Giving a speech can be nerve-wracking especially if it is for loved ones. You want to make your loved ones proud, but you don't know how!
Most people feel overwhelmed when they think about giving a speech. They worry that they won't be able to capture the essence of their loved one in words.
Our helpful guide walks you through the process step-by-step, making it easy for you to create a commemorative speech that will make your loved ones proud.
So let's get started to learn the process of writing and delivering an amazing speech!
What is a Commemorative Speech?
The commemorative speech definition refers to a type of speech delivered to celebrate, commemorate or remember an important event, person, or milestone. It's about honoring someone and celebrating their life and accomplishments with friends and family.
When writing a commemorative speech, itâs important to create a message that reflects the individual in question.
These speeches are sometimes filled with emotions and at other times, inspirational messages can motivate people.
A commemorative speaker will not only need an understanding of what they are celebrating but also creative ideas to make their words memorable for all.
Students in the United States are asked to deliver an inspiring and sentimental speech at their graduation ceremony. Students express their gratitude towards professors, family members, and classmates who helped them during college or school-related issues.
A commemorative speech requires a focus on the past, present, and future aspects of a topic. For example, beauty, hope, loyalty, wisdom, courage, etc.
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Types of Commemorative Speeches
There are a few different types of commemorative speeches. Some of them are mentioned below. So have a look at their names and the purpose they serve.
| Types Of Commemorative Speech | Function |
| Eulogy | To memorialize and pay tribute to someone who has died. |
| Tribute | To celebrate the life achievements of a living person |
| Speech of nomination | To recognize someone for an award or honor. |
| Speech of induction | To officially recognize and induct a person into a group. |
| Inauguration speech | To recognize the start of a new organization or administration. |
| Retirement speech | To honor someone on their retirement from an organization, job, or career. |
| Graduation Speech | To congratulate and inspire graduates of a school or college. |
| Speech of goodwill | A formal address to the audience that focuses on the positive qualities, goals, and achievements of the speaker |
| Award acceptance speech | The recipient of an award or honor delivers to express their thanks and appreciation. |
| Farewell | A formal speech is given by someone leaving a position or group. |
| Commencement Speech | Given at the end of a graduation ceremony to offer advice, encouragement, and inspiration. |
| Roast | It is usually tongue-in-cheek and lighthearted in nature, with the intention of poking fun at the person being honored. |
| Dedication Speech | A formal address is given by the speaker to honor someone or something special. |
Expert Tip
Want to know about other types? Check out this blog to learn about the major types of speeches!
Commemorative Speech Outline
Before starting to write, it is important to organize information by creating an outline. An outline will give your speech writing a direction which can be really helpful.
Here is a general commemorative speech outline:
I. Introduction
- Greeting and acknowledgment of the audience
- Establishing the purpose of the speech
- Briefly introducing the subject being commemorated
II. Background
- Providing a brief overview of the subject's life and achievements
- Exploring their early years, upbringing, and influences
- Highlighting their significant contributions and impact
III. Accomplishments
- Presenting the subject's major achievements and milestones
- Discussing their noteworthy projects, initiatives, or breakthroughs
- Sharing examples that demonstrate their excellence and dedication
IV. Personal Qualities and Character
- Exploring the subject's admirable qualities, values, and strengths
- Sharing anecdotes or testimonials that highlight their character
- Discussing how their personality traits contributed to their success
V. Legacy and Impact
- Discussing the subject's lasting impact on their field or community
- Exploring how their contributions have influenced others
- Reflecting on the significance of their legacy and continued inspiration
VI. Conclusion
- Summarizing the key points discussed in the speech
- Reinforcing the subject's remarkable accomplishments and qualities
- Delivering a memorable closing statement or call to action
Check this commemorative speech outline examples to get a better understanding
How to Start a Commemorative Speech?
To make an inspiring commemorative speech, you need to plan it. If you have a good plan, then the speech will be good. To start your commemoration speech, follow these steps:
1. Brainstorm Ideas
To start your speech, you must think of what to write. Think about what is important for the subject that you're writing about. Then, decide which topics will help make your speech more emotional or memorable.
2. Identify the Purpose
Identify why you are being chosen to pay a tribute. Then, explain the purpose of your speech. Tell all the reasons behind it and who is involved in it.
3. Gather Important Information
To make a speech, you need to have information that shows what is important and why. The most important things are your ideas, memories, stories, and the figurative language you use.
How to Write a Commemorative Speech?
To write this type of speech, itâs important to gather material about the subject and arrange it in a logical order. There are five main components that should be included in your commemorative speech.
Introduction
Begin your speech with an attention-grabbing introduction that relates to the topic. Introduce yourself and your connection to the subject. Use a powerful hook to draw your audience's attention and make them listen to you.
