Public Speaking

256 CHAPTER 18^ Speaking on Special Occasions

Needless to say, Vest won the case. Here are some guidelines for a tribute:

•   In the introduction, tell why the subject is significant or worthy of honor.

•   Because the intent is to highlight characteristics, ideas, and behaviors that benefit

society, at the outset, identify a few ideals the subject represents.

•   Consider using a statement of reasons pattern. For example, a student tribute to the

baseball great Ted Williams gives three reasons to praise Williams: patriotism, perse-

verance, and charity.^7

•   Develop each point with illustrations from the person’s life.

•   This is not primarily an informative speech, although you probably need to include

information about the subject.

One of the most famous speeches in this category is President Reagan’s Tribute to

the Challenger Crew which is available online. See also St. Paul’s famous tribute to love

found in the Bible (I Corinthians 13).

Toasts

Toasts are ritual speeches that honor a person or persons on birthdays or graduation

days, at wedding or anniversaries, at reunions or holidays, and so on. Toasts typically

come at the end of a meal and involve a ritual drink to express goodwill toward the

honoree. The host has the opportunity to offer the first toast. During the toast ritual:

•   Make sure all participants have a drink at hand.

•   Stand and hold your glass at waist level while you propose the toast.

•   Look at the honoree throughout the speech.

•   At the end, raise your glass, say a ritual phrase such as “to your happiness,” and take

a small sip.

•   Honorees remain seated and do not drink. After the toast is drunk, they stand, thank

the person offering the toast, and often follow up with a toast of their own.

© KPG_Payless/Shutterstock.com

Toasts are given across the
globe to give goodwill wishes
to honorees.

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