The speeches
Ceremonial speeches serve important social functions. They reinforce the values that hold people together in a community and give listeners a sense of order and purpose in their lives. They build the major premises for later arguments and put the spotlight on leadership.
Major Techniques of Ceremonial Speaking. Two major techniques of ceremonial speaking are identification and magnification. The first creates a close feeling, and the second selects and emphasizes those features of a subject that will convey the speaker’s message. Speakers build identification by the use of narratives that remind listeners of shared experiences. Recognizing heroes and heroines also provides ideal models of conduct to draw listeners and speakers closer together. Finally, appeals to group commitment can remind listeners of the values and goals they share. Themes worthy of magnification include overcoming obstacles, achieving unusual goals, performing in a superior manner, having pure motives, and benefiting the community. Eloquent uses of language can also magnify the subjects of ceremonial speeches.
Types of Ceremonial Speeches Speeches of tribute recognize achievements or commemorate special events. Such speeches should help us appreciate the values these achievements represent. As they describe ideal models of conduct, speeches of tribute also perform an inspirational function. Achievements and events may be significant in themselves or in what they symbolize. Award presentations should explain the nature of the award and what the recipient has done to merit it. Eulogies are speeches of tribute presented on the death of a person or persons. Toasts are ceremonial speeches in miniature that pay tribute, offer blessings, or celebrate the moment.
Speeches of acceptance should begin with an expression of gratitude and an acknowledgment of others who deserve recognition. They should focus on the values that the honor represents. Acceptance speeches often call f r more formal language than other speeches and for eloquence that suits 11w occasion.
Speeches of introduction should welcome the speaker, establish his or ht’r ethos, and tune the audience for the message to follow. Introductions should focus on information about the speaker that is relevant to the speech topi. nr the occasion or that has special meaning for the audience.
Speeches of inspiration help listeners appreciate values and make them wi iii to pursue worthy goals. Such speeches often call on stories of past succssc, After-dinner speeches should be lighthearted, serving up humor and insighi at the same time. Humor should be functional in such speeches, illustrating i point or serving some larger purpose.
The master of ceremonies coordinates a program and sees that things wit
smoothly. He or she sets the mood of the program, introduces the {).ir(k I.
pants, provides transitions, and sometimes presents awards.