Composition

The composition of Tim Minchin’s “Occasional Address” is a bit unusual, since the speech takes the form of a list. Minchin begins with an introduction, follows with a list of life lessons, and ends with summarizing his ideas and reflecting on the meaning of life.

In the introduction, Minchin shares a personal anecdote about poorly chosen motivational speakers (ll. 1-8). The anecdote amuses the audience and introduces Minchin’s self-irony related to not being a suitable inspirational speaker (ll. 14-16). 

The nine life lessons are presented as a list, with each item even having its own subheading. All of the lessons are in some ways calls to action, and they are supposed to imitate the “9 lessons and carols of the traditional Christmas service...