Ceremonial or motivational Speeches
Commencement Speech, Eulogy Speech, Award Presentation Speech


Reflects Values
–Most probably you will be called upon to give a ceremonial speech. That occasion might be
nominating someone for an office, accepting a nomination, presenting an award, a farewell address,
a retirement celebration, a wedding toast , a eulogy, graduation address, or any number of events
or occasions.
–For this type of speech, the speaker reflects on the values he/she shares with the audience. The
spotlight is on a  person, event, or occasion.
–Use story telling and a fluid style that reflects seriousness of purpose with a natural style
carefully using pauses and emotional tones, to create a shared community.
–The ceremonial speech has an agenda of bringing us together to revisit existing values and beliefs
and helps us renew our commitment to them.

A few examples of picturesque language
–“we are chewed up with sadness at the loss of a woman who…”
–“She was unique, complex, extraordinary, and irreplaceable…”
–“Blood,Toil,Tears,and Sweat”
–“I Have a Dream”

Ceremonial or Motivational Speech Devices
–3 phrases of same length:  Veni, Vidi, Vici
–Repeat a key word for effect: Weak! Weak! Weak!
–Use short words, write short sentences, write in conversational style
–
–Will you use slides?
–Slides are support for your talk not your notes
–Slides emphasize key ideas, adds powerful visuals, and directs attention
–Slides are co-stars in the presentation
–

–Ceremonial speeches are written for the ear
–Ceremonial speeches are shorter
–Most ceremonial speeches are formal events so it is presumed you will use a manuscript
–Set the mood with your body language, presentation demeanor, and  voice.
–

Your assignment
–Choose a person in our class to be your ceremonial speech partner. Decide the event the two of you
will celebrate. Let us assume your partner asks that you give a ceremonial presentation honoring
him/her for a great accomplishment or award.
–You will interview your partner and design the speech highlighting his/her accomplishments and
deliver it in our MS teams meeting.
–Flip-the-script and suggest to him/her the award and  event where  he/she will deliver a
ceremonial speech honoring you for your accomplishments. This ceremonial speech will also be
celebrated in our MS teams  meeting.

Examples
–Obama eulogy for Congressman John Lewis
–www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEzddJnaquI
–Chadwick Boseman’s Commencement speech at Howard University
–www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIHZypMyQ2s
–Melania Trump’s speech to the Republican National Convention
–www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZMfgZTU7G4
–Michelle Obama’s speech to the Democratic National Convention
–www.youtube.com/watch?v=Linx1XLUbYo