Chapter 11
Speak Easy: Tips for 7 Types of Speeches

7 Types of Speeches

Impromptu Speaking

You’re not always going to have a lot of time to prepare or practice for a speech. In fact, you might only have a few minutes or less. This kind of presentation is called an impromptu speech. It’s those times when someone rushes up to you and says, “Hey, dude, Jason is stuck in traffic. Can you give the toast?” or “We forgot to get someone to introduce the district manager. Can you say a few words?” Though this might seem like a nightmare scenario, it’s probably because you think “impromptu” means giving a speech without any preparation. And giving a speech without any prior thought would be a bad dream. Even the highest skilled speakers wouldn’t consider this off-the-cuff approach. They know that it’s only a recipe for endless rambling in search of a point. Don’t gamble with a ramble! You should absolutely prepare because you always have time, even if this means collecting yourself and your thoughts in a minute or less. The idea here is to maximize every single second. It’s a lot simpler than it sounds, especially because you already know the fundamentals of public speaking: Nerves are good and the audience is not your adversary. So all you have to do the next time an occasion calls for an impromptu speech is Collect, Assess, List, and Make it happen! In a word, C.A.L.M. yourself.

Collect yourself. Acknowledge your anxiety and accept it. Get rid of any negative self-talk. If you are able and have time, find a quiet retreat (even a bathroom stall) to prepare.

Assess the situation. Focus on the job at hand. What have you been asked to do? Be specific. For example, are you introducing a VIP? Perhaps toasting a retiring colleague? How much time do you have to speak? Who is your audience?

List your ideas. Jot down a few thoughts first. Create a simple outline (introduction, body, conclusion) on a piece of scratch paper, the back of a business card, a napkin, or even your mobile phone. Now, think of a great attention-getter, main points, and of course, a great Big Bang!

Make it happen! This is no time to be shy. If you can, do the “Straight From the Horse’s Mouth” exercise and, if needed, the “Hat Trick.” Run your ritual. If you have time, practice out loud or go over the list in your head as many times as you can. Then get up and show your stuff.

Example:

A couple of years ago, Steve was asked to introduce the on-air Fox News personality Gretchen Carlson to a New York audience. He had about 10 minutes to prepare. He immediately started getting C.A.L.M. First, he acknowledged his nerves and accepted them. Next, he found a quiet place. In this case, it was a storage closet. It was not exactly glamorous, but a useful place to Collect himself. He made sure the organizers knew where to find him and he set his timer on his phone to alert him when he had just a few minutes left. Then, he began to Assess the situation. His job was to introduce Carlson to about 400 people, including a few of her family members and friends. He would have about a minute at the most to do it—no easy feat when you’re talking about such an accomplished woman. But to this particular audience, Carlson was more than an impressive resume. Steve wanted to show her warmth, sincerity, and heart, too. He knew a few professional and personal facts. For example, he knew Carlson was from Minnesota and had been Miss America. She had been on Fox & Friends and now hosted her own show on Fox News Channel. Using this information, he launched his List by jotting down a few ideas and then creating an outline: introduction, body, and conclusion. He used his phone to do an Internet search—to make sure he got his details right—and then went to work filling in the outline.

Here’s some of what he jotted down on his list:

Minnesota—nickname “North Star” State.

True North sounds like North Star.

Miss America 1989.

CBS News, Fox & Friends, The Real Story.

Faith is important—friends and family in audience.

Then, he created this simple outline:

Introduction

Attention-getter

Minnesota/Miss America

Transition sentence

Body

Broadcast career (CBS, Fox & Friends, The Real Story)

Transition sentence

Gretchen as a person (faith, family, friends)

Transition sentence

Conclusion

Please welcome Gretchen Carlson!

After he had worked out the attention-getter, the Big Bang! and transition sentences, he was ready to Make it Happen! He was able to practice out loud a couple of times, stretched out, rolled his neck, and did the “Straight From the Horse’s Mouth” trick. Because he used the Write out Loud and Write to be Said, Not Read approach, he had memorized his speech by the time someone came to get him out of “storage.”

This was Steve’s speech of introduction for Gretchen Carlson that evening:

She hails from the North Star state, the great state of Minnesota. But she would represent all of us when, in 1989, she became Miss America. Yet this was not her first or last crowning achievement.

She soon entered the competitive field of broadcast journalism, first at CBS News and then as a familiar face on Fox & Friends. Today, she hosts her own show, The Real Story With Gretchen Carlson.

