Solemn occasions involve the celebration or reverence of a specific person or event. Such a situation and the event’s goals also imply the pronunciation of speech, which is called special occasions speech (Tinianow, 2017). The gatherings also involve a certain number of guests – from a circle of friends to a large hall of colleagues who make up the audience of the address. Although I witnessed many special occasions speeches, most of all, I remembered the speech of the school teacher on the tragic circumstances – the remembering of September 11.
Remembering the September 11 attacks that claimed many lives is essential, and every year on the exact date, America grieves. The speech, which pays tribute to the past events, recalls society’s values, and even gives guidance for the future, is of the commemorative type (“Commemorative speaking,” n.d.). The speech on September 11 raised a lot of emotions and experiences, and therefore I remembered it. The most striking and frightening were the recordings of eyewitness memories, which the teacher sometimes inserted. This practice is quite common in schools, but students no longer perceive stories so strongly because of the time passed (Waxman, 2020). Nevertheless, it made a strong impression on me, leaving me with confused feelings.
Analyzing the effectiveness of speech, I note that the teacher took care of his audience’s age since everything was clear to students, and the address did not include intricate details of the international situation. As a result, the content of the speech was adapted to the students’ age – not too terrifying but cautionary. At the same time, the speaker carefully prepared and delivered the address in memory. Finally, the organization of the speech corresponded to its type – the instructor briefly described the events, outlined some consequences, and recalled the values that should protect the country. Thus, my teacher, through careful preparation, made an effective commemorative speech for students.
References
Commemorative speaking. (n.d.). University of Pittsburgh. Web.
Tinianow, D. (2017). New traditions in public speaking. Bridgepoint Education.
Waxman, O. B. (2020). 9/11 Is history now. Here’s how American kids are learning about it in class. Time. Web.