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Speaking on Special Occasions

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A special occasion speech is one that is prepared for a specific occasion and for a purpose dictated by that occasion. Special occasion speeches can be either informative or persuasive or, often, a mix of both. However, neither of these functions is the main goal; the underlying function of a special occasion speech is to entertain, celebrate, commemorate, inspire, or set a social agenda:

In speeches that entertain, listeners expect a lighthearted, amusing speech; they may also expect the speaker to offer a certain degree of insight into the topic at hand.
In speeches that celebrate (a person, a place, or an event), listeners look to the speaker to praise the subject of the celebration; they also anticipate a degree of ceremony in accordance with the norms of the occasion.
In speeches that commemorate an event or a person (at dedications of memorials or at gatherings held in someone’s honor), listeners expect the speaker to offer remembrance and tribute.
In speeches that inspire (including inaugural addresses, keynote speeches, and commencement speeches), listeners expect to be motivated by examples of achievement and heroism.
In speeches that set social agendas (such as occur at gatherings of cause-oriented organizations, fund-raisers, campaign banquets, conferences, and conventions), listeners expect the articulation and reinforcement of the goals and values of the group.

Special occasion speeches include speeches of introduction, speeches of acceptance, speeches of presentation, roasts and toasts, eulogies and other speeches of tribute, afterdinner speeches, and speeches of inspiration.