Ceremonial speech

The types of speeches are distinguished according to their purpose and the role played by the speaker on stage. A speech can convey information, motivate the audience to perform a certain action, entertain or entertain an event, maintain a certain atmosphere and emotional state, among others. One of the most distinctive categories within these communicative acts is the ceremonial speech.

Ceremonial speech is defined as political, historical, festive or occasional events or acts that have some degree of relevance, where we have the presence of an audience that can be diverse or homogeneous, depending on the specific subject matter.

As we have been able to observe, this type of speech encompasses a large number of manifestations of public events, so it is important that we know how to distinguish when we are in the presence of one. During the next session, we will be giving a brief introduction to ceremonial speeches.

When should a ceremonial speech be proclaimed?

There is a certain degree of subjectivity in identifying when we are in the presence of an event that merits the elaboration of a ceremonial speech. As a general rule, ceremonies usually have a methodically defined structure in phases and processes of development. A ceremony can be performed on almost any topic or event.

As an example of this, weddings and funerals, two such opposite events with such different purposes, are categorized as ceremonies. That said, a ceremony should not be identified as a synonym for celebration. An event is categorized as a ceremony according to its particular characteristics.

In view of the above, ceremonial speech is that which is proclaimed when we are in the presence of an event or act, which presents a defined structure and responds to a particular motive. This purpose, although not festive by obligation, does allude to a specific relevant event.

How to distinguish it from other speeches?

Defining a speech, according to its classification as ceremonial or not, can generate a certain degree of confusion. The first confusion arises once we have studied other types of speeches such as wedding, funeral, acceptance speeches, etc. All the aforementioned are ceremonial speeches, as long as they comply with the corresponding characteristics. The fact that a speech is nuptial does not mean that it is not ceremonial; this classification is only used to highlight the theme of the event.

Nor is there a fixed rule that every time a speech is delivered at a ceremony, it must be classified as ceremonial. To exemplify the above, let's imagine an awards event, where an artist is being recognized. If this person takes advantage of the event to send a political message, this would not be ceremonial, even if it has been exposed on the same stage.

That said, for a speech to be ceremonial, it must also be coherent with the event, taking into account its structure and characteristics.

An exercise to easily identify this style of speech is to access audiovisual materials that reflect some of the most popular ceremonial speeches. You can look for videos of anniversary celebrations, historical dates, traditional weddings, solemn acts, among others. The more you study these types of events, the easier it will be to identify when you are in the presence of one.

Most formal speeches have a significant ceremonial charge. This is because this is one of the scenarios where the presence of a professional speaker is most needed.