Chapter 19 Review

“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 almost certainly will 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.

Key Terms

epideictic 577

eulogy 580

Review Questions

1. Question

   Name and describe six types of special-occasion speeches identified in the chapter.

   Name and describe six types of special-occasion speeches identified in the chapter.

2. Question

   What five guidelines should be adhered to when delivering a special-occasion speech?

   What five guidelines should be adhered to when delivering a special-occasion speech?

3. Page 606

   Question

   What four strategies for speeches of introduction are offered in the chapter?

4. Question

   Describe four strategies for speeches of presentation.

5. Question

   What three strategies should you use when delivering a speech of acceptance?

6. Question

   What three strategies should you use when speaking to memorialize or eulogize?

7. Question

   Describe two strategies that can help you deliver a celebratory speech.

8. Question

   Offer four strategies for effective after-dinner speeches.

   Offer four strategies for effective after-dinner speeches.

Critical Thinking Questions

1. Question

   What characteristics do television hosts like Jimmy Fallon and Stephan Colbert share with famous speakers like Mark Twain? In what ways are after-dinner speeches and late-night monologues similar? Which one do you think would be more difficult to prepare and deliver, and why?

   What characteristics do television hosts like Jimmy Fallon and Stephan Colbert share with famous speakers like Mark Twain? In what ways are after-dinner speeches and late-night monologues similar? Which one do you think would be more difficult to prepare and deliver, and why?

2. Question

   How does a eulogy differ from a celebratory speech? How are they the same?

3. Question

   Are there occasions when you might need to deliver a celebratory speech in front of a somewhat hostile audience? How might you change your speech in those circumstances?

Activities

1. Question

   Imagine that you have been tasked with delivering a speech of introduction for a controversial figure (such as Roman Polanski, Ann Coulter, Lance Armstrong, or Charlie Sheen). How would you handle introducing someone whom you dislike or do not respect or whom the audience might view negatively? Craft an attention-getter for this type of speech.

   Chapter 19 - Activity Question 1

2. Question

   Suppose that a close friend or a brother or sister has asked you to give a toast at his or her wedding. What would you say? How would you use humor?

   Chapter 19 - Activity Question 2

3. Question

   Imagine that you have to give a special-occasion speech honoring someone important to you. Prepare three outlines—for a speech of introduction for this person, for a speech of presentation of an imaginary award, and for a speech that toasts the person for a life event (such as a wedding, graduation, or retirement). How do your three outlines differ?

   Chapter 19 - Activity Question 3