Despite her extraordinary success, this daughter of Minnesota never forgot where she came from and her “true north” will always be her faith, family, and friends. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Gretchen Carlson.

Whether your impromptu speech is to introduce someone (even yourself) or sell a product, stay C.A.L.M. Above all, don’t strive for perfection (you know we’re not fans of this goal), but rather be authentic, passionate, and alive in the moment.

Speech of Introduction

Steve’s speech for Carlson was an impromptu speech, but also a speech of introduction. These are short speeches welcoming a notable who is going to give a longer speech or presentation. Speeches of introduction should always be two minutes or less. Here are some guidelines as you prepare and practice:

Research! Find out everything you can about this person. Listen to or watch any interviews you can find. Try to figure out what accomplishments the notable finds most important. Clues can be found in how a host or interviewer introduces them, what their official biography says, and how they answer interview questions. Ignore obscure information unless it is directly relevant to the occasion and audience. Remember: This is to introduce the audience to the speaker, but it should also energize and give the speaker confidence too. So, keep in mind that you need to appeal to two audiences here.

Memorize your introduction speech. Introductions read off manuscripts or note cards are spirit killers.

Know how to pronounce the speaker’s name, titles, or affiliations (like schools or organizations).

Do not just list off accomplishments. The audience probably has some familiarity with the speaker and doesn’t need to hear a resume. Highlight only achievements that this audience would find most impressive or interesting.

If necessary, give the audience a very brief overview of what the speaker will be talking about. But avoid giving the “title” of the speech, which is usually dry and way too long.

This speech isn’t about you—at all. It has nothing to do with you, so don’t insert yourself—unless you have a very personal connection—and even then, acknowledge it briefly.

Find a “local connection” between the speaker and audience. Even the slimmest of links can build a bridge.

Don’t forget to invite the audience to welcome the speaker warmly.

Acceptance Speech

If you are nominated for an award or know in advance you will be receiving one, do not “wing” your acceptance speech. Some people think it’s bad luck to prepare a speech, that it somehow jinxes the process. Good luck with that. All it does is freak you out even more, not to mention disrespects the award and the award-givers.

One of the best acceptance speeches given recently was by actress Viola Davis at the 2015 Primetime Emmy Awards. It was evident that she prepared, and rightly so. Davis clearly understood that if she won, the moment would be historic. Here’s why: When her name was called, she became the first African-American woman to win an Emmy for “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series” in history. To her credit, Davis didn’t waste this occasion talking about her career or rambling in search of a point. Instead, she used this golden opportunity as a national platform to call for better lead roles for women of color. In doing so, she made the moment so much bigger than herself and discussion of diversity in Hollywood evolved in an instant.

Thousands of industry folks heard her message and it resonated with millions of television viewers. When it went viral, it reached millions more. People were clearly moved by her message, but probably wouldn’t be able to tell you exactly why other than it was authentic, passionate, and almost poetic. As a public speaker, you can see a simple outline: introduction, body, and conclusion. There was also that kick-butt attention-getter (a quote from Harriet Tubman) and a Big Bang! In a word, Davis killed it and you can do it, too. Here are some specific things to think about when preparing an acceptance speech:

Know how much time you have to give your speech and plan accordingly! If the award show is televised, and you’re going over time, you don’t want your final remarks drowned out by orchestra music. Even if it’s not an issue of airtime, you still want to leave the audience both impressed and wanting more.

Make it personal and speak from the heart. Tell the audience what winning the award means to you.

Don’t read off a piece of paper or note cards—nothing kills authenticity faster. Looking down the entire time is not an option.

Avoid long lists of people you want to acknowledge. This distances you from everyone in the room except those people. The exception is if you want to thank someone like a spouse, parent, teacher, mentor, or grandparent who gave you special encouragement.

Keep it structured! Do not wander off topic; you don’t want anyone to regret giving you the award.

Presentation Speech

On the other side of the podium, you might have the opportunity to present an award to someone else. This is an honor in and of itself, so don’t take it lightly. Obviously, it’s a big deal for the person receiving the award and a moment they will remember for years to come. It’s your job to help create a positive, lasting memory. Here are some ideas to keep in mind when preparing a presentation speech:

Remember you not only represent yourself, but the organization bestowing the award. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare and practice. Yes, you have to practice!

Describe the award and what it represents. Is it named after someone? If so, who were they and why was this award established? Are there other notables who have received the award? If so, you might consider naming a few.

Clearly explain why the recipient or organization is receiving the award.

Know how to pronounce the recipient’s name! This is a must.