Wondering how to do this? Here are four easy tips to do thisâ¦
Share a Captivating Story or Anecdote
Engage your audience by sharing a compelling story or anecdote that resonates with the topic. This establishes an emotional connection and captivates their attention.
Pose a Thought-Provoking Question
Start with a question that prompts your audience to ponder. This stimulates their curiosity and encourages active engagement with your speech.
Inject Humor for Engagement
Add a touch of humor to lighten the mood and captivate your audience. Authenticity is key, and even a subtle joke or witty remark can create a connection and sustain interest.
Visualize a Vivid Scenario
Paint a vivid picture in the minds of your listeners by using descriptive language. Engage their imagination, allowing them to visualize the people, places, or things related to your topic.
These are some easy ways to start your introduction. Now letâs move to learn the next steps of writing a commemorative speechâ¦
Body
This is the part where you will talk about the person's achievements, wisdom, and other things. You can do this in the following waysâ¦
Educate Your Audience
Provide information about the subject youâre talking about. Share background details that help them connect with the subject matter. Let your speech carry a personal touch, speaking from the heart.
Be Natural
When delivering a speech, it's important that you appear natural and flow with the talk instead of struggling for words. Being well-prepared is one way to do this.
Make sure that you are familiar with the applicable material and practice speaking aloud.
Respectfully Mention Contributions
When youâre talking about a person, organization, or event, itâs important to mention their contributions and accomplishments. Give bold statements to pay tribute to them. Share anecdotes that showcase appreciation for their contributions and emphasize their lasting influence.
These are some easy ways to start your introduction. Now letâs move to learn the next steps of writing a commemorative speechâ¦
Use Compelling Quotes and Metaphors
Do you remember something that your grandfather told you? Were some of the lessons particularly impactful for you? So why don't you try to mention them here?
Yes, give it a try and you will see your audience getting attracted to listening to your story.
Using quotes or metaphors is an effective way of expressing your thoughts and feelings. Include quotes from people associated with the subject, such as family members, friends, or colleagues.
Select quotes that are relevant and meaningful to your topic. It helps to portray emotion and can be used as a powerful tool to draw attention if your audience feels bored with your speech!
Reflection
This is part of the speech where youâre allowed to share personal thoughts and feelings about the person or event youâre commemorating. This is an important part without which a commemorative speech is incomplete.
Take the time to reflect on what the person or event has meant to you. Share your thoughts and feelings about the subject in a respectful manner. Pay tribute to their legacy and the impact they made on your life.
Conclusion
Close off your speech by summarizing everything youâve said, as well as expressing gratitude for the person or event that youâre talking about. End with an inspiring quote or a call to action.
Donât forget to give your audience a message that you gained from the subject you commemorated. It is important to leave them with a message for motivation.
So, this is how you can write a compelling commemorative speech! But before starting your speech, an outline is necessary. Continue reading to learn about speech outlines.
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Free Commemorative Speech Examples
To make an impressive speech, you can get help from previous commemorative speeches written on the same or related topic. Below are some examples of speeches that you can use to get ideas for your own.
Commemorative Speech Topics
The following are some interesting commemorative speech ideas that you can choose for a quick start.
- Paying tribute to a teaching staff
- Paying tribute to human courage
- Paying tribute to your siblings
- Tribute to an eminent personality
- Paying tribute to spouse
- Paying tribute to your best friend
- Paying tribute to a colleague
- Paying tribute to the civil rights movement
- Celebrating the accomplishments of a trusted leader
- Saluting military service and sacrifice
- Paying tribute to my parents for making me the person I am today
- Overcoming adversity to achieve your goals
These are some examples of commemorative speech topics that you can consider! If you need a better idea of how to deliver a commemorative speech, check out this video:
Factors to Remember While Writing a Commemorative Speech
The three most important things to remember when starting your commemorative speech are:
- Start by stating what you want to celebrate. You can talk about how it has impacted you and others and how it will continue to be important in people's lives. You can include personal observations and anecdotes to make the speech more relatable.
- When giving a speech, make sure that you have all your facts straight. Speak confidently and know who your audience is. Respect the subject you are talking about and the audience too.
- People can usually tell when the speaker is not interested in what they are saying. It shows in their tone, body language, and word choice. When giving a speech, it is important to use your heart to express gratitude for the person, event, or place you are commemorating. Use your head to think about what you should say and how you should say it.
In conclusion, writing an interesting and informative speech can be a challenging task. But having a clear understanding of the writing process and learning from this blog can make the process much easier.
By following the outlined steps, and taking help from the provided examples and topics, you can create a thoughtful and impactful commemorative speech. And if you still find it difficult, remember that you can use our AI essay generator to help you create a memorable speech.
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