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can’t. Their mind will find more excitement by there is no goal or value in my speech, then hot

drifting into a Walter Mitty type of daydream air is expended for no real purpose. Why should
instead of listening. your audience care about your family dramas?
One way to make your speech more interesting Because they can use that information to help
is to add humor. I opt for dry, non-offensive, and deal with their family or give them hope that

surprising humor because most audiences will surviving a family dinner is possible. Anything
usually find that entertaining. In one speech, you can do to comfort your audience or offer
I described how my badminton opponent a viable solution will make them feel like you
struggled to return my drop shot and got angry. didn’t waste their time. They know the take-away

Then I said, “It was great,” and immediately you provide for them is like a wedding favor.
explained how it was my first successful athletic The memory of a good experience that helps
moment. When you can mix a cocktail of humor them recall the take-away when they are facing
and truth, the audience will cheer for you because a similar life situation.

they can imagine it happening in real life.
Remember that speaking about a relatable
Have a take-away that matters topic, one with touches of humor, interest, and
I love musicals and enjoy talking about a solid take-away will typically get you closer to

Broadway anytime to anyone who will listen. a memorable experience for both you and your
But even if my audience adores musicals as much audience.
as I do, they still want some kind of take-away
after listening to my speech. I’ve found that if

VOICES! | MARCH 2023 39