor, thank those who helped you achieve your goal, and put the award or honor into perspective.

First, you want to thank the people who have given you the award or honor and possibly those who voted for you. We see this done every year during the Oscars, “First, I’d like to thank the academy and all of the academy voters.” Second, you want to give credit to those who helped you achieve the award or honor. No person accomplishes things in life on their own. We all have families, friends, and/or colleagues who support us and help us achieve what we do in life. A speech of acceptance is a great time to graciously recognize those individuals. Lastly, put the award in perspective. Tell the people listening to your speech why the award is meaningful to you.

Speeches of Dedication

The fourth ceremonial speech is the speech of dedication. A speech of dedication is 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. These speeches are designed to highlight the importance of the project and those to whom the project has been dedicated.

When preparing the speech of dedication, start by explaining your connection to the project and why you’ve been asked to speak. Next, you want to explain what is being dedicated and who was involved with the project, who made it possible. If the project is a new structure, talk about the people who built the structure or designed it. If the project is a preexisting structure, talk about the people who put together and decided on the dedication. You also want to explain why the structure is important and the impact it may have on the local community. For instance, if the dedication is for a new store, you could talk about how the store will bring in new jobs and shopping opportunities. If the dedication is for a new wing of a hospital, you could talk about how patients will be served and the advances in medicine the new wing will provide the community.

It is likely that if you haven’t yourself given a toast at this point in your life, you’ve witnessed one at a social event. A toast is a speech designed to congratulate, appreciate, or remember. Toasts can be delivered for the purpose of congratulating someone for an honor, a new job, or getting married. You can also toast someone to show your appreciation for something they’ve done. We also toast people to remember them and what they have accomplished. Think about a time when you may have heard someone exclaim “let’s raise our glass!” in honor of someone who may or may not be present at that moment.

When preparing a toast, the first goal is always to keep your remarks brief. Toasts are generally given in the course of some festivity (e.g., wedding, retirement party, farewell party), and you don’t want your toast to take away from the festivity for too long. Second, the goal of a toast is to focus attention on the person or persons being celebrated—not on the speaker. As such, while you are speaking you need to focus your attention on the people you are toasting, both by physically looking at them and by keeping your message about them. You should also avoid any inside jokes between you and the people being toasted because toasts are public and should be accessible for everyone who hears them. To conclude a toast, simply say something like, “Please join me in recognizing Joan for her achievement.” While that will verbally signal the conclusion of the toast, some occasions may also call for you to physically raise your glass in the direction of the honoree. This action will invite the audience to join in the toast.

A roast is an interesting and peculiar speech because it is designed to both praise and good-naturedly poke fun at a person being honored. Generally, roasts are given at the conclusion of a banquet in honor of someone’s life achievements. The television station Comedy Central has created a series of celebrity roasts which showcases public figures jokingly insulting other well-known figures in front of a live audience.

In this clip ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSE_saVX_2A#action=share ), watch as Stephen Colbert, television host of The Colbert Report, roasts President George W. Bush.

How does one prepare for a roast? You want to think about the person who is being roasted. Do they have any strange habits or amusing stories in their past that you can discuss? When you think through these things, you want to make sure that you cross anything off your list that is truly private information or will really hurt the person. The goal of a roast is to poke fun at them, not embarrass them or tarnish their reputation. When selecting which aspects to highlight in your roast, you want to make sure that the items you choose are widely known by your audience. Roasts work when the majority of people in the audience can relate to the jokes as these are intended to create a fun atmosphere for all. It is up to the speaker to ensure neither the individual being roasted or the audience, is left feeling uncomfortable. Always remember the point of a roast is to honor someone. While the jokes are definitely the fun part of a roast, you should leave the roastee knowing that you truly do care about and appreciate them.

A eulogy is a speech given in honor of someone who has died. If you are asked to deliver a eulogy, it’s important to understand the expectations of this type of speech and ensure you are prepared. You need to be prepared both for the sake of the audience as well as your own. Watch the following clip ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRsH92sJCr4&feature=youtu.be ) of then-Senator Barack Obama delivering a eulogy at the funeral of civil rights activist Rosa Parks in November of 2005.

In this eulogy, Senator Obama delivers the eulogy by recalling Rosa Park’s importance and her legacy in American history. When preparing a eulogy, first you need to know as much information about the deceased as possible. The more information you have about the person, the more personal you can make the eulogy. While you can rely on your own knowledge if you were close to the deceased, it is always a good idea to ask friends and relatives of the deceased for their memories. Other people’s input may add important facets that may not have occurred to you. Of course, if you were not very close to the deceased, you will need to ask friends and family for information.

Second, although eulogies are delivered on the serious and sad occasion of a funeral or memorial service for the deceased, it is very helpful to look for at least one point to be lighter or humorous. In some cultures, in fact, the friends and family attending the funeral will expect the eulogy to be highly entertaining and amusing. While eulogies are not roasts, one goal of the humor or lighter aspects of a eulogy is to relieve the tension that is created by the serious nature of the occasion.

Lastly, remember to tell the deceased’s story. Tell the audience about who this person was and what the person stood for in life. The more personal you can make a eulogy, the more touching it will be for the deceased’s friends and families. The eulogy should remind the audience to celebrate the person’s life as well as mourn their death.

Speeches of Farewell

A speech of farewell allows someone to say goodbye to one part of their life as they move on to the next part of life. Maybe you’ve accepted a new job and are leaving your current job, or you’re graduating from college and entering the workforce. Whatever the case may be, periods of transition are often marked by speeches of farewell. Watch the following clip ( https://youtu.be/HJrlTpQm0to ) of Derek Jeter’s 2008 speech saying farewell to Yankee Stadium, built in 1923, before the New York Yankees moved to the new stadium that opened in 2009.

In this speech, Derek Jeter is not only saying goodbye to Yankee Stadium but also thanking the fans for their continued support. When preparing a speech of farewell, the goal should be to thank people and let them know how much you appreciate them as you make the move to your next role in life. In Derek Jeter’s speech, he starts by talking about the history of the 1923 Yankee Stadium and then thanks the fans for their support. You will also want to express to your audience how much the experience has meant to you.

A farewell speech is a time to commemorate and think about the good times you’ve had, not recount any less pleasant aspects. It’s a good idea to end on a high note. Derek Jeter concludes his speech by saying, “On behalf of this entire organization, we just want to take this moment to salute you, the greatest fans in the world!” At this point, Jeter and the other players take off their ball caps and hold them up toward the audience.

Inspirational Speaking

The goal of an inspirational speech  is to elicit or arouse an emotional state within an audience. Although other speeches we’ve already explored can incorporate inspirational messages, we will now look at two specific types of inspirational speeches: goodwill and speeches of commencement.

Speeches to Ensure Goodwill

Goodwill is an intangible asset that is made up of the favor or reputation of an individual or organization. Speeches of goodwill are often given in an attempt to get audience members to view the person or organization more favorably. Although speeches of goodwill are persuasive, they try not to be obvious about the persuasive intent. They are often delivered as information-giving speeches that focus on an individual or organization’s positive attributes.

Speeches for Commencements

The second type of inspirational speech is the speech of commencement, which is designed to recognize and celebrate the achievements of a graduating class. Nearly all of us have sat through commencement speeches at some point in our lives.  Perhaps you just finished high school and earned your degree, or you recently attended a commencement for a sibling or other family member. If you have not yet attended a commencement ceremony, you will soon as you work toward earning your college degree. Numerous celebrities and politicians have been asked to deliver commencement speeches at colleges and universities. One famous commencement speech was given by famed Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling at Harvard University in 2008 ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkREt4ZB-ck ).

J.K. Rowling’s speech has the perfect balance of humor and inspiration, which are two of the main ingredients of a great commencement speech.

If you’re ever asked to deliver a commencement speech, there are some key points to think through when deciding on your speech’s content.

• If there is a specific theme for the graduation, make sure that your commencement speech addresses that theme. If there is not a specific theme, come up with one for your speech. Some common commencement speech themes are commitment, competitiveness, competence, confidence, decision making, discipline, ethics, failure (and overcoming failure), faith, generosity, integrity, involvement, leadership, learning, persistence, personal improvement, professionalism, reality, responsibility, and self-respect.
• Talk about your life and how graduates can learn from your experiences to avoid pitfalls or take advantages of life. How can your life inspire the graduates in their future endeavors?
• Make the speech humorous. Commencement speeches should be entertaining and make an audience laugh.
• Be brief! Remember, the graduates are there to get their diplomas, and their families are there to watch the graduates walk across the stage.
• Remember, while you may be the speaker, you’ve been asked to impart wisdom and advice for the people graduating and moving on with their lives, so keep it focused on them.
• Place the commencement speech into the broader context of the graduates’ lives. Show the graduates how the advice and wisdom you are offering can be utilized to make their own lives better. 
Overall, it’s important to make sure that you have fun when delivering a commencement speech. Remember, it’s a tremendous honor and responsibility to be asked to deliver a commencement speech. Take the time to really think through and prepare your speech.

Keynote Speaking

Acumen_ – Keynote Speech – CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

The last type of special occasion speech we will examine is the keynote speech. A keynote speech is delivered to set the underlying tone and summarize the core message of an event. People who deliver keynote speeches are typically experts in a given area who are invited to speak at a conference, convention, banquet, meeting, or other kinds of events with the purpose of setting a specific tone for the occasion. As mentioned, keynote speeches often are meant to inspire an audience. This inspiration can anything from motivating staff at a sales convention to discussing organizational values and imparting wisdom on a group with a shared goal or purpose.

Some keynote speakers will work for a speakers bureau, an agency that represents celebrity and professional speakers. One important organization for all aspiring keynote speakers is the National Speaker’s Association, or NSA. ( http://www.nsaspeaker.org ). In the world of professional public speaking, there are two common types of keynotes: after-dinner speeches and motivational speeches. Let’s look at each of these unique speeches.

After-Dinner Speeches

Ironically, an after-dinner speech does not have to occur after a formal dinner, though it does get its name from the idea that these speeches historically followed a meal of some kind. After-dinner speakers are generally asked (or hired) to speak because they have the ability both to effectively convey a message and to make people laugh. This characteristic does not mean its only goal is to entertain. The after-dinner speech could serve any of the functions previously detailed in this chapter, and all the basic conventions of public speaking discussed in this text apply to after-dinner speeches. However, the overarching goal of these speeches is to entertain and create a light-hearted, jovial atmosphere.

After-dinner speaking is a challenging type of speaking because it requires a balance of entertainment and humor by providing substantive insight into the topic of the event or situation. Finding this balance will allow speakers to deliver a rewarding speech that leaves a lasting impact on the audience. For an example of an after-dinner speech, read the following speech delivered by Mark Twain on his seventieth birthday: ( https://www.pbs.org/marktwain/learnmore/writings_seventieth.html ).

Here are some things to consider when preparing an after-dinner speech.

First, use all that you have learned about informative or persuasive speeches to prepare for this speech, and then consider the four items of note we will outline later in this chapter for creating a successful special occasion speech. You must prepare, consider the occasion, understand your audience, and be mindful of time constraints surrounding your speech and the event.

Second, remember that this is not an opportunity to try your hand at stand-up comedy. The after-dinner speech has a specific goal or purpose, which you must identify and attempt to accomplish. Doing so requires that your speech has a recognizable structure like your more formal speeches: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. While you ideally want to entertain and amuse your audience, you also want to be sure you achieve your speech goal in the given timeframe.

Motivational Speaking

The second common form of keynote speaking is motivational speaking. A motivational speech is designed not only to make an audience experience emotional arousal (fear, sadness, joy, excitement) but also to motivate the audience to do something with that emotional arousal. Whereas a traditional persuasive speech may attempt to influence listeners to purchase a product or agree with an ideology, a motivational speech helps to inspire people in a broader fashion, often without a clearly articulated end result in mind. As such, motivational speaking is a highly specialized form of persuasive speaking commonly delivered in schools, businesses, or religious, club, and group contexts. The Toastmasters International Guide to Successful Speaking lists four types of motivational speeches: hero, survivor, religious, and success (Slutsky & Aun, 1997).

The hero speech is a motivational speech given by someone who is considered a hero in society (e.g. military speakers, political figures, and professional athletes). Just type “motivational speech” into YouTube and you’ll find many motivational speeches given by individuals who can be considered heroes or role models. The following clip ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMlmbz8-_Xg ) presents a speech by Steve Sax, a former major league baseball player.

In this speech, Sax talks about his life as a baseball player, along with issues related to leadership, overcoming obstacles, and motivation.

The survivor speech is a speech given by someone who has survived a personal tragedy or who has faced and overcome serious adversity. In the following clip ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NasfjwL8wTc ), Becky Olson discusses her life as a cancer survivor.

Becky Olson goes all over the country talking with and motivating cancer survivors to beat the odds.

