President's Tip of the Week

Speech Topics: "They're All Around Us"
(3/17/09)

Sometimes the biggest challenge to preparing for your next scheduled speech is getting off the starting block. Maybe that starting block is looking a lot like “Writer’s Block.” One of the most common questions for new Toastmasters is “How do I know what to talk about?” The simple answer to finding topics for speeches is, “They’re all around us.”

An article printed in a past issue of the Toastmaster magazine, titled “They’re All Around Us” says that “The Toastmaster who possesses a natural inquisitiveness, and who is alert to the many subjects that are offered to us each day, has much less difficulty finding something to talk about.” The article goes on to provide a few tips on finding those speech subjects around us.

Be observant. If you’re one of those people who find humor where others don’t, you’re a step ahead. At a past educational session I attended, the facilitator showed us a photograph of a children’s playground with a large sign arched over the entrance reading “Sponsored by Orkin.” I immediately started laughing and didn’t care that I was the only one doing so. The speaker smiled at me and said, “Glad I’m not the only one who sees the humor in this.” Look around you and find the humorous and the interesting in the monotony of daily life.

Build on Interesting Ideas. Ask “Why?” The answer to “Why?” just might provide “an illuminating speech for a Toastmasters meeting, and would be an interesting addition to fellow members’ knowledge.”

Think of Others. “Select a personal experience, analyze its significance… and then build a message around it that you believe will be of value to your listeners.” Such experiences could come from a variety of contexts including work, politics, books, events, media, and more.

Listen for Ideas. Recall a recent conversation at work, at a Toastmasters meeting, at home; or perhaps an interesting question that came up during Table Topics, or as a talking point on a news program. Use your evaluation skills to think critically and make your presentation interesting.

You may also skim your Toastmaster magazine or read the TIPS articles Toastmasters International sends out regularly for additional ideas. Download the complete article here.