2 Minute Commemorative Speech – Objectives & Instructions
Objectives:
1. Create a speech that is short, eloquent, and commemoratively inspiring to all.
2. Commemorate or pay tribute to a person, group, institution, thing, idea or event.
3. Organize your thoughts and ideas so as to inspire your audience.
4. Use the richness and beauty of the English language to commemorate and inspire.
5. Learn to make a connection with your audience when delivering a speech.
The Speech:
Commemorative speeches are addresses of praise, tribute or celebration given with passion and sincerity.
Commemorative speeches pay tribute to a person, group, institution, thing, event or an idea. Eulogies, Fourth of July
speeches, testimonial addresses, and dedications are examples of commemorative speeches. The fundamental purpose
of a commemorative speech is to inspire the audience-to heighten their admiration for the person, group, institution, event,
thing/monument or idea being praised. Although it usually presents information about its subject, a commemorative
speech is different from an informative speech. The aim of an informative speech is to communicate information clearly
and accurately. The aim of a commemorative speech is to express feelings, arouse sentiments, and inspire. It is NOT just
a list of a persons achievements, accomplishments and/or background; it is much more.
Commemorative speeches depend above all on the creative and subtle use of language. Some of the most
memorable speeches in history are commemorative addresses that we continue to find meaningful because of
their eloquent expression. Two aspects of language use are especially important for commemorative speeches.
The first is avoiding cliches and trite sentiments. The second is utilizing stylistic devices such as those discussed
in class to enhance the imagery, rhythm, and creativity of the speech. (eg. - antithesis, “If you fail to
prepare–You prepare to fail.”).
Use the following tips of special occasion/commemorative speaking to help you prepare, organize, and deliver your
commemorative speech. If you would like a more complete description and outline of each of the following tips please refer
to the Public Speakers’ Pages–“The Speeches Page” then “Commemorative Speaking” at:
http://mauicc.hawaii.edu/staff/stjohn/publicspeakers/commemorative.html
1. Create a ceremonial speech that is short and eloquent.
2. Adapt your speech to the occasion and the person, place, or event you are celebrating.
3. Consider the emotional needs of your audience and attempt to fulfill these needs with your speech.
4. Focus more on conveying your emotions, respect, and sincerity than providing a great deal of information
about the honoree.
5. Unify your audience around emotions and sentiments you commonly share for the commemorated.
6. Make specific references to the particular characteristics and contributions of the honoree.
7. Balance your adulation of the honoree's professional accomplishments with praise for her/his achievements.
8. Do not understate or exaggerate your emotions or praise for the honoree–BE SINCERE.
The Delivery:
You will present this commemoration without notes, manuscript or outline. This is a speaking activity designed to give you
the opportunity to prepare what you want to say in advance and simply talk to us with no script -- sincerly and
passionately about someone or something that you care about. The amount of preparation is up to you. This is not a
biography of someone -- this is a 2-minute tribute. Your goals are to enjoy speaking with us, and make a connection with
us when delivering your commemoration.
The Evaluation:
You will go to the Library and view your commemorative speech on the “Introduction/Commemorative Speeches
Tape”. You will watch your speech and you will focus on Three Strengths, Three Areas that you will Improve, and
Six Steps that you WILL take prior to your informative speech to incorporate your strengths, and improve in the
areas that you want to improve. Be detailed, descriptive, and specific in your evaluation. You must include the six
specific steps that you will take to improve for your informative speech. You are designing your plan for improvement–be
comprehensive, and all-inclusive. Write your responses down when you are viewing the video then turn in--or email--your
responses to me by the due date. ONLY TYPED or EMAILED evaluations will be accepted. Make sure your responses
include the 3 areas (Strengths, Areas you will improve, and Steps you will take to Improve). If you email your evaluation
You Must include in the subject of the email–in the following order Commemorative eval, your class (SP151), your class
day (MW or TR) your class time, your Name. For example if you are in SP 151 on Mon. & Wed. at 3:00pm the subject of
your email will include, in this exact order, the following information: “Commemorative Eval 151 MW3:00 Your Name”