The final type of motivational speech is the success speech, which is given by someone who has succeeded in some aspect of life and is giving back by telling others how they too can be successful. In the following clip ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E52eIa1VSgQ ), the then CEO of Xerox, Anne Mulcahy, speaks before a group of students at the University of Virginia discussing the spirit of entrepreneurship.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E52eIa1VSgQ

In this speech, Mulcahy shares the leadership lessons she had learned as the CEO of Xerox

Review of the Types of Special Occasion Speeches

A speech of introduction is a short speech that introduces another speaker.

A speech of presentation is a brief speech given to accompany a prize or honor.

The speech of acceptance is a speech given by the recipient of a prize or honor.

A speech of dedication is 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. These speeches are designed to highlight the importance of the project and those to whom the project has been dedicated.

A toast is a speech designed to congratulate, appreciate, or remember.

A roast speech is designed to both praise and good-naturedly poke fun at a person being honored.

A eulogy is a speech given in honor of someone who has died.

A s peech of farewell allows someone to say goodbye to one part of their life as they move on to the next part of life.

An inspirational speech  elicits an emotional state within an audience. Inspirational speeches include speeches to ensure goodwill and commencement addresses.

A keynote speech is delivered to set the underlying tone and summarize the core message of an event. Keynote speeches include after-dinner and motivational speeches.

Delivering Your Special Occasion Speech

Special occasion speeches may be common, but that doesn’t mean they don’t require effort and preparation. A frequent trap is that people often do not consider the impact these speeches can have on the occasion. For instance, a wedding toast not only leaves a lasting impression on the couple getting married but also all of the guests in attendance (not to mention it will likely be recorded and posted on social media). As a result, one may not prepare seriously but instead, stand up to speak with the idea that they can “wing it” by acting silly and telling a few jokes. Rather than being entertaining or commemorating the occasion, the speech appears ill-prepared and falls flat. To help us think through how to be effective in delivering special occasion speeches, let’s look at four key items to remember: preparation, adaptation to the occasion, adaptation to the audience, and mindfulness about the time.

First, and foremost, the biggest mistake you can make when standing to deliver a ceremonial speech is to be underprepared or simply not prepare at all. We’ve stressed the need for preparation throughout this text, so just because you’re giving a wedding toast or a eulogy doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think through the speech before you stand up and speak out. If the situation is impromptu, even jotting some basic notes on a napkin is better than not having any plan for what you are going to say. Remember, when you get anxious, as inevitably happens in front of an audience, your brain doesn’t function as well as when you are having a relaxed conversation with friends. You often forget information. By writing down some simple notes, you’ll be poised to deliver a more thoughtful speech that matches the needs of the occasion.

Consider the Occasion

Not all content is appropriate for all occasions. If you are asked to deliver a speech commemorating the first anniversary of a school shooting, then obviously using humor and telling jokes is not appropriate. But some decisions about adapting to the occasion are less obvious. Consider the following examples:

• You are the maid of honor giving a toast at the wedding of your younger sister.
• You are receiving a Most Valuable Player award in your favorite sport.
• You are a sales representative speaking to a group of clients after a mistake has been discovered.
• You are a cancer survivor speaking at a high school student assembly.

How might you adapt your message and speaking style to successfully mark each occasion in front of the various audiences in attendance? 
Remember that being a competent speaker is about being both personally effective and socially appropriate. Different occasions will call for different speech functions. As a speaker, it is important to understand the needs of the occasion and adapt your content accordingly. One of the biggest mistakes speakers can make is to deliver one generic speech to different groups without adapting the speech to the specific 
occasion. In fact, professional speakers always make sure that their speeches are tailored to each specific occasion by asking questions and investigating the details of each event or situation. When we customize our speech for the special occasion, people are more likely to remember the speech than if we give a generic speech.

Consider Your Audience

Understanding your audience remains one of the most critical aspects of preparing your speech for any occasion. Different audiences will respond differently to speech material. The more you know about your audience and the more you are able to adapt your content to their needs and wants, the more likely your speech will have an impact and you will effectively achieve your speaking goal. One of the coauthors of this text was at a conference specifically for teachers of public speaking. The keynote speaker stood and delivered a speech on the importance of public speaking. Remember, a function of keynote speaking is to inspire the audience. Though this particular speaking was highly informed on the topic and even entertained the audience, the speech did not go over very well with the audience. Why do you think this was? Speaking to an audience of public speaking instructors, a safe assumption is that they already believe in the importance of the subject. Thus, we can also assume that the speaker may not have considered the audience when preparing the speech, and therefore it is likely the keynote did not fulfill its function of inspiring them.

Be Mindful of the Time

There are very few times in life, whether it be academic, professional, or personal, that you will be given an infinite amount of time to do anything. This is an important consideration to keep in mind when preparing your special occasion speech (as well as your informative and persuasive speeches!). Special occasions often consist of more than just speeches. Each has its own conventions and rules with regard to time. Acceptance speeches and toasts, for example, should be relatively short (typically under five minutes). A speech of introduction should be extremely brief, just long enough to tell the audience what they need to know about the person being introduced and prepares them to appreciate that person’s remarks. Conversely, commemorative speeches, commencement speeches, and keynote addresses tend to be longer as they include more content and have different goals.

When it comes to speech timing, the other three items we’ve discussed in this section can come in very handy. With preparation and practice, you can ensure your speech adheres to a specific timeframe. Considering your occasion and understanding your audience will also help you when crafting your speech and determining an appropriate amount of time for speaking. Think about a wedding you’ve attended when a toast honoring the couple has gone on and on and on, and everyone, including the happy couple, just wanted to get up and dance. There are also examples of instances when an audience may have been eager to be inspired and motivated but left disappointed when the speaker presented a quick and vapid speech. It can go either way, and that’s why it is important to be prepared, consider the occasion, and understand your audience.

It is also perfectly acceptable to ask questions about the expected time frame for a speech. Either ask the person who has invited you to speak, or you can do some quick research to see what the average speech times in the given context tend to be.

Slutsky, J., & Aun, M. (1997). The Toastmasters International® guide to successful speaking: Overcoming your fears, winning over your audience, building your business & career. Chicago, IL: Dearborn Financial Publishing.

Stand up, Speak out Copyright © 2017 by Josh Miller; Marnie Lawler-Mcdonough; Megan Orcholski; Kristin Woodward; Lisa Roth; and Emily Mueller is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Speech Writing

Special Occasion Speech

Understanding Special Occasion Speech: Types, Steps, Examples and Tips

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Have you ever been asked to give a special occasion speech and felt completely lost?

Your speech needs to be perfect, but how can you ensure that it touches hearts and leaves a lasting impact?

But don't worry—this blog is here to help. We offer practical tips, clear examples, and proven techniques to guide you in creating a speech that resonates.

So, let’s find out how!

• 1. Special Occasion Speech Definition
• 2. Types of Special Occasion Speech
• 3. How to Write a Special Occasion Speech?
• 4. Special Occasion Speech Outline Example
• 5. Special Occasion Speech Topics
• 6. Ideas for Special Occasion Speeches
• 7. Special Occasion Speech Examples - H2
• 8. Tips for Writing A Good Special Occasion Speech

Special Occasion Speech Definition

A special occasion speech is a speech given to mark a significant event or moment. These types of speeches are meant to celebrate, honor, or remember the occasion and the people involved. They can vary greatly depending on the event, but they always aim to connect with the audience on an emotional level.

Special occasion speeches include toasts at weddings, eulogies at funerals, acceptance speeches at award ceremonies, and farewell speeches at retirements. Each type follows its style of speech writing according to the audience, purpose and nature of the event.

These speeches are typically concise, targeted, and customized to suit the event. They often highlight the importance of the occasion, express gratitude, and share personal stories or reflections. By doing so, they help to make the event more meaningful for everyone involved.

Watch this video to become more familiar with the special occasion speech.

Types of Special Occasion Speech

There are many special life events that require special occasion speaking. People show their gratitude, appreciation, and condolence through their speeches. As the list of events grows, the list of speeches grows simultaneously. 

The list of special occasion speeches is very long, so for simplicity, we have grouped them into two different categories: 

• Ceremonial Speaking
• Inspirational Speaking

Let’s discuss these special occasion speech types in detail. 

Ceremonial Speeches

Ceremonial speeches are given at ceremonies by the observance of formality and decorum. The ceremonies are special occasions that people arrange to celebrate something. There are eight common types of ceremonial speaking. Let's examine them one by one.

• Speech of Introduction

An introduction speech is a mini-speech given by the host of an event to introduce the upcoming speaker. This speech is very precise and short, given only to familiarize the audience with the speaker going to deliver a speech. 

A good introduction speech could be like this:

This introduction has creatively introduced the speaker and her topic while making the audience interested in her speech.

Acceptance Speech

The speech of acceptance is given by a person who has just received an award, a prize, or an honor. The speaker usually starts by thanking everyone and ends with expressing appreciation. The speech of acceptance basically has three main components:

• A special thanks to the prize or award giver.
• Other special thanks to those who have helped in achieving the goal
• The prize or the award needs to be put into perspective.

When you prepare for an acceptance speech , you need to think of the people you want to thank. List down their names in the order you want to thank them. Take a look at the acceptance speech example given below:

Acceptance Speech Example

• Presentation Speech

The presentation speech is given while presenting an award, prize, or honor. The basic purpose of the presentation speech is to recognize the person’s accomplishments about the honor or award. These speeches provide the following components:

• Highlights the award’s significance that is being given
• Highlights the merits of the award recipient
• Enhance the credibility of the award and the event by personalizing the speech

Have a look at the following presentation speech example and learn to make the award/prize and the person being honored center of the attention.

Presentation Speech Example

• Dedication Speech

Speech of dedication is delivered to dedicate something to someone. It is usually given at an inauguration ceremony, a building named after someone, a new shop opens, and so on. 

The dedication speeches are intended to highlight the importance of a project and to whom it has been dedicated. When preparing for a dedication speech, you need to consider the following factors:

• How you are involved in the dedication
• Explain what is being dedicated
• Explain who was involved in the project
• Explain the importance of the project

Here is a dedication speech example for you.

Dedication Speech Example

A toast is a kind of brief tribute to a particular person or a specific event. It is designed to appreciate and congratulate the people being toasted. It allows the speaker to recognize the person’s achievements and give the best wishes for the future.

While delivering a toast, keep these key points in mind:

• Keep it brief and specific to the event.
• Focus attention on the person being toasted
• Avoid any inside joke which is not accessible to all of the audience as toasts are public.
• End the toast by praising the person being toasted

Check out this amazing special occasion speech toast example:

Toast Speech Example

A roast is an interesting and funny speech because it is designed to praise and humorously insult the person being toasted. It is usually delivered at the end of a banquet to honor a person's life achievements.

Follow these tips to write an interesting toast:

• Think about the person who is being roasted.
• Look for any amusing story or a strange habit of the person being roasted.
• Poke fun at them but avoid targeting a specific person.
• Avoid the things that are truly private or might hurt the specific person’s emotions.
• Choose the jokes and stories that work best with all of the audience.
• Make your speech as humorous as possible.
• Leave with a positive note and appreciate the person. 

Here are a few funny special occasion speech topics for you: 

• Roast of the Office Prankster
• A Funny Tribute to the Family Tech Guru
• A Roast for the Coffee Addict
• Roast of the Social Media Star
• A Tribute to the Eternal Latecomer

Make sure you follow all these tips so that you can easily write an amazing toast.

A eulogy speech is a special occasion speech given in honor of a person who has died. It is delivered to pay tribute to the departed soul. It is given by the priest, imam, or any other religious leader. 

When preparing a eulogy, the speaker needs to do the following things:

• Get a lot of information about the departed soul. It will help to personalize the eulogy.
• Remind the audience about the deceased person and his/her life achievements
• Tell the deceased’s story.
• Celebrate the deceased’s life and mourn their death

Eulogies can take various forms, and they often encompass three main types:

• Praise Eulogy: Celebrates the achievements, qualities, and positive impact of the deceased, aiming to inspire and uplift.
• Lament Eulogy: Expresses grief, sorrow, and loss, providing a cathartic outlet for those in mourning.
• Console Eulogy: Offers comfort and hope to the grieving audience, often with religious or spiritual elements, for strength and healing.

Look at the eulogy speech format in this eulogy example. 

Eulogy Speech Example

• Farewell Speech

It allows you to say goodbye to a current part of your life as you are moving to another part. The speeches are very common at college and university farewell parties. The graduating class says farewell to the institute as they are moving forward.

The goal of the farewell speech is to thank and appreciate the people who are currently a part of your life. As you move forward to the next position, pay tribute to the people who have helped you achieve your goals. A farewell speech gives you a chance to commemorate and remember the good times you have had. 

Here is a farewell speech example for you.

Farewell Speech Example

• After Dinner Speech

After-dinner speech is directed toward a specific group. It aims to entertain yet inform the audience about a particular issue. They are quite tricky because of their dual role, but with practice, anyone can deliver an effective speech.

