Full Special Occasion Speech: Inspired by a Beagle by Linda Cotter

Audience Analysis

Linda tailors her speech to her audience by identifying Santa Rosa students with Snoopy.

On some special occasions, speakers are expected to dress in ways that are different from their usual style. In this case, the speaker has to overcome any inhibition or discomfort she might fell about wearing a cap and gown in order to respect and participate in the graduation. The cap and gown immediately unites her with the audience.

Content and Supporting Ideas

By honoring and paying tribute to Snoopy, Linda in turn honors and encourages her audience. She offers an excellent use of a tribute to uplift an audience.

The long list of Snoopy’s accomplishments provides evidence of Linda’s claim that Snoopy is an inspirational character. She moves on from the list to make her claim by showing what others can learn from Snoopy’s accomplishments. With limited speaking time, however, Linda might have considered whether listing Snoopy’s accomplishments in such detail was the best use of support.

Introduction/Transitions/Conclusion

Because it is a formal occasion, Linda uses a traditional introduction for the event. By greeting various dignitaries and groups at the graduation, she fulfills the audience’s expectations for the occasion.

She uses a personal anecdote and a humorous story about the cartoon character Snoopy to introduce her main idea of dreaming big and achieving your dreams. This story about Snoopy forms one half of the metaphor that is the basis for her speech and sets him up as her “buddy” and role model. This is useful when she later sets out to show how he is a role model for other graduates.

In the conclusion, humor and referring back to Snoopy provide a strong ending that echoes the introduction.

Delivery

Linda’s rate of speaking and her volume are appropriate to the outdoor setting. She speaks loudly and precisely at a moderate rate in order to overcome potential distractions.

Because of the volume and rate that she has to maintain, however, she speaks in a bit of a monotone. More vocal variety would help her keep the audience’s attention and punctuate her points.

Although this is a formal occasion that warrants a manuscript speech, the speaker utilizes eye contact and direct orientation with her audience. She does not let reliance on the manuscript separate her from the audience or deter her from an otherwise natural and enthusiastic delivery.