Speech of Tribute
Public Speaking 1315
Gibson

The speech of tribute recognizes and celebrates accomplishments. You might make a speech honoring a teacher you have had, a special friend or someone you admire--your Father, mother, a sister or brother. The person you pay tribute to does not have to be famous, have earned awards or be reported in the media. If you can think of particular values the person has lived out and can think of experiences or stories to illustrate these values, then you can construct a speech of tribute about this person.

 

Sample Outline for Speech of Tribute

 

Specific Purpose: To entertain and inspire my audience by honoring a special teacher and describing the impact she has had on my life.
Central Idea: English teacher Jean Wright influenced many aspects of my life by showing examples of warmth, courage and concern for others.
Organizational Pattern: topical

Introduction

    1. (Attention-getter) Who has had the greatest influence on your life? For many of us, a special teacher probably comes to mind.
    2. (Credibility) Throughout my career as a student, many teachers have come and gone and have been loved and hated, but none has had a greater impact then Mrs. Jean Wright, my senior English teacher.
    3. (Reveal Topic) Certainly, all of us have had teachers who evoked strong emotions in us, both positive and negative; today I would like to pay tribute to this very special lady.
    4.   (Preview Body of Speech) Mrs. Jean Wright was the epitome of warmth, concern for others, and courage as she proved both in her professional and personal lives.

Connective: Now, I want to give you some examples of why Ms. Wright was so special.

  1. Body
    1. . Jean Wright taught her students by her example of warmth.
      1. Ms. Wright always had a smile and an inspiring thought to share.
      2. Ms. Wright helped me through a difficult time in my life.

Connective: My high-school problems did not compare to the trials Ms. Wright faced while teaching .

    1. Jean Wright taught her students by her example of courage.
      1. 1. Ms. Wright maintained a positive outlook when diagnosed with cancer.
      2. Despite ill-health and suffering, Ms. Wright never missed a class.

Connective: In addition to giving her all to her students, Ms. Wright also donated her time to the community.

    1. Jean Wright taught her students by her example of concern for others.
      1. Ms. Wright volunteered for several local charities.
      2. Ms. Wright always put others' needs before her own.

Connective: So I hope you have seen what a truly unique and wonderful individual Jean Wright was. (Prepared audience for conclusion)

  1. Conclusion
    1. I'm sure that we have all had teachers who were special to us in some way, and I hope you can see how Mrs. Wright's warmth, concern and courage made her special to all her students. (Reinforced central idea.)
    2. The impact that this lady had upon those who knew her was undeniably proven when the announcement of her death as a result of the cancer which she had fought for so long caused a football stadium full of screaming fans to fall silent and to reflect upon the great loss the school, the community, and the world had suffered. (Ended with strong impact)