W13 Public Speaking

 Textbook (chapter 15): Of all the types of speeches we are most likely to have to give during our lives, many of them will fall into the special occasion category. These often include speeches that are designed to inspire or motivate an audience to do something. These are, however, different from a traditional persuasive speech.

...Unlike the informative and persuasive speeches you were required to give, special occasion speeches are much broader and allow for a wider range of topics, events, and approaches to be employed.

...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 try to do it all in under two minutes.

...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

... Has the speaker written books or articles on the subject? Has the speaker had special life events that make him or her qualified?

>An interesting example of a speech presenting an award is this [one by Zoe Saldana for J.J. Abrams]https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=x03cGSszr8Q)

...While you don’t want to steal the show away from winner, you may want to highlight the work of the other competitors or nominees.

...When preparing a speech of dedication, start by explaining how you are involved in the dedication and/or who is being honored in the dedication. If the person to whom the dedication is being made is a relative, tell the audience about your relationship and your relative’s accomplishments.

...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.

Eulogy= praise + lament + console

 ...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

...Using a five-syllable word when a two-syllable word will work just as well often means a speaker is trying too hard to sound smart. And given that the use of those big words often comes off sounding awkward or inappropriate, you’re better off just sticking with what you know