tribute speech

Tribute Speech Topics, Outline, And Examples

A tribute speech is a type of commemorative speech that is typically given to honor someone else. The focus of a tribute speech is to highlight the positive attributes and accomplishments of the person, institution, event, idea, or place being honored.

Tribute speeches often make use of personal anecdotes and stories of hope, trust, kindness, courage, wisdom, success, dignity, loyalty, camaraderie, and tradition in order to paint a more complete picture of the individual or subject being celebrated.

When to deliver a tribute speech?

There are many different occasions that may call for a tribute speech. Some examples include:

Retirement : A retirement speech is a tribute to the retiree’s years of hard work and dedication. It is an opportunity to look back on all that has been accomplished and to wish the retiree all the best in their future endeavors.
Wedding : Wedding toasts are another type of tribute speech, given in honor of the newlyweds. The focus of a wedding toast is usually on wishing the couple a long and happy life together.
Funeral or memorial services : A eulogy is a tribute speech that is given in honor of someone who has passed away. The focus of a memorial tribute speech is usually on celebrating the life of the individual and remembering them fondly.
Reunion : A reunion speech is a tribute to the past, present, and future of the group being honored. It is an opportunity to look back on all that has been accomplished and to look forward to all that will be accomplished in the future.
Anniversaries : An anniversary tribute speech is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the individual or group being honored and to look forward to the future.
Award ceremony : An award tribute speech is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the individual or group being honored and to thank them for their contributions.

Characteristics of a tribute speech

There are certain characteristics that make for an effective tribute speech. Some of these include-

It is sincere and honest : The tribute should be coming from a place of honest admiration and respect. It shouldn’t be overly flowery or insincere. It should also use proper language. This means avoiding profanity and using terms that everyone in the audience will understand.
It is well-prepared : A tribute speech that has been carefully prepared will usually be more effective than one that is off-the-cuff. This doesn’t mean that it has to be written out word for word, but it should be well-organized and thought out.
It is personal : A tribute speech that is personal and anecdotes will usually be more effective than one that is purely factual. This is because it will help the audience to connect with the person being tributed and understand why they are being tributed.
It is appropriate for the occasion : The tribute speech should be appropriate for the occasion. For example, if it is a tribute speech for a funeral, it should be more serious in tone than if it is for a retirement party.
It is within the time limit : Tribute speeches should usually be between 5 and 10 minutes long. This is because if they are too long, the audience will start to lose interest.

How to write a tribute speech?

When writing a tribute speech, it is important to choose a topic that is significant and meaningful to you. The tribute should also be well-organized and coherent, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

Here are some trips tips for writing an effective tribute speech:

Start by brainstorming a list of people, things that you admire, and why you admire them. This will help you to narrow down your topic.
Choose a topic that is significant and meaningful to you. This will make it easier to write from a place of sincerity and honesty.
Write an outline of your tribute speech. This will help you to organize your thoughts and make sure that your tribute is coherent.
Write in a clear and concise manner. Avoid using flowery or overly complicated language. Use terms that everyone in the audience will understand.
Keep within the time limit. Tribute speeches should usually be between 5 and 10 minutes long.
Practice delivering your tribute speech. This will help you to ensure that you are loud enough for the audience to hear, clear, and with proper enunciation.

Outline for writing an effective tribute speech

Here is a tribute speech outline that you can use as a guide when preparing your own tribute speech:

Introduction

Introduce the person or thing that you are tributing to.
Provide background information about the person or thing being tributed.
Explain why you admire the person or thing being tributed.
Describe the qualities that you admire about the person or thing being tributed.
Give examples of how the person or thing has positively affected your life.
Share a personal story about the person or thing being tributed.
Summarize why the person or thing being tributed is significant and important to you.
Thank the audience for listening.

Famous tribute speeches and examples from history

There are many famous tribute speeches in history. Here are a few you could get inspired from:

“I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King Jr. : This speech was given during the Civil Rights Movement where Martin Luther King Jr. spoke about his dream for a future where all people would be treated equally, regardless of skin color.
“The Gettysburg Address” by Abraham Lincoln : In this speech, Abraham Lincoln spoke about the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Gettysburg. He also spoke about the importance of preserving democracy.
“Inaugural Address” by John F. Kennedy : In this tribute speech, John F. Kennedy spoke about the need for Americans to work together to achieve their goals.
“9/11 Address to the Nation” by George W. Bush : In this famous tribute speech, George W. Bush spoke about the terrorist attacks of September 11th and the need for Americans to unite in the face of adversity.
“We Shall Overcome” by Barack Obama : In this famous tribute speech, Barack Obama spoke about the importance of hope and resilience in the face of challenges.

Tribute speech topics & ideas

Here are 20+ tribute speech topics and ideas;

1. Your favorite teacher

2. Your parents

3. A friend or family member who has passed away

4. A soldier who has served in the military

5. A first responder who has risked his life to save others

6. A person who has made a significant contribution to your community

7. A person who has inspired you

8. A historical figure that you admire

9. A mentor who has helped you in your life

10. An athlete who has achieved greatness

11. A person who has overcome adversity

12. A person who has made a significant impact on the world

13. A person who has shown courage in the face of challenges

14. A person who has demonstrated compassion for others

15. A person who has fought for justice

16. A couple who stayed together through thick and thin

17. A person who has inspired others to be their best selves

18. A friend who has always been there for you

19. A person who has brought happiness into your life

20. Your favorite pet

Tribute Speech

Tribute speech generator.

A Tribute Speech is a profound way to honor and celebrate an individual’s impact or a significant event. This comprehensive guide, filled with eloquent speech examples, offers step-by-step instructions on crafting a moving and memorable tribute. Whether honoring a colleague, a loved one, or a notable figure, these guidelines will help you convey your admiration and respect powerfully. Learn to express heartfelt emotions and share impactful stories that do justice to the person or occasion being commemorated.

What is Tribute Speech?

A tribute speech is a specific type of commemorative address dedicated to expressing honor, admiration, and respect towards a person, event, thing, or idea. It is crafted to celebrate and acknowledge the significance and impact of its subject. Typically, tribute speeches highlight the exceptional qualities of the honored subject and reflect on their profound influence.

Download Tribute Speech Bundle

A tribute speech is one of the most personal and emotional speech. Because it talks about the life of a particular person or a group of people. It is a speech that will inspire others and make the listeners come together as one in commemorating and honoring the life of the subject.A tribute speech is not only given to a deceased person, in fact, it is also given to a living person who still manages to give contribution or service, doing remarkable things, and still inspire and influence others. The best speeches are ones that are honest, sincere, full of admiration, and has a good speech outline .

Tribute Speech Format

Introduction Good evening, everyone. We are gathered here today not just to celebrate an extraordinary career but to honor a life that has made a profound difference. I’m here to speak about Dr. Jane Thompson, a person whose contributions have not only advanced the field of environmental science but have also inspired a generation to live more conscientiously. Body Early Life and Background Born in a small coastal town, Jane was always fascinated by the ocean. Her early years, spent volunteering at marine sanctuaries, laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to environmental conservation. Despite facing early challenges, including limited access to advanced education and resources, Jane’s determination led her to earn a scholarship to a prestigious university, where she began her journey to becoming the influential figure we admire today. Achievements and Contributions Professionally, Dr. Thompson’s work has been groundbreaking. Her research on coral reef preservation has not only won her numerous international awards but has also played a critical role in developing sustainable marine practices worldwide. However, Jane’s impact extends beyond her professional achievements. She founded the Green Future Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating young people about environmental stewardship, demonstrating her belief that real change begins with education. Personal Stories I remember a time when Jane organized a community clean-up. It wasn’t just about cleaning; it was about bringing people together, sharing knowledge, and fostering a sense of community responsibility towards our environment. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and her genuine care for both people and the planet was evident in everything she did. Conclusion As we reflect on Dr. Thompson’s contributions, it’s clear that her legacy is not just in her scientific achievements but in the hearts and minds she has touched. Jane once said, “Change is the collective sum of our actions.” Today, we not only celebrate her remarkable contributions but also commit to continuing her legacy through our actions. In closing, I’d like to express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Jane Thompson for her unwavering dedication, inspiring leadership, and compassionate heart. Thank you, Jane, for showing us the way forward

Tribute Speech Example

Ladies and Gentlemen , Good [morning/afternoon/evening], Thank you all for being here today as we gather to honor and celebrate the life of [Loved One’s Name]. I am [Your Name], and it is both a privilege and a deeply emotional task to stand before you and share my thoughts about someone who meant so much to all of us. [Loved One’s Name] was an extraordinary person who touched the lives of everyone they met. They were a loving [relationship, e.g., parent, sibling, friend], a cherished member of our community, and a source of joy and inspiration to all who knew them. One of my fondest memories of [Loved One’s Name] is [share a specific memory, such as a shared activity, a special trip, or a meaningful conversation]. Their ability to [describe a characteristic, such as make people laugh, bring people together, offer wise counsel] made every moment we spent together truly special. [Loved One’s Name] had a unique gift for making everyone feel valued and loved. [Loved One’s Name] was a person of immense strength and character. They faced life’s challenges with resilience and grace, never losing sight of what was truly important. They taught us the value of perseverance, the importance of kindness, and the power of a positive outlook. What I will always cherish about [Loved One’s Name] is their unwavering kindness and generosity. They had a heart of gold and were always willing to lend a helping hand, offer a listening ear, or provide words of encouragement. Their selflessness touched many lives and left a lasting impact on our hearts. [Loved One’s Name] was also a person of great wisdom and insight. They were always there to offer advice, to listen, and to provide a different perspective. Their counsel was invaluable, and we all knew that we could always count on them for guidance and support. As I stand here today, I am filled with gratitude for the time we had together. While I wish we could have had more time, I am comforted by the countless memories we created and the lessons they taught us. Their legacy lives on in the values they instilled in us, in the love they showed to our family and friends, and in the positive impact they had on everyone who knew them. [Loved One’s Name], thank you for being a beacon of love, wisdom, and strength. Thank you for the laughter, the lessons, and the countless memories. We will carry your memory in our hearts forever and strive to honor you in all that we do. In closing, I would like to share a quote that reminds me of [Loved One’s Name]: “Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.” [Loved One’s Name], your love and your legacy will live on in all of us. Thank you for everything. Thank you, everyone, for being here today to honor [Loved One’s Name]. [Your Name]

Tribute Speech Short Example

Ladies and Gentlemen , Good [morning/afternoon/evening], Thank you all for being here today as we gather to honor and celebrate the life of [Loved One’s Name]. I am [Your Name], and it is both a privilege and an emotional task to share a few words about someone who meant so much to all of us. [Loved One’s Name] was a remarkable person who touched the lives of everyone they met. They were a loving [relationship, e.g., parent, sibling, friend] and a cherished member of our community. Their kindness, strength, and unwavering love made a profound impact on all of us. One of my fondest memories of [Loved One’s Name] is [share a specific, brief memory, such as a shared activity or meaningful moment]. Their ability to [describe a characteristic, such as make people laugh, bring people together] made every moment we spent together truly special. [Loved One’s Name] faced life’s challenges with resilience and grace, teaching us the value of perseverance and the importance of kindness. Their wisdom and generosity left a lasting impression on our hearts. As I stand here today, I am filled with gratitude for the time we had together. Though I wish we could have had more time, I am comforted by the memories we created and the lessons they taught us. Their legacy lives on in the values they instilled in us and the love they shared. In closing, I would like to share a quote that reminds me of [Loved One’s Name]: “Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.” [Loved One’s Name], your love and legacy will live on in all of us. Thank you for everything. Thank you, everyone, for being here today to honor [Loved One’s Name]. [Your Name]

Tips for Delivering a Tribute Speech

Practice Thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with your speech through repeated practice. This helps reduce nervousness and ensures a smoother delivery.
Speak from the Heart: Authenticity resonates. Speak sincerely about your feelings and experiences related to the honoree. Authentic emotion is compelling and engaging.
Maintain Eye Contact: Make eye contact with your audience to create a connection. This helps convey your sincerity and enhances the impact of your words.
Use Notes Sparingly: If you use notes, glance at them briefly to jog your memory, but try to keep your attention on the audience. Over-reliance on notes can disconnect you from the emotional depth of your speech.
Control Your Pace: Nervousness can lead to speaking too quickly, which might make it hard for your audience to follow. Practice pacing your speech so it’s easy to listen to and digest.
Pause for Emphasis: Use pauses strategically to let important points sink in or to compose yourself if you become emotional. Pauses can be powerful in adding weight to your message.
Use an Appropriate Tone: The tone of your speech should match the occasion and the personality of the honoree. Whether it’s solemn, celebratory, or humorous, ensure it’s appropriate.
Manage Emotions: It’s okay to show emotion, as it underscores the sincerity of your tribute. However, if you’re worried about becoming too overwhelmed, find techniques to compose yourself, like focusing on a spot in the room or taking deep breaths.
Personalize Your Delivery: Include personal anecdotes or traits of the honoree that you admire. This personal touch can make your speech more relatable and memorable.
Conclude Strongly: End your speech with a powerful statement or a call to action inspired by the honoree’s life and achievements. This leaves your audience with a lasting impression.
Rehearse with Feedback: Practice your speech in front of friends or family members who can provide constructive feedback. This can help you refine your delivery and content.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected: Sometimes emotions can catch you by surprise, or the audience might react in ways you didn’t anticipate. Be prepared to adapt and continue gracefully.

More Tribute Speech Samples

Tribute Speech for Teachers
Tribute Speech for Parents
Tribute Speech for Mother
Tribute Speech for Father
Tribute Speech for Grandmother
Tribute Speech for a Friend
Tribute Speech to Dad From Daughter
Tribute Speech to a Famous Person
Tribute Speech to a Dead Person
Tribute Speech on Funeral
Tribute Speech to Dad from Son
Tribute Speech to Mother from Daughter
Tribute Speech to Mother from Son
Tribute Speech to Sister
Tribute Speech to Brother
Tribute Speech to Husband
Tribute Speech to Wife
Tribute Speech to Grandparents
Tribute Speech to a Mentor
Tribute Speech to a Retiree
Tribute Speech to Veterans
Tribute Speech to a Deceased Loved One
Tribute Speech to a Community Leader
Tribute Speech to a Spouse

Tribute Speech for Famous Person

Free Download

Tribute Speech for a Funeral

Retirement Tribute

Short Tribute Speech

Parent Tribute Speech

If you still having trouble in giving speech, you can get more ideas in our self-introduction speech example here.

Tribute Speech Outline

Birthday Speech

Free Tribute Speech

Tribute Speech By The Leader Of The House

How to write a Tribute Speech

Step 1: choose your focus.

Select the Person: Clearly define who you are honoring. It could be a friend, family member, colleague, or a public figure.
Determine the Purpose: Understand the occasion and what you aim to achieve with your speech—celebrate their life, highlight their accomplishments, or honor their memory.

Step 2: Gather Information

Research: Collect information about their life, achievements, and impact. This may involve speaking with friends and family, looking at their social media, or recalling personal memories.
Select Key Points: Identify the most significant aspects of their life and work that you want to highlight. These should reflect their values, contributions, and the difference they made.

Step 3: Organize Your Speech

Follow the tribute speech format outlined previously, organizing your speech into an introduction, body, and conclusion. Within this structure, decide how you will present the information (chronologically, thematically, etc.).

Step 4: Write the Introduction

Hook: Begin with a powerful opening to grab attention. This could be a quote, an anecdote, or a profound statement.
Purpose: State the purpose of your speech and briefly introduce the person you’re honoring.

Step 5: Develop the Body

Early Life and Background: Start with some background information that provides context to their life and achievements.
Achievements and Contributions: Highlight their professional and personal accomplishments, focusing on how they’ve impacted others.
Personal Stories: Share anecdotes and personal stories that showcase their character and the personal side that people admired.

Step 6: Craft the Conclusion

Summarize: Briefly recap the key points you’ve made throughout your speech.
Reflect: Offer a reflection on their legacy and what they mean to you and others.
End with a Tribute: Conclude with a heartfelt tribute, expressing gratitude, admiration, or a final farewell.

Step 7: Edit and Practice

Review and Refine: Read through your speech, making adjustments to ensure clarity, flow, and emotional impact. Aim for a tone that matches the occasion and your relationship with the honoree.
Practice: Rehearse your speech multiple times. This helps with memorization, timing, and delivery. Pay attention to your pacing, tone, and body language.

The Impact of Tribute Speeches

Emotional Healing: Tribute speeches can offer comfort and emotional healing to those grieving by celebrating the life and accomplishments of the deceased, helping to focus on positive memories and legacies.
Increased Appreciation: They heighten the audience’s appreciation for the honoree’s contributions, achievements, and character, often revealing aspects of their life and work that were not widely known.
Preservation of Legacy: Tribute speeches serve to preserve and honor the legacy of an individual, ensuring that their contributions and values are remembered and passed down through generations.
Motivation and Inspiration: Hearing about the challenges overcome and achievements made by the honoree can motivate and inspire others to pursue their own goals with greater determination and passion.
Strengthened Community Bonds: They can strengthen bonds within a community or organization by bringing people together to celebrate and reflect on the values and achievements of one of their own.
Public Recognition: Tribute speeches provide a platform for public acknowledgment of an individual’s contributions, offering a sense of validation and recognition for their hard work and dedication.
Encouragement of Similar Values: By highlighting the honoree’s virtues, tribute speeches can encourage others to emulate similar values in their own lives, such as kindness, perseverance, and excellence.
Catharsis for the Speaker: The process of writing and delivering a tribute speech can offer a cathartic experience for the speaker, allowing them to process their feelings and articulate their admiration or love.
Enhanced Historical Record: These speeches can enhance the historical record of an individual’s contributions, especially in cases where their work has had a significant impact on society or a specific field.
Promotion of Unity: In moments of collective grief or celebration, tribute speeches can promote a sense of unity and shared purpose among those in attendance.
Cultural and Social Reflection: They reflect the cultural and social values of the time, providing insight into what a community or society values in its members.
Educational Impact: Tribute speeches can have an educational impact, teaching the audience about the honoree’s field of work, their approach to challenges, and the impact of their achievements.

