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Title - Ceremonial Speech
By - Ashley Brence
Primary Subject - Language Arts
Grade Level - 8-12

PA Academic Standards:

1.6.11.A Listen to others
1.6.11.B Listen to selections of literature
1.6.11.C Speak using skill appropriate to formal speech situations

For students to understand that speeches do not always have to be formal

• CD Player
  
• Burnt CD with American Soldier and Candle in the Wind
  
• Lyrics to American Soldier
  
• Chalk/Chalkboard
  
• Elements of a Ceremonial Speech Transparency
  
• Overhead
  
• Lyrics to Candle in the Wind
  
• Index cards with names for group speeches

TSWBAT identify the elements of a tribute speeches (eulogies and toasts)
TSWBAT construct a tribute speech in groups
TSWBAT identify the similarities and difference of a eulogy and a testimonial speech.

Today class we are going to continue our unit on speech by discussing ceremonial speeches. Put up Elements of a Ceremonial Speech overhead. Ask: Does anyone know what a ceremonial speech is? A ceremonial speech is a speech that you give at ceremonial occasions that reaffirms a community's bonds and values, strengthening ties between individuals and groups. Ask: Can anyone think of a type of ceremony where you give a speech? Today we are going to focus on two types of ceremonial speeches: one that honors the living and another that honors the dead. Can anyone tell me what might be the term used for a speech that honors a living person? A testimonial or a tribute speech is a speech given to honor one’s character and achievements. Does anyone know what a speech about a deceased person is called? A eulogy speech praises a deceased individual and essentially praises the person’s virtue. A tribute speech is just another form of expression. There are many forms that speeches can come in and one of those is music. (5-7 minutes)

1. Play Toby Keith’s American Soldier (3-4 min)
2. When finished ask the students: What type of speech do you think this is? Why do you think that? Who is the speaker in this song? Obviously Toby Keith is not a soldier, so why do you think he chose the soldiers point of view? What is he saying about American Soldiers? Is he praising them, honoring them? (1-2 min)
3. Ask students who they think the audience intended for American Soldier was. What do you think this song was intending to do to the audience? A ceremonial speech is designed to inform, persuade, and entertain. Ask the students to look at the lyrics to "American Soldier."(3-5 min)
4. Then I have the students brainstorm about ways in which Toby Keith pays tribute to American Soldiers in this song and I write their suggestions on the board. Explain the ways the speaker conveys meaningful or memorable events or attributes is what makes up the body of a tribute speech. Show guidelines for speech on overhead. Ask the students ways in which the song fits the stated guidelines. (3-5 min)
5. Now, I will introduce another type of speech that pays tribute. Play Elton John’s Candle in the Wind. Ask students: What type of ceremonial speech do you think this is? How do you know this? In what ways are American Soldier and Candle in the Wind the same? Different? The main difference between the two is that one main character is dead while the other is alive. The speeches both follow the same format and outline. (3-5 min)
6. Students will now break up into groups of 3 or 4. The groups will be given an index card with three popular names on it and the back of the card will say either "eulogy" or "tribute." The groups will have 5 minutes to chose one person and then come up with a 1-2 minute speech that pays tribute or eulogizes the person on the card. The speech must contain 2-3 points that illustrate who the person is and some of their virtues. For example, if you chose N’ Sync talk about the type of music they create and cite specific songs. Also, you can talk about the ways fans response to the group and even talk about how you feel about the group. The groups then need to pick one spokesperson who recites the speech in front of the class. (10-15 min)

Assessment is measured when the students work together to form their own speeches. Also the students must individually produce their own tribute or eulogy speech.

Everyone did a wonderful job today on their speeches and since you did such a wonderful job you get to construct a ceremonial speech independently now. You can either do a eulogy or a tribute speech. Your assignment for tonight is to think of someone you want to eulogize or pay tribute to. Tomorrow I expect for you to be ready to give me the person you selected when I called on you. I will give you the rest of the information about the speeches tomorrow. Have a great day!!(3-5min)

I have the student’s assigned seat in the front row in order for the student to be in close proximity to me when I am lecturing. Also, I provide handouts of the lyrics to the song in order for the student to be able to follow along in case he has problems hearing the song. The student has copies of the overheads in case he does not hear all the information said orally. I give the handouts to everyone, so the student is not singled out for having a disability.

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