160 Glossary

Acceptance Speech

Also called the speech to accept an award, the acceptance speech gives the recipient an opportunity to express appreciation for the award as well as humility and grace.

After-dinner Speech

During the after-dinner speech, audiences expect to be entertained by a speech that informs them about a particular issue. This speech sometimes uses humor to make a serious point.

Ceremonial Speech

A ceremonial speech includes one of several kinds that celebrate an occasion. More specifically, a ceremonial speech may introduce a speaker, entertain an audience, or inspire people. Another term for ceremonial speech is special occasion speech.

Commemorative or Tribute Speech

A commemorative or tribute speech is one that pays special accolades to an occasion, extraordinary person, event, idea, or monument. Such a speech is intended to reflect the emotions of the audience.

Commencement Speech

The commencement speech is given by a well-known person of local, national, or international acclaim to mark a university or secondary school graduation ceremony.

Epideictic Speech

This is a ceremonial speech intended to praise or blame.

Identification

A technique used in ceremonial speaking to enhance feelings of familiarity and closeness.

Keynote Address

The keynote address represents the keynote of a larger idea taking place at a conference or exposition usually organized around a central theme. Magnification A technique in ceremonial speaking used to give benefit to the audience, amplify emotion, and exceed audience expectations.

Presentational Speech

Also called a speech to present an award, the presentational speech serves to highlight the merits of the award recipient and to point out the purpose and significance of the award being given.

Roast

A roast is a variation of the toast in which the speaker pays tribute to a person by poking fun at her or him in a friendly way.

Special Occasion Speech

A special occasion speech includes one of several kinds that celebrate an occasion. More specifically, it might introduce a speaker, entertain an audience, or inspire people. Another term for special occasion speech is ceremonial speech.

Speech of Introduction

A speech of introduction is a brief presentation used to introduce the main speaker of an event and to inspire the audience to listen to that speaker.

Toast

A toast is a brief tribute to a person or event.