As the name suggests, these speeches are delivered at dinners after they are done. A dinner speaker makes a serious point by efficiently using humor to make a significant mark on the audience and occasion.

Inspirational/ Motivational Speaking 

The goal of the inspirational speech is to inspire the audience to believe something or act upon something. It aims to inspire the audience to take a particular action regarding personal or professional growth.

Here are the few types of inspirational speeches:

• Goodwill Speech

Goodwill speeches are delivered to build a goodwill relationship with the audience. These speeches seek to introduce an entity or a person to another group, organization, or country.  These speeches are informative as well as persuasive in nature.

There are three types of goodwill speeches:

• Public Relations Speech - intended to enhance the speaker’s or the organization’s image.
• Justification Speech - attempts to defend why a particular action has taken or will be taken.
• Speech of Apology - given to accept the mistake, apologize, and ask the audience for forgiveness.

All of the goodwill speeches not just inform the audience but attempt to persuade them at the same time. 

• Commemorative Speech

Commencement or commemorative speeches are usually given at graduation ceremonies during which the degrees are being awarded to the students. 

It is a kind of celebration that marks an important milestone in graduates’ lives.  It is usually given by a well-known person who is recognized by many i.e. the president of the country.

The commemorative speech has these basic components:

• Highlight the importance of the day in the graduates’ lives
• Count the accomplishments of the graduating class
• Gives best wishes for the future endeavor
• Put the light on future goals. 

Here we have a good commemorative speech example for you.

Commemorative Speech Example

Pep talks are a type of inspirational speech designed to boost morale, instill confidence, and encourage perseverance among teams or groups.

These speeches are commonly used in sports, business, and educational settings where motivating a group is crucial for success. A well-crafted pep talk can energize the audience, helping them overcome challenges and maintain a positive attitude.

Here's a deeper look into what makes a successful pep talk:

Key Components:

• Positive Reinforcement: Highlight past successes and strengths of the team to build confidence.
• Clear Goals: Outline the objectives and emphasize the importance of each individual's role in achieving them.
• Emotional Appeal: Use passionate language and compelling stories to connect with the audience's emotions.
• Encouragement: Offer words of encouragement and support, stressing that obstacles can be overcome through teamwork and perseverance.
• Call to Action: End with a strong, motivating call to action, urging the team to give their best effort and remain focused.

Pep talks are effective because they tap into the collective energy and spirit of the group, reinforcing the belief that success is attainable through effort and unity. 

How to Write a Special Occasion Speech?

It is a well-known fact that there is no universal recipe for writing a perfect special occasion speech, yet we want to provide you with the basic process that keeps you inspired. 

Here is the step by step process of writing a special occasion speech:

Step 1 - Understand the Occasion

The first step in writing a special occasion speech is to thoroughly understand the event you’re addressing. Identify the nature of the event—whether it's a wedding, retirement party, award ceremony, or funeral. 

Knowing the specific occasion helps you tailor your speech to the context. Equally important is understanding your audience. Consider who will be listening to your speech and what their expectations might be. This insight will help you connect with your audience on a personal level.

Step 2 - Decide on Your Message

Next, decide on the central message you want to convey. 

This could be an inspirational message, a celebration of achievements, or an honoring of someone’s memory. Once you know the purpose of your speech, choose a central theme that ties everything together. 

For instance, at a wedding, your theme might revolve around love and commitment, while at a retirement party, it might focus on gratitude and accomplishments. Your message and theme will serve as the backbone of your speech.

Step 3 - Gather Content

With your message and theme in mind, start gathering content that supports them. 

Collect relevant stories, memories, or anecdotes that illustrate your main points. These personal touches make your speech more relatable and engaging. 

Additionally, consider using meaningful quotes or references that resonate with the occasion and audience. These elements can add depth and significance to your speech.

Step 4 - Create an Outline

Creating an outline helps organize your thoughts and ensures your speech flows logically. 

Start with a strong introduction that grabs the audience’s attention. Introduce yourself and explain your connection to the event or honoree. In the body of your speech, organize your main points in a logical order. 

Each point should support your central theme and be backed up with stories and examples. Finally, craft a memorable conclusion that summarizes your key points and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

Step 5 - Write the Speech

Now it’s time to write your speech. Keep it concise and to the point—special occasion speeches are typically brief. It's usually good to start with a hook, so, find something that can grab your audience’s attention.

Use simple language that is easy to understand and avoids complex vocabulary and jargon. Write in a conversational tone that reflects your personality and suits the mood of the event. This will make your speech more engaging and easier to deliver naturally.

Step 6 - Revise and Edit

Once you’ve written your speech, take the time to revise and edit it. 

Read your speech out loud to see how it flows and to ensure it sounds natural. Seek feedback from trusted friends or family members who can provide valuable insights and suggestions. 

Based on their feedback, make necessary adjustments to improve clarity, engagement, and overall impact.

Step 7 - Practice and Rehearse 

Finally, practice delivering your speech multiple times. Focus on your tone, pace, and body language. 

Rehearse until you feel comfortable and confident. Visualize yourself giving the speech in front of the audience, which can help reduce anxiety and improve your delivery. The more you practice, the more polished and effective your speech will be.

By following these detailed steps, you can write a special occasion speech that is heartfelt, meaningful, and memorable. 

Special Occasion Speech Outline Example

There is no one perfect way to write a speech for a special occasion. However, we want to provide you with an example to help you get started.

Here is the special occasion speech outline template for your reference:

Special Occasion Speech Topics

As special occasion speeches are event-oriented, you might know about the topic already. Yet, it’s essential to ensure that you choose the best idea and turn it into a memorable talk. 

Here are some good special occasion speech topics for you:

• Prepare a special occasion speech on a famous person and remind the audience about his accomplishments.
• Give a maid of honor toast at your best friend’s wedding.
• Deliver an acceptance speech for winning an award.
• Present an employee of the year award.
• Give a roast when your best friend is leaving the organization.
• Deliver a keynote address at a company’s annual convention.
• Deliver the best man speech to a wedding couple
• Deliver a commemorative speech to mark an essential milestone in graduates’ lives.
• Give a good introduction to the new president of the United States.
• Prepare a farewell speech for your exit party.

Ideas for Special Occasion Speeches

Here are some basic examples of special occasion speeches you can use:

Special Occasion Speech Examples - H2

Check out these amazing special occasion speech samples and see how amazing they are written. You can also take help from speech examples to write your speech.

Short Special Occasion Speech Examples

Funny Special Occasion Speech Examples

Award Acceptance Special Occasion Speech - Example

Farewell Special Occasion Speech - Example

Special Occasion Introduction Speech - Example

Graduation Speech for College Students - Example

Need more examples? Find an extensive list of expertly written speech examples for inspiration!

Tips for Writing A Good Special Occasion Speech

Whether you’re giving a toast at a wedding, delivering an address at an awards ceremony, or speaking at any other special event, these tips will help your words ring true with your audience. 

• Plan Ahead: Research the topic and gather ideas for your speech. Set aside time to write, rehearse, and practice.
• Think About Your Audience: Consider their interests and what resonates with them. Tailor your content accordingly.
• Choose Your Words Carefully: Ensure your speech sounds natural and heartfelt. Use vivid imagery to enhance your message.
• Use Humor Sparingly: Add warmth and engagement with humor, but keep it tasteful and relevant.
• End on a High Note: Conclude with a strong, memorable closing that leaves a positive impression.

Once all these elements come together effectively then you'll be well on track for creating an unforgettable moment!

All in all , writing a good speech that is specific to the event and the audience is somehow tricky. But you don’t have to worry anymore, as this guide comprehensively covers all aspects and examples of occasional speech writing.

Still feel stuck? Do not worry!

MyPerfectWords.com, your go-to online speech writing service , offers exceptional help, crafting special occasion speeches at budget-friendly rates.

Get custom essay help from us today and wave goodbye to the anxieties of composing a stellar speech.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which best defines a special occasion speech.

A special occasion speech, by definition, is a type of ceremonial speaking. It involves delivering a speech specifically written to commemorate or signify the importance of a particular event, such as weddings, graduations, or funerals.

What's the purpose of a special occasion speech?

The purpose of a special occasion speech is to celebrate, honor, or recognize a particular event or individual. It aims to evoke emotions, inspire, or convey gratitude, depending on the nature of the occasion.

Why is it good to keep special occasion speeches short?

Keeping special occasion speeches short ensures that the audience remains engaged and attentive throughout the speech. It also respects the time constraints of the event and allows for a more impactful and memorable delivery.

What is another term for special occasion speaking?

Another term for special occasion speaking is ceremonial speaking, as it often involves delivering speeches at formal ceremonies or events.

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Special Occasion Speech

Special occasion speech generator.

Crafting the perfect Special Occasion Speech can transform any event into a memorable experience. This detailed guide, interspersed with various speech examples , provides you with the tools to create speeches that resonate deeply with your audience. Whether you’re preparing a heartfelt toast, a motivational speech, or a solemn eulogy, this guide covers all aspects of special occasion speech-making. Learn to articulate your thoughts eloquently and appropriately, ensuring your words become an integral part of every special moment.

Download Special Occasion Speech Bundle

A speech is a talk addressed to a particular audience. It can be to inform, to persuade, or to pay tribute or praise. A general speech is often delivered during formal gatherings such as conventions and special occasions. Special occasion speeches, such as birthday and wedding speeches , don’t necessarily follow a set of rules in public speaking. There is no need for a speech exercise or strict formats for one to follow when it comes to writing a good speech. They are shorter than the standard types of speeches as they are simply intended to introduce, dedicate, or praise an individual.

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Short Special Occasion Speech

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Farewell Speech

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Commemorative Speech

Tribute Speech

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Speaker Introduction Speech

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Birthday Speech

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Award Acceptance Speech

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What Is a Special Occasion Speech?

As the name implies, special occasion speeches are delivered during special occasions. They are sometimes given to commemorate a legacy or to celebrate an achievement. A special occasion speech is short and straight to the point, possibly lasting for ten minutes or less. A mood is often set through these speeches, enough to change everyone’s spirit. Some special occasion speech examples include a eulogy, a toast, and an award speech.

How to Give a Special Occasion Speech

To give a good special occasion speech, you need to know your topic well. Do your research agenda , especially when you’re dealing with names and titles of significant people. There’s nothing more insulting than delivering a speech that has the wrong information and no factual basis whatsoever. From there, you’ll be able to add your own words and ideas to the speech.

Use an optimistic tone. Even when you are presenting a eulogy, you need to be able to set a positive vibe that celebrates a person’s time here on earth. For introducing significant individuals, a good presentation speech that depicts honor and gratitude would definitely do the job. Keep in mind that a special occasion speech is meant to relay a positive message to an audience.

Short Speech for Special Occasion

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Farewell Speech

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Graduation Speech

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Sample Special Occasion Speech

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Types of Special Occasion Speech

Special Occasion Speeches are a pivotal part of various events and ceremonies, each with a distinct purpose and tone. Whether it’s a formal gathering or a casual celebration, understanding these different types of speeches helps in crafting the right message for the occasion. Here, we explore various forms of special occasion speeches, such as Speeches of Introduction, Presentation, Acceptance, Dedication, along with Toasts, Roasts, and Eulogies.

Speeches of Introduction

Speeches of Introduction are designed to introduce a speaker or a key person at an event. The goal is to establish a connection between the audience and the speaker, highlighting their credentials and relevance to the topic or event. These speeches should be brief, engaging, and informative, setting the stage for the main speaker.

Speeches of Presentation

These speeches occur during the presentation of an award or honor. The focus is on the significance of the award and the merits of the recipient. A Speech of Presentation should be gracious and celebratory, often highlighting the achievements and contributions of the awardee.

Speeches of Acceptance

When an individual receives an award or honor, they often deliver a Speech of Acceptance . This speech is an opportunity to express gratitude, acknowledge the support of others, and sometimes, to speak on the award’s significance. It should be humble, succinct, and heartfelt.

Speeches of Dedication

Speeches of Dedication are delivered during the dedication of buildings, memorials, or other significant items. These speeches honor the purpose and significance of the item or place being dedicated. It’s a moment to reflect on its importance and to pay homage to those who contributed.

Toasts are short speeches given in honor of a person or an occasion, often during a meal or a social event. The key to a successful toast is brevity, warmth, and sincerity. It’s a gesture of goodwill and celebration, usually ending with an invitation for the audience to raise their glasses.

Roasts are humorous and entertaining speeches meant to playfully ‘poke fun’ at an individual, usually in a light-hearted manner. The key is to balance humor with respect, ensuring that the roast remains enjoyable and does not offend.

A Eulogy is a speech given in memory of someone who has passed away, usually at a funeral or memorial service. It’s a tribute to the deceased, reflecting on their life, values, and impact on others. Eulogies are deeply personal, respectful, and aim to offer comfort to the audience.

