I've been thinking about this speech-writing business and, in particular, how our blog might help members develop topics as they write their speeches. It occurs to me that an important aspect of any speech is the element of SURPRISE! Isn't part of the fun at meetings discovering what members do given titles? The End, for example, might be about coming home after touring Europe, the words uttered on famous deathbeds, retirement.....or something else entirely. Doesn't part of the power of a speech lie in the audience not knowing what it's going to be about? Wouldn't a speech be a bit boring if we'd already read it?
I find myself holding back in posting questions about how to attack or improve a speech, because then that element of surprise is at risk. We've never discussed this before, but don't you hold back when preparing a speech?
The speech I gave last meeting is probably the one I will give at conference, and I'm aware that, especially since this is a competition, it should be kept 'under wraps' - that it's potential diminishes if conference attendees know too much about it. The title - What Women Want - intrigues, but doesn't give away too many secrets.
What do you think? Don't the best orators play their cards close to their chests? Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
Totally agree Toni - need to keep your topic under your hat... however, I believe that those newer members who could benefit from guidance when preparing to speaking in their early speeches have always got the opportunity to discuss this one to one with any of the more experienced members. The role of Mentor is exactly what this was meant for. The new member's Sponsor is also a valuable source of support in this way. Good discussion point though.
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