Tribute Speech Sample
I. Introduction
A. Attention Statement
“Life is the sum of your choices.” That quote by Albert Camus, a Nobel Prize-winning
novelist, is vividly brought to life in the story of one particular man I know.
B. Subject or Thesis Statement
I would like to share with you someone in my life who has influenced me greatly, my father,
Fred Nameless.
C. Point Preview
My father is a self-sacrificing man, who is authentic in all of his dealings with others.
However, in keeping with his authenticity, he tends to be impulsive.
D. Significance of Subject
It is because of his example, that I carefully consider the choices I make as a parent;
knowing I can dramatically affect the lives of my children through my choices and
characteristics.
II. Main Point One
A. Subject Statement
Fred’s characteristic of sacrificing his time and energy for others was quite authentic – he
was never trying to gain anything for himself.
B. Illustration (2 positives with one illustration only)
I look back now and remember a scene that played itself out many times when I was a
teenager. I see a man in his thirties who just wants to relax at the end of his day of work
and familial responsibility. One by one each of my three younger siblings go off to bed. As
the 10:00 news wraps up, I know that if I want to talk to him, now is the time; I certainly
wasn’t going to get up at 4am to talk to him before he went to work. “Dad, can I talk to
you about something?” Every time, he would give me his full attention, and I would begin
to discuss whatever was on my mind that day. The topics ranged from expanding curfews