Tribute/Commemorative: Speech

What are Tribute Speeches

Tribute Speech: a speech that pays tribute to a person, a group of people, an institution, or an idea

It will show your respect,

admiration, or thanks

to a person

Where Do You Find Them?

Funerals Weddings Dedications Fourth of July celebrations Memorial Services Anniversaries Reunions Award Ceremonies Retirements

Examples

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS3DhzzTN-o

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

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/nelson-mandela/10508332/Barack-Obamas-moving-tribute-to-Nelson-Mandela.html

What’s Included in a Tribute Speech?

Admiration and Respect

A focus on positive qualities: – For example: perseverance, dedication, humility,

compassion, honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty, sacrifice, service, kindness, humor ...

Highlighting accomplishments and the difficulties overcome to achieve them

What’s Included in a Tribute Speech?

A reflection on the positive impact and contribution of the person on the lives of others

Grateful acknowledgment of what we can learn from their example

to take into the future

Who Can I Pick?

Musicians/Bands

ProfessionalAthletes

Historical Figures/Leaders

Artists/Writers/Entertainers

Innovators/Inventors

Purpose

The purpose is not to inform your listeners, but to inspire them

Heighten their appreciation or admiration for the person you are praising

Don’t just tell the details of the person’s life

Get to the heart of your subjectand create a deep sense of respect in your audience

Emotion

You want to express feelings and stir up an emotional response

Importance of Language

It’s important to your thoughts and emotions into words which are appropriate for the occasion

Don’t use clichés

Use original language to give your speech dignity, meaning, and honest emotion

Eliminate Clutter

Keep your language lively

Don’t use several words where one or two will do

Do not use repetitive adjectives– Example: She is smart and intelligent

Imagery

Imagery: the use of vivid language to create mental images of objects, actions, or ideas

Create word pictures that let you “see” the haunted house or “hear” the birds chirping or “taste” the hot chocolate

Vivid images pull listeners into the speech

Tribute Speech

Outlining Your

Tribute Speech

Introduction

Attention Grabber: Begin your tribute speech with a statement that grabs the audience’s attention

This could be a quote from a famous author, or a bold statement that expresses what the person you’re writing the speech about means to you

Background Information

THIS SHOULD BE SHORT – Just a few basic pieces of information explaining why this person would be worthy of tributeWrite down the major facts

– Is the subject well known or famous? Because of what?

What are credible examples of the major accomplishments?

Can you mention some valuable community activities, contributions in professional life that are or were important for the honoree.

Can you refer to any professional accomplishments?

The Why!

This is why you chose this person. Tell about your relationship with this individual or what this individual means to you.

This is one part of the heart of the speech. Tell about what this person means to you and the world and how important their impact has been!

The Why Cont’d

What are the unique and great qualities of the subject and what do they mean to you

Tell a story or refer to an incident that gives more insight in the personality and character of the person

Examples of their virtues– Example: tribute speech topics about courage, compassion, kindness,

great defender of family values.

How did the subject cope with it difficult situations? Give an example that everyone can recognize

Impact

What has been learned as a result of their influence?

In what ways do they or have they inspired you?

What will you and others value and carry forward as a legacy to the person’s life?** Answer this in your final statement

This is the other part of the heart!!!

SPEECH Requirements

Speech needs to be no more than 5 minutes long but not less than 2.5 I will be grading your speech on

– Completeness (did you include all the part required (intro, background, why, impact, final statement)

– Verbal Communication: Using Appropriate formal or informal language, Not just informing but inspiring, not using repetitive words

– Non-Verbal Communication: Eye Contact, Gestures and Facial expression showing that you are proud of the person or thing you are paying tribute to

– Completed Outline (this must be submitted before you record your speech)

DUE DATES

Topic Selection: You must comment on our site and tell me who or what you are paying tribute to by tomorrow (Friday September 19th)

You must read the pp, watch the videos, and complete the outline by Wedenesday (September 24th)

You must record your speech and submit it to me by the following Monday (September 29th)

Rock it Out!!!