I have been reading the book “Speak leader champion” by Jeremy Donovan and Ryan Avery. Their tips and Gold. If you are stuck with where to start please follow my summary series.
- Speak to serve
The starting point of selecting the purpose of a speech is what is valued by others.
-to inform ( the easiest. The typical work presentation)
-to persuade (most valuable general purpose)
-to entertain (more personal story telling )
-to inspire (Eg: talk about company vision)
2. Choose a single core message that serves your audience’s needs and interests.
Ask yourself. What have you learned that you want to share with the audience? Not only a dominant general purpose but also have a single special purpose.
(Beginner speaker often cram too many core messages)
If you watch the winning speeches, you will notice the depth of storytelling that the speakers are able to convey in the brief duration and measured words per minute pace. Also notice the frequent Humor that support the message regardless how serious the subject is.
3. Choose. Single, inspirational core theme rooted in an eternal truth
List of virtues that you can choose for a topic:
- Action~
- Authenticity
- Balance
- Charity
- Companionship
- Connection
- Contentment
- Confidence
- Courage
- Creativity
- Curiosity
- Forgiveness
- Gratitude
- Honesty
- Humility (modesty)
- Humor
- Justice
- Knowledge
- Leadership
- Love~
- Mindfulness~
- Optimism
- Passion
- Perseverance~
- Responsibility
- Self control
- Spirituality
- Vulnerability
The most common ones are
- Love 2 perseverance 3 mindfulness 4 action
Then it’s compassion, creativity, self expression, hope and tolerance.
Once you pick a virtue then it’s time to design your speech.
The Susie Wang Blog 