Incorporating these different types of speeches into special occasions adds depth and meaning to the events. Whether celebrating achievements, honoring individuals, or remembering loved ones, each speech type serves a unique and important role in conveying sentiments aptly suited to the occasion.

What Is the Importance of Special Occasion Speech?

Typically, a presentation speech is necessary for individuals to learn and interact with one another. Speakers learn from their research while the audience, as listeners, learn from the speaker’s speech. For special occasion speeches, it usually relates to the personal aspect. You may also see thank-you speech examples & samples .

A special occasion speech can often give pride to the individual being honored. It is a good way to recognize one’s effort. For instance, a welcome speech gives thanks to the audience for being present despite various circumstances. The speech is a means of showing one’s appreciation through words of praise and gratitude. You may also like launch speech examples .

Tips for Special Occasion Speech

A good special occasion speech comes from the power of words. It needs to leave a lasting impact to your audience for it to be effective. Here are some tips for a good speech:

• Tell a story. It could be something funny or inspiring, as long as it remains relevant. You may also check out dedication speech examples .
• Address the individual being honored or celebrated.
• Organize your words. Use speech templates to help you properly sort various ideas and thoughts.
• Avoid using explicit language. Keep in mind that your audience is a diverse group. Not everyone will be thrilled about your choice of words. You might be interested in leadership speech examples & samples .

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Impactful Volunteer Appreciation Speech Samples & Tips

Craft a volunteer appreciation speech that says "thank you" to your incredible volunteers in a meaningful way. Use these samples and tips to get started.

Cheryl is an experienced freelance writer who uses her advanced education and experience to craft unique and fun content.

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When you're hosting an event to recognize volunteers or giving a speech after an event, it's important to let those who helped know just how much you appreciate their dedication to your cause. After all, the success of your organization really hinges on their hard work and commitment.

While the focus of the speech is thanking volunteers, it can also be the perfect time to highlight how volunteering can contribute to the organization and how volunteers impact those they serve. These tips and samples can help send the perfect message of appreciation and inspiration. 

Sample Volunteer Appreciation Speeches

If you need to write a volunteer appreciation speech and aren't quite sure where to start, use these sample speeches as a guide. One is focused on thanking volunteers for giving their time and talents, while the other is designed to be presented as a speech to volunteer committee members who worked together on a special event or project.

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• 50+ Ways to Give Back & Volunteer Doing What You Love

To open each speech as an editable PDF document, click on the corresponding image. From there, you can make changes, save, and print. See these helpful tips if you need assistance with the document.

Basic Volunteer Appreciation Speech

You matter. You make a difference. Your great generosity has had a profound and lasting impact on [insert the cause or population served by the volunteers being recognized]. Your willingness to share both your time and your talent by volunteering with [insert the organization's name] says a lot about each of you as human beings. Your willingness to give selflessly to help others speaks to both your strength and the quality of your character.

When you volunteer, you are making a commitment to share that most precious of resources — your time — to make life better for those who are in need. The fruits of your labors make a tangible impact, of course, but perhaps it is the fact that you are willing to share your time and talent to lend a helping hand and to show kindness and caring that makes the greatest difference in the lives of the individuals who are touched by your generosity.

While I know that you choose to volunteer selflessly and without expectation of being recognized or rewarded, today I wish to do just that. I want to let you know just how much your dedication is appreciated and to make sure that everyone at [insert name of organization] is forever grateful to each of you. Whether you are a long-time volunteer or if you got involved fairly recently, and regardless of how many hours you choose to give, it's important for you to know that what you do makes a difference.

Words cannot adequately express the gratitude that I, and the board and staff of [insert organization] wish to convey. Please know that your volunteerism is recognized, appreciated, valued, and cherished. We thank you and look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.

Volunteer Appreciation Speech for a Committee

Thank you so much for serving on the [insert event title] committee this year. As you know, this event is [insert name of organization]'s primary fundraiser. This event is a major undertaking that is made possible only by the efforts of each of you, working individually and in concert as a team committed to organizing, promoting, and hosting a successful event.

Thanks to your hard work and dedication, this year's [name of event] raised [insert dollar amount], all of which will be earmarked to provide financial support for [specify how the money will be used] throughout the coming year. This marks an increase over last year's total of [insert percentage], a significant accomplishment that can be directly attributed to the hard work, dedication, determination, and creativity exhibited by this year’s committee.

Please know how very much your participation on the [insert name of event] committee and your dedication to [insert organization name] is appreciated. Every single contribution made by every single team member made a difference and contributed to the event’s success. The success of this event will allow the group to [specify objective(s) to be accomplished] in the coming year. On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my great pleasure — and my great honor — to say thank you.

Expressing Appreciation to Volunteers

Of course, even if you use one of the templates as a starting point, you still have to adjust the wording to your situation. Saying what you're thinking is not always easy to do. There may be many things you want to convey to your volunteers.

When planning the speech, the best thing to do is brainstorm and jot down ideas as they come to you. Then organize your sentiments into the speech you'll give at a recognition event or other special event where the volunteers will be in attendance.

A whiteboard can help you visualize the points of your speech. 

What to Include

The purpose of a volunteer appreciation speech is to praise your volunteers for the work they do for your cause. You will want to include a general thank you and perhaps even thank outstanding volunteers personally in the speech.

Some points to include in your speech:

• Opening and welcome
• Reasons the volunteers are important to your organization
• Mention any successes or accomplishments of your organization this year and credit it to the volunteers
• Tell a story about how volunteer efforts are impacting the community or cause
• Recognize an outstanding volunteer
• Give an award or a series of awards
• Express heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers who give so much of themselves and expect so little in return

For a special touch, begin or end your speech with a meaningful saying, such as an original volunteer appreciation poem or quote on volunteerism .

• 45 Inspiring Quotes About Doing Good 

Tips for Effective Speeches

Don't just offer random thoughts on volunteering, or your audience may get lost and not be able to follow what you are saying. When preparing for your speech, consider the following for maximum effectiveness:

• Be yourself and speak from the heart.
• Be sure to speak clearly and slowly.
• Adjust the volume of the microphone for the size of the room and use a podium.
• Go with a theme to tie your speech together.
• Use quotes or a poem in the speech for a special touch.
• Make a joke to lighten the mood of the room.
• Know your audience and tailor your speech to them.

Whatever you say, it's important to try to inspire your volunteers so they will continue to serve your organization and work for your cause. A speech is also an opportunity to ask for their continued support and a great way to get your current core of volunteers to bring in new people to join in your mission.

• Fun and Easy Volunteer Ideas and Opportunities

Show Your Appreciation

Showing your volunteers that you recognize their efforts and appreciate all their hard work is important for any organization. Since many volunteers are the backbone of organizations and do a lot without expecting anything in return, they deserve to be recognized. Use your speech to convey your heartfelt thanks to all those who give their time and talents. 

50 Meaningful Employee Appreciation Messages to Celebrate Your Staff

January 12, 2024

Recognizing employees’ hard work and contributions is key to fostering a supportive and productive workplace. Studies show that employee recognition, whether big or small, has a significant impact on employee morale, job satisfaction, and more.

Yet, despite these significant benefits, research reveals that a large majority of organizations (83%) are not recognizing their employees frequently. Likewise, Zippia reports that 29% of employees haven’t received recognition for good work in over a year. These stats highlight a clear need for increased and consistent employee appreciation   in the workplace.

From holiday greetings to the team, to individual messages celebrating specific achievements, or even a quick note to uplift an employee, a few words of appreciation can be highly impactful on employee engagement and productivity.

Read on for 50 meaningful employee appreciation message examples, 10 motivational quotes to include in your messages, and key insights on how to effectively express gratitude to your staff.

Understanding Employee Appreciation and Recognition

Why is it important to show appreciation to employees? Simply put, employee appreciation and recognition are all about acknowledging the hard work and dedication employees put into their roles and organization daily – and employees need recognition to thrive in the workplace.

In fact, studies show that employee recognition and appreciation have a significant impact on engagement, trust, and retention rates:

• 66% of highly recognized employees agree that they trust their everyday team members ( Gallup ).
• Employees who are recognized are 6x more likely to stay at their jobs than those who aren’t ( Zippia ).
• Employee recognition increases employee engagement, productivity, and performance by 14% ( Deloitte ).

When employees feel that their contributions are valued by their company, they are more likely to be content and fully engaged in their work, reinforcing their sense of purpose within the organization. This leads to a workforce that is both productive and engaged, which sets the organization up for success. Ultimately, a recognized and engaged staff translates to increased productivity, creating a win-win scenario for everyone involved.

How to Write a Good Employee Appreciation Message

Writing a good employee appreciation message seems like a simple task, however it can be quite challenging. Sometimes, it can be difficult to find the right words, and other times, the tone may not feel quite right. Here are some key pointers for creating an impactful employee appreciation message:

• Sincere: Start by clearly stating the purpose of your message – to thank the employee for their hard work and dedication.
• Specific: Be specific about what you are thanking them for, whether it’s completing a challenging project, consistently meeting deadlines, or contributing positively to the team dynamic.
• Personalized: You can personalize your message by mentioning qualities or contributions that are unique to the individual. This level of detail shows that you are paying attention to and value their specific role in the company.

Remember, appreciation messages do not always need to be formal. A casual note or a heartfelt conversation can be just as meaningful. The key is to convey genuine gratitude in a way that aligns with your company culture and your relationship with the employee.

50 Employee Appreciation Message Examples

When it comes to expressing gratitude towards your employees, the right words can make all the difference. Here are fifty examples of employee appreciation messages.

Simple Employee Appreciation Messages

• For Consistent Work: "Your consistent performance and dedication are the pillars of our team’s success. Thank you for your relentless effort and commitment."
• For Team Contribution: "Your ability to collaborate and elevate the team is remarkable. We are incredibly fortunate to have you with us. Thank you for your invaluable contribution."
• For Leadership: "Your leadership and vision have been key factors in our team’s success. Thank you for guiding us towards excellence."
• For a Boss: "I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for your exceptional leadership. Your guidance and support have not only made me a better professional but have also created a positive work environment. Thank you for being an inspiring leader."
• For a Colleague: "I wanted to acknowledge the incredible teamwork and camaraderie that define our group. Your collective efforts make every day at work enjoyable and productive. Thank you for your dedication to our shared goals."

Hard Work and Dedication

• Example 1: "Your dedication to your role and team is an inspiration to us all. Your hard work, day in and day out, doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you for your consistent efforts!”
• Example 2: “You are a true embodiment of dedication and hard work. Your ability to stay focused, even in the face of challenges, is admirable. Your contributions play a pivotal role in our achievements, and we’re thankful for your tireless commitment.”
• Example 3: "[Name], your dedication is the driving force behind our team’s accomplishments. Your hard work has a ripple effect, motivating others to give their best as well. We value your unwavering commitment and the positive impact it has on our team. Thank you for being an exceptional role model."
• Example 4: "Your efforts don't go unnoticed. You're a rock star in our team, and we appreciate all that you do. Keep up the great work!"
• Example 5: “[Name], thank you for consistently going the extra mile and setting a high standard for us all. Your commitment to excellence is a testament to your character. Your contributions are invaluable to our team’s success.”

Specific Project Acknowledgement

• Project Completion: "Congratulations on the successful completion of [project name]. Your expertise and hard work have been crucial to our success. Great job!"
• Problem-Solving Skills: "Your innovative solutions for [specific problem] have significantly impacted our project's progress. Your creativity and insight are highly appreciated."
• Going Above and Beyond: "Your extra effort in [specific task or project] has not only brought exceptional results but has also inspired us all. Thank you for going the extra mile."
• Attention to Detail: “Your recent project's success is a testament to your dedication and expertise. Your attention to detail and commitment to excellence shine brightly. Thank you for your outstanding work.”
• Overcoming Challenges: "Facing the challenges of [specific situation] was not easy, but you handled it with incredible resilience and professionalism. Your strength is truly inspiring."
• Personal Growth: "It’s amazing to see how you’ve grown in your role, especially in [specific skill or area]. Your progress is a testament to your hard work and dedication."
• Performance: "Congratulations on your recent achievement! Your outstanding performance and dedication have set a remarkable example for the entire team. Keep up the excellent work!"

Positive Attitude and Being a Team Player

• Example 1: “Your partnership has been invaluable in achieving our goals. Together, we’ve tackled challenges and celebrated successes. Your collaboration, trust, and teamwork are deeply appreciated.”
• Example 2: “Your continuous positivity is like a ray of sunshine in the workplace. Your cheerful outlook and can-do attitude not only brighten everyone’s day but also inspires others to approach challenges with optimism. Thank you for spreading positivity and being a team player!”
• Example 3: “Your positive attitude is a powerful catalyst within our team. Regardless of the challenges we face, you approach each day with enthusiasm and a smile. Your optimism is contagious. Thank you for bringing your positive energy and bright spirit to our team, making it a better place for all.”