Purpose of Tribute Speech

To Honor: The primary purpose is to pay homage to the person being recognized, acknowledging their contributions, achievements, and the positive impact they have made on others.
To Celebrate: Tribute speeches are used to celebrate milestones, such as retirements, birthdays, or significant achievements, highlighting the reasons these milestones are noteworthy.
To Inspire: By sharing stories of the honoree’s challenges, perseverance, and successes, a tribute speech can inspire others to strive for excellence and pursue their goals with determination.
To Express Gratitude: It’s an opportunity to thank the individual for their contributions, whether to a community, an organization, or in a personal capacity, acknowledging their efforts and the difference they’ve made.
To Educate: Through detailing the honoree’s life, work, and philosophy, the speech can educate the audience about values such as resilience, dedication, and compassion, and about the honoree’s field of work or influence.
To Reflect: It allows the speaker and the audience to reflect on the qualities and actions that make the honoree’s life exemplary and how these can influence their own lives.
To Preserve Memory: In cases of posthumous tributes, the speech serves to preserve the memory of the deceased, ensuring their legacy continues to be remembered and celebrated by future generations.
To Connect: A tribute speech can foster a sense of connection among the audience, uniting them in their shared admiration or affection for the honoree, and in shared values or experiences.
To Heal: Particularly in memorial services, tribute speeches can offer comfort and healing by celebrating the life of the deceased, providing solace through remembrance and shared grief.
To Motivate: By highlighting the honoree’s contributions and achievements, the speech can motivate others to contribute positively to their communities or fields of work, encouraging them to make a difference.

Occasions That Call for a Tribute Speech

A tribute speech is common in funerals and memorial services. However, a tribute speech can be given at various occasions.

1. Reunions

A thank you speech can be given to honor the senior member of a family in a family reunion. In class reunion or other forms of reunion, a tribute speech is given to a person who has achieved a lot in his/her life.

2. Anniversaries

A tribute speech is given to the one celebrating an anniversary or this could be a celebration marking a historic event such as a day to remember the passing of a famous person. You may also like thank-you speech examples & samples.

This could be a tribute speech that is given by the award recipient to commemorates the person who influences him/her or a tribute speech that is given to the one who receives the award that will honor his/her achievements. You may also see presentation speech examples & samples .

4. Weddings

In wedding celebrations, although it could be a wedding speech , the speeches made by the parents of the couple can be all forms of a tribute of speech too.

5. Retirement

A tribute of speech is given to the retiree to honor and acknowledges his/her contribution and service.

How Do You Start a Tribute Message?

Begin a tribute message with a personal greeting or a poignant quote, followed by an introduction that sets the tone, such as expressing the significance of the person being honored and your relationship to them.

What Is the Central Idea of a Tribute Speech?

The central idea of a tribute speech revolves around celebrating, honoring, and remembering the life, achievements, and influence of an individual. It’s about acknowledging their contributions and expressing gratitude and respect.

How to Start a Speech?

Start a speech with a powerful opening that captures the audience’s attention, such as an intriguing question, a surprising fact, a relatable anecdote, or a compelling quote that ties into your speech’s main theme.

How Do You Write a Heart-Touching Tribute?

To write a heart-touching tribute, share personal stories and anecdotes that highlight the honoree’s virtues, impact, and the memories you shared. Use sincere and emotive language to express your admiration and gratitude deeply.

How Do You Write a Short Tribute Speech?

A short tribute speech should concisely highlight the individual’s key achievements, character traits, and impact on others. Begin with a brief introduction, include memorable anecdotes, and conclude with a heartfelt expression of gratitude or respect.

What Type of Speech Is a Tribute?

A tribute speech is a ceremonial speech that honors and commemorates the life and contributions of an individual. It is characterized by its focus on praising, remembering, and expressing admiration and gratitude towards the person being honored.

How long should a tribute speech be?

A tribute speech should be 5-10 minutes long, depending on the occasion and audience.

Can I use humor in a tribute speech?

Yes, appropriate humor can make the speech engaging, but ensure it respects the person being honored.

How do I conclude a tribute speech?

Conclude with a memorable closing statement, summarizing the person’s impact and expressing gratitude.

What tone should I use in a tribute speech?

Use a respectful, heartfelt, and positive tone to convey sincerity and admiration.

Text prompt

Instructive
Professional

Key Elements for a Memorable Tribute Speech

Making Your Tribute Speech Stand Out: Unique Ideas

The Emotional Impact of a Well-Delivered Tribute Speech

Tribute Speech Tips for Capturing the Essence of a Loved One

Overcoming Nerves: Delivering a Tribute Speech with Confidence

How to Personalize Your Tribute Speech for Maximum Impact

The Role of Humor in an Effective Tribute Speech

Crafting a Heartfelt Tribute Speech: Step-by-Step Guide

Tribute Speech: Honoring Achievements with Words

Choosing the Right Tone for Your Tribute Speech

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27 Tribute Speech: Celebrate the Occasion, the Person, or the Monument

A tribute is a type of celebratory speech that honors a person, a monument, a holiday, or an event.

Tribute to a Person

A tribute to a person typically includes one of these items:

Small descriptions so we can “see” the person in their element.
Stories of their deeds.
Stories of how the person affected others.
Funny or emotional moments.
The legacy that person is leaving.

Tribute to an Event or Occasion

Tributes to occasions can be any of the following:

Milestone Birthday, Retirement, Anniversary
Mother’s day, Father’s Day, Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, D-Day
Race for the Cure, We Day
Family reunion, School reunion

Tributes to occasions typically include:

Emphasis on shared values
Appreciation for the people involved
Origin and evolution of the event
Stories of people related to the event
The larger context surrounding the event

Gather all the information

Who is the audience?
Are there other speakers?
What is the time limit?
Is this formal or informal?
Will there be a podium? microphone?

Brainstorming a Person

What life lessons did they teach you?
How are you different because of this person?
What are some of their favorite things?
What are their best qualities? Tell a story about that quality
What three words best describe this person?
What makes this person so great?
What is the funniest thing that you remember?
What is this person known for?
What are some sayings—one-liners—they are known for?
What is something simple that they do that demonstrates their character?
What is unique about her lifestyle or behavior?
What is a special gift that they gave you and why is it so special?
What does this person do for fun?
What does he do when he is stressed?
What adventure have you shared with this person?
What’s a story that everyone tells about this person?
What helpful advice has this person given you?
Every time you see a ______, you’ll think of ____ because ———
Look through a photo album—what one or two pictures tell about them ?
What smell do you associate with this person

Make Everyone Feel Included

Notice how this speaker invites all listeners to be part of the memorial.

I stand here today to pay tribute to the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building Bombing Memorial in Oklahoma City.

This memorial represents the honor and strength as well as all the pain of every person who remembers that historical day.

It has helped an immense number of people to cope with this national tragedy

It is a place of reflection, emotion, and healing.

In this excerpt, Drew speaks to all those who are present at the Doolittle Raider reunion (A reunion of men who in 1942 led the first attack after the bombing of Pearl Harbor)

Each of us in this room has our own memories of growing up with these men and the reasons why they are so special to us . For these men, it is an everyday occurrence that someone thanks them for their service to their country and what they did 65 years ago. So today is my pleasure to share with you the reason why these men are my heroes and why one of them impractically means the world to me.

I hope each of you will always remember the little things these men have done for you. L.M. Heroux once said “heroism is not just pulling a child from a burning house or a driver from an icy river or a kitten from a tall tree. Heroism is also holding the door for a frail elderly and driving courteously and cooperatively and listening with an attentive heart to a friend’s words. Small daily acts of love are as heroic as big once-in-a-lifetime acts of rescue.”

In this tribute to his teacher, “the greatest swing pusher” Hosea Born reminds the group of a common thing, finding your name on the desk.

Walking into a new teacher’s classroom is terrifying. We have all been there. You remember. Finding your desk with your name on it. My name tag was an apple. Tribute to the best swing pusher.

Magnify the Small Things

Caitlyn Steiner wrote a tribute speech about the love her grandparent have for each other. Notice how she uses the little things to demonstrate love.

Love appreciates the smallest details the most. My grandpa still puts the toothpaste on both their toothbrushes every morning. My grandma still hangs a towel on the rack for my grandpa every day after he gets in the shower. And they still slow dance together every night in the living room before they go to bed.

In this example, Fawn Kurtzo gives a birthday tribute to her brother Buck. As you read this manuscript excerpt, I want to draw your attention to the fact that each line is a story for those who know him.

We are gathered here today to celebrate another year in the life of Buck. Congratulations Buck? Who am I kidding, CONGRATULATIONS US! We all survived another year of 10,000 questions why, mental duels, being outshot with bullets and arrows, countless times of side-splitting laughs as he carried the life of the party // begin terribly humiliated in a game of dominoes // and just flat being outlasted by this kid!

Celebrate Don’t Inform

People in the audience may not know the person you are celebrating. Resist the temptation to give an informative speech about your person, that is the equivalent of reading someone’s Wikipedia biography–boring. Instead, pick a few things about them to celebrate.

In this tribute to his hometown dirt roads, Nathan Brock’s speech is a good example. He tells us the facts without sounding like an informative speech, I kept this sample in a manuscript format so you could see the emphasis and the rhythm. When you see /// it means to pause.

So, here’s to you, dirt roads

the defining feature of my hometown.

Here’s to you, dirt roads, /// the place of my upbringing in middle-of-nowhere America.

Pawnee , Oklahoma is a town with many dirt roads

A town with a population of 2,136//

It felt like less.

When Googling “living in Pawnee, Oklahoma” one can find a list of pros and cons

Pros include “cost-of-living”

Cons include “unattractive setting

That is where you came in, dirt roads.

Describe the situation or person in vivid detail so we can see the person in their element. Jeremy Stuthard gave a tribute to his Grandma and said they were “Two peas in a pod.” Notice how in one sentence you get a sense of grandma’s humor and personality. from only one line, “I remember when you dumped a whole bucket of water on me, to wake me up, just to have me help you with your TV.” In another example, Patience Beard describes cooking with her grandma, “Nana ALWAYS let me lick the spoon. We would make icing all from scratch she would turn that mixer on and it would never fail– icing would fly everywhere and her laugh …….would echo through the whole room.” In each example, you can “see” the interaction in your mind. The speaker didn’t tell you that his grandma was a trickster, he showed you that. Patience didn’t tell you her grandma cooked for her, she “showed” you that she did.

Teach Little Lesson in the Small Things

In tribute speeches, the little things are often the big things. What I mean by that is you can tell a story that appears to be a simple story but it is really about something deeper. In this speech, Brittany Brunson is telling the story about riding in her dad’s lap, but really it is a metaphor for their relationship. I kept this in manuscript form so you couldn’t get a feel for how she intended it to be heard.

I don’t remember much from the age of 7// But I do remember getting to sit on my dad’s lap and driving down the alley. I couldn’t reach the pedals // so my dad was in charge of those// Although I thought I was in charge of the wheel// My dad had ultimate control because if I ever got to close to the wall of the alleyway // my dad would steer me right back to the center. Ironically, I never got in big trouble growing up // except for maybe prank calling the police one time…………. but anyways// I never got in big trouble growing up because if I ever got close to that barrier of bad choices /// my dad //steered me right back to the center. Although I thought I had control of the wheel of my life ultimately my dad guided me on to the right path // that led me to hold myself to a higher standard // and stand firm in my beliefs.

Tell Stories

Watch How Kevin Durant turns his most valuable player award acceptance speech into a tribute to his mother calling her the real MVP. Telling stories that highlight personal stories with the person you are giving tributing can be very powerful.

In this tribute speech to her father, she tells a story of how a Jewish man and a Muslim man can transcend boundaries and become friends.

Yamani, N. (2015). A Tribute to My Father. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdRCNuBcAWQ

Tribute Speech at We Day

We Day was an annual series of stadium-sized youth empowerment events organized by We Charity, a Canadian charity founded by brothers Marc and Craig Kielburger. WE Day events host tens of thousands of students and celebrate the effect they have made on local and global issues.

Sadhguru (2020). A Tribute to All Healthcare Workers

Notice how Tom Hanks makes specific references to parts from the Star Wars movie in his tribute to George Lucas. His references are things that everyone has in common.

American Film Institute. (2009). Tom Hanks Salutes George Lucas at the AFI Life Achievement Award.

Trump, D. (2018). President Donald Trump Full Speech: Honors 9/11 Victims at Shanksville Memorial. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02YA6Nz70MA

Tribute to Famous Person

When giving a tribute to a famous person that you do not know personally, it is important to resist giving a biographical speech. Instead, you should talk about how that person influenced you in some way. The story of them becomes the story of you and them.

In his tribute to Stan Leee, David Lester wrote,

One of my earliest experiences with his work, is through his comics. When my mom would take forever shopping in Walmart, I would fly to the magazine section find those comic books and my time——– just——— evaporated .

Later he mentions the relationship again

The first Marvel movie I remember seeing saw was IRON MAN. I remember seeing Robert Downey Jr. beat up terrorists and change the way we see superheroes, not as just statues but as complex people like us.

In his conclusion, he brings it around to impact on all of us

BUT Do you wanna know who Stan thought the real superheroes were? It’s not the ones we talk about all the time. It’s not the ones that are played by Chris Evans, Chris Pratt, and Chris Hemsworth. NO! It’s us, the fans. We were the heroes all along. Looking out for each other. Supporting people around us who needed it the most. Protecting others from harm. Standing as examples for our community for what we can become. Doing more than the average man would do. That one person can make a difference. That you don’t need a cape just to be a hero. He brought us together. He did all of this.

Tribute to a Reunion by Drew

Today it is my honor to have been asked to speak at the Doolittle Raider of Reunion. As many we all know on April 18th 1942, 80 brave men flew on the first ever joint mission of the Navy and Air Force Reserves to give the United States its first attack on Japanese main land after Pearl Harbor. 600 miles off the shore of Japanese mainland the USS Hornet was spotted by a fishing boat. General Doolittle ordered the men to launch early causing the men not to have enough fuel to make it to unoccupied China as planned. All, but one of the 16 planes either crashed landed or the crew bailed out. Eight men were taken prisoners of war, but only four came home. These four men endured 40 months of being malnourished and tortured.

Of those four men, I have the greatest honor of calling my great-grandfather. For those who do not know these men on a personal level they are heroes for the actions taken on that day 65 years ago, but for those of us who have the honor on knowing these men personally they are heroes for so many other reason.

These men are our fathers, grandfathers and even great-grandfathers.

These men have been and will be apart of our lives in ways that go far beyond the Tokyo Raid.

These men are the crews that have made sure our families lives were on the right path.

Most of you know him as Lt. Col. Robert L Hite, but to me he is Bobby Hite. My great-grandfather is like the parachute he used to bail out of his plane that day. He has guided our family through the years making sure we reached the ground safely. He has done everything from slipping me a few dollars for a college student to taking us to lunch ever Saturday. As a child I can remember waiting on Saturdays for that special honk he had to inform us he was there.

I remember when my Uncle got married, I was so upset because I was going to ruin my perfect attendance record if I came to Fort Smith with my parents. Bobby Hite hating to see me so upset told my parents that he and nanny would wait for me to get out of school on Friday and drive me up because that’s what would make me happy.

The times he gave his “driving lessons”, told stories of when he managed the Camden Hotel and of course waiting every Christmas morning for nanny and him to arrive before we could see what Santa had brought are all memories that mean the world to me and my two brothers.

Each of us in this room has our own memories of growing up with these men and reasons why they are so special to us. For these men, it is an everyday occurrence that someone thanks them for their service to their country and what they did 65 years ago. So today is my pleasure to share with you the reason why these men are my heroes and why one of them impractically means the world to me.

Key Takeaways

Spend a lot of time brainstorming, reflecting, researching, and talking to others before you begin to write.
Write in a manuscript format.
Structure your speech so your audience feels like they are part of something.
Celebrate the person’s accomplishments and don’t make it an informative speech about them.
Tells stories when possible.
Try incorporating colorful language: Simile, metaphor, antithesis, alliteration, parallel construction.
Consider using a theme that fits the person or the situation.

Durant, K. (2014). 2013-14 NBA Most Valuable player acceptance speech. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GTiCUPZ9kw&t=32 9s

Lester, D. Tribute to Stan Lee. University of Arkansas Advanced Public Speaking.

Waln, F. (2017). Inspirational Native American Grank Walkn tells his story at WE Day! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2SE-19WqS8 Standard YouTube License.

Media Attributions

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Eulogy writing guide, funeral speeches for a work colleague, tribute speech to dad from daughter, funeral speech writing advice, basic outline of a tribute speech.

February 24, 2024

Table of Contents

1. Biographical Information

2. accomplishments and impact, 3. personal memories and qualities, 4. expressions of gratitude and love, basic outline of a tribute speech example.

Losing a loved one is a painful and challenging experience. Amidst the grief and sorrow, we are often tasked with paying tribute to their life by delivering a heartfelt eulogy. A tribute speech is an opportunity to celebrate the deceased's accomplishments, impact, and memories that will be cherished forever

Writing a eulogy can feel overwhelming, but with the proper outline and guidance, you can create an impactful, and heartfelt tribute speech for your loved one. In this article, we will explore the basic outline of a tribute speech and provide you with the essential tools needed to craft a eulogy that successfully honours your loved one's life.

Begin your tribute speech with an engaging and captivating introduction that grabs the attention of your audience. Share a brief personal anecdote, a quote that represents your loved one's philosophy, or a short summary of their life to set the stage for your eulogy. This portion of your speech should also establish the tone of the tribute, whether it be sombre, celebratory, or nostalgic.

The content of your tribute speech should include the following essential elements:

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Share basic details about the deceased's life, such as where they were born, their education, their family, and their occupation or career highlights. Although not everyone in the audience may be familiar with the intricacies of their life, focus on sharing the significant milestones that define your loved one's journey.

Discuss the deceased's notable achievements, awards, or recognitions, and the positive impact they had on the lives of others. Consider the passions they pursued, the charitable causes they supported, or the ways they inspired their friends and family members.

Describe the qualities that made your loved one special and unique, through personal stories and shared experiences. This can include their sense of humour, kindness, creativity, or resilience. Painting a vivid picture of the deceased's personality will invite the audience to connect with their memory.

Pay homage to your loved one by expressing your gratitude for the time you shared, the lessons they taught, and the love they provided. This is a chance to say farewell and convey the love you feel for the deceased.

Let's consider an example for the introduction and detailed content of a tribute speech:

Introduction: "When I think of my grandfather, Albert Wilson, I can't help but remember his infectious smile, unwavering positivity, and the endless encouragement he provided. Today, I'd like to share the story of his remarkable life, explore the impact he had on those who knew him, and express just how much he meant to me and our family."

Biographical Information: "Albert was born in a small town in Ohio, grew up with two siblings, and completed his degree in engineering. He eventually moved to New York City, where he met the love of his life, Eleanor. They built a beautiful family together, raising three children who have their own families now."

Accomplishments and Impact: "In his career, Albert consistently achieved recognition for his innovative ideas and tireless work ethic. Outside work, he was an active member of his church community and a dedicated supporter of the local animal shelter."

Personal Memories and Qualities: "Most importantly, Albert was a loving and supportive grandfather. He was always available with a kind word, an impromptu history lesson, or a hilarious anecdote to lift our spirits."

Expressions of Gratitude and Love: "I am eternally grateful for the guidance and love that Albert provided. Today, we say our final goodbyes, but we will forever cherish his memory, and his impact on our lives."

