Purpose

Special Speeches - Ceremonial Speaking Activity

by Mackenzie Marquess

The purpose of this activity is to help students identify situational context and determine the appropriate type of ceremonial speech to deliver as well as how to deliver it. This gives students the ability to apply their knowledge as they would when giving a ceremonial speech outside of the classroom setting.

Learning Goals

Understand the different kinds of ceremonial speeches
Determine what kind of speech best fits your context
Explore what these speeches look like in practice

Corresponding Course Objectives

1. Analyze rhetorical situations accurately and insightfully in order to craft effective and appropriate audience-centered speeches
2. Prepare and deliver various types of speeches (e.g., informative, persuasive, special occasion) that demonstrate sound rhetorical judgment

4) Rehearse public speaking to achieve greater confidence

Materials

Activity instruction sheet (instructions & outline on one side, definitions on the other)
Scenario slips

Time

30-35 minutes

Process

Have students break into groups of 2-4 based on class size and hand out instruction sheet
Have students draw their scenario slips
Determine who will be the speaker from each group
Give students 5 minutes to determine what kind of speech they will be giving and to draft an outline of their 1 minute speech.
Give students 5 minutes to rehearse their speech with their group - the partner(s) that is not speaking should offer critiques and insight on delivery to help the speaker prepare
After rehearsal, speakers will deliver their speech to the class one at a time
After each speech, the rest of the class will attempt to identify the type of ceremonial speech that was given and explain what lead them to that conclusion - allow some time for the speaker to explain their delivery choices
Debrief with follow-up questions/discussion

Follow-Up Questions

How did you determine what kind of speech to give?
Did anyone have a scenario where you felt several different kinds of speeches could be appropriate?
How did your preparation look different for these speeches compared to your informative speech?
How did the aesthetic experience change between the different types of ceremonial speeches?
Would you do anything differently if you had to give this kind of speech outside of class?

References

Mapes, M. (2019). Speak Out, Call In: Public Speaking Advocacy. KU Libraries.

Special Speeches - Assignment Instructions

You will be given 10 minutes to:
1. Read your given scenario and discuss it with your group
2. Determine what type of speech is most appropriate given the context (types of ceremonial speeches are listed on the back of this sheet as well as in Chapter 15 of your textbook)
3. Write an outline for that speech
You will be given 5 minutes to:
1. Rehearse your 1 minute speech with your group
2. Offer feedback to the speaker
After this time is up each group’s speaker will come up one at a time to deliver their speech

Remember to adapt to your occasion and adapt to your audience

Ceremonial Speech Outline

Introduction
1. Attention Getter:
2. Relevance Statement:
3. Thesis Statement:
4. Credibility Statement:
5. Point Preview:

Body
1. Main Point 1: 1.

1. Main Point 2: 1.

1. Main Point 2: 1.

Conclusion
1. Relevant summary
2. Closure

Special Speeches - Types of Ceremonial Speeches

Speeches of Introduction	a mini-speech given by the host of a ceremony that introduces another speaker
Eulogies	speech given in honor of someone who has passed away
Commencement Speeches	speech to recognize and celebrate the achievements of a graduating class or other group of people
Speeches of Presentation	a brief speech given to accompany a prize or honor
After-Dinner Speeches	humorous speeches that make a serious point
Keynote Address	speech focused on a key theme or idea—generally defined by the event or occasion— with the purpose of unification
Acceptance Speeches	is a speech given by the recipient of a prize or honor
Commemorative Speeches	speeches that pay tribute to a person, place, thing, or idea by publicly honoring, remembering, or memorializing
Toasts	speech designed to congratulate, appreciate, or remember
Speeches of Dedication	speeches designed to highlight the importance of the project and possibly those to whom the project has been dedicated
Speeches that Memorialize	longer speeches that celebrate and honor the person or group of individuals on a significant date

References

Mapes, M. (2019). Speak Out, Call In: Public Speaking Advocacy. KU Libraries.

Special Speeches -Scenario Slips

You are a member of your best friend’s wedding party and are currently at their wedding. The ceremony has already taken place and guests are at their assigned tables being served food with the newly married couple at the head of the table. As an honored member of the wedding party, you are asked to give a speech to the couple and all attendees during dinner.

You have organized a conference in your field of expertise. Attending the conference are other experts and aspiring members of your field. You are asked to give a speech to all attendees on the first day to kick off the conference and explain its purpose and what it means to your field.

You are an employee of the local government. You led a project to build a new park as your large town previously had none. This project was built off of ideas by the person who previously held your position and contributed a lot of work to make it possible. You are asked to give a speech at the ribbon cutting taking place to open the new park. Other government employees, media members, and townspeople are present.

As a member of an important committee, you are asked to speak at a ceremony coming up. You will be honoring an individual who has made significant contributions to your community with an award from your organization. There will be other members of your organization, invited guests, and the individual you will be speaking about in attendance.

Ceremonial Speaking Activities