Types of Speeches

Guidance for various speaking occasions from weddings to workplace presentations. Each article addresses specific audience expectations and appropriate content for different ceremonial or professional contexts.

Award Speeches

How to give an award speech that honors the recipient and builds anticipation for the big reveal.

Birthday/Anniversary Speeches

Tips for writing a birthday or anniversary speech that's appropriate, well-structured, and actually memorable for your audience.

Impromptu Speeches

How to handle being put on the spot with an impromptu speech and come across as confident and capable.

Persuasive Speeches

A persuasive speech needs careful planning, a strong opening, and a powerful ending to actually convince your audience to act or change their minds.

Political Speeches

Political candidates need to take clear positions and prepare for hostile audiences, even though it means some people won't support you.

Professional Speaking

Professional speaking can pay well once you're established, but you'll spend years building your reputation before the money comes in.

Public Speaking at Funerals/Memorials

How to write and deliver a meaningful speech at a funeral or memorial service.

Retirement Speeches

How to give a retirement speech that's memorable instead of boring or depressing.

Speeches Aimed at Children

Keep speeches for kids short, funny, and action-packed with movement instead of hiding behind a podium.

Speeches Geared at Media

Help yourself avoid misquotes and media mishaps by carefully planning what you say in speeches directed at journalists and reporters.

Wedding Speeches

Avoid these five common mistakes when giving a wedding speech to keep guests happy and the couple entertained.

Work Presentations

Plan your work presentation step by step to deliver a confident speech that impresses your boss and colleagues.