Conclude your tribute speech with a call to action or a poignant quote from your loved one. Summarize the key points of the eulogy and encourage the audience to keep the deceased's life and legacy alive in their hearts.

Writing a heartfelt eulogy may seem daunting, but with the right tools and guidance, you can create a beautiful tribute to your loved one. Eulogy Assistant is here to help simplify the process and provide you with personalized support, allowing you to honour your loved one's memory with a meaningful and engaging tribute speech.

Looking For Examples? Here Are Some of The Best Eulogies

7 Tips For Writing A Memorial Speech (With Sample Speech)

Hrideep barot.

Speech Writing

Maybe you’re someone who does a lot of writing. Or maybe you’re someone who doesn’t. Either way, no matter whether you’re a seasoned writer & speaker, nothing quite prepares you for the task of writing a memorial speech.

Most often, when people are writing memorials and eulogies, they are in the middle of a personal tragedy. If you’re writing a eulogy for someone, they were probably someone who was very dear to you and likewise. Even if the loss was expected, it doesn’t make things any easier.

All of this makes collecting your thoughts & organizing them into a coherent speech all the more difficult. It even sounds absurd at times.

And yet, it is your task to write a memorial speech for your loved one, no matter how difficult or absurd it might feel. And so we are here to help you out & make things a bit more easy for you.

You can write a memorable memorial or tribute speech by keeping in mind a few things. This includes speaking to family members, including personal anecdotes, making sure its not cliched, including visual aids and ending on a heartfelt note.

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of it.

Tips For Writing A Memorial or Tribute Speech at a Funeral

1. Speak To Family Members

While a memorial speech is also a speech, the setting makes it different than any other speech you’ll ever have to give in life. This can cause a lot of confusion about what’s appropriate to include in your speech & what isn’t–especially if you’re not a family member.

Even if you’re a family member, you might feel overburdened by the prospect of summarizing a person’s entire life after their death into a couple of paragraphs.

So, it’s wise to seek the counsel of family members of the person you’ve passed away. Their insights will also allow you to enrich your speech.

2. Write A Short, Personal Biography

What were the person’s greatest achievements? What did they love and what did they hate?

Before you begin writing your speech, jot down the most essential features of the person’s life. This can act as a starting point for the rest of your speech & you can then include all of these points while writing them down so that you don’t miss out on anything important.

For more guidance on why writing down a speech is important, check out our article on 9 Reasons Why Writing A Speech Is Important.

3. Make It Personal, Not Cliched

Cliche is definitely not something you want to aim for while writing your speech. Remember that death is a very personal experience. For all the people grieving in the room–including you–the loss is personal & incomparable.

That’s why it’s important to make the speech personal to the deceased. Instead of making universal statements, you need to focus instead on the personal aspects of the deceased.

For example, maybe the deceased was an excellent Jazz Musician when they were young. Or maybe they loved ballet even though they were terrible with it & couldn’t dance for one million dollars.

Now would be the time to include things like this.

4. Include Poems & Quotes

Poetry and quotes are things that can touch us in ways other things might not– and that’s the case with most words.

That’s why you’re delivering a memorial speech, after all. So, it’s a good idea to include poems & quotes in your speech, as it will make a more lasting impact on the minds of the people who’re attending, and make it more likely that they will remember your speech.

5. Include Visual Aids

This might sound odd at first, but it’s actually something that might have the most impact on the minds of the people attending.

Was there something the person just loved wearing–maybe a t-shirt that’s on the verge of falling apart? Or is there something they gave you as a keepsake? Maybe there’s an object that you commonly associate with that person.

Now would be a good time to bring them in. This would be a truly heartful thing to include in your speech.

6. Include Special Anecdotes

Was there any memorable moment that you shared with the person? Maybe an incident that other people haven’t heard about before. Or maybe it’s an incident that everyone has heard about before.

Including personal anecdotes will make your speech more special & memorable for everyone attending. They can also act as an outlet for emotions–for both, you and the others.

After all, it is a tribute.

7. End On A Heartfelt Note

The ending of any speech is something that people tend to remember for longer than any other part of it. This goes for eulogies too.

Instead of ending on a negative note, you want to conclude your eulogy on a note that’s comforting. You want to acknowledge the loss, yes. However, in the end, the entire point of the memorial is to give people closure. And how will they get that without comfort?

Tips To Keep In Mind While Delivering The Memorial Speech

1. speak conversationally.

Remember that you’re not here to give a professional speech. You’re here to commemorate the life of a person who touched the lives of the people in the room, probably yours as well. You don’t want to go for a formal tone when you’re speaking.

Instead, talk naturally, and as you would if you were having a conversation with other people.

2. Don’t Worry If Emotions Overcome You

It’s alright to feel a surge of emotions when you’re giving your speech. In fact, it’s quite natural. Even if you get overwhelmed with emotions and feel yourself start to choke up, don’t worry. It’s okay to be vulnerable.

Pause. Take a deep breath. Collect yourself. And then go on with your speech.

It’s an emotional day for everybody.

3. Take A Moment To Collect Your Thoughts

When you’re called up to deliver your eulogy, take a moment to collect your thoughts. Take a few deep breaths. Drink a couple of mouthfuls of water. Maybe hug another person who’s close to you.

This will allow you to get your emotions in check, and to organize your thoughts. It will also help you brace yourself for the big task ahead: delivering the eulogy.

4. Have A Standby With You

Another thing that you can do in case you’re overwhelmed with emotion is to have a standby with you. This can be anybody, from your sibling to your parent to a close friend. You can give them a copy of your speech so that they can help you out by finishing it in case you’re too overwhelmed to continue.

Make sure to give the person the copy well in advance so that they can be prepared. Alternatively, you could simply give them an overview of your speech & they can pick it off from there.

5. Look Your Loved Ones In The Eye

Another tip would be to look your loved ones in the eye when you’re delivering your speech. You don’t have to necessarily continue maintaining eye contact with them throughout your speech. Instead, look at them intermittently throughout the speech.

This will not only help them make a better connection with you, but it will also help you get emotional support and get through your speech.

How To Begin Your Memorial Speech

1. Start With A Quote

This is an age-old way to start off a eulogy and for good reasons. There are many types of quotes that you can go with.

Maybe you could speak a quote that the person loved. Maybe it’s something from a book or movie. Alternatively, you could also start off with a quote from the Bible or Koran, if the person was religious.

For Example:

2. Start With A Lighthearted Story

Often, the mood in a memorial service is heavy & sad. This can make it difficult for people to care about your speech, and to use it as inspiration to talk about the person’s themselves.

One way to lighten up the mood is by reciting a lighthearted story. Maybe a funny incident from the person’s life, or something the two of you witnessed together.

For example: If there’s one thing that Joe loved more than food, it was jokes–and bad ones at that. Let me tell you my favorite.

3. Start With A Song Or Poem

Another way to start a eulogy would be with a song. This can be something personal to you and the deceased. Maybe a song that had a special place in their lives.

Similarly, you could also start off with a poem. This can be something you’ve written yourself–or even a poem which you read.

You don’t want your song or poem too to on for too long. Remember that you’ve to include words, too.

4. Start By Saying Something Not Commonly Known

Was there something the deceased frequently did that other people didn’t know about? Maybe even though they were a strict army parent at first glance, they were actually perpetually late to things.

What are some things about the deceased that are at contrast to what other people know about them? You might want to start off with an unknown fact about them.

If you’re not sure what to include, you can ask their family members to help you out.

For Example: For someone who worked in the Law Department for so long, Amy sure did love breaking rules when she was younger.

5. Start With A Personal Prop

Remember how we mentioned bringing an item you associate with the deceased to the memorial? Now would be a good time to bring it out.

This will help you make a unique impression on people’s minds right off the start. It will also immediately connect with other people & make them remember the deceased themselves, encouraging them to speak out too.

For example: Bring out the deceased’s favorite baseball cap & tell a story you associate with it.

Sample Memorial Speech

Sample Memorial Speech from a Son to a Mother

“For someone who worked over three decades rescuing dogs, my mother was quite terrified of puppies when she was younger. In fact, she was so terrified of dogs that as a sixteen-year-old she once climbed a tree when a little puppy barked at her. Imagine that… A twelve-year-old five-foot girl climbed to the top of a tree thrice her height because a little puppy was barking at her! And the story doesn’t end here. Not only did she scale the tree–which, by the way, she had never done in her life before–but she also refused to get down . My grandfather had the entire neighborhood out of their homes attempting to convince her to get down from that tree. Because, of course, while adrenaline had managed to boost her up the tree, she had no clue how to get down from it. In the end, it was only four hours later when the fire department came along that they were able to get her down. For almost a week after my grandfather told me this story–despite my mother’s vehement protests, by the way–I couldn’t get the picture of my twelve-year-old mother clinging for dear life the branch of a tree out of my head. And it’s this picture that stuck with me as I sat down to write this speech. Because you see, there’s no other picture or story that better sums up my mother. She always did things without thinking them through, as most of the people in this room might already know. She was the most intuitive, the most instinctive, and spontaneous person that I’ve ever met in my entire life. And yet things always seemed to work out for her, in the end. My mother lived a long, happy, and fulfilled life. Two decades of this life she spent working with animals–the very same thing that awakened her inner Tarzan in our tree-climbing story. And she loved them–or, at least, grew to love them. You see, after this incident, my grandfather had her volunteer at a local animal shelter. It was over there that she learned how to overcome her fear of animals–little puppies, too. And slowly, that fear turned into love. Many of you in this room know her from this time in her life. My mother was a vibrant soul. My father used to say that she could light up an entire room when she stepped into it–although, of course, that’s probably because he was hopelessly in love with her. Even though raising four boys was most certainly not the easiest thing in the world, she never backed down. She raised us with love–and respect. She never forced us to be anything that we’re not, and she never let anyone else pull any of us down for being a little different sometimes, either. But the fact that so many of you are here today to pay respects to her shows her immediate family wasn’t the only ones whose lives she touched. She would never turn anyone away, didn’t matter whether she herself was going through problems or not. She would be beyond happy to see all of you here–and she would let you know that, too. Never ran out of words, my mother. When I moved away for University, she would make the eight-hour drive from my little hometown to my apartment every month so that she could chatter my ear off for an entire weekend–not counting the hour-long talks that we had every single day. She could keep a dead conversation alive for hours–I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. And this is how I remember my mother: as a spontaneous, hard-working, happy soul who is probably chattering with all the other souls up in heaven about her own memorial. And if she’s watching–which I know she is–then I simply want to thank her for everything that she’s done for all of us, and to let her know that she’s still loved and remembered and will always be. To repeat the words she said at my dad’s funeral: To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die.”

To sum up, writing a memorial speech is something that nobody really prepares you for. And yet, if you keep a few things in mind, you can outline a memorial speech that will connect with the people who’re there with you. This includes speaking to family members, including personal anecdotes, making sure its not cliched, including visual aids and ending on a heartfelt note.

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Special Occasion Speeches: Toasts and Tributes

Special occasion speeches.

Here’s to those that love us! And for those that do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if he cannot turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles; so that we may know them, by their limping. — Irish Blessing/Curse

Cheers , slainte , skal , prost , and sal ud! A toast speech is a type of tribute speech meant to honor someone. Your goal as a speaker should be to make that person feel special and to allow others in the room to be included in the celebration.

Ceremonial Speaking Wheel

All ceremonial speeches should include the trio –narration, magnification, and identification.

Identification: Make everyone feel included

When thinking about your tribute or toast, don’t just think about who or what you are celebrating. Think about everyone in the room and think about how to bring them into your speech. Saying “we” are here to honor the person (event, or thing) and reminding the audience of shared values helps the audience to be a part of the process. Say things that invite the audience in several times throughout the speech.

Wedding Toast Instead of saying: Amy and I played Barbie as children and always made sure that Barbie found her perfect soulmate. Say : As many of you know, Amy and I played Barbie for hours as children. What you may not know is we always made sure that Barbie found her perfect soulmate.

———-

Graduation Toast Instead of saying: I wish you the best in your journey ahead as you graduate and start your new career. Say: We here, your family and friends, all wish you the best in your journey ahead as you graduate and start your new career

Retirement Toast Instead of saying: Dad, I was so happy you let me come and play in your office even if I ran your stapler out of staples by shooting them at the invisible villains that were hiding under your desk. Say: As many of you here now, dad would sometimes let me come to work with him. And while most of you thought that I was the perfect little bosses’ kids, you may not have known that I was really a super hero executing the invisible villain that I found in dads desk. I killed it with all the staples from dad’s stapler.

Notice how this speaker invites all listeners to be part of the memorial.

I stand here today to pay tribute to the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building Bombing Memorial in Oklahoma City.

This memorial represents the honor and strength as well as all the pain of every person who remembers that historical day.

It has helped an immense number of people to cope with this national tragedy

It is a place of reflection, emotion, and healing.

In this excerpt, Drew speaks to all those who are present at the Doolittle Raider reunion (A reunion of men who in 1942 led the first attack after the bombing of Pearl Harbor)

In this tribute to his teacher, “the greatest swing pusher” Hosea Born reminds the group of a common thing, finding your name on the desk.

Walking into a new teacher’s classroom is terrifying. We have all been there. You remember. Finding your desk with your name on it. My name tag was an apple. Tribute to the best swing pusher.

Narration: Tell Stories that celebrate rather than inform

The use of story helps the audience to be drawn in and want to listen. In short toasts, you can tell a series of one-sentence stories. In larger toasts or tributes, you can tell one long story or numerous little stories. Tell your story in a way that the audience relives the moment with you.

Describe the situation or person in vivid detail so we can see the person you’re celebrating in their element. Jeremy Stuthard gave a tribute to his Grandma and said they were “Two peas in a pod.” Notice how in one sentence you get a sense of grandma’s humor and personality. from only one line, “I remember when you dumped a whole bucket of water on me, to wake me up, just to have me help you with your TV.” In another example, Patience Beard describes cooking with her grandma, “Nana ALWAYS let me lick the spoon. We would make icing all from scratch she would turn that mixer on and it would never fail– icing would fly everywhere and her laugh …….would echo through the whole room.” In each example, you can “see” the interaction in your mind. The speaker didn’t tell you that his grandma was a trickster, he showed you that. Patience didn’t tell you her grandma cooked for her, she “showed” you that she did.

So, here’s to you, dirt roads

the defining feature of my hometown.

Here’s to you, dirt roads, /// the place of my upbringing in middle-of-nowhere America.

Pawnee , Oklahoma is a town with many dirt roads

A town with a population of 2,136//

It felt like less.

When Googling “living in Pawnee, Oklahoma” one can find a list of pros and cons

Pros include “cost-of-living”

Cons include “unattractive setting”

That is where you came in, dirt roads.

Magnification: Teach lessons in the small things.

Take a trait of the individual and magnify it. This is NOT superfluous embellishment; this should be honest elaboration. For example, you might talk about

Triumph over obstacles
Unusual accomplishment
Superior performance
Unselfish motive
Benefit to society
The greatness of a simple thing

Caitlyn Steiner wrote a tribute speech about the love her grandparent have for each other. Notice how she uses the little things to demonstrate love.

Love appreciates the smallest details the most. My grandpa still puts the toothpaste on both their toothbrushes every morning. My grandma still hangs a towel on the rack for my grandpa every day after he gets in the shower. And they still slow dance together every night in the living room before they go to bed.

We are gathered here today to celebrate another year in the life of Buck. Congratulations Buck? Who am I kidding, CONGRATULATIONS US! We all survived another year of 10,000 questions why, mental duels, being outshot with bullets and arrows, countless times of side-splitting laughs as he carried the life of the party // begin terribly humiliated in a game of dominoes // and just flat being outlasted by this kid!

In tribute speeches, the little things are often the big things. A simple story can reveal something deeper. In this speech, Brittany Brunson is telling the story about riding in her dad’s lap, but really it is a metaphor for their relationship. I kept this in manuscript form so you couldn’t get a feel for how she intended it to be heard.

I don’t remember much from the age of 7// But I do remember getting to sit on my dad’s lap and driving down the alley. I couldn’t reach the pedals // so my dad was in charge of those// Although I thought I was in charge of the wheel// My dad had ultimate control because if I ever got to close to the wall of the alleyway // my dad would steer me right back to the center. Ironically, I never got in big trouble growing up // except for maybe prank calling the police one time…………. but anyways// I never got in big trouble growing up because if I ever got close to that barrier of bad choices /// my dad //steered me right back to the center. Although I thought I had control of the wheel of my life ultimately my dad guided me on to the right path // that led me to hold myself to a higher standard // and stand firm in my beliefs.

Tributes and Toasts

Special occasion speeches (Toasts or Tributes) are celebratory speeches that honors a person, a monument, a holiday, or an event. Always adapt your speech to the occasion: Wedding, graduation, retirement, business celebration, award celebration, birthday.

Gather all the information

Who is the audience?
Are there other speakers?
What is the time limit?
Is this formal or informal?
Will there be a podium? microphone?

You will give a different speech to your old college roommate on his birthday if it is just you and the gang versus if his conservative parents are in the room. It will be an even different speech if his new employer is present. Remember, a toast is not just about the person being celebrated but it is about others in the room. As you write your speech, keep imagining the key people present at the event.

Sit down and just start jotting ideas. Think of your brain as a water faucet. You are not going to get any water until you turn the thing on. Many people complain they can’t think of ideas, but they never actually turn on the idea faucet. Think of brainstorming as turning those ideas on and getting your creative juices flowing. Start brainstorming ideas and memories one day and then give it a day or two to think about more memories.

What life lessons did they teach you? How are you different because of this person?
What are their best qualities? Tell a story about that quality
What three words best describe this person?
What makes this person so great?
What is the funniest thing that you remember?
What are some sayings—one-liners—they are known for?
What is something simple that they do that demonstrates their character?
What is unique about her lifestyle or behavior?
What is a special gift that they gave you and why is it so special?
What adventure have you shared with this person?
What’s a story that everyone tells about this person?
What helpful advice has this person given you?
Look through a photo album—what one or two pictures tell about them ?

A toast or a tribute to a person typically includes one of these items:

Small descriptions so we can “see” the person in their element.
Stories of their deeds.
Stories of how the person affected others.
Funny or emotional moments.
The legacy that person is leaving.

Tributes to occasions can be any of the following:

Milestone Birthday, Retirement, Anniversary
Mother’s day, Father’s Day, Truth and Reconciliation Day
Race for the Cure, We Day
Family reunion, School reunion

Tributes to occasions typically include:

Emphasis on shared values
Appreciation for the people involved
Origin and evolution of the event
Stories of people related to the event
The larger context surrounding the event

Sit Down and Write

At this point, just get your ideas down. Put down more ideas than you will use. Allow yourself to write down some ideas that are silly, extreme, or not right for the occasion. Just go with it. Write all those ideas down; maybe you will use this somehow but probably not. Most importantly, the creative ideas are hiding in your brain behind the silly ones and if you don’t get the silly ideas out of the way, you will never get to the next level.

