1. T he
Commemor ative
Speech
Some Tips for Formulating and
Writing Your Presentation

2. What Are They?
 Commemorative speeches are
addresses of praise, tribute or
celebration. Commemorative speeches
pay tribute to a person, group, institution,
thing, event or an idea. Eulogies, Fourth
of July speeches, testimonial addresses,
and dedications are examples of
commemorative speeches.

3. Purpose of the Speech
 The fundamental purpose of a
commemorative speech is to inspire the
audience, and to heighten their
admiration for the person, group,
institution, event, thing, or idea being
praised.

4. This is NOT an
Informative
Presentation
 Although it usually presents information
about its subject, a commemorative
speech is different from an informative
speech.

5. The Aim of the
Commemorative
Speech
 The aim of an informative speech is to
communicate information clearly and
accurately.
 The aim of a commemorative speech is
to express feelings, arouse sentiments,
and inspire. It is NOT just a list of a
persons achievements, accomplishments
and/or background; it is much more.

6. THE IMPORTANCE OF
LANGUAGE AND
EMOTION

7. Language is Important
 Commemorative speeches depend,
above all, on the creative and subtle use
of language. Some of the most
memorable speeches in history are
commemorative addresses that we
continue to find meaningful because of
their eloquent expression.

8. Language is Important
 Two aspects of language use are
especially important for commemorative
speeches.
 Avoid clichés and trite sentiments.
 Utilize stylistic devices to enhance the
imagery, rhythm, and creativity of the
speech.

9. The Commemorative
Speech and Emotion
 “The vice presidency is the sand trap of
American politics. It’s the near prize, and
designed to be limiting.” – Howard
Fineman

10. The Commemorative
Speech and Emotion
 “We should not demean our democracy
with the politics of distraction, denial, and
despair” – Al Gore

11. The Commemorative
Speech and Emotion
 “America is not like a blanket – one piece
of unbroken cloth…America is more like
a quilt – woven together with one
common thread…” – Jesse Jackson

12. COMMEMORATIVE
SPEECHES ARE EASY…
NO KIDDING…
SERIOUSLY, THEY ARE

13. Take It Step By Step
1. Start with a significant aspect of your
subject to commemorate. No trivialities,
but an activity that represents a value
that can stir our emotions and inspire us.

14. Take It Step By Step
 A commemorative speech topic is meant
to grab attention and achieve feelings of
recognition right at the start of your
speech.

15. Take It Step By Step
 A Person - Describe how the person you
honored always takes care of the pets in
your neighborhood. Choose a person
who has made a major impact on your
life.

16. Take It Step By Step
 An Event - Describe how the Super Bowl
unites many fans, what happens at the
big day, what it means to them. Think of
a time in your life that has changed the
way that you do things.

17. Take It Step By Step
 A Group - Describe that the baseball
team being honored became champion
because of their co-operation. Pick an
organization that has profoundly affected
American society.

18. Take It Step By Step
 The Abstract - Describe the “natural
world wonder” you commemorate, and
how it inspires thousands of visitors to
protect nature in their local community.
Think of music or a style of art that has
made a cultural impact.

19. Take It Step By Step
 So, what significant aspect of your
subject represents or symbolizes an
important value in our own lives?
 It will help if you ask yourself the basic
who, when, what where, why and how
questions about your subject.

20. Take It Step By Step
2. Explain why you are the speaker and
want to pay a tribute. Mention the
reasons and the character of the
occasion.

21. Take It Step By Step
 Why does your subject deserve to be
honored?
 Why this kind of tribute?
 Why at this moment, at this occasion?

22. Take It Step By Step
3. Refer to the particular contributions,
achievements, or merits. Give concrete
examples. What has been
accomplished?

23. Take It Step By Step
4. State why the efforts, impressions,
achievements are such a success.
 Who or what will benefit?
 Why is this way of thinking or acting
valuable to us?

24. Take It Step By Step
5. Link your examples to the morality,
taste, beliefs, opinions and sentiments of
your audience. It's the heart of this kind
of speech.

25. Take It Step By Step
 What specific values can we discount
and which ones make the difference?
 Why and how can we also apply the
values?

26. Take It Step By Step
 Describe the values in such a way that all
attendees can empathize and reexperience these feelings.

27. Take It Step By Step
 If the commemorated subject is a
person, then ask yourself, for example:
what can we learn of the subjects' way of
approaching things in his personal or
professional life?

28. Take It Step By Step
 Celebrate this special manner in this
commemorative speech topic.
 If the subject for instance is a war
monument, then ask yourself, what
values does this monument stand for?
What are we commemorating at this
place and why?

29. Take It Step By Step
6. Now, make a summarizing transition.
 Link the previous commemorative
speech topics of the important values to
the common feelings and thoughts that
you and the audience share.

30. Take It Step By Step
 Illustrate them with a short story,
anecdote, facts or a testimony of a
symbolic personal experience with the
subject.

31. Take It Step By Step
 If it's a place you commemorate, for
example the Grand Canyon, then tell
what you feel when you visit it.
 But also that you have feelings of joy and
great respect for the beauty of Mother
Nature. Place it in perspective.

32. Take It Step By Step
7. Conclude with a memorable summary.
Help the audience to remember the
speech topics, and above all the values
being celebrated.

33. Language and
Structure
Here are the three most important tips
about writing and delivering your
commemorative speech topics.
1.
2.
3.
Use expressive and elegant language
Formulate in an eloquent, serious style
Avoid exaggerating expressions