Tribute Speech
What are Tribute Speeches
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Tribute Speech: a speech that pays tribute to a
person, a group of people, an institution, or an
idea
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It will show your respect,
admiration, or thanks
to a person
Where Do You Find Them?
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Funerals
Weddings
Dedications
Fourth of July celebrations
Memorial Services
Anniversaries
Reunions
Award Ceremonies
Retirements
What’s Included in a Tribute Speech?
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Admiration and Respect
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A focus on positive qualities:
–
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For example: perseverance, dedication, humility,
compassion, honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty,
sacrifice, service, kindness, humor ...
Highlighting
accomplishments
and the difficulties
overcome to achieve
them
What’s Included in a Tribute Speech?
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A reflection on the positive impact and
contribution of the person on the lives
of others
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Grateful acknowledgment of what we
can learn from their example
to take into the future
Who Can I Pick?
Musicians/Bands
Professional
Athletes
Historical Figures/
Leaders
Artists/Writers/
Entertainers
Innovators/Inventors
Purpose
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The purpose is not to inform your listeners, but to inspire
them
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Heighten their appreciation or admiration
for the person you are praising
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Don’t just tell the details of the person’s life
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Get to the heart of your subject
and create a deep sense of
respect in your audience
Emotion
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You want to express feelings and stir up an
emotional response
Importance of Language

It’s important to your thoughts and emotions
into words which are appropriate for the
occasion
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Don’t use clichés
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Use original language to give your speech
dignity, meaning, and honest emotion
Eliminate Clutter

Keep your language lively
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Don’t use several words where one or two
will do
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Do not use repetitive adjectives
–
Example: She is smart and intelligent
Imagery
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Imagery: the use of vivid language to create
mental images of objects, actions, or ideas
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Create word pictures that let you “see” the
haunted house or “hear” the birds chirping or
“taste” the hot chocolate
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Vivid images pull listeners into the speech
Outlining Your
Tribute Speech
Tribute Speech
Introduction
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Attention Grabber: Begin your
tribute speech with a statement
that grabs the audience’s attention
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This could be a quote from a
famous author, or a bold statement
that expresses what the person
you’re writing the speech about
means to you
Credibility
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Your credibility will be how you know of
and how long you’ve known about this
person and what they mean to you
Preview

Tell the audience who and what your speech
is about
–
For example: “Today I’m going to speak about
Taylor Swift…and how her music helped me to
become the person that I am today”
–
This part is the backbone of your speech. All parts
of your speech should be centered on this main
idea
Background Information
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Write down the major facts
–
Is the subject well known or famous?
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Because of what?
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What are credible examples of the major accomplishments?
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Can you mention some valuable community activities,
contributions in professional life that are or were important for
the honoree.
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Can you refer to any professional accomplishments?
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His or her personal values?
Relationship
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What are the unique and great qualities of the subject and what do
they mean to you
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Tell a story or refer to an incident that gives more insight in the
personality and character of the person
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Examples of their virtues
–
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Example: tribute speech topics about courage, compassion, kindness,
great defender of family values.
How did the subject cope with it difficult situations? Give an example
that everyone can recognize
Impact
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What has been learned as a result of their
influence?
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In what ways do they or have they inspired
you?
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What will you and others value and carry
forward?
Conclusion
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Wrap up your speech with a conclusion that
ties everything together and
relates directly to your main
idea
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Summarize why you do truly
respect the honoree
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Your conclusion should be concise and clear,
leaving your audience with a sense of
completeness regarding your speech