Know when you’ll be speaking and plan accordingly. Go use the bathroom. Warm up your mouth. Don’t be late!

Know where you’re going. When it’s time to speak, have the route planned out or at least have someone who knows the path guide you.

Practice at the podium or wherever you’ll be standing when presenting the award. Get a sense of the room, microphone, and teleprompter (if applicable). Is the podium so high that you can’t see over it? Make sure you have something to stand on. It’s better to find out that the audience is only going to see the top of your head before you go up there.

Know which direction the recipient will be coming from if possible. What area of the room and/or which side of the stage will the recipient enter from? Some evening events will have spotlights on the stage, which can be blinding. Be prepared for this and don’t acknowledge it as a problem or challenge. The audience doesn’t know you can’t see all of them clearly; be the pro and don’t bring it up.

Know where you exit. The recipient will be in your hands after they finish speaking, so be prepared to guide them in one direction or the other. Running back and forth is not a good look.

Toasts and Roasts

A toast is figuratively “raising a glass” in someone’s honor. These are usually at celebrations like weddings, anniversaries, or retirement parties. Toasts pay tribute to an achievement or milestone. The best approach is to mix humor with sincerity. Roasts, like toasts, also honor someone, but are always primarily focused on humor. Think of it like “pushing someone’s buttons” or “ribbing” someone you like. You aim “below the belt,” but in good taste. Here are some additional thoughts on giving toasts and/or roasts:

Prepare: Research and write down your thoughts.

Make it personal, but not too “inside baseball.” In other words, think of the larger audience and avoid “inside jokes” that only a few people might understand.

Watch some roasts online. We love the old Dean Martin Celebrity Roast series; they’re smart and hilarious without getting too down and dirty like the more contemporary ones. Remember: Not everyone appreciates foul language, and you have to think about your audience.

Make a list of the honoree’s special characteristics. These are usually personality traits. For instance, is the person considered a “cheap skate” or “naïve”? Use these as starting points for jokes or to tell anecdotes.

Consult with other people to get ideas.

Practice the speech in front of others to get feedback. What’s working and what’s not?

For roasts: Think “funny,” but act serious. The big rule is that you always end the roast speech on a positive note, saying how much you genuinely love and admire the person.

Eulogy or Memorial Speeches

Eulogies are given at memorial services and funerals. Although you and the audience are grieving, this is a time to celebrate life, not death. The audience is looking to you to guide them in how to handle their loss. That’s why it’s important to stay focused on the job at hand and in control of the moment. Yes, this will be an emotionally charged situation, but that’s why planning and practice are critical. Here are a few things to remember when crafting a eulogy:

It’s not about you. How many times have you heard eulogies that are all about the speaker? Too often. Don’t do it.

Acknowledge the immediate family; they are the most deeply affected.

Tell stories (funny and/or poignant) that highlight the deceased’s most special qualities.

Memorize or speak extemporaneously.

Keep it short. Chances are good there will be other speakers at the service, so be respectful of those people and the audience.

Commencement Speech

Whether you are an invited commencement speaker or a student speaker, commencement speeches go one of two ways: trite or terrific. There are rarely any kinds in between. Trite speeches are never remembered; terrific speeches can inspire graduates for years to come. Decide which kind of speech you want to give. Assuming it’s the terrific type, it’s time to avoid clichés and the obvious go-tos. For example, we love Dr. Seuss, but his literature doesn’t belong in a graduation speech. Graduates will receive at least a thousand copies of Oh, The Places You’ll Go! so they don’t need to hear it in your speech—please! Here are other tips for a terrific commencement speech:

Acknowledge the dignitaries, faculty, and other important speakers, and then, finally, the graduates first. This is one of the rare cases when you don’t start with an attention-getter because it’s tradition to recognize the luminaries first.

Talk to the graduates. This is where a speech to be said, not read, comes in. Fancy words and long academic phrases will destroy any chance of real engagement with the students. Yes, families, friends, and faculty are in the audience, but this speech is not primarily for them.

Remember the graduates aren’t there for a lecture. In fact, they aren’t even sitting there to hear you. They are graduating, and leaving good friends and the only routine they’ve known for a few years, and facing an uncertain future. They’re scared. Your only job is to encourage them, share a few laughs, and point them in the right direction. Stay positive. Okay, so the world is falling apart, but this might not be the time to bring that up unless you make their journey going forward part of the solution.

Get personal. Use a story or two to illustrate how you got through a tough time or faced an uncertainty.

Don’t settle for crass to get laughs. Clever speakers don’t have to resort to crotch humor. If you’re a graduating student, your future employer might be sitting out there.