Team-Oriented Messages

• Example 1: "Your support and encouragement to your team members are what makes our workplace special. Thank you for being such an integral part of our team spirit."
• Example 2: "Your collaborative spirit has played a significant role in the team’s success. Your willingness to share ideas and work together is highly valued."
• Example 3: "Our collective success is a result of your outstanding teamwork and collaboration. Your ability to work seamlessly together and support each other is commendable. Thank you for being an exceptional team."
• Example 4: "Thank you for your part in our team's success. Your willingness to collaborate and share ideas has made a significant impact on our projects. Keep up the fantastic teamwork!"
• Example 5: “Teamwork makes the dream work, and you exemplify that spirit. Your contributions to our team have been outstanding. Thank you for your continuous collaboration, support, and positive attitude!”

Work Anniversaries and Retirement

• Generic Work Anniversary Example 1: "Happy work anniversary! Your journey over these [number] years has been remarkable. Here’s to many more years of success and growth."
• Generic Work Anniversary Example 2: "Happy Work Anniversary! Your dedication and commitment to our organization for [number] years are truly remarkable. We look forward to many more years of your valuable contributions."
• 1 Year Work Anniversary: "Congratulations on your first year with us! Your enthusiasm and dedication have already made a significant impact. Here's to many more successful years ahead!"
• 5 Year Work Anniversary: "Thank you for your incredible dedication and loyalty over the past five years. Your contributions have been invaluable, and we look forward to achieving even greater milestones together."
• 10 Year Work Anniversary: "A decade of unwavering commitment! Your dedication has been a driving force behind our success. Thank you for your loyalty and hard work."
• 20 Year Work Anniversary: "Celebrating two decades of excellence! Your dedication, passion, and expertise have been instrumental in shaping our success. Thank you for your remarkable contribution."
• Retirement Thank You Message Example 1: "As you embark on this new chapter in life, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your years of dedication and leadership. Your legacy will forever inspire us."
• Retirement Thank You Message Example 2: "Your retirement marks the end of an era. We are grateful for your years of service and the impact you've had on our organization. Enjoy the well-deserved relaxation and adventures ahead!"

Praising Good Performance

• Example 1: "Your outstanding performance consistently sets a high standard for all of us. Thank you for your dedication and for going above and beyond."
• Example 2: "Your exceptional results are a testament to your hard work and dedication. Thank you for consistently exceeding expectations and contributing to our success."
• Example 3: "Your commitment to excellence is truly commendable. Your outstanding performance has a significant impact on our team's success. Thank you for your dedication and hard work."
• For Dedication: "Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. You consistently go above and beyond, and it's greatly appreciated. Thank you for being a valuable member of our team."
• For Employee of the Month: "Congratulations on being named Employee of the Month. This recognition is a testament to your hard work and dedication. Keep up the great work!"
• For Tenured Employees: "Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone with our company. Your dedication and hard work over [X] years have made a significant impact, and we're grateful for your continued dedication."

Exemplifying Company Values

• Example 1: “Your unwavering commitment to our company’s core values is truly inspiring. Your actions and dedication reflect the very essence of what makes our organization exceptional. Thank you for embodying our values every day.”
• Example 2: “In a world where integrity and values matter more than ever, you stand as a shining example of what our company represents. Your consistent adherence to our values is not only commendable but also instrumental in maintaining our reputation. Thank you for upholding our principles.”
• Example 3: “It’s employees like you who make our company culture thrive. Your dedication to our values sets a standard that others aspire to follow. We are grateful for your unwavering commitment and the positive impact it has on our organization.”

Acknowledging Leadership

• For Vision: "Dear [Leader’s Name], your leadership has been a guiding light for our team. Your dedication, vision, and ability to motivate are truly remarkable. Thank you for leading us to success.”
• For Guidance: "I wanted to express my gratitude for your exceptional leadership. Your guidance has not only improved my skills but has also created a positive work environment. Thank you for being an inspiring leader."
• For Achievements: "Under your leadership, we've achieved remarkable milestones. Your unwavering commitment and guidance have been instrumental. Thank you for being an inspiring leader."
• For Dedication: "Your unwavering dedication to your work is truly inspiring. Your commitment to the team's success is evident in everything you do. Thank you for your tireless efforts and positive attitude.”

Holiday Appreciation Messages

• Example 1: "Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with rest and relaxation. Your dedication throughout the year is deeply appreciated. Happy holidays!"
• Example 2: "May this holiday season bring you happiness and peace. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our team."
• Example 3: "As the holiday season approaches, I want to take a moment to thank you for your hard work and dedication throughout the year. May your holidays be filled with joy and relaxation."

Crafting an effective appreciation message is about being genuine, specific, and timely. These examples serve as a starting point to create messages that resonate with your employees and make them feel truly valued. To make your message count the most, be sure to personalize it to the person – or people – you are sending it to.

Remember, a simple expression of gratitude can go a long way in boosting morale and fostering a positive workplace culture.

Examples of Motivational Quotes for Employee Appreciation Messages

The foundation of any successful organization lies in its people. Employees are the heart and core of every organization, playing a critical role in its growth and success. Without their hard work, collaboration, and dedication, any organization would cease to survive. That’s why keeping staff motivated to perform their best is so important.

A simple yet effective method to boost motivation and morale is through sharing motivational quotes, whether in a message or on team calls. Here’s a list of the 10 best team-centric motivational quotes to inspire your staff with:

• “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” – Michael Jordan
• “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
• “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” – Andrew Carnegie
• “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” – Henry Ford
• “With an enthusiastic team, you can achieve almost anything.” – Tahir Shah
• “We rise by lifting others.” – Robert Ingersoll
• “Teamwork is the secret that makes common people achieve uncommon results.” – Ifeanyi Enoch Onuoha
• “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” – Phil Jackson
• “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
• “Great things in business are never done by one person; they’re done by a team of people.” – Steve Jobs

Sending your employees a thoughtful employee appreciation message, whether on a special occasion like Employee Appreciation Day or for an achievement, can have a significant impact on employee morale and workplace culture. So, don't underestimate the impact of a heartfelt "thank you" or a well-deserved accolade – it can go a long way in motivating and empowering your team.

Employee Appreciation Message FAQ's

What do you write in an appreciation message .

An appreciation message should be specific, sincere, and personalized to the person you are sending it to. In your message, call out a recent specific achievement, its impact on the team or company, and express your gratitude for their contribution.

How do you write a heartfelt appreciation message?

The underlying factor of every heartfelt message is that it’s personal to the recipient. If you are aiming to write a heartfelt message, be sure to use personal language, share how the action affected you or the team emotionally, and be authentic in your tone.

Related articles

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40 Happy Boss’s Day Message Examples for 2024

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30 Fun Employee Recognition Ideas Your Staff Will Love

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3 Minutes Speech On Dedication In English

Good morning everyone and thank you for your special presence over here. Today, I am here to speak a few words about dedication .

Dedication refers to the quality of being committed to a task or purpose. It is so powerful that it has helped people to achieve the heights of the sky from the surface of the earth. If you are dedicated to a purpose, nothing can prevent you from achieving your goal.

A great example of dedication is the invention of the light bulb. Thomas Edison was purely dedicated to his work to discover the formula for lighting the bulb. He executed thousands of experiments during this great invention and got many failures but he did never lose hope.

He perceived all the failures as learning. Hence, a dedicated person will never lose hope in his journey. He will always find a solution to every problem. Dedication inspires you to change your strategies, not your goals. The most important thing, there is no need for motivation where dedication exists.

If you ask any successful person, they will tell you about the importance of dedication. As the famous quote says, “ hard work is the key to success”. Dedication is the keyring that keeps the key persevering. When you see a failure after putting in hard work, you lose hope. But dedication keeps you going.

With the help of hard work and dedication, you can counter any barrier that lies in the way towards success. Rigid effort and dedication will someday lead you to realize your dreams and thereby bring happiness to your life.

It must be noted that there is no fixed formula for dedication. You have to first comprehend your aims, fix your life objectives and identify the potential obstacles and challenges that might arise your way. When you become dedicated, you promise yourself not to give up on your dream no matter what.

To sum it up, a dedicated person is always optimistic and produces the maximum possible use of the present circumstances. He achieves success and inspires other people to be like him. So, what are you waiting for? Go and be dedicated to your goals.

Thank you for listening to me. I hope you like my words.

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An AI speech generator effortlessly transforms basic thoughts into eloquent presentations or speeches, merging convenience with creativity. You now have a powerful tool at your fingertips to craft speeches that captivate and communicate effectively, without the stress of starting from scratch.

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Crafting a speech that resonates with your audience, conveys your message clearly, and leaves a lasting impact can often feel like an uphill battle. With the right tools, however, this process can become not only easier but also more efficient. Enter the AI-powered speech generator, a modern solution designed to streamline your speechwriting journey. This guide aims to unveil how you can harness the power of such technology to create compelling speeches. Whether you're addressing a small gathering or a large audience, the focus here is on simplifying the creation process while ensuring your voice shines through. So, let's delve into how to craft speeches that captivate and inspire, with a little help from AI.

What is a Speech?

A speech is a formal address or discourse delivered to an audience. It serves various purposes, such as informing, persuading, entertaining, or inspiring listeners. Speeches are integral to numerous facets of society, including politics, education, business, and social movements. The effectiveness of a speech hinges on its content, structure, and delivery. The content must be relevant and well-researched, tailored to meet the needs and interests of the audience. The structure, which typically includes an introduction, body, and conclusion, should be coherent and logically organised to facilitate understanding and retention. The introduction of a speech is crucial; it should capture the audience's attention and outline the main points that will be covered. This may involve using a provocative question, a striking statistic, or a compelling story. The body of the speech is where the speaker develops their arguments or ideas, supported by evidence and examples. Finally, the conclusion summarises the main points and leaves the audience with a strong impression or a call to action. Delivery is of equal importance – a speaker’s tone, pace, and body language must harmonise with their message to effectively engage the audience. The strategic use of rhetorical devices, such as repetition, metaphors, and rhetorical questions, can significantly amplify a speech's emotional appeal and persuasive power.

Importance of Speech

Understanding your audience sets the stage for the undeniable importance of speech in effectively conveying ideas and sparking change. Crafting speeches is more than just assembling words; it's about creating a bridge between you and your listeners, enabling a flow of ideas that can inspire, persuade, and inform. The power of compelling speeches lies in the content and the way they're delivered. By mastering effective speech techniques, you're equipped to capture and hold your audience's attention, making every word count.

Consider the impact of a well-delivered speech:

• A standing ovation as you hit the final word, the audience moved to action.
• Nods of agreement and understanding as complex ideas become clear.
• Laughter and tears as emotional connections are forged.
• Eager discussions post-speech, signalling minds stimulated and opinions swayed.

Incorporating speech delivery tips into your preparation can significantly enhance your speech presentation, making your message heard and felt. Whether it's through the tone of your voice, the pace of your words, or the passion behind your message, each element plays a crucial role in making your speech unforgettable.

Critical Components of a Successful Speech

To kick off your speech on the right note, you must craft a strong opening that grabs your audience's attention. Then, it's essential to develop the core message in a clear and compelling way, ensuring your main points are easily understood and remembered. Finally, wrapping up with a powerful conclusion will leave a lasting impression and reinforce your key messages.

Crafting a Strong Opening

A strong opening is crucial in grabbing your audience's attention and setting the stage for an impactful speech. Effective speech writing hinges on your ability to intrigue and engage your listeners from the very beginning. Avoiding everyday speech writing mistakes, like starting with a dull greeting, can improve your speech's effectiveness. Here are vital tips to ensure your opening is memorable:

• Begin with a compelling hook or attention-grabbing statement.
• Clearly state the purpose or central idea of your speech.
• Use storytelling, humour, or a thought-provoking question to connect with your audience.
• Establish credibility and build rapport early on.
• Consider these speech writing tips and speech delivery techniques to craft an opening that resonates and captivates your audience from the start.

Developing the Core Message

Identifying your speech's core message is crucial for effectively communicating your main idea to the audience. This core message is the heart of your speech writing process, guiding the substance and delivery to keep your speech engaging and impactful.

Concluding Effectively

After pinpointing your speech's core message, it's essential to focus on wrapping up your presentation with a powerful conclusion. In speech writing, the conclusion isn't just a final remark; it's your last chance to make an impact. Here are four key elements to ensure your closing resonates:

• Summarise critical points  to refresh the audience's memory.
• Issue a call to action , inspiring listeners to take the next step.
• Use  impactful language  to craft a strong closing statement that sticks.
• Conclude with  positivity , leaving your audience motivated and uplifted.

Steps to Write an Effective Speech

To start your journey in writing an effective speech, you'll first need to choose a topic that resonates with you. Understanding your audience's interests and needs is essential to tailoring your message accordingly. Then, organising your ideas logically will lay a solid foundation for writing a speech that genuinely engages and informs.

