Tribute speeches are commemorative speeches that pay honor, admiration, and homage to an occasion, person, event, thing, or idea. In many cases, speakers delivering tribute speeches present the quality and influence of the subject in an emotional and heartfelt manner.
Paying tribute means to show gratitude, respect, or admiration through a speech, act, or award. There are many special occasions where one might pay tribute to another person. Sometimes, when the individual receives an award, others expound on their positive impact on another person’s life.
Whatever the occasion, giving tribute is a lovely testament to a life well lived.
What Is A Tribute Speech?
Tributes can take the form of a speech, which can stand as a tribute by itself or be in conjunction with the presentation of an award or acknowledgment of an event.
If a person donated a building, the donor might be honored at the dedication of the edifice. A further tribute might include inscribing their name on the cornerstone.
What Is The Difference Between A Toast And A Speech?
A toast can be a brief, simple moment where just a few words are put forth. For example, if a group of people is out to dinner after one person has just received a promotion, someone might offer a toast. “A toast to Ann’s new job” is a short, simple toast.
A toast speech is more commonly done at more significant events such as weddings or celebrating a 50th anniversary. A close friend or a family member might give a toast where they tell a few stories about the happy couple, then invite others to raise a glass and toast.
A tribute is more often used at an event such as a milestone birthday or when one is receiving an award. A famous person who is receiving acknowledgment for a service project may have others speak about them in tribute before the award is given.
Or if Ann’s company had a farewell party for her before she retired or left for her job, someone might recount her lasting accomplishments from her duration there.
A toast is technically a brief tribute to a person or couple.
What Is The Difference Between A Tribute Speech And A Eulogy?
A eulogy is a speech given at a memorial service or funeral to honor a deceased person, usually by a close friend of the family who shares stories and memories. On the other hand, a tribute speech is usually (but not always) given to someone still living.
A tribute honors someone by showing gratitude, giving thanks, offering praise, or paying homage to the individual. If it is given at a funeral or memorial service, it is typically called a eulogy. A speech after the fact might be more accurately labeled a memorial tribute.
An example might be when a public figure or famous person passes away. After the eulogy is delivered at the funeral, other public figures may offer memorial tributes in memory of the individual.
If a loved one passes away and you decide to give a scholarship in their honor, you might give a brief memorial tribute to your loved one annually when you award the scholarship.
When Might A Tribute Speech Be Given?
You might pay tribute to a person, event, occasion, or monument pon various occasions. Examples of times a tribute speech would be appropriate include:
- Anniversary Party
- Awards Ceremony such as Man of the Year. The tribute speech can be used as an introduction to the award winner before their acceptance speech.
- Celebration of Life Events after the funeral and burial, where those speaking are more accurately paying tribute.
- Commemorative Events like a Jersey Retirement (Think Micheal Jordan’s 23)
- Family Reunion
- Government Holiday such as Veterans Day or Memorial Day
- Graduation Ceremonies
- Milestone Birthday
- Religious Events, such as Pastor’s Day
- Special Events like races and sporting Events
How Do You Write A Good Tribute Speech?
Tribute speech outlines can help you formulate and organize your thoughts. The tribute speech can either be done chronologically or focused on a few anecdotes that tell a story about the individual you are honoring.
- Introduction: Explain who you are, your relationship to the person you are honoring, etc. Try in your first few moments to grab the audience’s attention.
- Body: Either hit on the key points of the person’s life or accomplishments or tell stories that help everyone in attendance get to know the individual better. You can tell a few short stories that pull together at some point or use a chronological tactic to ensure everyone understands the main points of their life.
- Conclusion: As with any speech, wrap it up, perhaps with a thought-provoking quote that wraps around the common theme.
How Long Should A Tribute Speech Be?
A tribute speech is typically about 5 minutes long. Some are a little longer, and others a bit shorter, but 5 minutes is a perfect length of time to talk about someone’s personal story.
How Do You Introduce A Tribute Speech?
Introduce the tribute speech by explaining your relationship to the honoree, perhaps including why you are so touched by the opportunity to say a few words. Helping the audience to understand your place in the event is important.
The last thing you want is for everyone assembled to wonder who you are and why you are speaking.
Remember that many people listening will also have close relationships with the honored person. Some may even be offended that you are speaking and not them.
What Do You Say In The Body Of A Tribute Speech?
The body of the speech is usually filled with stories or memories of the person you are speaking about. The remembrances should not be too long or drawn out. Choose relatively short, upbeat stories that help paint a picture of the honoree’s life.
If the event is a milestone anniversary, choose some events that are meaningful to the couple. For an award, highlight portions of their life about the award.
What Does A Tribute Speech Conclude With?
Conclude the tribute speech by pulling all of the things you have discussed together. You can do this briefly but make sure the audience knows why you chose the stories you shared.
Limiting your speech to 3-4 anecdotes and wrapping it up with some type of common factor leaves those listening feeling that the entire speech has adequate closure.
What Is An Example Of A Tribute?
An example of a tribute speech is when Ronald Reagan changed his State of the Union Address and, instead, gave a tribute speech to the seven crew members who died on the Space Shuttle Challenger.
Although President Reagan is obviously experienced and skilled in public speaking, note the excellent eye contact and heartfelt content in his speech. He also sticks to the idea of keeping a tribute speech brief.
