Page 50 - April 2021 Voices

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There’s a Speech in That!

Leanna Lindquist, DTM

Never struggle to find a topic. I believe topics are what is the story behind it? Who starred in it?
at our fingertips. We just need to open our eyes, How many times has it been performed? You
ears, and mind. can take any “favorite” and look at it from every

angle. More about that later.
All about you Every personal experience is the inspiration

You, yes, you are a walking encyclopedia for a speech.
of speech topics. Start with your childhood.
Where did you grow up? Did you participate Media

in sports? What did you do after high school? In Cold Blood, Truman Capote was inspired
Higher education? by a short article in a newspaper. A post on
Consider family stories passed down from Facebook or Instagram can spark your interest

generation to generation. Talk about your career. and require further investigation. Something
Write a travelogue. Do you have a favorite or you read can remind you of an experience or
eccentric relative? Share fun, favorite, or fantastic someone you knew. How about a speech on the
experiences you have had. Do you have a hobby history of movie making?

you are passionate about? Type a question or topic in Google and see
How about your best friend? Was there a what turns up. Check out websites. National
mentor who had an influence in your life? Did Geographic. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
you experience challenges in your life? Children Glacier National Park.

and grandchildren are a rich source of material.
Kids say the darndest things. Your senses
Flip through albums and look through boxes What do you see? Get in the habit of looking
of family photos and memorabilia. Are there at everything you see as a possible speech topic.

ancestors you want to learn more about? Are Nature, people, pets, parks, and neighborhoods.
there collections or antiques that have been What do you hear? What do you smell? Fresh
passed down in your family? baked bread, the air after it rains, or a campfire.
A favorite of mine is firsts. Your first car. What do you taste? The worst thing you ever ate.

Your first job. Your first boyfriend, girlfriend, Your most memorable meal. A cooking disaster.
or spouse. Your first child. Favorites. This idea What do you feel? The softness of a kitten. The
can take you in many directions. For example, sting of a bee.
what is your favorite musical? Who wrote it and

50 ONE COMMUNITY