Choosing Your Topic

Before diving into the details of your speech, it's essential to choose a topic that sparks your interest and resonates with your audience. In speech writing, selecting the right topic is crucial for crafting an engaging speech. Consider these key steps:

• Conduct audience analysis to align your topic with their interests and expectations.
• Focus on your expertise and passion to ensure authenticity and depth.
• Incorporate relevant current events to add timeliness and relevance.
• Brainstorm to identify unique perspectives or insights you can offer.

Choosing a topic is the foundation of speech writing, setting the stage for an engaging and impactful delivery. Keep it relevant, specific, and attuned to your audience's preferences for a memorable presentation.

Understanding Your Audience

Before you start writing your speech, it's essential to understand who you're talking to. By analysing your audience's demographics, interests, and expectations, you can tailor your message to resonate with them. This strategy ensures your speech engages, connects, and makes a lasting impact on your listeners.

Strategies for tailoring your message to the audience

Understanding your audience is the key to crafting a speech that resonates and engages effectively. In public speaking, audience analysis and emotional intelligence guide you to create a tailored message that ensures audience engagement.

• Analyse demographics and interests
• Align with their values and experiences
• Adjust tone to match their emotional state
• Use relatable language and examples

Organising Your Ideas

Now that you've grasped your audience's needs, it's time to focus on structuring your speech for maximum impact. Organising your ideas ensures your message is clear and your points flow logically. This process involves outlining your speech, starting with a strong introduction, moving through your key points, and wrapping up with a compelling conclusion.

How to structure your speech for clarity and flow

Outline the main ideas you want to convey to ensure clarity and flow in your speech.

• Imagine your speech as a journey, where each point is a scenic stop.
• Visualise connecting dots that lead the audience through your narrative.
• Picture your ideas blooming like flowers in a well-tended garden.
• Envision your conclusion as a sunset, leaving a lasting impression.
• To craft a compelling narrative, incorporate speech writing, structure a speech, organise ideas, engage the audience, and conclude effectively.

Writing the Speech

Now that you've organised your ideas, it's time to start writing your speech. You'll want to craft an opening that grabs your audience's attention, develop the body with clear and engaging points, and conclude on a resonating note. Each step is crucial in creating a speech that's not only memorable but also impactful.

Crafting an attention-grabbing opening

Crafting an attention-grabbing opening is crucial in determining whether your audience tunes in or out from the start. In speech writing, knowing how to write a speech that captivates from the first sentence is critical. Here's how:

• Begin with a compelling question.
• Share an engaging anecdote.
• Present a surprising fact or statistic.
• Quote a powerful line that resonates.

Developing the body of the speech

After capturing your audience's attention with an engaging opening, it's time to build the core of your speech with well-organized main points.

Concluding on a strong note

Conclude your speech by reinforcing your main message, leaving a lasting impression on your audience. In speech writing, the conclusion is your final opportunity to echo your main points and seal the deal.

• Summarise critical points to reinforce the message.
• End with a memorable statement to inspire.
• Avoid new information and focus on closure.
• Leave the audience motivated with a clear understanding of your message.

Using a Speech Generator

Utilising an AI-powered speech generator can significantly streamline the process of creating engaging and impactful speeches. When tasked with speech writing, the initial steps of preparing a speech can seem daunting. This is where an AI speech generator becomes invaluable. These sophisticated tools, which you can easily access with a speech generator online, employ natural language processing to craft content that resonates with your audience. Imagine having an AI speech writer at your fingertips, ready to transform your key points and themes into a compelling narrative. You're not just saving time but also incorporating creative insights that might not have occurred to you. These AI tools are designed to assist in structuring your speech, from the introduction to the powerful conclusion, ensuring your message is coherent and impactful.

What is the Speech Generator?

A speech generator is an AI-powered tool designed to help users create well-structured and impactful speeches tailored to specific purposes and audiences. This tool synthesises input regarding the speech's topic, purpose, key points, target audience, and desired tone to produce a coherent and persuasive speech. The speech generator provides a powerful resource for anyone needing to prepare a speech for public delivery, offering a customised, intelligent approach to speechwriting that enhances communication and audience engagement. Here’s how it functions:

Collecting User Inputs:  To craft a customised speech, the generator requires detailed inputs from the user:

• Topic of Speech : Users specify the subject matter of the speech, which sets the thematic focus and provides a foundation for content development.
• Purpose of Your Speech : Users define the primary objective of the speech, such as informing, persuading, motivating, or entertaining. This helps shape the direction and intent of the speech.
• Any Key Points to Include : Users list specific points or arguments that must be covered in the speech. These key points ensure that all critical aspects of the topic are addressed comprehensively.
• Who's Your Target Audience? : Understanding who will be listening to the speech (e.g., professionals, students, community members) allows the AI to tailor the language, complexity, and references to suit the listeners' interests and level of understanding.
• How Should Your Speech Sound? : Users describe the desired tone of the speech, such as formal, inspirational, solemn, or humorous. The tone affects the choice of words and the overall approach to engaging the audience.

AI Analysis:  After receiving the inputs, the AI analyses and integrates them:

• Content Organisation : The AI structures the speech logically, ensuring that it flows smoothly from introduction to conclusion, integrating the key points effectively.
• Audience Customisation : It adapts the content, style, and language to resonate with the specified target audience, enhancing relatability and engagement.
• Tone Implementation : The AI carefully crafts the speech to reflect the desired tone, using appropriate language, rhetorical devices, and pacing to convey the intended emotions and reactions.

Speech Generation:  In the final step, the speech is generated:

• Content Synthesis : The AI composes the speech, making sure to articulate the key points clearly and persuasively, while maintaining thematic coherence throughout.
• Stylistic Refinement : The generator polishes the speech, optimising it for readability and impact, ensuring that the tone is consistent and the key messages stand out.
• Output Presentation : The completed speech is presented to the user, ready for delivery. It should sound natural, be engaging to the audience, and effectively meet the speech's purpose.

Benefits of Using a Speech Generator

We all know that creating content can be time-consuming and sometimes daunting. Here's how AI speech generation can benefit you and revolutionize the way you create and deliver your content:

• A Helping Hand with Writer's Block:  Ever had those days where the words just won't come? AI-powered speech generators can step in and provide that much-needed assistance. These tools can generate content outlines, suggest topics, and even create drafts for you to work with. This not only saves time but also provides a solid foundation to build upon, ensuring you never start from scratch.
• Consistent, High-Quality Output:  With AI, you can ensure a consistent tone and style across all your content. The technology can learn your preferences, brand voice , and style, ensuring a seamless experience for your audience. No more worrying about maintaining quality across various platforms and formats.
• Personalization:  AI speech generation allows you to create personalized content for your audience. By understanding their preferences, demographics, and behavior, you can tailor your message to resonate with them on a deeper level. This level of customization creates a unique and memorable experience for your listeners.
• Time Efficiency:  Creating content with AI is significantly faster than traditional methods. You can generate drafts, edit, and finalize content in a fraction of the time. This efficiency allows you to produce more content, reach a wider audience, and stay ahead of the competition.
• Cost-Effective Solution:  AI speech generation can save you money. By automating content creation, you reduce the need for large writing teams and the associated costs. This makes it especially beneficial for startups, small businesses, and individuals looking to create high-quality content on a budget.
• Accuracy and Fact-Checking:  AI-powered tools can fact-check and verify information as they generate content. This ensures that your speech or script is not only engaging but also accurate and reliable. In an era of misinformation, this feature is invaluable for maintaining credibility and trust with your audience.
• Language Translation:  AI speech generators can translate your content into various languages, helping you reach a global audience. This feature breaks down language barriers and ensures your message is accessible and understandable to people from all corners of the globe.
• Data-Driven Insights:  AI provides valuable insights and analytics about your content's performance. You can identify what resonates with your audience, their preferences, and areas for improvement. This data-driven approach allows you to continuously refine and improve your content strategy.
• Flexibility and Adaptability:  AI-powered speech generation can be used across various platforms and formats, including podcasts, videos, presentations, and more. This versatility ensures that you can create engaging content, no matter the medium you choose to connect with your audience.

Steps to Use the Speech Generator

Using an AI speech generator can streamline the process of creating a well-structured and engaging speech tailored to your needs. Using an AI speech generator simplifies the process of creating effective and impactful speeches, saving time and allowing you to focus on delivery and engagement with your audience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use this tool effectively, considering the inputs you've provided: 

Step 1: Define Your Topic:

• Begin by entering the central theme or topic of your speech. This could be anything from a specific subject matter to a problem you want to address or a message you wish to convey. A clear topic helps the AI understand the focus and generate relevant content.

Step 2: Key Points and Outline:

• Next, provide the key points or an outline for the AI to follow. These are the essential ideas, arguments, or messages you want to convey. By structuring your main points, you guide the AI to create a well-organized speech.
• Don't forget to include any specific details, examples, or stories you want to incorporate. This helps the AI personalize the content and make it unique to your requirements.

Step 3: Set the Occasion:

• Context is crucial! Let the AI know the occasion for your speech. Is it a formal event, like a conference or seminar? Or is it a more casual setting, such as a team meeting or a social gathering?
• Providing this information ensures the AI adapts the content and tone to suit the occasion, creating an appropriate and engaging speech.

Step 4: Choose Your Tone:

• Selecting the right tone is essential to connecting with your audience. Do you want a friendly and approachable tone for a light-hearted event, or a more serious and authoritative style for a business conference?
• The AI generator will use your chosen tone consistently, ensuring a unified and impactful delivery.

Step 5: Generate and Review:

• Now, let the AI work its magic! Click "Generate," and the tool will create a draft based on your inputs.
• Review the generated content thoroughly. Check if your key messages are effectively conveyed and if the tone matches the occasion and your expectations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

Writing an effective speech requires a keen understanding of the audience, the purpose, and the delivery. Even seasoned speakers can make common mistakes that detract from their message's impact. By avoiding these common mistakes, you enhance your ability to deliver a compelling, persuasive, and memorable speech. Always remember, the essence of great speech-making lies in connecting with your audience, delivering your message with clarity, and leaving a lasting impression. Here are some typical pitfalls to avoid to ensure your speech resonates well and achieves its intended effect: 

1. Lacking a Clear Focus

• Overloading Information : Trying to cover too many topics can confuse and overwhelm your audience. It’s crucial to have a single, clear message that is easily understandable.
• Vague Purpose : Without a clear goal, your speech may seem directionless. Ensure every part of your speech serves the purpose of reinforcing your main message.

2. Ignoring Audience Needs

• Mismatched Content : Understand who you are speaking to. Tailor your content, language, and delivery style to fit the interests, expectations, and level of understanding of your audience.
• Underestimating Engagement : Failing to engage the audience can lead to disinterest and disengagement. Use questions, stories, or relevant jokes to keep the engagement high.

3. Neglecting the Power of Storytelling

• Lack of Personal Touch : People connect with stories much more than with abstract concepts. Incorporate personal anecdotes or relatable examples to make your points more vivid and memorable.
• Skipping Transitions : Jumping abruptly between points can confuse listeners. Smooth transitions help maintain the flow and guide your audience through the narrative.

4. Underestimating the Importance of Practice

• Inadequate Rehearsal : Not practising enough can lead to a delivery that feels unsure or disjointed. Rehearse your speech multiple times, ideally in conditions similar to those you'll face during the actual delivery.
• Ignoring Timing : Running too long or too short can affect the effectiveness of your speech. Time your segments during practice to ensure they fit within your allotted time.

5. Poor Use of Language

• Overly Complex Language : Using jargon, overly technical terms, or unnecessarily complex language can alienate your audience. Aim for clarity and simplicity.
• Repetitiveness : Repetition can be a powerful tool but used excessively, it becomes tedious. Balance is key to maintaining interest and emphasis.

6. Failing to Adapt

• Rigid Scripting : While having a script is helpful, overly relying on it can make your delivery seem unnatural. Be prepared to adapt your wording to feel more natural or respond to the audience's immediate feedback.
• Ignoring Audience Feedback : Not watching for and adapting to audience reactions can make your speech less effective. Adjust your pace, tone, and energy based on real-time audience engagement.

Example of a Speech

A great example of an effective speech is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963. This speech is not only famous for its profound impact on the civil rights movement in the United States but also as a master class in oratory. This speech not only addressed the immediate concerns of the time but used a hopeful tone and a forward-looking vision that inspired action and echoed through history. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to connect deeply with the audience's emotions, using both the context of the time and universal themes of freedom and equality. Below, I’ll highlight the structure and elements that made it memorable: 

Dr. King begins by referencing the Emancipation Proclamation, a powerful and symbolic choice that connects his speech to a pivotal moment in history. This establishes the gravity and historical context of his message.

Text : "Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation."

The Statement of the Problem

He vividly details the plight of African Americans, using imagery and repetition to emphasise the severity and persistence of racial injustice.

Text : "But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly differently abled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination."

Vision for the Future

Dr. King’s speech is renowned for its visionary and hopeful outlook. He articulates a dream of a future where all people are judged by their character, not their skin colour.

Text : "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character."

