“I don’t know what to talk about,” is one of the most common excuses for not giving a speech. Fortunately for you Frances Jordan Stein, Ph.D., DTM, can turn your (speaking) life around with one question.
Every person you meet wants to know, but is afraid to ask, “Who has been a light in your life?” Answer the following questions and fill in the blanks and you’ll have “something to talk about.”
Opening:
Today I will talk about who has been a light and made a difference in my life.
Body of speech:
Describe the main character and tell how and what that person has said and done to make a difference in your life.
[There might be many events, but select only three main points to explain.]
1. _______________
2. _______________
3. _______________
Closing: Tell what makes the story important to you and what you hope others understand are key “take-aways.”
Take a bow. You’re all done. That was easy…but why was it so easy?
It’s a technique called “Speech Starters”. Speech Starters are questions that give rise to meaningful material that you can use in a conversation with others, organize a speech and deliver it with passion.
Here are three additional speech starters that you can “pop into” the above template and have a winning, passionate presentation every time.
1. Who do you admire and how would you benefit having him/her as your mentor?
2. What has made you a better human being?
Share how others will benefit knowing this information.
3. Excluding your computer and smart phone, what one item couldn’t you live without?
Talk about why it is important, what it does for you and how it simplifies your life.
To ensure your speech has a strong closing and your audience has tangible “take-aways,” ask these questions:
- So what?
- Who cares?
- Why bother?
- What difference will it make?
Speaker’s Tip (and favorite mantra):
Never make a point without a story.
Never tell a story without a point.