Don’t go too long. Ask ahead of time how much time you will have and stick to it. Commencement ceremonies are notoriously long affairs; don’t make it unnecessarily longer. Graduates, friends, and family have “places to go.”

Watch and Learn

Improving your skills as a public speaker involves more than just doing it yourself. In fact, seeking out and watching other public speakers is one of the most valuable ways you can improve your own speaking. However, in the past, most of the time you were probably a “passive” listener. Unless you were personally invested in the message (a cause you care about, for example) or speaker (your best friend or sister), chances are good that at some point, your mind drifted and the speech just became background noise for your thoughts. After the speaker wrapped up his or her talk, you did little more than check a mental box. Were you entertained? “Yes,” “No,” or “Maybe.” Whatever the answer, you didn’t clearly understand how or why this was the case. You also had no personal reason to care much about the speaker’s personal speaking style. After all, why would you?

However, your mission now is to help you improve your own skills as a public speaker. The good news is that it’s not going to take a herculean effort on your part; it simply means you’ll have to go from being a “passive” listener to an “active” one. “Active listening” is listening with a purpose in order to gain information. When it comes to public speaking, the purpose of the “message” is only a fraction of the information you’re after. More importantly, given your goal to be a great public speaker, is to stay alert to all of the elements you’ve learned in Scared Speechless: situation, audience, delivery, organization, storytelling, and even attire.

As an active listener you’ll gain valuable insight into what works and doesn’t for other speakers and why this might be. Ultimately, this information will help guide you as you develop your own speaking persona. When we say “your own,” we mean just that. Mimicking another speaker should never be your objective. That being said, we strongly encourage you to experiment with the various delivery aspects of several speakers, but always be mindful that what works for one speaker might look very silly on another.

When actively listening to other speakers, consider recording your observations in a small notepad, paying special attention to aspects of a speaker’s style or modes of delivery that you particularly think are effective or not. Now that you’ve read the book and are familiar with different aspects of preparation and performance, here are several elements of a delivery and personal style you may want to look out for and make note of:

Did the speaker use an attention-getter? If so, what was it?

How was his or her speaking rate? Did they talk too fast or really slowly?

Did the speaker make eye contact with the audience?

Could you hear the speaker clearly at all times?

How was the speaker’s posture? Did they slouch or fidget?

Did the speaker tell any stories? If so, were they effective?

Did the speaker use humor? If so, did it work? Why or why not?

Was the speaker appropriately dressed?

Was there anything distracting about what they wore?

Did the speaker stop for laughs or other responses from the audience?

Were you distracted by any gestures or body language?

Did the speaker use visual aids? If so, were they effective?

If appropriate to the situation, did the speaker smile?

Did the speaker memorize her speech? If not, did she use notes?

Do you think the speech was written to be said or to be read?

How long did the speaker talk? Did it seem too long or too short?

Did the speaker have a “White Out”? If so, how did he handle it?

Could the speaker pronounce all of their words correctly?

Did the audience seem engaged? If so, when were they most tuned in?

Did anyone walk in or out during the speech? If so, how did the speaker handle this?

Did the speaker have a Big Bang! in their conclusion?

Did the speaker seem prepared? Why or why not?

Do you think the speaker practiced enough? Why or why not?

How did you feel about the speaker and their message after the speech?

Event Horizon

Although it might seem daunting to find decent public speakers, it’s really just a matter of opening up your front door and, perhaps, your mind a little. Here are a few reliable places to hear speakers of all skill levels speak their piece.

The public library. Check out your local library. Most will have a calendar of events with speakers of all types (including authors, of course) listed online. These events are free.

Schools. If you live near a college or university, public speeches are being delivered all the time by professors, administrators, or visiting scholars. There are usually several different “speaker series,” depending on the college or department. These aren’t always just for students. In fact, many are open to the public for free or for a small fee.

Bookstores. Independent or chain bookstores “book” speakers regularly. These include nationally recognized or local authors who do readings and signings.

Places of worship. Speaking isn’t just for Saturday or Sunday. Many houses of worship have daily activities, including speakers. Check out local churches, synagogues, or mosques to find out more.

