Social speeches involve speeches that are presented at a social occasion or event in order to praise, celebrate or honour someone for their achievements. Within your coaching on this module we will assist you to deliver impactful social speeches such as “The Thank You”, “Acceptance”, “Farewell”, and “Impromptu” speeches.
Guidelines for successful and interesting Social Speeches:
Introducing the Speaker, Thank -You Speech, Acceptance Speech, proposing a Toast, Replying to a Toast, Small Talk and Impromptu Speaking.
Introducing the Speaker
- Be brief.
- Never more than two minutes, except on very formal occasions.
- Avoid Stale and stilted phrases i.e. “It is indeed a pleasure”, “a man who needs no introduction’, “we are gathered here tonight”.
Thank-You Speech
- Be brief – 30 seconds to one minute.
- Comment, if appropriate, on worthwhile qualities/results likely to emanate from the speech.
- Express thanks for entertainment – thought, preparation, useful information, special news to your group, a long journey (possibly at the speaker’s own expense), sacrifice of time etc.
- End with applause.
Acceptance Speech (Gift)
- Express your most sincere thanks.
- Mention your debt to the group making the presentation e.g. “As I look back over the years spent here, I find so much to be thankful for….”
- Express thanks again.
Proposing A Toast
- Make an opening reference to the occasion.
- Refer to the achievement of recipient/recipients.
- Express on behalf of all those present, goodwill toward the recipient of the toast.
- The formal toast: “Ladies and Gentlemen, will you please rise and drink a toast with me to….”
Replying to a Toast
- Say thanks – freely, but sincerely.
- Reflect the spotlight back on your audience e.g., “If all the nice things you say are true, it’s largely because of my association with such valuable friends that are here tonight.”
- Say thanks again and sit down.
Impromptu Speaking
- Ho Hum! (Have a special, attention grabbing intro)
- Why bring that up? (Relevance to audience)
- For instance? (Evidence & examples)
- So what? (Impactful conclusion)
Small Talk
- Begin by assessing non-verbal behaviour.
- State an opinion followed by a question.
- Respond to answer and ask another question.
The embodiment of these elements will not only enhance your overall communicative impact power, but also add interest and enthusiasm to your Social Speeches.
