When someone has worked for an organization for a long period of time, a speech at his retirement ceremony or dinner notes his long service. The speech highlights the contributions and accomplishments he has made while working at the company. Often the speech will include some light-hearted jokes about the retiree if he has a good sense of humor. The speaker thanks him for his service and wishes him good luck in retirement.
If someone has contributed significantly to the local community, a ceremony with a speech may be held in her honor. The speech will highlight what she has done for the community, such as donating money or time toward a project being completed. Examples of projects might be the creation of a public park or establishing a scholarship for children who could not afford to attend college without the assistance of the scholarship.
If a person has made a significant accomplishment in his life, a ceremonial speech may be given in his honor. Some examples include an athlete who has broken a record that many thought would never be broken, or someone who has made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for completing a task. The speech points out the attributes the person has that helped him excel at the task or accomplishment and become part of history.
A ceremonial speech is given at the dedication of a building or public park in honor of someone who has passed away. The speech highlights the accomplishment that person made during his life and why the building or park is being dedicated in his honor. It may also acknowledge living relatives of the individual, honoring their support of the family member for whom the dedication is being made.