Use of Repetition

The repetitive structure of “I have a dream” not only emphasises key points but also enhances the lyrical rhythm of the speech, making it more memorable and impactful.

Emotional and Cultural Resonance

King masterfully weaves references to patriotic songs, the Bible, and American ideals, crafting a narrative that appeals to a broad audience’s values and emotions.

Text : "And this will be the day — this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning: My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing."

King concludes with a poetic and stirring vision of unity and freedom that extends beyond racial and geographic boundaries.

Text : "And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Additional Tips for a Good Speech

Writing a great speech that captures the essence of your message and resonates with your audience is an art form. It requires careful crafting, keen attention to detail, and a deep understanding of your audience's expectations and needs. By implementing these tips, you ensure that your speech is not only well-written but also well-received. Remember, effective speechwriting is as much about how you present your words as it is about the words themselves. Here are additional tips to help you elevate your speech writing: 

1. Start Strong

• Captivating Opening : Begin with something that grabs attention — a provocative question, a surprising fact, or a compelling story. A strong start sets the tone and hooks your listeners right from the beginning.
• Establish Credibility : Quickly establish why you are a credible speaker on the topic. Mention your connection or experience with the subject matter early to build trust with your audience.

2. Use Clear Structure

• Logical Flow : Organize your speech into a clear, logical structure. Introduction, body, and conclusion should all be distinct, with each section naturally leading to the next.
• Signposting : Use verbal cues to guide your audience through the speech. Phrases like “Moving on to my next point,” or “Let me illustrate this idea,” help listeners follow your argument more easily.

3. Engage the Senses

• Vivid Language : Use descriptive language that appeals to the senses. This will paint a mental picture and make your speech more engaging and memorable.
• Varied Tone and Pace : Change your tone and pace at different points in the speech to maintain interest. Monotony can lose audience attention, while variation in delivery can emphasise key points.

4. Focus on the Audience

• Benefits to the Audience : Clearly articulate what’s in it for the audience. How does your message relate to their interests, needs, or desires?
• Call to Action : End with a strong call to action. Tell your audience exactly what you hope they will think, feel, or do after listening to your speech.

5. Revise and Edit

• Cut the Fluff : Remove any content that does not serve your main message or add value to the audience. Be ruthless in editing to keep your speech concise and impactful.
• Seek Feedback : Before finalising your speech, get feedback from others. Fresh ears can catch issues you might have missed and provide insights into how your words might be received.

6. Practice and Polish

• Rehearse Out Loud : Practice delivering your speech out loud to hear how it sounds and to refine your delivery nuances.
• Record Yourself : Listening to a recording of your performance can reveal areas for improvement in tone, pace, and clarity that aren’t always obvious in a silent read-through.

7. Adapt and Be Present

• Read the Room : During delivery, be alert to the audience's reactions. Be prepared to adapt your speech — perhaps by elaborating on points that resonate or by skipping parts that don’t engage.
• Stay Present : Maintain eye contact and be responsive to the audience. Showing that you are engaged and interested in their reaction creates a connection and makes your delivery more effective.

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How (and Why) to Write a Book Dedication

Considering whether to dedicate your book or other writing? It can be a more difficult process than you might think. In this post we’ve compiled examples and talked to authors to give you everything you need when writing a dedication. So, let’s dive in.

What is a book dedication?

A book dedication is a statement that tells the reader for whom the author has written a book. 

Why write a dedication?

Book dedications are about expressing gratitude. Authors often include a dedication to acknowledge the person or people who inspired the book or to thank someone who supported them during the writing process. Some authors dedicate a book to the memory of a loved one or to a cause or idea. 

Lorraine Evanoff, author of the Louise Moscow series , says she dedicates her books because “writing and publishing a book is never done alone.” She dedicates all of her novels to her husband. “[He] has been so patient and supportive,” Evanoff says, and uses the acknowledgements to thank family and friends who provide feedback and suggestions. 

How to format a book dedication

The book dedication usually appears in the frontmatter, after the title page and colophon (sometimes called the copyright page ) but before the index and body text. 

If you include an epigraph in your book, the dedication typically appears on the recto (or righthand) page just before this. 

Most dedications appear center aligned on the top half of the page and are often in italics. 

Do you have to include a dedication?

No, you do not have to include a dedication, and many books don’t have one. 

Examples of book dedications

Book dedications take all forms. Some are funny or cheeky, some are vague or even cryptic, some are quite poetic. You can combine styles—one that’s poetic and funny, for example—or you can create a style that’s all your own. 

Poetic dedications

Some book dedications read like short poems.

Alice Walker’s dedication of The Color Purple reads: 

TO THE SPIRIT: 

Without whose assistance 

Neither this book 

Would have been 

The dedication in Jayant Kaikini’s short story collection, No Presents Please , is also quite poetic: 

To all those orphaned and undelivered letters 

lying in post offices, addresses unknown, 

unable to return 

Jacqueline Woodson’s Red at the Bone : 

for the ancestors, a long long time 

of you bending and twisting 

bending and twisting 

Named dedications

Sometimes an author will explicitly name the person or people they’re dedicating their book to. Marcia Brown dedicates her famous children’s book, Stone Soup , very simply:

TO MY MOTHER AND FATHER 

Cheryl Strayed, best-selling author of Wild , dedicates her advice column anthology Tiny Beautiful Things : 

For Stephen Elliot and Isaac Fitzgerald 

And for all the people who wrote to me 

Ta-Nehisi Coates’s Between the World and Me is dedicated: 

For David and Kenyatta 

who believed 

Authors who want to name the person they’re dedicating their book to should make a few important considerations.

Urban fantasy and paranormal romance novelist TL Christianson says this about named dedications: “ Dedications can make that person feel very special. However, they can inevitably hurt someone else,” she says. “There are so many people involved in each book—family, friends, editors, beta and ARC readers, and not to mention readers who have touched our life—which is why I find it impossible to dedicate my own. So, I’d rather not dedicate at all than upset someone instrumental who wasn’t on my mind at that particular moment.” 

But keep in mind that the person you dedicate your book to may not want to be named. This is why Christianson doesn’t always dedicate her novels. “ A dedication can inadvertently expose or imply intimate and painful details about that person, depending on the content.” 

Anonymous dedications

If you’d like to keep the identity of your “dedicatee” private, you can always anonymize the note. Roxanne Gay’s memoir Hunger is dedicated: 

for you, my sunshine, showing me 

what I no longer need and finding the 

way to my warm 

In memoriam dedications

Some writers will dedicate their book to the memory of a loved one. 

Daniel Kahneman, winner of the nobel prize in economics, dedicates his book, Thinking, Fast and Slow , this way: 

In memory of Amos Tversky 

Walter Mosley’s Elements of Fiction :

This book is dedicated to the memory of 

John Singleton. 

One of the most creative individuals 

I have ever known. 

Group dedications or dedications to a cause

Perhaps you were inspired by a group of people with a shared identity or experience or dedicated to a common cause.

Joshua Wong’s Unfree Speech, The Threat to Global Democracy and Why We Must Act, Now , is dedicated: 

For those who have lost their freedom 

fighting for Hong Kong 

Sandra Cisneros’s The House on Mango Street : 

A las Mujeres 

To the Women 

Angie Cruz dedicates her novel Dominicana : 

For Dania, my mother 

Para todas las Dominicanas 

For all our unsung heroes 

Funny dedications

Some writers get playful with their book dedications. 

Michael’s Lewis dedicates his book The Big Short : 

Michael Kinsley 

To whom I still owe an article 

Humor essayist Sloane Crosley wrote this original dedication for her second book, How Did You Get This Number : 

To my parents. For everything.*  

*Everything except the two-week period in 1995 directly following the time you went to Ohio for a wedding and I threw a party in the house, which is the most normal thing a teenage American can do, aside from lie about it, which I also did, and Mom eyed me suspiciously for days, morphing into a one-woman Scotland Yard, marching into my bedroom with a fistful of lint from the dryer to demonstrate that I had mysteriously washed all the towels, and then she waited until we were in a nice restaurant to scream, “Someone vomited on my couch, I know it!” and Dad took away my automotive privileges straight through college so that I spent the subsequent four years likening you both to Stasi foot soldiers, confined as I was to a campus-on-the-hill when I could have been learning how to play poker at the casinos down the road and making bad decisions at townie bars. I think we can all agree you overreacted. 

For everything except that, I am profoundly grateful. I have only the greatest affection for you now. Also: I vomited on the couch.

How long should a book dedication be?

Book dedications can be as short or as long as you like. 

Poet Galway Kinnell dedicates his collection Strong Is Your Hold simply, To Bobbie. 

But others, like Crosley’s above, are much longer. Michelle Obama’s dedication in Becoming is 73 words, has two parts, and mentions many people: 

To all the people who have helped me become: 

the folks who raised me—Fraser, Marian, Craig, 

and my vast extended family, 

my circle of strong women, who always lift me up, 

my loyal and dedicated staff, who continue to make me proud 

To the loves of my life: 

Malia and Sasha, my two most precious peas, 

who are my reasons for being, 

and finally, Barak, who always promised me an interesting journey. 

How to write a book dedication

Consider why you wrote your book .

Consider who or what inspired you to write your book in the first place. 

Perhaps it was a meaningful relationship with a childhood friend, the survivors of an event, or the tenacity of a marginalized group of people. 

Is there someone, a family member or friend, who supported or encouraged you during the writing process? Maybe a significant other, a trusted mentor, or your parents who encouraged you to become a writer. 

You might choose to dedicate your book to a person or persons, to an idea or cause, or to something else entirely. It’s up to you. 

Some authors write more than one dedication. José Saramago’s famous novel Blindness has two. The first reads: 

For my daughter Violante

And the second: 

IN MEMORIAM 

Giovanni Pontiero 

Brittany Ziegler, author of Make Me Exist: A Heart-Pounding Sci-Fi Romance, Lost in Time Book One , also included two dedications for her latest book. 

“ For my latest novel, the sequel to the series I’m writing, I had two dedications,” she says. “First and foremost, I dedicated the novel to my two daughters. For obvious reasons, like I love them and they are my world, but also because I wouldn’t be able to write the characters correctly if I didn’t understand how deeply a mother’s love ran. My second dedication in the book went out to a fan, actually, who found my series via Amazon ads and then took the extra step to befriend me on social media. Her input, support, and love of my characters is invaluable, and we have forged an amazing relationship.” 

Check with your dedicatee

As mentioned above, “a dedication can inadvertently expose or imply intimate and painful details about that person, depending on the content.” 

So if you think you might expose something personal about the person you’re dedicating your book to, it’s best to ask them first. 

If they say no, ask if they’re OK with your anonymizing the note. Instead of For Cameron , perhaps they’d be comfortable with For C. 

If they don’t want to be named at all, honor that request. 

Write a few drafts

Writing is rewriting, and the same applies to your book dedication. Write your dedication a few different ways, and write a few drafts of each. 

Step away for at least a day (more, if you can), and then review your drafts. One in particular may stand out to you.

Do you dedicate your books? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments!

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9 comments on “ how (and why) to write a book dedication ”.

Great piece thank you Clayton! Do you have a Twitter account?

Thanks Lorraine! You can just tag @WrittenWordM on Twitter. Thank you for your contribution to this post!

Yes. I love to put a few cryptic ones. “To the one who hates peanut butter but shines like a razor. You know who you are, and thank you.”

Excellent information, Clayton. I learn best by example, and you’ve provided enough to clarify every point.

At what point in the writing process should I include my dedication? Should it be included in the manuscript? or do I add it at some later date?

Hey Jake, that’s totally up to you!

Yes, I dedicated my book. It only seemed right because so many people made it possible for me to write my book in the first place and they were very important to me personally and professionally.

Clayton, Thank you for this thorough consideration of Dedications: placement, pros, and cons.

Yes, I completely agree! Writing a book dedication can be a powerful way to express gratitude and set the tone for the rest of the book. It’s a personal and meaningful way to acknowledge the people who have supported the author on their writing journey. I’m always moved by the thoughtful dedications in books I’ve read – they add an extra layer of depth and emotion to the story. Thank you for sharing your insights on this topic!

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Dedication Speech (2009)

By Jacob Barnett

(Presented at the Evan Bayh Leadership Summit on October 24, 2009 and in a slightly abridged form at Project Leadership’s Red Rubber Ball Banquet on June 26, 2010)

Hello everyone, I’m very happy to be here. It’s an honor to speak here in Indianapolis today. I’d like to thank Senator Evan Bayh for inviting me out here to speak. I’d also like to thank Mr. Brent Wake, and all of the Project Leadership staff for helping making this possible. Also, I want to thank my friends and family for all of the support they have given me.

My topic today is dedication.

Gail Devers, Olympic Gold Medalist, said, “Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.”

Dedication is necessary to follow your dreams and to make a difference to the people around you. The world needs more dedicated leaders.