Taking It to The Professional Level

If you want to give your toast the professional edge, try using a theme and then adding in some parallel construction. In this next section, I will show you how that works.

Use a Theme

Pick a theme for your toast and carry it throughout the whole toast or tribute. A theme is the container that holds the speech together.

For example, Drew gave a best man speech and used the theme of a road trip. He told stories of him and his best friend and their adventures (at least the adventures you the ones that you can tell when mom is in the room). He talked about fighting over which music is played, he told stories about bathroom breaks, and he confessed that his friend was always getting lost. These were fun stories and by hearing them we could all imagine the friendship they shared. In his speech, he told us that whoever was in the passenger seat was called the “roundtrip captain.” He gave the new bride advice on how to navigate the relationship since he knew so much about his friend from all these road trips. The speech wrapped up with Drew telling the bride that she was the map reader now and he passed to her the title of “road trip captain.”

Erin gave a graduation toast to her family members who supported her through college. She used the theme of climbing hills. It was the perfect theme since the University of Arkansas campus that she graduated from seems to be arranged so everything is uphill–both ways. She talked about walking the hills both physically and symbolically. In her speech, she talked about how beautiful the view is from the top. She wrapped up her speech by saying now that she is graduated how she has new hills to climb.

Keep in mind the theme is just the container. If you have only a container, it will seem cliché and sound like a cheap greeting card. The theme is not the speech, it is the container that holds your many stories. Make sure to develop those stories.

Use Parallel Construction

Parallel construction is where you take one sentence and you repeat it. It lets you tell a lot of little stories in a short period. Always have at least 3 sentences, keep them together, and try to give them rhythm.

Consider this format and how it might be used for the different toast types.

At a Wedding Toast

I remember when ___ I remember when ___ I remember when ___ I knew you were the “one” because… I knew you were the “one” because… I knew you were the “one” because…

At a Retirement Toast

Many of you know dad for selling insurance, but I know dad for selling me on the idea to go to college Many of you know dad for working long hours at the office, but I know dad for working long hours on school projects that I only mentioned to him the night before they were due. Many of you know dad as a business profession, but I know dad as my super hero. Many of you know dad for …., but I know dad for …. Many of you know dad for …., but I know dad for …. Many of you know dad for …., but I know dad for ….

Toast Patterns

People holding wine glasses and touching them together

When picking a speech pattern for the toast, consider the audience and occasion. Many toasts are just one to two minutes while others can be five to seven minutes.

Short Toasts Pattern

Let us raise our glass to… Today, I would like to recognize…
Make a list of attributes/accomplishments of the person. With each statement there is a building sensation –each statement you make is better than the next.
Build to a climax. Create a building sensation using parallel construction.
Raise your glass near the end.
End with a poem, quote, or wish them well. (I really think a well-chosen quote makes these speeches special…it is worth the time to look for one to make it really special)

Note: Typically short toasts are memorized and longer toasts are written as a manuscript.

Wedding Toasts Possible Patterns

Give their new spouse the manual of how to get along with them.

Tell a story or two about your friendship with your friend
Tell a story about when your friend met the person they are marrying. What did they say about this person? What were your first impressions? Tell anything about the two of them together? What are they like as a couple? How do you know they are right for each other? Tell something you observe about them when they are together?
Give the person advice on how to navigate life with your friend since you know them so well. Think of this as passing on the manual.

Three Stories

Tell three stories about the couple.
Maybe, how they met, the engagement, and a story they tell on themselves.
Maybe, three ways you know they are in love.
Maybe, three things you noticed about how they care for each other.

I Knew It Was Love…

Tell five ways that you knew it was love. Tell a story attached to each of the ways
Tell what your friend was like before and how they are better now than they are with the one they love.

Note: Never mention old girlfriend/boyfriends, never give away secrets to clueless family members (they are living together, that you and your friend snuck out in high school), and always keep it positive. You likely have inside information about the person you are toasting–their wedding is not the time to reveal it.

Retirement Toast Possible Patterns

If you are a work colleague of the person retiring:.

These are the three things that set this person apart.
These are the three things that I learned from this person.

If you are the child or the spouse of the person retiring:

Talk about what their career looked like from your position. How were they dedicated?
How did it help you benefit from their job and friends? What did you learn from watching them work?

Note: It can be fun to use their job as the theme. For example, if the person is a coach make the whole speech in the theme of a game. If the person is in sales, use marketing terms to hold it together. If they collected something interesting that was displayed in the office, it lends itself to the theme.

Graduation Toast Possible Patterns

Looking back, looking ahead.

Tell a few stories about them before graduation and tell what you expect to see in the future.

We’ve come through a lot together, Here’s some advice for your next step.

Tell stories of your relationship, how that relationship talks about character attributes that led them to graduate.
Give advice on how to navigate the next step.

Top Ten List

Ten things you need to know about (surviving college, having your first real job, etc.).
This can be especially fun coming from the sibling that is in college to the one headed to college.
Top ten things you learned in school that you can use in life.
Top ten things about you that will make you successful.

Let Us Not Forget

A series of memories that you and most of the group present share. Great for a group of friends
Find some great meaning to it all. What did it all mean? what did you learn?

Note: It can be fun to use their major, their future job, or their hobbies as the theme.

Anniversary Toast Patterns

Maybe how they met, the engagement, and a story they tell on themselves.
Tell five ways that you knew it was love and tell a story attached to each of the ways. Interview five of their friends and tell the five stories from their friends about love.

How They Taught You What Love Is

What have you learned by watching them love each other well?

A Biography of Love

Tell a story about their love when they met when they overcame when they did things together.
Tell a timeline of love events and stories about every major milestone.

Ending a Toast Speech

Typically, a toast speech ends with a thoughtful saying, witty quote, or poem. There are many toast websites with great one-liners or short poems you can use to end a toast. If it is a longer toast, consider using a theme and connecting the ending with the theme.

“May misfortunes chase you all of your life and never catch up.” “As you slide down the banister of life may the splinters never point the wrong way.”

Short, Short Toasts

There may be times you are called to give a quick, one to three-sentence toast. It is a good idea to have a few memorized quotes ready that can be woven into a short, short toast.

Here is to those who’ve seen us at our best and seen us at our worst and can’t tell the difference. May you live for as long as you want, and never want for as long as you live! May we get what we want, but never what we deserve. May you always lie, cheat, and steal. Lie beside the one you love, cheat the devil, and steal away from bad company. Here’s to friends and family who know us well but love us just the same. Let us drink to bread, for without bread, there would be no toast.

Tell Stories

In this tribute speech to her father, she tells a story of how a Jewish man and a Muslim man can transcend boundaries and become friends.

Watch A tribute to my father (9 mins) on YouTube

Video source: NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change. (2015, December 22). A tribute to my father [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/jdRCNuBcAWQ

Tribute Speech at We Day

Watch Inspirational Native American Frank Waln tells his story at WE Day! (3 mins) on YouTube

Source: WE Movement. (2017, April 21). Inspirational Native American Frank Waln tells his story at WE Day! [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/-2SE-19WqS8

Watch A tribute to all healthcare workers (4 mins) on YouTube

Video source: Sadhguru. (2020, April 12). A tribute to all healthcare workers [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/vmIqYR-nYVM

Tribute to Famous Person

In his tribute to Stan Lee, David Lester wrote,

Later he mentions the relationship again

The first Marvel movie I remember seeing saw was IRON MAN. I remember seeing Robert Downey Jr. beat up terrorists and change the way we see superheroes, not as just statues but as complex people like us.

In his conclusion, he brings it around to impact on all of us

BUT Do you wanna know who Stan thought the real superheroes were? It’s not the ones we talk about all the time. It’s not the ones that are played by Chris Evans, Chris Pratt, and Chris Hemsworth. NO! It’s us, the fans. We were the heroes all along. Looking out for each other. Supporting people around us who needed it the most. Protecting others from harm. Standing as examples for our community for what we can become. Doing more than the average man would do. That one person can make a difference. That you don’t need a cape just to be a hero. He brought us together. He did all of this.

Hilarious Father of the Bride Toast

This toast is a good example of how to tell a funny story in a speech. This father’s story is brilliant, and his long pauses are perfect for this speech. He goes from having you crying from laughter to tearing up with sentiment.

Watch The most hilarious father of the bride toast (7 mins) on YouTube

Video source: Revelations Video. (2020, January 8). The most hilarious father of the bride toast [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/BOKduRf7o4k

Key Takeaways

Spend a lot of time brainstorming, reflecting, researching, and talking to others before you begin to write.
Write in a manuscript format.
Structure your speech so your audience feels like they are part of something.
Celebrate the person’s accomplishments and don’t make it an informative speech about them.
Tells stories when possible.
Try incorporating colourful language: Simile, metaphor, antithesis, alliteration, parallel construction.
Consider using a theme that fits the person or the situation.

Attribution & References

Except where otherwise noted, this chapter is adapted from “ Toast Speech” and “ Tribute Speech: Celebrate the Occasion, the Person, or the Monument ” In Advanced Public Speaking by Lynn Meade, licensed under CC BY 4.0 .

Atlasobscura. Raise a glass to our readers’ favorite drinking toasts. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/best-drinking-toasts-and-cheers

Burlingame, J. Best man toast. Advanced Public Speaking. University of Arkansas.

Chidi-Ogbonna, K. (2018). Nine wine etiquette habits to know. https://thefinestitallianwine.com

Lester, D. Tribute to Stan Lee. University of Arkansas Advanced Public Speaking.

Real Simple (n.d.). From how to hold a wine glass. http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/content/0,21770,712709,00.html

Wineintro. (2008). Clinking of wine glasses and toasts. http://www.wineintro.com/champagne/clinkglass.html

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The Classroom | Empowering Students in Their College Journey

How to Do a Tribute Speech

How to Write a Speech About Someone I Admire

Being asked to do a tribute at an event is an honor and a privilege. Tributes are a type of commemorative speech delivered at a ceremonial gathering such as an awards banquet, wedding reception, reunion or a milestone birthday party. Tributes can also be given in recognition of a group’s efforts, remembrance of a historic day or dedication of a memorial, for instance. Focusing on your audience and the purpose of your remarks can help you conquer any public speaking jitters.

What Is a Tribute to Someone?

A tribute is generally a short speech of five minutes or less. The purpose of a tribute is to express gratitude, appreciation, respect and admiration for a person who deserves public recognition. You might be called upon to deliver a tribute honoring classmates, teachers, coaches, teammates or family members. For instance, you may be asked to say a few words of appreciation at a retirement luncheon for your favorite teacher, or you may volunteer to do a tribute at a family function such as a reunion, wedding reception or your parents’ anniversary party. Your words should reflect how the audience feels about the special person or event being celebrated.

How to Write a Tribute Speech

When doing a tribute, choose words that feel sincere, genuine and complimentary. State reasons why the honoree is an awesome person, but don’t go overboard with flowery adjectives. Be as specific as possible in recalling praiseworthy accomplishments or acts of kindness. Vividly describe the honoree and offer compelling examples of noteworthy talents, virtues, courage or sacrifice. Mention how this person has made a difference in the world. Talk about what you have learned from observing or listening to this person.

The tone of your remarks should be appropriate for the audience and the setting. Tailor remarks to the occasion. Just be yourself if you are doing a tribute to great grandma at her 80th birthday party, but be more formal when delivering a tribute speech at a school function. Avoid curse words or jokes some might find offensive or off-putting. Incorporating humor is dicey. A funny story can liven things up, but humor can be hurtful if misconstrued. Consider asking others for their opinion as to the appropriateness of using humor for the occasion.

Sample Tributes for Special Occasions

When agreeing to do a tribute, clarify how long you are being asked to speak and write your remarks accordingly. Start with an introduction and mention your name if you don’t know everyone present. These tribute examples can help you get started.

Thank you for coming to the annual student awards banquet. I think I know everybody here. Welcome! Tonight we will recognize students and teachers who have devoted countless hours to making this the best school year ever!

When acknowledging the guest of honor or award recipients, highlight special characteristics, personality traits and virtues that set them apart.

Mr. Brown may be retiring soon, but he has more energy than most of us. This year alone he directed two musicals, supervised the school yearbook and chaperoned our class trip to the Big Apple. Always smiling and willing to help, he is truly an inspiration.

Tell a little story that reminds the audience of good times you have all shared, or reveal an interesting tidbit of information about the honoree’s behind the scenes contributions.

You may not know this, but Mr. Brown saved the day when the bus broke down on the way to a state choir competition. Mr. Brown popped open the hood and quickly got the bus started. People driving by acted like they had never seen a mechanic in a tux.

Wrap up the tribute by expressing appreciation. Tributes sometimes end with a famous quote, clever saying or words to live by.

Mr. Brown taught us that the secret of life is to wake up, show up, speak up, listen up and pay up.

Is a Eulogy a Commemorative Speech?

A eulogy is a commemorative speech usually done as a tribute to someone who died. Memorial services are also called a celebration of life because the service eulogizes the memory of the deceased. In other words, a eulogy is a speech praising that person’s contributions during his brief or lengthy stay on Earth. Approach a eulogy as you would a tribute by showing love and respect.

8th Grade Graduation Speech Ideas

How to Give an Award Acceptance Speech for Someone Else

How to Write a Thank You Note for a Memorial Donation

How to give an annual day speech in school.

Graduation Quotes

How to Greet an Audience When Giving a Speech

How To Write A Salutatorian Speech

How to Write a Retreat Letter

Penn State: Commemorative Speech
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Writing Center: Speeches
write-out-loud.com: Tribute Speech Guide
Write Out Loud: A Sample Tribute Speech

Dr. Mary Dowd is a dean of students whose job includes student conduct, leading the behavioral consultation team, crisis response, retention and the working with the veterans resource center. She enjoys helping parents and students solve problems through advising, teaching and writing online articles that appear on many sites. Dr. Dowd also contributes to scholarly books and journal articles.

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Sample tribute speech

A sample tribute speech

- a speech in memory of my mother, Iris

By: Susan Dugdale

Here's a sample tribute speech. It's for my mother, Iris, and yes, it's all true.

If you're writing a tribute speech of your own, you'll find the outline, or template , my speech follows directly below it along with other helpful links on the writing process , and to funeral poems and quotations you may like to use.

When said aloud this speech is approximately between 7 to 9 minutes long , depending on how quickly you speak.

A tribute speech for my mother: Iris

My Mother shares her name, Iris, with the goddess of the rainbow; a messenger for the ancient Olympian gods and carrier of faith, hope and wisdom.

But that's not why her parent's called her that. Instead, it was something much closer to home.

After her birth my grandmother saw a patch of beautiful dark purple flowers out her bedroom window. They were iris. She was named for them.

Image: purple iris flowers. Text: Iris: goddess of the rainbow, messenger of the gods.

Iris, the last of five children, arrived during the Depression Years.

When she was two years old her father suddenly died, and her family rapidly fell into hard times. Her brothers and sisters were sent out to work as soon as they were old enough. There was no government monetary assistance for widows in those days. On eve of World War Two Iris left school to work too. She was a tall, skinny, nervous thirteen-year-old who, as she said; knew nothing about anything worth knowing.

Soon being a shop girl behind the Woolworth's pick-and-mix confectionary counter was no longer enough. She wanted more. That hunger drove her to night school: a secretarial course, and speech lessons to learn " to talk proper".

Nothing, not even God, was exempt from her desire to break free of limitations imposed by circumstance. Her staunch Catholic upbringing was questioned. The family fall-out from her decision to abandon it was legendary.

My Great-Grandmother locked her in her room for several days. Prayers were said and priests brought to the door.

However, all the threats of hellfire and eternal damnation were powerless. Finally, her family relented, the door was opened and she was reluctantly set free.

By the time World War Two ended Iris had become a competent personal secretary who thoroughly enjoyed life.

In 1947 she met my father. It was "love at first sight" and they married six weeks later.

Now, let's fast forward eighteen years.

Iris and Graham had five children. I am the eldest and the youngest was two when, in a curious repetition of family history, my father suddenly died. This time, in this generation, there was a widow's benefit and although meager, my mother was grateful to have it.

Shocking events are tattooed into memories, remaining vivid despite the wear of passing years.

From her chaotic struggle to find a sense of place and purpose without my father, to effectively parent five children on her own, to balance their growing financial demands against a small, fixed income and more, flow a stream of images. Each one shows an aspect of Iris I respect and admire.

From my gallery: The God Books.

This is what we called them as children. They were philosophical discussions on varying world religions and often baptized in the bath. At the end of the day that was where she read and invariably, she nodded off. Sodden books, face down, their leaves splayed out to dry in the sun were a common sight.

No matter how fraught she was there were always fresh flowers on the dining room table: a bowl of velvet pansies, red roses; whatever was in season from her garden. They were, to use her expression, a hyacinth for the soul . She understood ' Man cannot live by bread alone .' Beauty was essential.

Money Jars.

In the high cupboard above the kitchen bench were a series of labelled glass jars. " Food " , " Electricity" , " Phone" , and so on. Every time her widow's benefit was paid out each jar got its portion.

Midnight Nursing.

My youngest brother and sister suffered from chronic bronchitis. Many nights I woke to find her cradling one, and sometimes both. She'd be wrapped in her old blue dressing gown, her long brown hair hanging loose, crooning and gently rocking them back to sleep. The Old Ford Cortina Car .

It was called Flower Power , sported a huge stylized black daisy on its boot, and was her faithful friend. She drove it everywhere, always, to my brother's great embarrassment, at the same speed, slowly.

Carrot Juice.

In this Iris was a trend setter. Long before the eat-healthy gurus arrived on the scene advocating " raw this" and " juiced that" with a side dish of mung bean sprouts, my mother was buying sacks of carrots for the daily juice-up. Every morning six full glasses were lined up on the kitchen bench, one for each of us. Inevitably, because they'd been filled much earlier, by the time we got to them, a top layer of brown scum had formed. Drinking or not drinking the stuff was a battle of wills. Mostly she won.

Her Spinning Wheel.

Its soft clack-clack whirring was a familiar soundtrack to our lives. Along with the wheel came sacks of wool straight off the sheep. The end result was homespun knitted garments for everyone.

Later she added making natural dyes and weaving to her skills. Her dye brews resembled a witch's cauldron. Into them went onion skins, green walnuts, lichens, flower petals, anything that might yield up its color.

When seen through my teenage eyes much of who she was and what she did was incomprehensible. On a superficial level she was a mother doing what mothers did, mothering, albeit with a difference. Noone else I knew had a mother like mine. Beyond that, I didn't understand, or even begin to appreciate, what she gave us.

