From the course: Writing Speeches

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Providing entertainment

Providing entertainment

- Seemingly from the moment we are born until we die, we like to be entertained. We buy crib mobiles for our infants and have bingo games in nursing homes. Think about the number of funny YouTube videos that go viral. And TV producers are always competing for that entertaining show that will get the highest Nielsen ratings. We don't all agree on how to define entertainment, but we know something entertains us if it gets us emotionally involved. If it makes us smile and feel good, that's the purpose of an entertainment speech, to make the audience have an emotional reaction and enjoy listening. Speeches to entertain may combine humor with life lessons learned. Don't equate entertainment with trying to be a standup comic, though. Even eulogies are in the category of entertaining speeches. As with all speeches, an entertainment speech needs a purpose and a thesis, a clear message, and to follow the general guideline for all speeches. Plan, adapt, plan some more, write, practice, rewrite…

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