Types of Speeches: The Commencement Speech
A commencement speech attempts to put the work those who are receiving their degrees or diplomas have done into the context of their future. This is, after all, the beginning of the rest of their lives.
A commencement speech attempts to put the work those who are receiving their degrees or diplomas have done into the context of their future. This is, after all, the beginning of the rest of their lives.
Sometimes, when you receive an award or recognition for something you’ve done, you are expected to say a few words of gratitude for the recognition. The challenge of the acceptance speech is in balancing your speech with the right amount of gratitude, modesty, and humility without erring on the side of condescension, self-deprecation, and arrogance. In addition, you are supposed to do all this in a short amount of time so the event can move on to the next item on the agenda!
An impromptu speech is given with little or no preparation. You might not be aware of it, but you are giving mini impromptu speeches every day! Every time someone asks you a question you weren’t expecting, your answer is an off-the-cuff speech.
A persuasive speech urges the audience to do something specific. I can be to change their mind about something, to vote for (or against) something, to join or support something, or even to buy something. If you are trying to influence the audience to think, feel or do something, you are giving a persuasive speech.
Although it can seem pretty simple on the surface — your audience asks questions and you answer them — there is an art to leading a successful Q & A presentation.
The purpose of an inspirational speech is to inspire and uplift your audience. It is very similar to the motivational speech, which I covered earlier in this series, but has a slightly different intent.
The key to doing an informational speech well is often in the organization. The flow of facts and information must appear logical to the audience, often building one upon the other.