Giving a Great Commemorative Speech

Whether it’s celebrating someone’s achievement or milestone, or marking a sad occasion, there are times we speak not because a job requires it, but because life demands it. A colleague retires, a family member has a big birthday, people are graduating, or there’s a funeral. Each of these occasions and more requires a speech, and you may be the person who gives it.

How do you give this speech? It’s a question I ask myself every time I have to deliver one, and because I do this for a living, I know I’m expected to do a good job. (No pressure.) Whether it was for a retirement, wedding, or funeral, I’ve always risen to the occasion with speeches that commemorated the occasion.

The first step is understanding that this speech is not about you. Yes, you’re giving the speech, and you may be involved, but ultimately it’s about them – the people you’re honoring. Make sure this speech celebrates those people and leaves the audience with a better understand about why this person is worth celebrating and remembering.

This is your chance to tell stories about why this person is or was so special. Many people in your audience will know this person well, so try not to tell the stories everyone has heard. Instead, find that story few people have heard. Not only will you captivate your audience, you will leave them with something memorable.

Sometimes you can tell a funny story. Maybe this story involves lightly teasing the honoree. However, remember that the end goal is always honoring, not tearing down. So the laughs need to be all in good fun. At the end of the speech, make no one is mad at you for telling this story.

Finally, no matter what, make sure to leave the audience with a better appreciation of the person you’re honoring. Whether it’s eulogizing someone no longer with us, toasting the happy couple at a wedding, or honoring the retiree, your job is to end the speech with the audience uplifted and appreciating your service as a speaker.

This may be one of the most important speeches you ever give, which is why you want to do it right.