While reading through chapter 25, it was great to read about the similarities and differences between the different forms of speeches and the settings for which they are appropriate. I also found a lot of use reading about the different occasions of speech. As well as their appropriate focus, such as to entertain, celebrate, commemorate, inspire, or set a social agenda.
With this, I was unaware of the different forms of speeches, like introductions, speeches of acceptance, award presentations, roasts and toasts, eulogies, after-dinner speeches, and speeches for inspiration. All the descriptions of these aforementioned speech formats were presented in almost an outline-like format which put the key points in italics with additional information after them. This made them easy to read and reference.
One specific tidbit I found to be quite useful was about canned speeches, which can be avoided by recognizing the occasion and adapting one’s speech to it. Finally, I thought Will Ferrell’s speech at USC was a hilarious and informative example which tied this chapter together for me.