The hindsight of passing years and growing maturity have slowly revealed her real value. I look now and am humbled.

I see the enormity of raising five children on her own while hounded by the constant fear of "never having enough money". I marvel at the strength of will and determination that kept her going.

I have her hunger and respect for knowledge to thank for my education.

I remember a small but significant scene that took place a year or so after my father died. A couple of well-meaning older family friends were discussing our financial situation.

"Of course, Susan will leave school and...", one of them began. My Mother cut her short. "No. That will never happen. We'll manage."

We did, and I got an education, as did those following me.

She actively encouraged us to investigate and believe what we wanted to about life's BIG questions. The memory of her own struggle for permission and the right to find her own path was to leave us free.

While there always the backdrop of her ongoing inquiry into religious beliefs, morality and spirituality it was never foisted on us.

Her faith that we would each find our own " right" path and relationship with what it is to be human living in the world held us strongly. We were never in any doubt as to who was ultimately responsible for the lives we would lead. It was us.

Beauty is free. That's another legacy from her. It's everywhere if you have eyes to see it: a sun rise, a child's smile, a flower from the garden, a meal prepared with love, or a tree in autumn. Appreciation of it doesn't depend on, or increase, with the amount of money in your wallet.

And that was Iris, our mother, our flesh and blood version of her overlooked namesake, the goddess of the rainbow. She was our example of persistence, courage, service, faith, hope, love of beauty and the ongoing quest for truth.

Sample Tribute Speech Outline

Use the following headings as a guide to write the outline for your tribute speech.

Introduction Open with an attention getter followed by introducing who you are talking about.

Background Provide a context (setting) for accomplishments and obstacles. This validates your choice:- explains why you chose whom you did.

Relationship Why is this person important to you? Outline their impact on yourself and/or others. This is an opportunity to tell the stories highlighting the qualities you revere.

What has been learnt as a result of their influence? What will you and others value and carry forward?

Conclusion Restatement or summary of key points ending positively.

Related useful pages

These will help you prepare your own tribute speech.

Browse the quotations, read a poem or sample eulogies, and if you wish, find out more about writing a funeral or commemorative speech.

A Complete Tribute Speech Guide
How to write a eulogy
Sample eulogies
Poems for funerals
Inspirational quotations
Commemorative Speech Help

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Latest Education and Career News

How to Write a Memorable Tribute Speech; Sample, Analysis

Reported by Anshika Saxena

Published on 29 June 2024

A Tribute Speech is one of the most special forms of speech. In this speech, the speaker lets the audience know about their admiration and love for a certain person. However, articulating your feelings for someone you consider a great personality can be tricky.

You must find the right words and structure them to make the Tribute special for that person and the audience. Your Tribute Speech needs to be uplifting, inspiring, and energetic. We are sharing this article to help you prepare a speech with all these qualities.

This article will share some insightful things to help you master your speech. We will also give you samples of nicely structured and worded Tribute speeches.

So, if you are struggling to find the correct words to Tribute a personality you deeply admire, check out this article to the end.

Constructing the Perfect Tribute Speech

To construct the perfect Tribute Speech, there are a few key points that you must keep in mind. The collection of all these key points is as follows.

Write down all the good qualities of the Person you are Paying Tribute to:- This will help you prepare the material for the speech more easily.
Think about why that person matters to you:- If you include raw emotions you feel about that persona in the speech, it will appear more genuine and authentic.
Prepare a Rough Outline:- A pre-planned structure for your speech will help you develop a fitting material.
Decide a Recurring Theme:- A theme will make your speech more powerful and memorable.

Below, we are sharing the conventional structure for a Tribute Speech. You can check it out and use it for your speech.

A Brief Introduction about Yourself and the Person You Are Paying Tribute To

To begin the speech, you have to briefly introduce yourself and the person you are paying tribute to through the speech. For this, you can tell your name to the audience and how you know the person being paid tribute to.

Secondly, you can tell the audience what that person means to you. You can keep this part of your speech as brief as possible.

Also, if you are clueless about introducing yourself, you can use a quote suitable for the occasion.

Paint a Picture of the Person You Are Paying Tribute to with Words

After briefly introducing yourself and the person you are paying tribute to, you can talk about what makes that person a great personality.

You can discuss different aspects of their life, such as accomplishments, successes, good deeds, hobbies , etc.

Try to cover as many good qualities of that person as possible. Also, you can talk about how that person toiled so hard to achieve what they become today. You must highlight only positive things about that person.

To let the audience get more insights into his personality, you can also share a short story about that person, emphasising their good deeds.

Share how that Person Impacted Your Personally

Once you talk about all that person’s accomplishments and good deeds, you can let everyone know how you are personally impacted by him/her. This will explain to the audience why you are the right person to deliver this speech.

You can tell everyone your pure emotions about that personality. You must let the audience know the person you are paying tribute to greatly influences how and how they changed your life for good.

Conclude Your Speech by Honoring that Person Again

To conclude your speech, you must honour the person you are paying tribute to with a few takeaway thoughts. Since you are preparing your speech, you must keep the introduction short and crisp.

Tell everyone how privileged you felt tributing that person with words in this speech. You can also end your speech with a sweet and positive thought that perfectly encapsulates your speech’s theme and purpose.

Below, we share a Sample of a Tribute constructed using the above structure. You can refer to it to plan your speech.

Sample of a Tribute Speech 1: Tribute to a Co-Worker

Good Morning/ Afternoon/ Evening to everyone present here. Today, we have gathered here to pay tribute to our beloved co-worker [co-woker’s name]. It feels like yesterday when I first got to know [co-woker’s name]. Ever since he/she joined our corporation, we saw some substantial changes that only an exemplary employee like him/her could bring.

Also, [co-woker’s name] has selflessly helped his/her co-workers whenever they faced issues. In his/her entire work life, [co-woker’s name] inspired me with their professional skills and good behaviour.

Now that [co-woker’s name] is retiring , I am grateful for his service to our organization. I wish him/her a splendid life from here on. May you keep inspiring people and changing their lives for good like this.

Sample of a Tribute Speech 2: Tribute to a Close Person after their Passing

A warm welcome to everyone. My name is [your name] and [name of the close person] was my [ your relationship with the person]. I thank each one of you for taking the time to celebrate the life of one of my closest people .

I cannot even begin to describe how [name of the close person ] was special to many other people and me. While he/she was alive, he /she created a lasting impact on everyone he/she knew. He may not be with us anymore, but he/she has given us many sweet memories to cherish.

I knew we had a special connection from the moment I got to know [person name]. He/she was always unbelievably kind and helpful to me. As I stand here to pay tribute to him/her, I wish he/she forever lives in our memories and continues to inspire us to be good individuals every day.

Tribute Speech Sample 3: Tribute to a Sibling on their Wedding Day

Hello to all. My name is [your name], and [your sibling’s name] is my brother/ sister. As we have gathered here to celebrate one of the most special days of [your sibling’s name]’s life, I want to take a moment to show how grateful I am for him/her.

Since I remember being alive, [your sibling’s name] has had my back. I have lost count of the times they helped me through tough times when no one else was there. [your sibling’s name] has always been unbelievably generous and kind to me and everyone around her/him. I can never genuinely reciprocate the love and warmth they showed me growing up.

On [your sibling’s name]’s special day, I wish they would continue to be the best version of themselves by including another special person . Once again, thank you for everything, and big congratulations.

Final Words

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What Is a Ceremonial Speech and How Do You Write One? (Featuring Examples)

Updated 08/28/2023

Published 08/29/2022

Sam Tetrault, BA in English

Contributing writer

Learn how a ceremonial speech works with information on what makes this type of speech different and how to write a ceremonial speech with step-by-step directions.

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Also known as a commemorative speech, a ceremonial speech is a type of speech given as part of a special occasion. They’re designed to pay tribute to an individual, event, idea, or institution. Unlike other types of speeches, they usually also focus on values as a form of celebration.

Jump ahead to these sections:

How does a ceremonial speech work, ceremonial speech vs. other types of special speeches, how to write a ceremonial speech.

You might encounter ceremonial speeches as part of a graduation, wedding, or funeral program. However, they’re generally upbeat. It’s more than just a list of information. It’s a way to celebrate the value behind a person, idea, place, or institution. In other words, it’s a way to encourage the audience to join the speaker in celebration.

In this guide, we’ll explore what a ceremonial speech is and how you write one yourself. If you’ve been tasked with writing your own ceremonial speech for a special occasion, it can be intimidating to know where to begin. We also include some examples to help inspire you.

With that in mind, how does a ceremonial speech work? If you’re unfamiliar with different types of speeches, it’s normal to be confused with this type in particular. You’ve likely seen many of these different speeches first hand throughout your life, though you might not have realized it at the time.

These speeches come in all different tones. They can be:

Accomplishment-focused
Inspirational

Above all, the theme should be consistent with the person or place you’re trying to honor. Like all speeches, they contain the same basic elements like an introduction, key details or stories, and a final conclusion. The opening remarks for a funeral , for example, could be considered a type of ceremonial speech.

When would Someone give a ceremonial speech?

Similarly, when would someone give a ceremonial speech? As explained above, these speeches are given for any number of reasons. You’ll most often see these speeches for these purposes:

At a funeral service (also known as a eulogy )
As part of a wedding reception
When honoring someone’s retirement
Recognizing a special event or organization
Introducing an important figure
Celebrating a graduating class
A final farewell to someone moving away

You most frequently see these speeches given at a ceremony, funeral, wedding, or another special event. They can be formal or casual, depending on the setting. It can mark an anniversary, degree, legacy, or other accomplishment. It’s becoming more common for commemorative speeches to be given virtually, as well.

Who can give a ceremonial speech?

Finally, who can give a ceremonial speech to honor a special person or occasion? There are no limits to who can provide this type of speech. If you’re comfortable speaking in front of others, odds are you’re a good fit.

In some cases, you might be asked to give a ceremonial speech. This is true even if you have no prior speaking experience. For example, it’s common for close friends and family to speak on behalf of the deceased at a funeral service. Alternatively, you might be invited to welcome a new colleague with a commemorative speech.

The good news is it doesn’t take prior skills or experiences to give a successful ceremonial speech. Unlike other types of public speaking, a ceremonial speech comes from the heart. The more authentic and genuine you are with your speaking, the bigger your impact becomes on your audience.

If you’re familiar with public speaking, you might know many different types of speeches to choose from. These all have their pros and cons, and it’s helpful to understand how they differ in practice. Let’s review some of the most common types of speeches:

Presentation speech: A presentation speech is given to present an idea to an audience, usually educationally-focused.
Acceptance: If you’ve ever watched an award show, you’ve seen acceptance speeches in action. This is when someone accepts an award for their service, experience, or so on.
Toast: Toasts are often confused with ceremonial speeches, and they have a lot in common. A toast is similar to a tribute, but it’s usually much more brief and conversational.
Keynote: A keynote address is a longer speech that’s goal is to inspire or inform. It’s a formal call to action.

Above, you’ll find the most common types of speeches, excluding ceremonial speeches. A ceremonial speech, on the other hand, specifically honors someone or something. It can be long, short, conversational, formal, or any combination of these.

If you’re been tasked with writing a ceremonial speech, you might not know where to begin. Learning how to write a speech for a funeral , graduation, wedding, or other special events can be intimidating. Luckily, anyone can do this with a bit of planning and patience.

Step 1. Understand the theme

To begin, make sure you fully understand the theme of your commemorative speech. You want to recognize the person, place, or thing you focus on. This usually means you’ll want to keep the theme upbeat or light, focusing on their accomplishments and hope.

Here are a few questions to guide your search for the right theme:

If someone was giving this ceremonial speech about you, what would you expect them to say?
What is the significance of what you’re talking about?
What are the key memories or ideas around this person/place/institution that you want to share?
What did this person/place mean to you?

Finding a personal connection brings your speech to life. Anyone can explain something in a passive way. A real speaker dives deeping, making a larger point from the full speech.

Step 2. Begin with an outline

While you might be ready to jump right into writing your speech, hold on for a moment. A speech outline goes a long way to keep your ideas organized. Your outline should highlight the most important points you don’t want to forget. This might change over time, but it should help you keep your speech on the topic from start to finish.

Step 3. Craft an introduction

Next, it’s time to craft your ceremonial speech introduction. Though often overlooked, your speech introduction is the most important part. This can make or break the rest of your time on stage, and you want to grab the audience’s attention quickly.

When writing this type of speech, consider starting with the goal of your speech. You can build a personal connection with a heartfelt story, share an attention-grabbing statement, or make a big assertion about what this person/place meant to you.

Step 4. Explore more details about your topic

From there, dive into the meat and gravy of your speech. Add details and information about your subject, including anecdotes and special tidbits when necessary. It might help to talk to others who knew this person or who were a part of this event. The more input you have, the easier it is to create a wider, clearer story.

Step 5. Wrap up your speech

When you’re ready, wrap up your speech naturally. This should flow as though it’s slowly coming to a clear conclusion, not like you’re abruptly ending your thought out of nowhere. Ultimately, summarize the impact of your topic, possibly leaving the audience with something hopeful or encouraging.

Step 6. Practice, practice, practice

Last but not least, don’t forget to practice. Your speech could be amazing, but your words still fall flat if you don’t feel confident giving it. Practice giving your speech to yourself, in front of others, or front of a camera. Listen to feedback and adjust as needed. It’s okay if your speech isn’t perfect right away!

Ceremonial Speech Examples

One of the best ways to learn how to write your own ceremonial speech is to read examples. Though you probably have heard some of these speeches in your life, here are some specific examples to draw inspiration from.

Honor a friend at a funeral

Today, I’m going to talk about my good friend George. I’ve known George since high school, and he’s always been there for me. Since our first days trying to make it through Algebra to raising our kids in the same neighborhood, he’s stood by me. He’s a testament to all things compassion, kindness, and bravery. The first to speak up for someone in need and the quickest to lend a helping hand, I hope to learn from his inspirational life. Thank you.

Recognize a mentor

Though I’m the one graduating today, I wanted to commemorate the person who helped me get here. Dr. Jan was the first person I met on my first day of university four years ago, and she’s also the first person I went to share my med school acceptance news. More than a smart professor, she’s a valued friend and leader. Even when I didn’t think I could do it, she pushed me to always do my best. I have so much to thank her for, today and everyday.

Are You Writing a Ceremonial Speech?

If you’re writing a ceremonial speech of your own, don’t fret. There are many ways to make your words come to life, no matter the story you’re trying to tell. Life is short. There are only so many opportunities to highlight the most important things to you.

Ultimately, a ceremonial speech is a way we share our legacies. What does legacy mean to you? How do you want to be remembered?

How to Write a Memorable Tribute Speech: Step-By-Step

How to Write a Meaningful Appreciation Speech

How to Write a Funeral Speech for Dad From a Daughter

How to Write a Commemorative Speech: Examples & Tips

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How to write a tribute speech to someone (with examples)

Today we are going to have a look at how one can write a great tribute speech. We all have beloved people who are the dearest to us. Whether they are alive or not, we want to express our admiration, love and respect. A tribute speech is a great opportunity to make it. Well, let’s consider how to write a tribute message. We also recommend you look through the samples below.

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What is the meaning of a tribute? A tribute speech is a special category of speech aimed to express any positive feelings for someone.

How to write a tribute

There are numerous aspects that constitute a great tribute. These include its contents, wording, emotional element, and delivery.

A tribute is given at various events, with the most common being funerals. However, this does not usually mean that tributes are only given to the deceased.

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Tributes are actually quite normal and acceptable for people who are alive. They can be given as thankyou tributes to people who have done something good for you in the past.

Before you start to write a tribute speech, take into account some important things. Here is a quick look.

Who is the audience?
Are you the only speaker?
How long are you going to speak? It’s recommended to speak for no longer than 15 minutes.
Is the event formal or informal?
Are there any requirements for your speech?

What are the rules for writing a good tribute speech?

When you’ve figured out all these things, proceed to write. Remember that your speech should have the following characteristics:

Admiration and respect.
Highlights of positive features (humility, kindness, determination, trustworthiness, devotion, sacrifice, loyalty and so on).
Paying attention to a person’s achievements, successes and all difficulties he/she overcame to achieve them.
Highlighting the person's positive impact on other lives.

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Sample tributes

Here is a quick look at samples of how to write a tribute to a dead person .

How to write a tribute to my late mother

Here is a short sample of a tribute to a deceased mother from her son or daughter.

My mom was a superhero, basically. Some examples: When my brother's daughter was born, my mom literally made a huge bouquet out of baby socks — she rolled the socks into little rose shapes and stuck them onto wires, and it was amazing. For the family dogs, she slow-cooked their dog bones herself. They would sit there on the stove stewing for hours. It was like some artisanal butcher shop in Brooklyn. She would buy my cat treats and toys even though she did not even like cats. She even insisted on getting him an organic hemp scratching post. Despite the fact that we were all in our 20s and 30s when she passed, my mom would still send me, and my three siblings themed packages for every holiday — literally every holiday: Easter, Halloween, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, you name it. Usually, the packages have themed socks in them. She was so next level, it was insane.

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Plus, she gave the most comforting hugs ever.

This eulogy for a mother has amazing elements of nature, care, and love. Such kind words would also be nice for any other relative, friend, or colleague. You can write something more touching.

How to write a tribute to my late father

Here is a sample tribute to a beloved father from his son or daughter.

My father is a defender of our family. He is an example of the perfect husband and father. When I studied at school, our family was poor. My father was a simple factory worker. And my mom couldn’t work for health reasons. However, our defender wanted to give us a better future. That’s why he worked nights. I found out later that he also was a guard in the local flower shop. My father agreed with the shop owner that he will work only at night. As you understand, he slept very little and got a lot of health problems. However, now he has a son who is the best doctor in our locality. I provide him free high-quality treatment and carefree old age. My father gave me everything and I want to give him twice as much. He deserves the best in this world.

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Of course, these are very simple and short sample tributes. You can write your history in more detail. It depends on your desire to open up to an audience. For example, while figuring out how to write a tribute to a late grandmother, you may want to include old stories about you and her while growing up.

Funeral tributes

If you are going to write a funeral speech, be sincere and concentrate on positive moments and features. Make your tribute speech precise, preferrable between 5 and 10 minutes.

If you worry about uncontrolled emotions, get somebody to help you (to finish or compliment your speech). If you are not a professional public speaker or writer, use simple words to express your real feelings.

Here are some of the things you should consider before writing a funeral tribute.

How close you and this person were.
What do the people think about the relationships between you and him/her?
What do you miss about him/her?
Were there any humorous or emotional moments with him/her that showed your love?

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Tips for funeral tribute speech

Are you wondering how to write a tribute to my late father or someone else? Here are some quick tips to help you come up with the perfect tribute.

