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Whether to mark a celebration, a milestone, or a passing, we all participate in special-occasion speaking as speakers or listeners.

At some point in your life, you will almost certainly be asked to deliver a special-occasion speech, whether it’s to mark a joyous or sorrowful event, present or accept an award, introduce another speaker or performer, or give a witty but evocative talk after a formal dinner. By applying the general guidelines described in this chapter as well as the strategies tailored specifically to each of the six types of special-occasion speeches, you can lay the groundwork for a successful presentation that will make your listeners remember the event for many years to come. If you are asked to deliver a speech on such an occasion, be aware of the type of speech your audience will expect and follow specific strategies designed to tailor your special-occasion speech for both the occasion and the audience.