Forensics (speech and debate). High schools and colleges across the country compete against each other almost every weekend in about a dozen different individual speaking events as well as several kinds of debate. Individual events include three types: platform (sometimes called public address), limited preparation, and oral interpretation of literature. In platform speeches, speakers typically have about 10 minutes to inform or persuade you on a specific topic of their choosing. Students memorize their speeches and a judge (usually a teacher or professor) critiques them. Limited preparation events can be nail-biters. In these events (impromptu and extemporaneous speaking), students are given a topic (for example, domestic or foreign policy) and only have a limited amount of time to prepare and deliver a speech on that topic to a judge. In oral interpretation of literature, students have 10 minutes to perform a poetry, prose, or drama program for a judge. These events are also memorized, but students might use notes or hold a small black binder with the text. The students will blow you away with their talent! Contact your local school to see if they have a speech program. Then, inquire about tournaments in your area. These tournaments are open to the public and free. The “forensics” community is wonderful about welcoming visitors. Just know that there are a few protocols to follow when observing student speeches. The biggest one is to never walk in or out while a student is speaking.

Screen Saver

Another option for watching and learning from other speakers is closer to home. Thanks to the Internet, spectacular speeches are just a click away. The beauty of watching or listening online is that you can hear it more than once. So, in this case, we suggest you watch the first time as a typical audience member. After the speech, notice how you are feeling about the speaker and his or her message. Then watch the speech again. This time, however, watch as a discerning active listener. You’ll be able to find some great speeches on your own, but to help get you started we’ve assembled several of our favorites. We’ve purposely put together an eclectic mix to expose you to several different styles. You’ll find speakers from the world of entertainment, sports, and politics. A few are even considered some of the best of the last 100 years! Though the content might not be your thing, the purpose of this particular activity is to evaluate delivery and speaking style. Refer to the previous list in the Watch and Learn section.

Speaker	Speech
Viola Davis	Acceptance Speech, 2015 Primetime Emmy Awards
Dame Stephanie Shirley	TED Talk: “Why Do Ambitious Women Have Flat Heads?” August 3, 2015
Senator Elizabeth Warren	Addressing U.S. Senate on Defunding Planned Parenthood, 2015
Dr. Rita Pierson	TED Talk: “Every Kid Needs a Champion,” 2013
Representative Maureen Walsh	Address to Washington State Lawmakers on Gay Marriage, 2012
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice	Keynote Address, 2012 Republican National Convention
Ellen DeGeneres	Commencement Address, 2009, Tulane University
Martin Sheen	Acceptance Speech, Notre Dame’s Laetare Medal, 2008
Dr. Randy Pausch	“Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” 2007
Dixie Carter	Acceptance Speech, Evangeline Booth Award; The Salvation Army, 2007
Dr. Maya Angelou	Remarks at the Memorial Service for Coretta Scott King, 2006
Steve Jobs	Commencement Address, 2005, Stanford University
Jamie Foxx	Acceptance Speech, 2005, Academy Awards
Senator Daniel Inouye	Opening the National Museum of the American Indian, 2004
President Barack Obama	Keynote Address, 2004 Democratic National Convention
Senator Robert C. Byrd	“Arrogance of Power,” 2003
Halle Berry	Acceptance Speech, 2002 Academy Awards
President Bill Clinton	Farewell Address to the Nation, 2001
Jim Valvano	Acceptance Speech, 1993 ESPY Award
Governor Ann Richards	Keynote Address, 1988 Democratic National Convention
President Ronald Reagan	Oval Office Address on the Challenger Disaster, 1986
Rev. Jesse Jackson	Keynote Address, 1984 Democratic National Convention
Congresswoman Barbara Jordan	Statement on the Articles of Impeachment, 1974
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.	“I Have a Dream,” 1963
President John F. Kennedy	“Ask Not,” Inaugural Address, 1961
Sir Winston Churchill	“We Shall Fight on the Beaches,” 1940
Lou Gehrig	“Luckiest Man,” 1939

Group Talk

Along with watching great speakers, the best way to get better is by doing. Fortunately, there are organizations that allow you to do just that. The following is a list of places that will help you develop your skills in a supportive environment. Check them out and find the one that suits you best.

Toastmasters International: A nonprofit organization that helps develop public speaking and leadership skills through practice and feedback. You can find one in almost every city. Go to ToastMasters.org for more information.

Adult Extension Courses: You can find courses specifically tailored for adult learners in all areas at most colleges and universities. Look for courses on Speech Communication, Speech, Public Speaking, or Oral Communication to help fine tune your skills.

Meetup: An online social networking portal started in 2002 that facilitates in-person group meetings on various topics at locations around the world. People can sign up and attend a meeting already organized or develop one of their own and announce it on the Meetup Website. You may find a public speaking Meetup in your area or decide to start one of your own. Go to Meetup.com for more information.