Show your relation and personal attachment with the deceased

You can begin by describing how close you were to this person. If he/she was your friend or spouse, include details about how you met. Describe the place, time of the meeting, your emotions and first impression.

Describe the personality of a deceased

Write about his/her character. What impressed you most of all? What did you like about this person? Do you think his/her personality had an impact on your life? Mention also that you became the person you are today due to him/her.

Tell about their achievements

Speak on the deceased's achievements. Describe all good deeds , progresses, and talents. Talk about how all these things had benefitted other people.

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Share your own experience and memories

Tell any story related to the deceased. It will help you show how close you were. According to your desire, it may be humorous or touching. Take the audience into account. Nothing should offend other people.

Explain why these moments will always be important to you. Maybe you studied in one college, sat next to each other, cut classes together, and spent romantic afternoons. Every detail is important if you were happy together.

Sample tribute speech for deceased

Here is a sample tribute written to pay respect to a deceased friend.

Carol Smith was a very dear friend of mine. When we met years ago, we both had just moved to New York City. I had dreams of becoming a model, and she was looking for a fresh start. We both loved the big city. We lived next door to each other, and both came from small towns, so it worked out perfectly. We were friends from the moment that we met each other. Carol was one of the most supportive people that I have met. She was always there to lend an ear when I needed someone to listen. A hug was always just a few steps away. She was constantly there to offer support for anything and everything I wanted to do, no matter how big or small. When I got rejected by modelling agencies, she insisted they were crazy, and missing out on the best model. That was Carol. She was always there to encourage everyone around her. She always tried to lift up your spirits when you were feeling down. I only knew Carol for a few short years, but that was enough time to realize how amazing she was. I'm glad that I got to spend that time with her and that I had the pleasure of knowing someone as sweet as Carol. Thank you all.

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A tribute speech is a good opportunity to show some love and respect to a person. Figuring out how to write a tribute speech usually comes in handy whenever one is asked to say something about someone they know or knew before.

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Legit.ng recently published an article about some of the most interesting old-school activities that a church congregation can enjoy. Are you looking to spice up your church services but don't know where to start? You can try some old-school activities for the church members.

There are numerous tried-and-true fun activities to do at church that your congregation will enjoy. Whether you use these at every service or only occasionally, they're sure to bring smiles and laughter to the people in your church.

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Jackline Wangare (Lifestyle writer) Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng, where she has worked since mid-2021. She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University. She has more than five years in writing. Jackline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2019) and a Diploma in Marketing (2015) from Kenyatta University. In 2023, Jackline finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024. Email: [email protected].

Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Simwa finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: [email protected]

Tribute Speech Offers Homage And Thanks For A Life Well-Lived

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Offering a eulogy - tribute speech at a funeral

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 Part y
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)
Fam ily Reunion
Govern ment 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.

Reagan turns State of The Union into a tribute speech

A former English teacher and currently an elementary principal in a rural school, Pam has honed her speaking skills in the classroom and before professional groups. Pam enjoys sharing her insights about public speaking almost as much as she enjoys running, which she does daily.

Commemorative Speech: Guide to Craft an Engaging Speech

By: Cordon J.

Reviewed By: Chris H.

Published on: Sep 15, 2020

A commemorative speech is also known as a ceremonial speech. It is a type of speech given on a special occasion or event to celebrate a particular situation, event, or a person/group. It is mostly given to pay tribute or show gratitude towards an event, idea, or person.

By commemorating you inspire or give the audience hope for the future, boost their feelings and emotions.

To learn how to craft effective commemorative speeches, give this article a thorough read.

On this Page

What is a Commemorative Speech

As we mentioned earlier, a commemorative speech is a form of public speaking where the main purpose is to celebrate a particular thing.

Most students in the United States are asked to deliver an inspiring commemorative speech at the graduation ceremony. Here students express their gratitude towards their college, professors, family, classmates, etc.

For such occasions, you must write from the heart, reminiscing about the past and the important events. This kind of speech includes personal touch and the tips and tricks given here will help you write a speech successfully.

Commemorative speech requires a focus on the past, present, and future aspects of the topic. For instance, success, loyalty, wisdom, courage, hope, etc.

It can also be an award acceptance speech, or a eulogy to honor someone after their death. Now that you have understood the commemorative speech definition, let’s take a look and learn how to write a commemorative speech?

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Commemorative Speech Outline

Just as any other piece of writing, a speech follows a particular outline and structure.

Begin the speech by stating the significance of your topic.

Make it interesting to grab the audience’s attention. If you’re talking about a person, share an interesting thing that they did or said. If your speech is about a particular event, discuss how it brings different people together, etc.

Your reason for paying tribute.

Why are you paying tribute to your subject and the kind of tribute? Why should they be honored and why at this particular event.

Highlight their achievements.

Next, talk about the contributions and accomplishments with examples and evidence.

Importance of these achievements.

Highlight the importance of these accomplishments, who benefits from them? How are these efforts valuable to us?

Make the audience empathize.

If talking about a person, make the audience think about how they can also become like that person, what practices can we learn and adopt?

In this section, the transition towards a brief summary of the speech. Share an anecdote or short story.

Commemorative Speech Examples

COMMEMORATIVE SPEECH EXAMPLE

COMMEMORATIVE SPEECH SAMPLE

How to Choose a Commemorative Speech Topic

When asked to deliver a commemorative speech for a class, you must first brainstorm different ideas that can be added to your speech.

Consider the following points in mind when brainstorming different topics:

Online Research

There is a list of commemorative speech topics available online. You can also find videos of previous commemorative speeches delivered at your school or by celebrities, etc.

Brainstorming potential ideas will enable you to come up with a topic relevant to you and your personal situation.

In order to make your speech and topic meaningful, think of the things you would want to share about the person. Or the information you want to share with others about a situation or event.

When thinking about the different stories to add, consider sharing that maybe you would want to hear in a commemorative speech.

If you are talking about a person then think of ways how you can share things about them respectfully, without offending them or anyone else.

Understand Your Audience

The most important ingredient that makes any piece of writing or speech work is the audience. It is they who decide whether or not the piece was worth it.

In order to ensure that you stay relevant to the audience, keeping in mind their interests and personalities and build your work around that.

Also, if you are going to mention someone directly in your speech you must be aware of the people who are going to be there.

Convey a Meaningful Message

A commemorative speech is a type of informative speech where the aim is to inform the listener about a particular topic. Although the main goal is to praise or commemorate something, your message must be clear and meaningful throughout the rest of the speech.

A speech writing guide will help you create an impactful and impressive speech.

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Commemorative Speech Topics

There are several different categories of commemorative speech ideas depending upon the event or occasion.

Here are some of our best suggested commemorative speech ideas that you can choose from:

Paying tribute to a family member
Paying tribute to an important personality, dead or alive (Martin Luther King, Barack Obama)
Paying tribute to a big movement (Women's rights movement, the civil rights movement)
Celebrating the values of a religion (Buddhist values)
Speak on the importance of hope (NASA's Apollo 13 survival mission)
Celebrate human courage, or a courageous act in a challenging situation by policemen, firefighters, veterans
Selflessness of a teacher or parent, their dedication and love
An act of compromise that marked the start of you becoming a mature and evolved person
Show respect to the greatest travelers that ever lived (Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama)
Eulogy for a professor at your college
Speak about your transformation both spiritually and intellectually after starting college
The series of events that lead to you and your classmates becoming a family
A time you and your team won a match due to the support of the College
Provide an example of loyalty by discussing war comrades
What does freedom mean to you?
Commemorate the lives lost on 9/11
Celebrate the legalization of gay marriages
Queen Elizebeth and her life
Buying your first house
Remembering your grandmother
Women who changed the world for the better
Father of the bride speech
Maid of honor speech
Best technology inventions

Here is a little activity for you to clarify the concept of commemorative speech. Which of the following is an example of a commemorative speech?

A speech that demonstrates how to plan a wedding.
A speech honoring the life of Martin Luther King.
A speech telling the people where they can find the work of Vincent Van Gogh.
A speech for the school board to get funding for the school dance.

These were some of the topics for a commemorative speech just to give you an idea of what direction to think in. You may use these topics as is, or brainstorm staying on this track and you'll have an inspiring topic to talk on.

If you are unable to come up with an engaging topic, feel free to reach out to the expert writers at 5StarEssays.com .

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the goal of a commemorative speech.

A commemorative speech is delivered to inspire the audience and to pay tribute to a person. It highlights the qualities and works of the person.

Is eulogy a commemorative speech?

A eulogy is a kind of commemorative speech and it also includes other kinds of speeches also.

Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.

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Guide to a Heartwarming Celebration of Life Speech

A celebration of life event is a way for friends and family to come together to remember and honor the person who has passed away.

If you are the person or are chosen to deliver a celebration of life speech, remember that it’s an honor! You get to share the memories and stories of the person who passed away.

In this article, we will guide you through how to prepare and deliver a heartwarming and meaningful celebration of life speech.

What is a Celebration of Life Speech?

A celebration of life speech is a speech given at a celebration of life event. It’s an opportunity for the speaker to share memories and stories about the person who has passed away and to reflect on the impact that the person had on their life and on the lives of others.

The purpose of a celebration of life speech is to celebrate the life of the deceased and to share fond memories and stories about them.

The Difference Between Celebration of Life Speech and Eulogy

A celebration of life speech, also known as a tribute speech or a memorial speech, is a type of speech given at a memorial service or celebration of life event to honor and remember a loved one who has passed away. The purpose of a celebration of life speech is to celebrate the life of the deceased and to share fond memories and stories about them.

A eulogy is also a speech given at a funeral or memorial service to honor and remember a loved one who has passed away.

The main difference between a eulogy and a celebration of life speech is that a eulogy typically focuses on the emotional aspects of grief and loss, while a celebration of life speech focuses on celebrating and remembering the positive aspects of the person’s life.

It is different from a eulogy which is a speech given at a funeral service, which is more formal and solemn in tone.

Celebration of life speech is more personal and casual, it tends to be more emotional and more focused on the positive memories of the person.

A eulogy is usually given by a close family member, friend, or religious figure. A celebration of life speech can be given by anyone who has a connection to the deceased person and wants to share memories and stories.

What Needs to be Included in a Celebration of Life Speech?

Here are several key elements that need to be included in a celebration of life speech:

A brief overview of the person’s life and accomplishments
Personal anecdotes and memories of the person
A reflection on the person’s impact on the lives of others
A recognition of the person’s passions and interests
An expression of gratitude for the time shared with the person
A message of comfort and support for those who are grieving
An encouragement to continue the person’s legacy
A call to action to celebrate the person’s life in a meaningful way.

Some people like to have their speech accompanied by music for a celebration of life service . You can do that too!

Remember that the celebration of life speech is more personal and casual. Prepare your speech to match with the audience as well.

Usually, the guests that are invited to a celebration of life event is also a close friend of the deceased as well. This will allow you to share more personal memories because they can relate to and understand the context of it easier.

How Long Should a Celebration of Life Speech be?

You should aim to deliver a 5-7 minute speech. Depending on the arrangement, some celebration of life speeches are also assigned to several different people.

Talk about each of your speech’s duration and determine the best length of the speeches combined in total. For a shared celebration of life speech, a total of 15 – 20 minutes would be ideal.

Don’t forget to check with the other speakers and ensure that there are no overlapping stories.

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Celebration of Life Speech Examples

Celebration of life speech for dad.

“Hello good morning,

We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of a truly remarkable man, my father. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a respected member of our community. He was a man who lived his life with integrity, kindness, and a sense of humor that could light up a room.

My father was a hard worker who always put his family first. He worked tirelessly to provide for us and to make sure that we had everything we needed. He was a role model to me, and I am honored to have had him as my father.

He had a passion for many things, from gardening to traveling and from photography to reading. He was a man of many talents and interests, but his family was always at the forefront of his heart. He was a devoted husband to my mother for over 50 years, and his love for her was unwavering until the end.

[Add a personal story here] I remember when I was going traveling with my father to…. I can’t believe what I saw. He just did ……! You guys here also know that a person like my father would definitely do. He will ….. at that exact moment.

[Continue your remarks] My father was also a dedicated member of our community. He had a big heart and always had time for others, lending a helping hand whenever it was needed. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.

In closing, let’s take a moment to remember the many good times we had with my father. Let’s honor his memory by cherishing the memories we shared and by continuing to live our lives with the same kindness, integrity, and sense of humor that he possessed.

Thank you.”

Celebration of Life Speech for Mom

“Hey everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to talk about my mom, because she was truly one of a kind. To me, she was the best mom anyone could ask for – always there for me, always understanding and always loving. But she was also so much more than just a mom, she was a friend, a confidant and a role model.

One of the things I’m gonna miss the most about her is her cooking, man, she could make anything and it would always be delicious. I remember coming home from school and being greeted by the smell of her homemade cookies, or her famous lasagna. She truly had a gift in the kitchen and it was a reflection of her love and care for us.

But my mom wasn’t just a great cook, she was also one of the strongest and most resilient people I’ve ever known. She faced so many challenges in her life, but she never let them get her down. She always found a way to keep going, to keep fighting and to keep smiling.

She was also incredibly beautiful, inside and out. With her radiant smile and her kind heart, she could light up a room just by walking in. She was a true lady and she had a grace and poise that was simply breathtaking.

I know that I am not alone in feeling this loss, my mother touched so many lives, and I know that she will be greatly missed by all of you as well. But let’s not dwell on the sadness of her passing, let’s remember the good times, let’s remember her laughter, her warmth, and her love.

Celebration of Life Speech for Partner

“Dear friends and family,

Today, we gather here to celebrate the life of my soulmate, my Brittany. The woman who stole my heart and changed my life forever. Her laughter, her smile and her goofy sense of humor will always be etched in my heart forever.

From the moment I met her, I knew she was the one for me. Her sparkling eyes, her contagious laughter and her kind heart captured me completely. She was my rock, my confidant, my everything.

Brittany and I shared a bond that was unbreakable, a love that was unshakable. We laughed, we cried, we loved and we dreamed together. She was my partner in every sense of the word, and I am so grateful to have had her by my side.

Her goofy personality was one of the things I fell in love with, she was always up for a good laugh and a silly joke. She had a way of making everyday feel like an adventure, and her laugh was music to my ears.

As I stand here today, my heart is heavy with grief, but it is also filled with love. Love for the beautiful woman who made my life complete. I know that Brittany’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all those she touched, and I will always cherish the memories we shared together.

Brittany, my love for you is eternal, and you will always hold a special place in my heart.

Celebration of Life Speech for Best Friend

Hey everyone,

Today, we gather here to celebrate the life of my best friend, a truly one-of-a-kind guy. He was more than just a friend, he was a brother to me. We shared countless memories, laughs and even tears together. But what I will always remember him for is our love for basketball, he was my basketball buddy.

I remember when we first met, we bonded over our love for the game. We would spend hours playing pickup games, talking trash and pushing each other to be better. He was a fierce competitor on the court, but off the court, he was the most loyal and supportive friend anyone could ask for.

But basketball was just one small part of who he was. He was also a great listener, always there for me when I needed to talk. He was funny, always cracking jokes and making everyone around him laugh. He was also a great person, always willing to help others and make a positive impact in the world.

I know that I am not alone in feeling this loss, my friend touched so many lives, and I know that he will be greatly missed by all of you as well. But let’s not dwell on the sadness of his passing, let’s remember the good times, let’s remember his laughter, his competitiveness and his love for the game.

I’ll always cherish the memories we shared on and off the court, he will always be my basketball buddy and my best friend.

End of Article

We hope that this guide and the examples provided in this article help you in preparing for your celebration of life speech.

Celebration of life speech is more personal and casual than eulogies. So feel free to express your love. Remember to keep it respectful. All the best to your preparation!

Remember your loved ones with a beautiful online memorial website.

Gary Kisela

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Sample Tribute Speech

A tribute speech is something that can make one conscious as you don’t want to disappoint the person you are honoring. Make sure you do your homework before you present yourself before the audience. You can add few jokes only if you sure it won’t hurt anybody’s feelings. Learn some more tips right here and be confident. You can also see graduation speech example templates

Tribute Speech Examples

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Tribute speech examples are for talking about the person you respect. So, to express your feelings in the best way take all the useful parts from these examples. Download them in word or excel format. You may also see introduction speech .

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Tribute Speech to Famous Person

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you all for being here today as we gather to pay tribute to an individual whose remarkable life and extraordinary achievements have left an indelible mark on our world. Today, we honor [Famous Person’s Name], a person whose vision, dedication, and passion have inspired countless individuals across the globe.

[Famous Person’s Name] was born on [Birth Date] in [Birthplace]. From an early age, it was clear that [he/she/they] possessed a unique spark, a drive to pursue excellence in all endeavors. [He/She/They] embarked on a journey that would not only shape [his/her/their] own destiny but also influence the lives of many.

Throughout [his/her/their] career, [Famous Person’s Name] exemplified the highest standards of [industry/field]. [He/She/They] broke barriers, defied expectations, and set new benchmarks for success. Whether it was through [specific achievement or contribution], [he/she/they] demonstrated an unwavering commitment to [his/her/their] craft and a relentless pursuit of innovation.

But beyond [his/her/their] professional accomplishments, [Famous Person’s Name] was known for [his/her/their] profound impact on society. [He/She/They] used [his/her/their] platform to advocate for [cause or issue], tirelessly working to bring about positive change. [His/Her/Their] philanthropic efforts touched the lives of many, offering hope, support, and a brighter future.

One of the most enduring qualities of [Famous Person’s Name] was [his/her/their] ability to connect with people from all walks of life. [He/She/They] had a rare gift of empathy, always listening, always understanding. [His/Her/Their] kindness and generosity of spirit were evident in every interaction, leaving an indelible impression on all who had the privilege of knowing [him/her/them].

As we reflect on the legacy of [Famous Person’s Name], we are reminded of the power of perseverance, the importance of integrity, and the impact of compassion. [He/She/They] taught us that greatness is not defined by accolades or achievements alone, but by the lives we touch and the difference we make in the world.

Today, we celebrate not just the life of [Famous Person’s Name], but the values [he/she/they] stood for. [He/She/They] leaves behind a legacy of [specific values or principles], a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

In closing, let us remember the words of [a quote by the famous person or a related inspiring quote]. These words encapsulate the spirit of [Famous Person’s Name] and serve as a guiding light for us all.

Thank you, [Famous Person’s Name], for sharing your remarkable journey with us. Your legacy will forever be etched in our hearts and minds, and your contributions will continue to shape our world for the better.

Thank you all for being here today to honor and celebrate the life of an extraordinary individual.

[Optional: Moment of silence or applause]

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Tribute Speech For Teachers

Good [morning/afternoon/evening],

Thank you all for gathering here today as we come together to pay tribute to a group of individuals who have profoundly shaped our lives and the lives of countless others – our teachers. Today, we honor the dedicated men and women who have committed themselves to the noble profession of teaching, shaping minds, and nurturing the potential within each of us.

