Page 37 - voices-2023-02

Make Your Next Speech Hot, Hot, Hot!

Jennifer Schmidt, EH2

Mention how much you love your little fur baby,
but that your feet are cold and the drool is not Conclude with a strong call-to-action

appreciated. Explain what you did or did not do Every audience who listens to you will ask
to solve the problem. This is a topic that would themselves, “How does this help me?” They want
interest dog owners and everyone who knows a to hear the solutions that will ultimately make
dog owner. People without dogs will also relate their life easier. They want to gain value from

to the pros and cons of any relationship. This your story. This is when you can use storytelling
will give you a topic that is understandable, to explain what helped you and the steps they
relatable, and universal. Added bonus is the fun could take to achieve similar results. Even if
your audience will have imagining the angst of they can’t relate to your exact example, they

your slobbery slippers. can listen to how you approached the problem.
Understanding how to analyze a problem can be
Think about the structure just as helpful and inspire them to take the next
A hot-seat speech should have a basic structure step in their life. You can achieve this by offering

to give your audience the ability to follow your ideas and providing additional resources they
story. Going back to the dog example, after you could utilize later.
introduce your dog and the situation, then share The main benefit of your hot-seat speech is
how you tried three different ways to solve the after you are finished, you’ll know what worked

problem of his chewing habit. If the audience is and what didn’t. The more you volunteer and
facing a similar situation this can help them. The choose to jump into the hot seat, the easier it gets,
rule of three is often used because it is easier to just like Table Topics. Also, it can prepare you
remember. Too few examples and your speech for other situations when bosses spontaneously

may seem incomplete. Too many will often want your opinion, or you are asked to say a few
overwhelm your audience with information. For words at an event. The more you practice, the
instance, did you give your dog a chew toy in the more your hot-seat speech could become a warm
shape of a burglar wearing slippers? Or perhaps and cozy spot for your newfound confidence.

you had to lock your slippers away or send your
dog to obedience school. Each example will give
you an opportunity for your story to progress
with honesty and humor.

VOICES! | FEBRUARY 2023 37