Epideictic speech is a form of rhetoric which serves to praise or criticize specific people or events, usually within a ceremonial setting.
An example of such speaking would include wedding toasts and obituaries. Blame speeches may be harder to grasp; examples might include Guy Fawkes Day speeches or journalistic coverage of dictators who die suddenly or unexpectedly.
Wedding Speeches
Epideictic speech can help commemorate special occasions at weddings or awards banquets by honoring people, places or ideas with which we celebrate special moments in their lives. Epideictic addresses usually honor someone, place or thing evoking positive responses from listeners while also serving to educate listeners about values.
Aristotle stated that epideictic speech consisted of using invectives or encomia as forms of rhetorical communication. This branch, also referred to as ceremonial or demonstrative rhetoric, includes funeral orations, obituaries, graduation and retirement speeches, letters of recommendation as well as nominating speeches at political conventions.
Donald Trump’s penchant for pomp and ceremony demonstrates his appreciation of ceremonial rhetoric. But his departures from expected norms of ceremonial rhetoric often expose him to criticism he might otherwise escape; such as his acceptance of locker room talk as part of his campaign strategy or characterizing black nationalist movements as “folks who love their country”, both actions which caused great outrage from members of society.
Funeral Eulogies
When asked to deliver a eulogy, it’s essential that you remember this is more than just another speech; rather, this is your opportunity to share memories of someone dear and allow others to better comprehend that person’s life and character.
Eulogies should be as brief or lengthy as you feel is appropriate, depending on the circumstances; however, five minutes is generally sufficient so as not to lose people’s attention or feel pressured into giving a speech that might fall flat.
As an aid to making an emotional speech at a funeral service, writing down key words describing your loved one and then using those in your speech may be useful. Also consider seeking feedback from family and friends ahead of the funeral so it captures who they were perfectly and highlights their individual characteristics and what made them special – when dealing with grief it’s best not to include anything that might shock or upset anyone else.
Birthday Roasts
People often opt to use birthdays as an opportunity to showcase the good and bad attributes of someone, with roasts typically taking place between 15-35 years ago. A birthday roast can be an enjoyable way to highlight all aspects of an individual without making them feel embarrassed – often discussing stories from dating or early marriage days can provide the best anecdotes!
Epideictic speech was defined by Aristotle as any speech which praises or criticizes an individual, group of people, event, institution, or idea; while also offering guidance for living an ethical lifestyle to its listeners.
Epideictic rhetoric can easily be recognized through wedding toasts and obituaries that extoll positive characteristics of those being honored, while its “blame” side is harder to imagine; though, one might imagine hearing about Guy Fawkes Day speeches or journalistic obituaries for dictators using pathos to portray their villainy and cruelty as examples of it.
Thanksgiving Speeches
Your Thanksgiving gathering should include all those you are thankful for – whether that means large family reunions or intimate dinners among close friends – so it is important to share what makes life worthwhile with everyone present. While this conversation should be solemn at times, remember it can also be fun! Take this chance to appreciate all that makes life enjoyable.
When discussing these subjects, epideictic rhetoric should be utilized. This form of speech can be especially effective at ceremonies meant to honor and praise an individual or group – such as funerals and weddings.
President Trump often fails to abide by Aristotle’s Epideictic Rhetoric in ceremonial settings, which results in less-than-effective speeches which open him up to criticism from detractors and cause his persuadability to decline significantly.