Teachers are the unsung heroes of our society. They are the architects of our future, the guides who illuminate the path of knowledge, and the mentors who inspire us to reach for the stars. From the first day of school to the final graduation, teachers are there every step of the way, imparting wisdom, fostering curiosity, and instilling a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

To our teachers, your work goes far beyond the classroom. You are the role models who teach us not only academic subjects but also life lessons. You teach us the importance of hard work, perseverance, and resilience. You show us the value of kindness, empathy, and respect. Through your guidance, we learn to believe in ourselves and to strive for greatness.

The impact of a teacher extends far beyond the grades on a report card. Teachers inspire dreams, ignite passions, and open doors to new possibilities. They challenge us to think critically, to question the world around us, and to seek out answers. They celebrate our successes and help us learn from our failures, always encouraging us to do our best.

We all have memories of special teachers who have touched our lives in unique ways. Whether it was the teacher who sparked our interest in a particular subject, the one who believed in us when we doubted ourselves, or the one who provided a listening ear and a comforting word in times of need, their influence is felt deeply and remembered fondly.

In honoring our teachers today, we acknowledge the countless hours of hard work and dedication that go into their profession. We recognize the late nights spent grading papers, the extra effort put into preparing engaging lessons, and the personal sacrifices made to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. Teaching is not just a job; it is a calling, a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

As we celebrate our teachers, let us also remember the broader impact they have on our society. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the leaders, innovators, and citizens of tomorrow. Through their efforts, they help build a brighter future for us all, fostering a society that values knowledge, compassion, and progress.

To all the teachers here today, and to those who could not be with us, we say thank you. Thank you for your patience, your passion, and your unwavering dedication. Thank you for believing in us and for helping us to believe in ourselves. Your work is invaluable, and your influence is immeasurable.

In closing, let us remember the words of the great educator Henry Adams, who said, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” Your impact, dear teachers, is eternal, and your legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of your students for generations to come.

[Optional: Moment of applause]

Tribute Speech For Parents

Thank you all for being here today as we gather to pay tribute to the individuals who have been our first teachers, our biggest supporters, and our unwavering anchors throughout life – our parents. Today, we honor the love, sacrifices, and dedication of those who have nurtured us, guided us, and shaped us into who we are.

Parents are the silent heroes of our lives. They are the ones who stand by us through thick and thin, who celebrate our victories and console us in our defeats. They are the pillars of strength we lean on, the sources of wisdom we turn to, and the hearts that beat in sync with ours. From the moment we are born, our parents dedicate themselves to our well-being, often putting our needs above their own.

To our parents, your love knows no bounds. You have given us the greatest gift anyone could ever give – the gift of unconditional love. You have shown us that love is patient, kind, and enduring. Through your actions, you have taught us the true meaning of family, loyalty, and compassion. Your love has been a guiding light, illuminating our path and giving us the confidence to face the world.

The sacrifices parents make are immeasurable. You have worked tirelessly to provide for us, to ensure we have the opportunities to succeed, and to create a home filled with warmth and security. You have been our chauffeurs, our cooks, our nurses, and our counselors. No task has been too great, no challenge too daunting, because your love for us knows no limits.

Parents are our first teachers, instilling in us values and principles that last a lifetime. You have taught us the importance of honesty, integrity, and respect. You have encouraged us to dream big, to work hard, and to never give up. Through your guidance, we have learned to believe in ourselves and to strive for excellence. Your wisdom has been a constant source of strength and inspiration.

We all have cherished memories of moments shared with our parents. Whether it was the bedtime stories that transported us to magical worlds, the family dinners filled with laughter and conversation, or the comforting hugs that made everything better, these moments are the threads that weave the fabric of our lives. Your presence has been a constant source of comfort and joy.

As we honor our parents today, we recognize the profound impact they have had on our lives. Your influence extends far beyond the walls of our homes. Through your love and guidance, you have shaped us into individuals who value kindness, empathy, and resilience. You have prepared us to face the world with courage and confidence, knowing that we are never alone.

To all the parents here today, and to those who could not be with us, we say thank you. Thank you for your unwavering support, your boundless love, and your endless sacrifices. Thank you for believing in us, even when we did not believe in ourselves. Your love has been our foundation, your guidance our compass, and your presence our greatest blessing.

In closing, let us remember the words of Jim Valvano, who said, “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: he believed in me.” Your belief in us, dear parents, is the greatest gift of all, and it is one we carry with us every day.

Thank you, parents, for everything. Your love and sacrifices have made all the difference, and we are forever grateful.

[Optional: Moment of applause or a symbolic gesture, such as presenting a token of appreciation]

Tribute Speech to To My Sister

Thank you all for joining me today as I pay tribute to someone who has been a constant source of love, support, and inspiration in my life – my sister. Today, I stand before you to honor not just a family member, but a best friend, a confidante, and a remarkable individual who has made an indelible impact on my life.

From the earliest days of our childhood, my sister has been my companion, my partner in crime, and my shoulder to lean on. We have shared countless memories, from the simple joys of playing together to the profound moments that have shaped our lives. Through it all, she has been a steady presence, offering unwavering love and support.

My sister is a person of incredible strength and resilience. She has faced challenges with grace and courage, never allowing obstacles to deter her spirit. Her determination and perseverance are truly inspiring, and she has shown me the importance of facing life’s trials with a positive attitude and an unyielding will.

One of the most remarkable qualities of my sister is her boundless compassion. She has an innate ability to understand and empathize with others, always ready to offer a listening ear and a comforting word. Her kindness knows no bounds, and she has touched the lives of many with her generosity and selflessness. Whether it’s a friend in need or a stranger seeking help, my sister is always there, extending her hand and her heart.

In addition to her strength and compassion, my sister possesses a remarkable sense of humor. She has the unique gift of making those around her laugh, even in the most trying times. Her laughter is infectious, and her ability to find joy in the little things is a testament to her zest for life. She has taught me to cherish every moment, to find happiness in the simple things, and to approach life with a light heart.

As I reflect on our journey together, I am filled with immense gratitude for all the ways my sister has enriched my life. She has been my teacher, my guide, and my biggest cheerleader. She has believed in me when I doubted myself, encouraged me to pursue my dreams, and celebrated my successes as if they were her own. Her unwavering support has given me the strength to overcome my fears and to strive for greatness.

My sister’s accomplishments are a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit. She has excelled in her endeavors, not just through talent and intelligence, but through sheer determination and a relentless pursuit of her goals. Her achievements inspire me to push my boundaries and to aim higher, knowing that with perseverance, anything is possible.

Today, as we celebrate my sister, I want her to know how much she means to me. I want her to know that her love, support, and friendship are treasures I hold close to my heart. She has been my rock, my inspiration, and my guide, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

In closing, let us remember the words of Maya Angelou, who said, “I sustain myself with the love of family.” My sister, you are the embodiment of this love, and your presence in my life is a source of strength and joy. Thank you for being who you are, for all that you do, and for the incredible impact you have had on my life.

Thank you all for being here today to honor and celebrate the extraordinary person that my sister is.

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Tribute speech outline example.

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This is very good template for those who are looking for guidelines to write the tribute speech. This template provides the detailed description about the tribute speech making. If you are about the start writing the tribute template and looking for guidelines for it then you can defiantly take help from this template. You may also see self introduction speech .

Short Tribute Speech Example

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This template is a sample tribute speech to provide the important points of a good tribute speech. The template breaks the different parts of the speech and defines them, so a person who is writing the tribute speech can take help in deciding the best words for his/her speech. You may also see persuasive speech .

How to Write a Tribute Speech?

Writing a tribute speech can be a meaningful way to honor someone special in your life. Here are five key points to guide you through the process:

Start your speech with an engaging introduction that grabs the audience’s attention. Mention why everyone has gathered and the significance of the occasion. A personal anecdote or a meaningful quote can set the tone effectively.
Highlight memorable moments and experiences you’ve shared with the person. Personal stories make the speech more relatable and heartfelt. These anecdotes should illustrate the person’s character, values, and the impact they have had on your life and others.
Discuss the person’s accomplishments, both big and small, that have made a difference. Emphasize their unique qualities, such as kindness, resilience, humor, or generosity, and how these traits have influenced those around them.
Convey your gratitude for the person’s presence in your life. Explain how they have influenced you and others positively. Mention specific instances where their support, guidance, or love made a significant impact.
End your speech on a positive and memorable note. Summarize the key points and reiterate the importance of the person being honored. A powerful quote, a final anecdote, or a heartfelt message of appreciation can provide a strong closing. You can also see more on Valedictorian Speech .

Tribute Speech Example Father

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This is best example for the tribute speech to the father. The template is written in very emotional yet effective words. From a son or daughter, this tribute speech will be the best way to pay homage to the father. The template contains the memories and best regards to the father, also gives thanks to all related persons.You may also see ceremonial speech .

Write Tribute Speech

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This one is yet another effective template to earn about writing tribute speech. This template displays the complete structure of tribute speech with its all elements. This template also educates about the various things be considered while writing a tribute speech. Overall, if anyone is looking to take help while writing a tribute speech then this template will defiantly help him/her. You may also see student council speech .

How to Start off a Tribute Speech?

Starting a tribute speech outline effectively sets the tone for the rest of your message and captures the audience’s attention. Here are some approaches you can use:

Sharing a touching or memorable story about the person immediately draws the audience in and establishes a personal connection.
Example: “I’ll never forget the time when [Name] and I spent an entire day [doing something memorable]. It was in those moments that I truly saw the depth of [his/her/their] kindness and sense of adventure.”
Starting with a quote that encapsulates the essence of the person you are honoring can be powerful and thought-provoking.
Example: “As Maya Angelou once said, ‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ This quote perfectly captures the spirit of [Name], who has touched all our lives in unforgettable ways.”
Clearly stating why everyone is gathered helps set the context for your speech and establishes the significance of the occasion.
Example: “Today, we are gathered here to celebrate the life and legacy of [Name], a person whose impact on our lives and our community has been profound and lasting.”
Engaging the audience with a question can make them reflect and connect more deeply with what you’re about to say.
Example: “Have you ever met someone whose presence alone could light up a room? That’s exactly what [Name] did every time [he/she/they] walked in.”
Introducing an overarching theme that will be woven throughout your speech can provide a cohesive structure and focus.
Example: “If I had to sum up [Name]’s life in one word, it would be ‘inspiration.’ Today, I want to share with you how [he/she/they] embodied this word in every aspect of life.”

Choosing any of these approaches can help you start your tribute speech in a way that is engaging, heartfelt, and meaningful.

Tribute Speech to Ganny

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Tribute Speech to Mom

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Tribute Speech Examples Friend

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What Makes a Good Tribute Speech?

A good tribute speech format effectively honors and celebrates the person it is about, creating a memorable and heartfelt experience for the audience. Here are eight key points that contribute to a successful tribute speech:

The speech should reflect your personal relationship with the person being honored. Sharing personal anecdotes and experiences helps to establish a genuine connection and authenticity.
Organize your speech with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This helps the audience follow along easily and ensures your main points are effectively communicated.
Aim to evoke emotions in your audience, whether it’s joy, nostalgia, or admiration. Using descriptive language and heartfelt stories can help elicit these feelings.
Acknowledge the significant accomplishments and contributions of the person. This not only honors them but also helps to illustrate their impact on others.
Emphasize the person’s key qualities and values, such as kindness, resilience, humor, or integrity. These attributes often define their legacy and how they are remembered.
Including relevant quotes, sayings, or references can add depth to your speech. Choose ones that resonate with the person’s life or philosophy.
Maintain a respectful and positive tone throughout your speech. Even if addressing challenges or difficulties, focus on the strength and character the person demonstrated.
Deliver your sample speech with confidence and sincerity. Make eye contact, use appropriate gestures, and modulate your voice to keep the audience engaged.

By incorporating these elements, your tribute speech can effectively honor the person, creating a lasting and meaningful tribute.

Tribute Speech Template

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Why We Need Tribute Speech Template?

A tribute speech must be written in insightful yet effective manner. It is not an easy task to write a tribute speech because we need to pay the homage to the person and to describe the experience of best moments spent with hi. You can also see welcome speech .

Therefore, a good tribute speech should contain the facts as well as feelings about the person. The tribute speech is the best way to pay homage to the person on his last ritual day. This is an emotional way to say goodbye to the person and to thank him/her for everything. You may also see presentation speech .

When We Need Tribute Speech Templates?

Writing a tribute speech is not an easy task, especially in the position when one has lost a beloved person. To perform the last rituals it is important and required to give a good tribute speech in church. Therefore, template given here can be very useful for this task. There are number of examples given here to write a tribute speech. You can also see Introduction Speech .

In addition, there are templates suggesting about how to write a tribute speech also given above. To pay homage to person a good tribute speech is required and to write the good an effective tribute speech these template are required.

How These Tribute Speech Templates Will Help You?

To write a tribute speech you can take help from any of the given templates. Tribute speech is very emotional document and it must be written very carefully. The template given above will provide you the complete guidelines with examples about, how to write a tribute speech. You may also see campaign speech .

There are sample for tribute speech are also given above, therefore if you are looking for effectively written tribute speeches and guidelines to write such speech, the you are at right place, Just download any of the above template according to your need and start writing a good tribute speech to pay homage to the person. You may also see commemorative speech

An emotionally written tribute speech is the best way to pay homage to the person .Since, the tribute speech is to be delivered by the key people of the person’s life, and then it is required to be carefully written without any mistake. Words must be chosen correctly and wisely. Template given above will help you in writing the best tribute speech. You may also see impromptu speech .

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Much Of Usher's BET Acceptance Speech Was Inaudible — And People Are Pissed

BET Awards viewers were wondering why they got it bad as a sizable portion of Usher ’s acceptance speech wasn’t audible for those watching from home on Sunday.

The singer and Super Bowl halftime show performer was honored with a star-studded tribute before hitting the stage to accept the BET Lifetime Achievement Award at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater.

“By the way, I should caution you that I like to talk and I have a way with words,” warned Usher, who added that his remarks were unprepared because he wanted to be “present” in the moment.

Usher proceeded to declare that he still loves “this shit” as he spoke of his career and, later, appeared to be censored for cursing more — and some more— before larger portions of the speech were inaudible for those watching the broadcast.

“And I get it, I understand, sometimes you gotta go through some shit to get to something,” said the singer before his words seemed to cut out more. Although viewers wondered if the muting was due to his use of expletives, a Billboard reporter said the singer did not swear much through the speech.

In a statement Monday, a BET spokesperson, cited “an audio malfunction during the LIVE telecast” as cause for parts of Usher’s speech being “inadvertently muted.”

“We extend our sincere apology to USHER as we couldn’t be more grateful for his participation in Culture’s Biggest Night,” wrote the spokesperson, who added that those who missed the full speech can watch the uploaded speech on BET’s YouTube channel.

Social media users quickly mocked the network and weren’t feeling how it handled sound on Sunday.

The person censoring Usher’s speech: #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/PaqtdhkjPH — patweetme (@patweet_me) July 1, 2024

Are they gonna upload Usher’s unedited speech on BET+ or something, because this consistent muting is ridiculous. #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/OCHI1p2HQK — AD III 👑 (@anseldeangelo) July 1, 2024

Usher’s acceptance speech: #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/33pAU8M3zz — shannon’s breathalyzer (@johnthesecond_) July 1, 2024

they full on muted usher’s acceptance speech?? #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/QqE2eEFy64 — mikal (@fcrgiveme) July 1, 2024

They really cut Usher's whole damn speech. Cannot believe we really waited around for Usher to FINALLY get on the damn mic and #BETAwards really cut the whole damn thing other than 4 words and claps. That's that BS, Gelado!! pic.twitter.com/hRWrgwlkQT — Dr. Nicki Washington (@dr_nickiw) July 1, 2024

The censor person in the back during Usher speech #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/cVjmXMfWOO — LENA (@_sdm26) July 1, 2024

Centered the whole show around Usher just for the sound to go out during his acceptance speech? 🤨 #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/0abiPYYAUk — PleighboyBarbie ᥫ᭡ (@xlaurenlacey) July 1, 2024

me all up on my tv trying to figure out why the sound don't work during usher speech #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/E6EXBhq7lc — Trippie (@TrippieLuxxe) July 1, 2024

why tf are they muting Usher’s whole speech?????? #BetAwards pic.twitter.com/i60T7vx5eZ — justice (@justicexlambiIy) July 1, 2024

I wanna hear the uncensored version of Usher’s speech! WHO GOT IT?! pic.twitter.com/EkmA5E1rWE — Big Mama 🤌🏽 (@OriginalSonji) July 1, 2024

From Our Partner

Usher's Sweet Tribute to Fatherhood at 2024 BET Awards Got Us Fallin' in Love

After accepting the award for best male r&b/pop artist, usher thanked fathers who have been motivation for the “future black leaders.”.

Usher knows it all started when he was younger.

Upon receiving the award for Best Male R&B/Pop artist at the 2024 BET Awards June 30, the 45-year-old used his acceptance speech to give a heartfelt shoutout to fathers around the country.

“It’s important to understand that fatherhood is so important,” Usher explained on stage at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. “For all the fathers tonight at home or in the audience I would like for y’all to stand up just for two seconds for me. Far too often, we get to this moment and we say to our mothers, ‘Look Ma, I made it.’ We don’t get a chance to say enough, ‘Dad I did it’ So, this one is for all of the men out there being generals to their sons, and motivation for our future Black leaders—young men.”

And Usher—who is a father to Cinco , 16, Naviyd , 15, with ex Tameka Foster as well as Sovereign , 3, and Sire , 2, with wife Jennifer Goicoechea —also dedicated part of his speech to comment on his career leading up to receiving the 2024 BET Lifetime Achievement Award.

“I’m really happy to still be a part of the fight,” he explained. “Motivation from my past, for all the artists of my past, as well as inspiration for all the new kids.”

Of course, the “Yeah!” rapper couldn’t help but sneak in a joke, too.

“Damn, I sound old as f--k, right?” Usher laughed. “But I’m not.”

While his brief shoutout was centered around other fathers in the room—and who were tuning into the show at home—Usher has opened up before about how growing up without a father shaped his desire to be a hands-on dad to his four kids.

“You should never abandon that responsibility, which is to be there, reading with your child, being supportive of your child's growth,” he explained to Essence in 2008, just after becoming a father for the first time. “That is communicating. That is making the choice to put your child before your own vanity.”

Keep reading to see every star’s arrival at the 2024 BET Awards.

