Commemorative Speech Topic

Fourth of July speeches, an Anzac Day address, September 11 speech, eulogies and memorial dedications are all examples of commemorative speeches.

Their purpose is to inspire and celebrate whether they are about:

Being asked to deliver a commemorative speech is a privilege and an honor. However, good public speaking on topics that require dignity and respect requires some preparation.

A well-prepared speech can often help calm any speech anxiety. Knowing that your presentation has been well researched and properly structured is a great first step in providing a first class presentation.

What not to include as a commemorative speech topic:

Long lists of accomplishments

Listing awards, achievements, and accomplishments are wonderful as good informative speech topics, but your talk is to celebrate and inspire, not to inform.You need to speak to your listeners' emotions, not just give them with more details.

Nourishing emotions are the key to good commemorative speech topics

Your audience already have much knowledge and understanding about the person, place, or special event that is being commemorative. They are not looking to learn gain more information about the honoree but rather:

Appealing to the emotions

To bring the person, organization or special event to life try using words and explanations that are:

For Example:

Focus on qualities

Of course you are going to want to include details of accomplishments and achievements in your talk. However, in order to appeal to the emotions of your audience focus on qualities. That is, talk about the qualities that the person, or organization has that enabled them to achieve their success rather than the accomplishment itself.

What is/was important to the person being honored? Maybe all the accomplishments mean little in comparison to something else. If so what was it? Effective speech writing requires you to do some research so you can find out the extra little details that will make your presentation more personal.

Is there a reason why the tribute is being held now? The answer may provide further topic suggestions.

If you are paying a tribute to an organization, think of the qualities of the people involved, what have they contributed, their values and their dedication.

Structure your speech for maximum effect

Construct a basic outline of your commemorative speech topics so it flows smoothly and have continuity.

Include a good balance of personal and professional achievement topics.

Keep up the speech’s momentum by make your point quickly.

Use your own words rather than clichés and worn out statements.

Use the speech outline sample to understand how to structure your presentation.

Consider using an attention grabbing statement to capture your audience attention. If you are remembering a special event, why not use the opening lines from the speech gave on that day in history.

Respect their feelings

Emotions can be very fragile at public speaking events such as commemorations and tributes. Be considerate, allow your audience to feel what they want, keep your address dignified and respectful.

Understand the mood

When deciding on different commemorative speech topics, consider the mood of the people there. Will there be sadness mixed in with the celebration, or will the mood be upbeat and positive.

Adjust your tone and language to best suit the general feeling of those present.

Extra considerations

Although clichés and worn out statements might sound good, they lack sincerity.

Use your own words to express what you are feeling.

Be sincere, don't use false flattery which can be embarrassing and uncomfortable for the honouree and audience.

If you feel you cannot be sincere or you will become too emotional, find someone else to speak.

Keep your commemorative speech topics relevant to the person, place or special event that is being honored.

Back to ceremonial-speeches

Return from Commemorative Speech Topic to Home