Speech For Any Occasion

Wouldn't it be great to have a short speech that you could give at a moment's notice and regardless of the occasion it would be fitting?

Now this speech seems to convey the right sentiments but in actual fact says nothing. It is a wonderful use of words that would do credit to the most accomplished politician.

Yet everyone who hears it will believe you said something of significance.
As far as I know the speech was thought up by the late J.I. Marmion S.J. As a priest he frequently had to give a speech at weddings, funerals, christenings, prizegiving, community events etc.

This speech really can be used for all these occasions. Read it and imagine the words being spoken at any kind of event you can think of. It's perfect.

Here's the speech as he gave it to me:

The Universal Speech by J.I. Marmion S.J.

The Universal Speech of one hundred words and suitable for wedding receptions, funerals, winning the cup, losing the cup, getting married, getting divorced, being run over by a bus, being mugged, thanking your constituents for their generous contributions, thanking your lawyer and his accomplices for getting you off.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I think you all know what I want to say on this occasion, and I am well aware that almost anyone here could say it far better than I can. But since I find myself on my feet, let me just say this: that on your behalf and on my own, I want to put into words the sentiments which we all feel and which ought to be expressed on an occasion like this. And though more eloquent people would certainly express themselves far far better, my own thoughts and feelings are no less genuine and sincere. Thank you.

Please note: The speech is copyright ©2006 You are free to use it as a speech but not publish it elsewhere.