Halle Bailey

Victoria Monét

Taraji P. Henson

Killer Mike

T.I. (L) and Heiress Harris (R)

Keke Palmer (LC) and DivaGurl

Colman Domingo

Ty Dolla $ign

DC Young Fly

Karol Conká

Dominique Perry

Tamar Braxton

Kadeem Hardison (L) and Sophia Hardison (R)

Angela Simmons

Eric Bellinger (L) and La'Myia Good (R)

Marsha Ambrosius

YBN Almighty Jay

DJ Diamond Kuts

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Usher Accepts BET Lifetime Achievement Award — Despite Audio Issues — After Electrifying Women-Led Tribute

The R&B legend dedicated his acceptance speech to "the year of the father" as he recalled his successful 30+ year career at the 2024 BET Awards

MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty

Usher had a hell of a night at the 2024 BET Awards.

During the event on Sunday, June 30, the R&B superstar, 45, received the Lifetime Achievement Award — an esteemed honor that's been previously granted to icons like Prince , Whitney Houston , Queen Latifah and Lionel Richie — in celebration of his epic musical legacy.

A roster of surprise guests took the stage during “Culture’s Biggest Night” to honor Usher, starting with Childish Gambino, a.k.a. Donald Glover — and Keke Palmer ! — performing an acapella version of the legend's 2001 hit "U Don't Have to Call."

The tribute medley then continued with a nostalgic look back at Usher's epic discography with performances from Palmer ("U Make Me Wanna"), Coco Jones ("There Goes My Baby"), Marsha Ambrosius ("Superstar"), Chlöe ("Good Kisser"), Tinashe ("Nice & Slow"), Teyana Taylor ("Bad Girl" featuring a dance number from Victoria Monét ) and Latto ("Yeah!").

Summer Walker also performed her Usher collaboration "Good Good," featuring 21 Savage , which was nominated for best collaboration and best video at the BET Awards.

Kevin Winter/Getty

Usher then took the stage to accept his coveted award — which was presented by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds , L.A. Reid , Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis — as his wife, Jenn Goicoechea Raymond , cheered him on from the front row.

The Grammy-winning performer began by joking if it was "too early" to receive his prestigious honor, saying, "I’m still running and gunning and I still love this s--- like I did when I was 8 years old."

He then spoke about his personal experience growing up without his father while sharing a name with him, adding, "I was trying to make sense of this name that a man gave me that didn’t stick around because he didn’t love — or at least that was my perception of it."

"Because I had to live long enough to understand that you have to have a forgiving heart in order to understand the true pitfalls and hardships of a Black man in America," Usher continued. "And my father, he was a product of that. He made a lot of decisions — he made a lot of choices — and the one that probably hurt and helped me at the same time was to stay away."

Usher's speech later cut out, apparently for language that then devolved into audio issues, but he concluded by tying everything into parenting his own children and the importance of present fathers, declaring 2024 "the year of the father."

"Even though there wasn’t a dad to call, even though there was not anybody to pick up and say you gonna be alright, this is what you do, this is what’s OK, this is what isn’t... It led me to be the father that I am to my boys, Cinco and Naviyd, who are here today," he said, also showing love to his "little ones," Sire and Sovereign, at home.

"It’s 100% all about my children and making certain you understand that your dreams can come true if you’re truly committed," he concluded, also thanking his team, Babyface, Reid and more collaborators who have contributed to his successful 30+ year career. "If you are committed to something and you find passion and you stay committed to it, this could potentially be you. This could be your moment."

"Not on this stage because I’m the only one who gonna have this one," the R&B crooner joked, "but you could have a moment like this too."

BET's Lifetime Achievement Award salutes “special achievements and distinguished public service," industry trailblazers “who have powerfully shifted culture and the entertainment industry,” per a press release. And after an already huge year, it's only fitting that Usher received it next.

“The relationship between BET and Usher spans decades, from his multiple appearances on 106 & Park , to most recently winning the Entertainer of the Year trophy at the 55th NAACP Image Awards,” said Connie Orlando, BET EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, in a press statement.

She continued, “From his chart-topping hits, electrifying performances and unforgettable vocals to his signature moves and sound, Usher continues to stand on culture, setting new standards for the music industry and Black excellence.”

Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

In addition to his Lifetime Achievement Award, Usher was also nominated for four BET Awards this year, including album of the year for his latest studio LP, Coming Home . He ended up taking home the award for best male R&B/pop artist.

The "U Got It Bad" singer has had a banner year so far, which includes a record-breaking Super Bowl halftime headlining show , the release of his ninth studio album, the 20th anniversary of his diamond-certified Confessions album and the announcement of his upcoming Past Present Future tour — all of which follows his ultra-successful Las Vegas residency that concluded in December.

The 2024 BET Awards are airing live on June 30 at 8 p.m. ET/ PT live from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

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Usher reflects on family, fatherhood and forgiveness in bet awards lifetime achievement speech.

His remarks followed an all-star tribute featuring performances by Keke Palmer, Childish Gambino and more.

By Kimberly Nordyke

Kimberly Nordyke

Managing Editor, Digital

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Usher was honored with the lifetime achievement award Sunday night at the 2024 BET Awards with an all-star tribute performance, followed by a speech heavy on self-reflection that emphasized forgiveness and fatherhood.

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Usher unmuted: Fans decry censorship of icon’s BET Awards speech. Here’s what he said

Usher in a white suit with dark sunglasses smiling and holding a star-shaped glass award in front of a purple backdrop

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Usher’s confessions about the gratitude he feels for family, friends and fans fell victim to the mute button at the BET Awards on Sunday.

When the R&B icon received the BET Lifetime Achievement Award, he delivered a 13-minute speech that praised the people who helped him find and maintain success over the last 30 years. However, BET omitted large portions of the “Confessions” crooner’s acceptance speech, much to viewers’ and social media fans’ chagrin.

“Soooooo Usher’s entire speech is bleeped out,” one fan tweeted Sunday evening.

“It’s the silent acceptance speech for the viewers at home for me,” a second viewer tweeted . “Just go to commercial.”

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Usher, who received his award from executives Babyface and L.A Reid, kicked off his speech honoring those who had been in his corner, joking about the timing of his award (“I’m still running and gunning”) and getting vulnerable with the audience at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles about his beginnings.

“I’m gonna take my glasses off because I want you to see my eyes,” he told his peers in attendance. “I want you to understand it’s real.”

The Grammy-winning singer, who took over the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show , talked how his father’s absence motivated him to seriously pursue his career in music and praised the father-like figures he turned to during his ascent. Then came his first censoring.

“Who have spoken to me, who have been solid no matter how [expletive] may have been,” he said of those father figures. “I’m sorry, I’m cursing to let you know how I really feel.”

A woman with shoulder length hair, bangs wearing white sunglasses and a white outfit next to Usher in a matching outfit

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Usher, full name Usher Raymond IV, continued his speech with a few more expletives, then BET kept the singer muted for several minutes during its broadcast, according to video shared on X (formerly Twitter.) Amid the silence and shots of attendees reacting to Usher’s speech, some words would break through seemingly at random. The silent broadcast inspired memes and annoyance on X.

“Usher is getting a Lifetime Achievement Award and we can’t even hear the speech?! BET is so trash!!!!,” reporter Mýa Melody said , also tweeting a gif of Katt Williams walking and holding a small blade in the movie “Friday After Next.”

In a statement Monday to The Times, a BET spokesperson attributed the silence to “an audio malfunction,” adding that portions of Usher’s speech “were inadvertently muted.”

“We extend our sincere apologies to Usher as we couldn’t be more grateful for his participation in Culture’s Biggest night,” the statement continued, before adding that fans could watch the uninterrupted speech “across BET Platforms” and via Monday’s encore showing of the BET Awards.

A representative for Usher did not immediately respond to The Times’ request for comment.

The 2024 BET Awards was a star-studded celebration of Black talent and culture that saw Taraji P. Henson return to host. Tyla, Victoria Monét, Kendrick Lamar and Regina King were among the night’s winners. Usher, in addition to his achievement award, won the ceremony’s male R&B/pop artist prize. His legacy also inspired an energetic tribute performance with Donald Glover, “Boyfriend” collaborator Keke Palmer , Teyana Taylor and more musicians performing his most popular hits.

BET published Usher’s full speech Monday, in a YouTube video titled “Usher is Unfiltered & Motivated While Accepting His Lifetime Achievement Award.”

The new video, and viral recording from inside the ceremony, provides a more complete look at Usher’s moment. Here’s a full transcript of the Grammy winner’s unfiltered speech:

“Getting here has definitely not been easy, but it has been worth it. I have a lot of people that I want to thank but before I get into any of that — by the way I should caution you that I like to talk and I have a way with words. But what I will say is I didn’t write anything because I wanted this moment to be exactly what it was: present. In this moment, how I am feeling and the appreciation that I have for each and every person that had anything to do this moment tonight as well as the 30-plus-year career that I celebrate.

This life achievement award, I don’t know, man — is it too early for me to receive it because I’m still running and gunning? I still love this s— like I did when I was 8 years old.

I want to thank each and every one of the performers tonight who paid tribute and each and every person who had anything to do with the production, the wardrobe. I’ve seen everything, every detail, every moment, every moment and everything. We was going back to moments that some of y’all might not even know when I was dropping my pants. So those moments that become legacy are all about expression and just having fun and finding the connection and really the spark.

You know, when I first started I had a different idea about what I thought life was going to be. I started off as an artist in a group in Chattanooga, Tenn., my name was Cha Cha and I really was searching for some identity and I was doing that specifically because I was trying to make sense of this name that was given to me that was not — I’m gonna take my glasses off because I want you to see my eyes. I want you to understand it’s real.

I was trying to make sense of this name that a man gave me that didn’t stick around because he didn’t love me. Or at least that was my perception of it , because I had to live long enough in order to understand that you have to have a forgiving heart, in order to understand the true pitfalls and hardships of a Black man in America. And my father , he was a product of that. He made a lot of decisions, he made a lot of choices and one that probably hurt and helped me at the same time was to stay away. But that’s part of the reason why I saw this is the year of the father, where all the fathers gotta stand up for their sons, their daughters and be the man that they need to be for them.

They say success has a million fathers. Well I start with these guys right here. This is my village, these are the men who motivated me, who speak to me. Who have spoken to me, who have been solid no matter how f— up it may have been. I’m sorry, I’m cursing to let you know how I really feel. ‘Cause at one point, it got really thick, when motherf— weren’t f— with me. And I get it, I understand. Sometimes you gotta go through some s— to get to some.

I’m gonna tell you, they solid. And it ain’t about a motherf— hit record. They solid, they gonna always gonna have my back and I’m gonna always have theirs. Now, somebody asked me a question about ego and this idea of having an ego. Could be so confident that you could come to L.A. Reid’s office at 12 or 13 years old and say , ‘You meeting the next superstar and I’m gonna take that space on the wall right there and you’re gonna put my picture up there.’ No, that wasn’t ego speaking. I re-branded that word that day.

I expressed goals out loud ... it makes sense and the reality is you have to express your goals outwardly no matter what people may see, no matter what they may feel, now matter how dark it may look, no matter how complicated it may be because that’s the only way it could ever become a reality. You have to see it first. You have to then move in action and decide, ‘This is what I’m gonna do. This is what I’m committed to.’ You’re gonna have a cast of people who are gonna be with you, you’re gonna have a cast of people who are gonna hate you.

So long as you stay connected to what you feel, what you’re committed to, something major will happen and God will show up. He always does. Now, I can proudly say I’m the b astion of Usher. Right? But I made something of it. I did that because my mother, she subbed in two ways. She was a mother and a father at the same time. This is the power of a Black woman in America, you know? So with everything that I’ve accomplished, I didn’t do it alone. I wanna thank the ones that are not here to be able to see this moment who I talked to, some of whom are fathers or were like fathers to me. Harry Belafonte is somebody who I always looked up to. Quincy Jones is somebody who always I looked up to and took me under his wing. Clarence Avant is another person I looked up to. Virgil Roberts is another person I looked up to and continued to push me and make certain that whatever I thought of I could absolutely achieve.

Evangelist Ernestine Carter , who I lost — and Kirk Franklin, he helped me usher her into this ascension and this place. And all of these wonderful things begin to happen. She was an Earth angel and she now is in heaven, making these moments happen. It is the hard work we put into this, but it is the belief in those who see something in us. A woman, a very important woman is at the very foundation to this — a man and a woman by the name of James Lackey and Nancy Lackey , who were at the foundation of who I am as a young, hopeful child who just wanted to do something and wanted to matter even though there wasn’t a dad to call, even though there was not nobody to pick up and say , ‘Yeah, you’re going to be all right. This is what you do. This is what is OK , what isn’t. You gonna like girls, you gonna go through s—. You gotta figure it out. But it led me to be the father that I am to my boys, Cinco and Naviyd , who are here today. And my little ones Sire and Sovereign who are home as well.

Thank you all for — why you lookin’ like that — you not happy today? OK? No. This one , he be in my DMs , you know , hitting [up] people and stuff. It’s all good. So I thank y’all for being patient with me. I forgive each and every person who had anything to say negative about me, because it only motivated me to be who I am. “Good Good” is more than just a song, I’m trying to turn a new leaf. We gotta be cool for the sake of the kids. I look at Swizz Beatz and his ex-wife and Alicia Keys and the fact that they’ve managed to pull things together. I’m trying , Tameka . First step, get it right.

So yeah, that’s a heavy one. But it’s all about y’all. It 100% all about my children and making certain that you understand your dreams can come true if you truly commit it — if you are truly committed, if you’re dedicated to something and you find passion and you stay committed to it. This could potentially be you. This could be your moment, not on this stage ‘cause I’m the only one that’s gonna have this one, but you could have a moment like this too.

I’m so happy for LeBron [ James ] and his son. This is the year of the father, man. To my team and each and every person that had to do with this moment that I’m having: Laffitte , Luke at my management company , Aakomon Jones. I said everybody on this stage, Johnta Austin who holds me down is my maverick, Chris Chambers who always has my back and always stays focused with me. Each and every person who has had a part in this moment, from the past going all the way back to AJ Alexander, that’s the guy who actually discovered me. And then, each and every friend who has encouraged and helped me in the moment, I celebrate this moment with you. This is not just my moment. This is our moment together.

My lovely wife, thank you so much for being my best friend. Thank you so much for supporting me and encouraging me. For each and every fan who has been a part of buying an album, or either coming to a show or either supporting me , I absolutely would not have been able to do this without you. L.A Reid , Babyface I just want to tell you, Face I love you. I thank you, man. I thank you so much for your encouragement as an artist, your encouragement as an executive, your encouragement as a part of the two, duo, that created LaFace records. Each and every person who is part of that organization set the tone in this time for what it is that it is to be entrepreneurial in music. I have you two to thank for that , and we want to thank y’all for that.

You gotta be willing to forgive, y’all. He who knows, knows sin , cast the first stone. We gotta be willing to forgive, we gotta be willing to be open. I’m telling you, you stand before a man who had to forgive a man who never showed up ever and look what I made with it. Look what I was able to usher in. That’s what’s real and that’s what makes us human. That’s what makes us men and women. I thank y’all, man.

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Alexandra Del Rosario is an entertainment reporter on the Los Angeles Times Fast Break Desk. Before The Times, she was a television reporter at Deadline Hollywood, where she first served as an associate editor. She has written about a wide range of topics including TV ratings, casting and development, video games and AAPI representation. Del Rosario is a UCLA graduate and also worked at the Hollywood Reporter and TheWrap.

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Bet awards red carpet photos: usher, meagan good, taraji p. henson & more, breaking news.

BET Apologies To Usher For “Audio Malfunction” That Muted Part Of Lifetime Achievement Speech

By Greg Evans

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Early in his speech, Usher was occasionally bleeped for using curse words, but the lengthier muting was the audio glitch, BET says.

Usher was honored for his 30-year career, with Childish Gambino , Keke Palmer , Chloe Bailey , Teyana Taylor and more performing a musical tribute to the singer at the 2024 BET Awards in Los Angeles.

At one point during his speech, Usher urged patience and forgiveness in life, saying he had forgiven his absent father.

“We gotta be willing to forgive,” Usher said, adding, “You’re standing before a man who had to forgive a man who never showed up, ever, and look at what I made with it. Look at what I was able to usher in. That’s what’s real and that’s what makes us human.”

See Usher’s full speech below.

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Tribute Speech Topics, Outline, And Examples

When to deliver a tribute speech?

Characteristics of a tribute speech

How to write a tribute speech?

Outline for writing an effective tribute speech

Introduction

Famous tribute speeches and examples from history

Tribute speech topics & ideas

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Tribute Speech

What is Tribute Speech?

Tribute Speech Format

Tribute Speech Example

Tribute Speech Short Example

Tips for Delivering a Tribute Speech

More Tribute Speech Samples

Tribute Speech for Famous Person

Tribute Speech for a Funeral

Retirement Tribute

Short Tribute Speech

Parent Tribute Speech

Tribute Speech Outline

Birthday Speech

Free Tribute Speech

Tribute Speech By The Leader Of The House

How to write a Tribute Speech

Step 2: Gather Information

Step 3: Organize Your Speech

Step 4: Write the Introduction

Step 5: Develop the Body

Step 6: Craft the Conclusion

Step 7: Edit and Practice

The Impact of Tribute Speeches

Purpose of Tribute Speech

Occasions That Call for a Tribute Speech

1. Reunions

2. Anniversaries

4. Weddings

5. Retirement

How Do You Start a Tribute Message?

What Is the Central Idea of a Tribute Speech?

How to Start a Speech?

How Do You Write a Heart-Touching Tribute?

How Do You Write a Short Tribute Speech?

What Type of Speech Is a Tribute?

How long should a tribute speech be?

Can I use humor in a tribute speech?

How do I conclude a tribute speech?

What tone should I use in a tribute speech?

27 Tribute Speech: Celebrate the Occasion, the Person, or the Monument

Tribute to a Person

Tribute to an Event or Occasion

Gather all the information

Brainstorming a Person

Make Everyone Feel Included

Magnify the Small Things

Celebrate Don’t Inform

Teach Little Lesson in the Small Things

Tell Stories

Tribute Speech at We Day

Tribute to Famous Person

Media Attributions

Share This Book

Professional Eulogy Writing

1. Biographical Information

Need a Eulogy? Get a Personalized Professional Eulogy Written For Your Loved One

Looking For Examples? Here Are Some of The Best Eulogies

7 Tips For Writing A Memorial Speech (With Sample Speech)

Tips For Writing A Memorial or Tribute Speech at a Funeral

1. Speak To Family Members

2. Write A Short, Personal Biography

3. Make It Personal, Not Cliched

4. Include Poems & Quotes

5. Include Visual Aids

6. Include Special Anecdotes

7. End On A Heartfelt Note

Tips To Keep In Mind While Delivering The Memorial Speech

2. Don’t Worry If Emotions Overcome You

3. Take A Moment To Collect Your Thoughts

4. Have A Standby With You