Anyone who has ever had to give a speech knows that coming up with ideas can be the most difficult part. You want to say something that will engage your audience and leave a lasting impression, but sometimes it feels like your mind is completely blank.
If you’re a member of Toastmasters, you know that giving speeches is a big part of the program. And if you’re not a member, you’ve probably been asked to give a speech at some point in your life.
Whether it’s a speech at a baby shower, for your best friend’s wedding, a quick lunchtime brown bag speech at work, or just to get up in front of your friends and tell a story, we all have to do it at some point. (Remember 8th grade graduation? haha!)
But wait, What is Toastmasters?
Toastmasters International is a worldwide organization that helps people develop their public speaking and leadership skills. It was founded in 1924, and today there are more than 16,000 clubs in 135 countries.
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that operates on a unique model of learning by doing. Members learn through experience, and they have the opportunity to practice their skills at club meetings and events. There are also many opportunities to compete in speech contests, which help members to further develop their skills.
This network of learners, mentors and friends brings together people from diverse backgrounds and gives them the opportunity to improve their communication and leadership skills by:
- Learning in a safe and supportive environment
- Practicing at their own pace
- Receiving constructive feedback
- Gaining confidence with each speaking assignment
So now that we know what it is, let’s get back to those toastmaster speech ideas…
Toastmasters Speech 12 Ideas
Whether you’re giving your first speech or your hundredth, it’s always helpful to have a few ideas in mind for what you want to talk about. Here are 12 ideas for your next Toastmasters speech.
- Talk about a time when you overcame adversity.
- Share an interesting hobby or activity that you participate in.
- Talk about why people text and drive despite the dangers.
- Tell a funny story about something that happened to you.
- Offer suggestions for living a healthy lifestyle.
- Discuss the importance of staying positive and having a good attitude.
- Offer tips for managing stress and anxiety effectively.
- Share ideas for easy ways to start living a zero waste life.
- Review a book, movie, or TV show that you recently watched or read.
- Introduce the audience to another culture or way of life.
- Talk about your favorite hobby and why you love it so much.
- Giving a pet peeve speech is a great way to get your audience laughing and engaged in your speech
Easy Speech Topic Ideas
If those didn’t do it for you here are some more generalized ideas of things you can talk about in a speech that may help get your creative juices flowing.
Educational speech: Teach your audience something new. Is there a skill or piece of knowledge that you can share with your audience? Teaching something new is a great way to engage your audience and leave them with something valuable. This could be a hands-on demonstration, a historical overview or even something as simple as teaching them a new recipe.
Personal story: Share a personal story or experience that has had an impact on your life. This could be something that made you laughed, made you cry or simply inspired you. We all have stories that can inspire, motivate, or entertains others. Sharing a personal story is a great way to connect with your audience and deliver a powerful message.
Persuasive speech: Attempt to persuade your audience to see things from your perspective. This could be anything from convincing them to vote for a particular candidate to encouraging them to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Informative speech: Share some useful information with your audience that they may not be aware of. This could include tips on saving money, staying healthy or improving productivity.
Motivational speech: Inspire your audience to take action and reach for their goals. Whether it’s getting through tough times or taking their business to the next level, everyone needs a little motivation now and then.
Tribute speech: Honor someone special in your life with a tribute speech. This is a great way to show your appreciation for someone who has made a positive impact on you and your journey through Toastmasters.
Compare and contrast: Help your audience understand complex ideas by breaking them down into smaller, easier-to-understand pieces and comparing them side-by-side. This technique is often used in speeches that discuss complicated topics such as politics or current events.
Demonstration speech: Show off your talents and skills by demonstrating how to do something – like baking an intricate cake or performing a complicated yoga pose – in front of your fellow Toastmasters.
Inspirational message: We all need a little inspiration from time to time. If you have an inspirational message that you believe will resonate with your audience, share it!
Make them laugh: Everybody loves a good laugh, so if you have some humorous material that you think will appeal to your audience, go for it! Just be sure not to overdo it – too much jokes can be distracting and take away from your overall message.
Get them thinking: Engage your audience’s brain power by challenging them to think about controversial or thought-provoking topics. This is a great way to stimulate discussion and get people talking after your speech is over.
Take them on a journey: transport your audience to another place – real or imaginary – with vivid descriptions and carefully crafted words. This is an excellent way to keep people’s attention focused on your speech throughout its entirety.
Use props or visuals aids: Props and visual aids can help bring your speech to life and make it more memorable for your audience. If used judiciously, they can be extremely effective tools for conveying your message. Just be sure not to overdo it – too many props can be distracting and take away from what you’re actually saying.
Tips for Delivering a Good Speech
- Keep it simple: A good speech should be easy for your audience to follow. Avoid using big words or complicated concepts that people might not be familiar with.
- Be clear and concise: Make sure your points are clearly stated and easy to understand. The last thing you want is for your audience to walk away feeling confused or lost.
- Engage your audience: Keep your audience engaged by speaking in a way that is interesting and relatable. Use stories, jokes, or personal experiences to connect with them on a deeper level.
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you rehearse, the better you’ll be at delivering your speech. Time yourself so that you know how long it takes to get through each section. This will help ensure that you stay within the allotted time limit.
- Be confident: It’s normal to feel a little nervous before giving a speech, but try to channel that energy into positive vibes. Speak with confidence and conviction, and your audience will be more likely to respond positively.
- End on a strong note: Leave your audience with something to remember by ending on a strong note. Whether it’s an inspirational quote or a call to action, make sure your last words are powerful and impactful.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to delivering an excellent speech that will engage and inspire your audience. Remember, the key is to keep it simple, clear, and relatable. If you do that, you’re sure to deliver a speech that will be well-received by all.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling to come up with ideas for your next speech, just try to remember these few things:
First, try to think of a topic that you’re passionate about. If you’re interested in what you’re saying, chances are your audience will be as well.
Second, consider your audience’s needs and interests. What would they like to hear about? What would be most valuable to them?
And finally, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected places. So if you’re feeling stuck, take a step back and look at the situation from a different perspective.
Remember to focus on delivering your message in an engaging and interesting way, and you’ll be sure to leave the audience wanting more! With a little creativity, you’ll be sure to come up with an idea that will wow your audience.