10.5 Special Occasion Presentations

Special occasion speeches are unique to the situation/circumstance in which they occur and to the related events. In business and professional settings special occasion speeches are given in a variety of situations such as to introduce new team members, to honor retiring team members (or those who are otherwise departing the organization), and to celebrate or pay tribute to accomplishments of individuals and/or the organization. Other situations include speeches of acceptance when individuals receive awards and recognition and the recipient is asked to speak, and there are occasions when situations need to be recognized, such as a speech related to an unexpected disaster that somehow impacts the organization.

Special occasion speeches are short, usually, 1-3 minutes in length. We should utilize a basic speechwriting format including an introduction to obtain interest and share the focus/purpose of the presentation, a body developing the ideas, and a conclusion to tie up and impact the ideas presented. Speakers often include elements of informative or persuasive presentation in special occasion speeches. Speakers might also use notes (if so, they are brief and on the front of one notecard) and might also use some brief visual support.

You could be asked to deliver a special occasion speech in a professional setting, such as celebrations regarding promotions, retirement, and introductions of new managers or employees. An event designed to celebrate the person or occasion being recognized is often structured using a direct approach (such as during an organization or industry’s award ceremony) while the special occasion speech given at more somber times (e.g. a speech to remember a longtime team member who passed away) is often structured indirectly.