Speaking Topic 5 Speech of Congratulation
1. In Australia, sometimes it is very hard to know how to congratulate someone! Why? Well, Australia hosts over 200 cultures. In a traditional monoculture, everyone knows how to offer congratulations. In Australia, one person might be pleased with your congratulations, but another person might think you are not sincere if you use a certain style. Let me give an example. In high school, when I came dux (best marks in the school), my mother said "It can't be much of a school". I was insulted, but from her cultural background ("strict Calvinist") giving praise was never done because praise was thought likely to corrupt a person. That is extreme, but perhaps you can see the possible problem with "speeches of congratulation". It is difficult to please everyone. 2. In speeches of congratulation your body language and tone of voice might be more important than the actual words you use. The most important thing is to seem SINCERE. Being sincere is to mean what you say. Listeners must trust that you mean what you say. You can be funny, you can be serious, but you must be sincere. 3. The speech is about the person you are congratulating. They are the most important topic in the speech. Make them feel good. Think about their personality and what will please them. A speech of congratulation is not about you. 4. Think about the other listeners. Give them a reason to listen to you, something interesting or funny or important. 5. Will everyone remember your speech next week? Give everyone a good reason to remember your speech. Send your listeners away with something to think about, a story to repeat, a joke to tell to their friends ...
Topics in Public Speaking for English Learners ©Thor May 2016
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