There are many people in the world today who aren’t dedicated enough or dedicated to anything at all. There are people who say things about themselves that aren’t entirely true. They can talk the talk but can’t walk the walk.

I don’t want to be one of those people.

I’m dedicated to be a successful Twenty-first Century Scholar. I’ve made a promise to stay out of trouble, off of drugs and get good grades. I meet once a week with a mentor who encourages me to be myself and inspires me to be the best person I could possibly be. She’s been meeting with me for three years and I’d like to recognize her today. Stephanie Santarosa, would you please stand up.

Talk about dedicated. She was a complete stranger in my life three years ago. Now she’s one of the most helpful, supportive and enthusiastic friends in my life. She represents my definition of dedication — to become more involved in the things you say and to invest or spend more time in whatever you are into.

I’ve been fortunate to have many dedicated people in my life.

Take Grandma Barnett. She raised 11 kids. It was always tough for grandma and grandpa – neither went to college – and it was hard for them to get money. She raised her children to be great people. My Dad was one of those people. To this day, even though she’s well into her 80s, she continues to provide for my disabled uncle, feeding him, lifting him into chairs and caring for him daily. And she makes a great broccoli cheese casserole.

Then there’s my youth pastor Dwayne. I’ve never seen him frown. He smiles all the time and connects well with young people. He’s a teen-ager at heart. He’s taught me many great things about faith. He invests his time in young people and God.

“Dedication is necessary to follow your dreams and to make a difference to the people around you. The world needs more dedicated leaders.” – Jacob Barnett

My parents are the greatest example of all. They’re dedicated to providing me with the education I need and to taking care of me. They’re just there – there to love me and support me through my life. They want to see me go onto college. They teach daily lessons in discipline and dedication.

One of the things my dad taught me was how to play the drums. That was 7 years ago and I was 9 years old. I always thought that drumming was something I could do to express myself. And it looked like a lot of fun! Years of dedication in improving my talent has lead to opportunities to use my talent in unexpected ways. Now, I play the drums at my church. At football games, I perform in front of fans and the community with my bass drum.

The point is: Becoming dedicated in using your skills and talents leads to good opportunities in life. It can get you the job you’ve always wanted. It can make you a more responsible and organized person. Or it can help you with all the goals you have set in life.

For example: your homework; I know homework is something a lot of us have to put up with every day but doesn’t homework help us get closer to our goals and opportunities in life? Isn’t it the reason why we are in school learning? You see homework is a task we do, it’s something we have to do a lot, but it challenges us to be dedicated.

So homework — no matter how big or small — gives us a lot of experience in the area of dedication.

And of course there are some people who are dedicated to the wrong things in life. People can be very dedicated to groups or gangs at school, or they can just be dedicated to impressing the whole class with all of the funny jokes that they have. Being dedicated to the wrong things are why most of us teenagers don’t try to be leaders. We can say it’s too much work, or say I’m dedicated to no one or nothing but me. These are some ways people aren’t dedicated; how can we fix these problems?

The answer to this is to have a lot of young dedicated leaders. You know teenagers, pre-teens, young adults. We’ve got to have young leaders who can walk their talk, young leaders who keep going despite obstacles or hard challenges, Young leaders who are reliable and trustworthy, and young leaders who are prepared. Dedicated leaders who are reliable and trustworthy are the types of people who help others out a lot. This type of leadership will make you a huge role model for people you’re helping. It gives them confidence and reasons to look up to you.

An example of this can be your older brother or sister. Both of you have a lot in common but the older sibling may know more than you do. That’s when they begin to help you with things that are very important to you like homework, maybe some personal problems, or tips on how to use a cell phone right. Whatever they help you with will show that they are great leaders or role models who are reliable and trustworthy.

Dedicated leaders also walk their talk and always keep going despite tough obstacles. When I say you should walk your talk I basically mean that you should do what you say.

Just imagine, if this city, this state, this country, were all filled with dedicated leaders. Our parents are dedicated to loving us and taking care of us through our lives. Our teachers are also there to provide us with the education we need. Our youth pastors are there to teach us the many wonderful things of God. Our President of the United States Barack Obama is here to find what’s best for our country. All of this is done out of dedication.

Why can’t we be like them? Why can’t we, the teenagers, be like these great adult leaders? We have plenty of time in our lives to fix up whatever things we’ve done wrong so we can become dedicated leaders. The first thing we need to do is determine if we are ready to be dedicated leaders, and know if we are ready to walk our talk. We are the future of the United States; it is up to us to make the right choices to become a dedicated leader. It’s pretty much like stepping up and filling the role of last year’s quarterback. That’s what we’re basically doing. Some of us here have what it takes to be the next Lebron James or Kobe Bryant. Some of us are pretty good writers, some of you can be the next Dr. Seuss or next J.K. Rowling. And a lot of you I’m sure know a lot about politics and government. You could be the President of the United States someday. And all it takes is some dedication from young leaders like you.

A lot of days my mom and dad ask me what I want to be when I grow up. I tell them, ‘I don’t know right now.’ They ask, “What college do you want to go to?” I give them the same answer. “I don’t know.”

As I stand here today, I haven’t decided exactly what I want to be. But I know who I want to be, the kind of person I want to be. I want to be a positive role model like my mentor Stephanie, my mom and dad, and Grandma Barnett. I want to be a dedicated leader.

Many of us might feel some pressure as high school students to figure out where we want to go to college and what we want to be. Those are important questions to answer. But I encourage you to start with this question: Who do I want to be?

I hope your answer will include one day becoming a dedicated leader.

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Taylor Swift Had the Sweetest Dedication to Travis Kelce During Her VMAs Acceptance Speech

“Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic,” Swift said after winning the Video of the Year award.

Taylor Swift couldn't help but get "So High School" about her boyfriend Travis Kelce while giving him an adorable shout-out at the 2024 MTV VMAs .

The pop superstar was awarded the high honor of Video of the Year for " Fortnight ," her collaboration with Post Malone off The Tortured Poets Department , at the award show on Wednesday, September 11. While accepting the coveted prize, she opened up about her relationship with the Kansas City Chiefs tight end and how supportive he is.

Swift reflected in her speech about how Kelce joined her on set to shoot the music video, which she wrote and directed herself. "The thing is that this video seems very sad when you watch it, but it actually was like the most fun video to make," she shared. "And something that I'll always remember is that when I would finish a take and I'd say, “Cut,” and we'd be done with that take, I would always just hear someone cheering from across the studio where we were shooting it and that one person was my boyfriend, Travis."

The Grammy winner adorably praised the Super Bowl champion by adding, "Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic, so I want to thank him for adding that to our shoot because all of us remember that."

Swift also thanked her collaborators, including cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto and Post Malone, who joined her on stage, production designer Ethan Tobman, and the video's guest stars, Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles.

Taylor Swift arriving at the 2024 MTV VMAs.

The "Cruel Summer" singer concluded her speech by voicing her appreciation for her devoted Swifties. "To the fans, I am always trying to figure out a way to say thank you to you for making my life what it is, for making the Eras Tour what it has become, for making The Tortured Poets Department what it has become—that's all you guys for doing that and for voting for this award."

Before leaving the VMAs stage, Swift used her platform to encourage fans to head to the polls in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. "If you are over 18, please register to vote for something else that’s very important coming up," she said, just one day after endorsing Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz .

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This year's VMAs were huge for the pop star, as she's now the most-awarded artist in the award show's history with 30 total wins. The hitmaker previously held 23 Moonpersons, compared to Beyoncé 's record of 25 as a solo artist. (Queen Bey has 30 overall, although the count includes her work with Destiny's Child and her project with her husband JAY-Z, The Carters.)

At the 2024 award show Swift won in seven categories: Video of the Year, Best Collaboration, Song of the Summer, Best Direction, and Best Editing for "Fortnight," as well as Artist of the Year and Best Pop.

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Sadie Bell is the Senior Culture Editor at Marie Claire , where she edits, writes, and helps to ideate stories across movies, TV, books, and music, from interviews with talent to pop culture features and trend stories. She has a passion for uplifting rising stars, and a special interest in cult-classic movies, emerging arts scenes, and music. She has over eight years of experience covering pop culture and her byline has appeared in Billboard , Interview Magazine , NYLON , PEOPLE , Rolling Stone , Thrillist and other outlets.

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Does the Albanese government’s proposed ‘hate speech’ law give us what we need?

Professor, UNSW Sydney

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Luke McNamara receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

UNSW Sydney provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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Back in May, the Albanese government told us to expect strict new hate speech laws.

In its bill introduced to parliament this week, though, the government has stepped back from the plan to criminalise racist hate speech.

Instead, conduct will be criminalised only where it involves “ threats of force or violence ”.

This will be disappointing to some, particularly those who were looking for stronger protections against racism – including antisemitism and Islamophobia – in the wake of the ructions caused in Australia by the events in Israel and Palestine.

But when this latest development is placed in the longer history of the development of hate speech laws in Australia, we see it continues a consistent pattern of preferring civil remedies over criminal penalties to address most forms of group vilification.

A long-standing battle

Since at least the 1970s, Australian governments have been trying to work out what laws, and in what form, are required to address racism.

Something close to consensus was reached on the idea that racial discrimination should be unlawful. It now is under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 , as well as anti-discrimination statutes in every state and territory.

Consensus on the legal regulation of racial vilification (sometimes referred to as racist “hate speech”) has been more elusive.

Nonetheless, 30 years ago, the then-Labor government did manage to add a hate speech provision (section 18C) to the Racial Discrimination Act when parliament enacted the Racial Hatred Act 1995 .

The states and territories also have their own versions of vilification laws (addressing race and a range of other grounds).

A bold approach, initially

When the Albanese government announced this year it was planning to legislate further on hate speech, the suggestion it would include new criminal offences caught the attention of lots of people. This included academics like me who have researched vilification laws since the 1990s .

We raised our eyebrows because a defining feature of Australia’s attempts to legislate in this area has been a preference for civil laws – where an aggrieved person can take private action against those responsible – over criminal laws.

The use of criminal laws has been seen as too great an infringement of the right to freedom of expression .

Even though it receives only patchy and relatively weak legal protection in Australia, free speech “sensitivity” has been a powerful force in political debates in this country.

Some politicians have also not been shy about weaponising it, such as when the Coalition government established an inquiry in 2018 into whether free speech was being adequately protected on university campuses.

Given this history, the Albanese government’s announcement in May set the stage for another fiery debate about what laws were best suited to addressing hate speech. As it happens, this also came ten years on from a succession of (unsuccessful) efforts by Coalition governments to curtail section 18C or effectively repeal it altogether.

But the Albanese government has now stepped back from its initial plan. Instead, the modified and new criminal offences will only apply to conduct that not only vilifies, but also involves threats of violence or force against a group (or a member of a group).

This is a much less controversial form of criminalisation. And most Australian states and territories already have offences of this sort – for example, the offence of publicly threatening or inciting violence in the NSW Crimes Act .

What will the impact be?

We should be cautious about expecting too much from the proposed new federal criminal offences.

Prosecutions and convictions for these “aggravated” forms of vilification are extremely rare in Australia. The tally in NSW is zero, some 35 years after that state pioneered the criminalisation of vilification involving threat of physical harm or property damage.

The NSW Law Reform Commission is currently conducting an inquiry into why this is and whether further reforms are warranted.

It seems unlikely things will be different with new Commonwealth offences. They have complex definitions and will be challenging to prove beyond reasonable doubt.

Of course, just because a criminal offence is not regularly prosecuted doesn’t mean it has served no purpose. Sometimes, governments turn to criminalisation for its symbolic and “message-sending” powers.

And yes, sometimes this is a cynical exercise in being seen to be doing something without changing much at all. Whether this is a fair characterisation remains to be seen.

In the meantime, perhaps the great disappointment will be felt by members of Australia’s Muslim communities.

The new criminal laws on threats of violence will apply to a wide variety of identifying characteristics. They include religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status, disability, nationality, national or ethnic origin or political opinion.

However, the bill will not amend the more useful civil laws in the Racial Discrimination Act to extend to religious vilification.

Whether Islamophobia is correctly characterised as “religious” or “racial” vilification, it is clear that, at the federal level, Australian Muslims are not protected by the section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act in its current form.

In my previous research with Professor Katharine Gelber, we identified this as the biggest gap in Australia’s hate speech laws.

By contrast, antisemitism is legally regarded as a form of racism, and section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act has been effectively engaged by Jewish organisations and individuals against forms of antisemitism, including Holocaust denial .

Since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 2023, the Australian government has attempted to hold the public position that it is equally concerned about all forms of discrimination and hate speech, including both antisemitism and Islamophobia.

And yet, while a special envoy to combat antisemitism has been appointed, the promise of a special envoy on Islamophobia has yet to materialise .

The new hate speech bill introduced by the government does little to deliver on a true commitment to multiculturalism and anti-racism. We await the Albanese government’s more active steps in that direction.

• Australian politics
• Hate speech
• Hate speech laws

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