how to make a good 2 minute speech

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How to Write a Two Minute Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever been asked to give a two-minute speech and found yourself struggling to come up with the perfect words? Writing a speech, even a short one, can be a daunting task. It requires careful planning, research, and structure to convey your message effectively. But don't worry, we've got you covered. In this step-by-step guide, we'll take you through the process of crafting a concise and impactful two-minute speech.

Understanding the Purpose of a Two Minute Speech

Before we dive into the writing process, it's essential to understand the purpose of a two-minute speech. As the name suggests, a two-minute speech is a brief talk that typically conveys a specific message or idea. It may be delivered on various occasions, such as a business pitch, a wedding toast, or a school presentation.

Two-minute speeches have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it's not hard to see why. In today's fast-paced world, people have shorter attention spans, and it can be challenging to keep an audience engaged for an extended period. A two-minute speech allows you to deliver your message quickly and efficiently, without losing your audience's attention.

The Importance of Brevity

One of the critical features of a two-minute speech is brevity. Given the limited time frame, you need to convey your message succinctly and powerfully. Clarity, conciseness, and impactfulness are more important than impressing your audience with fancy words or complex arguments.

It's crucial to remember that brevity doesn't mean sacrificing substance. You still need to have a clear message and supporting points to make your speech effective. However, you must prioritize your ideas and present them in a way that is easy for your audience to understand and remember.

Common Occasions for Two-Minute Speeches

There are numerous occasions when a two-minute speech may be required. These include:

• Job interviews: A two-minute speech can be an effective way to introduce yourself and highlight your qualifications for a job.
• Entrepreneurship pitches: If you're looking to secure funding for a new business venture, a two-minute pitch can be an excellent way to make a quick impression on potential investors.
• Wedding toasts: A heartfelt two-minute speech can be a beautiful way to honor the newlyweds and celebrate their love.
• Funeral eulogies: A two-minute speech can be a powerful way to pay tribute to a loved one who has passed away.
• Conference presentations: Two-minute speeches are becoming increasingly popular at conferences as a way for presenters to deliver quick, impactful messages.
• School or college assignments: Two-minute speeches can be an effective way for students to practice public speaking and showcase their knowledge on a particular topic.
• Political campaigns: Two-minute speeches are often used by politicians during debates and other public appearances to convey their message quickly and effectively.

Whether you're delivering a two-minute speech at a job interview, a wedding, or a conference, remember that brevity and impactfulness are key. With careful planning and practice, you can deliver a powerful message that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Planning Your Two Minute Speech

Now that you understand the critical features of a two-minute speech let's move on to the first step in the writing process, planning.

Identifying Your Main Message

The first step in planning your speech is identifying your primary message. What is it that you want to convey to your audience? Is it a call to action, an informative idea or a persuasive pitch? Once you determine your primary message, you will be able to craft the rest of your speech around it.

Researching Your Topic

After identifying your primary message, you will need to conduct research on your topic to support your arguments and convey credibility. You can use various sources, including books, articles, websites and interviews to gather information. Ensure that you only use reliable and verified sources to avoid any inaccuracies in your speech.

Knowing Your Audience

The last step in planning your speech is knowing your audience. Who will be listening to your speech, and what are their needs and expectations? Tailoring your speech to your audience will help you connect better with them and convey your message more effectively.

Structuring Your Two Minute Speech

With the planning phase complete, it's time to move on to the structure of your speech. A well-structured speech will ensure that your message is conveyed effectively, and your audience stays engaged throughout the two minutes.

Crafting a Strong Introduction

Your introduction is the most critical part of your speech. It should be attention-grabbing, informative, and set the tone for the rest of your talk. Start with a quote, anecdote, or a shocking statistic to capture your audience's attention, and then proceed to introduce your primary message.

Organizing Your Key Points

To keep your speech organized, begin by outlining your primary message and then break it down into three key points. Ensure each point supports your primary message and flows coherently into the next point. Use examples, stories, or data to illustrate your points and keep your audience engaged throughout.

Developing a Memorable Conclusion

Just as your introduction is essential, so is your conclusion. It should leave a lasting impression on your audience, summarize your main points and restate your primary message. You can end with a call to action or a powerful quote that resonates with your message and inspires your audience to act.

Writing Tips for a Two Minute Speech

Writing a great two-minute speech requires more than just outlining and structuring your talk. Here are some additional writing tips to help make your speech memorable and impactful.

Using Clear and Concise Language

When writing a two-minute speech, it's essential to use straightforward language that your audience can understand. Avoid complex vocabulary and jargon that may confuse or alienate your listeners.

Incorporating Storytelling Techniques

Using personal anecdotes, real-life examples, or case studies can help illustrate your key points and make your speech more relatable to your audience. It can also add a humanistic touch to your speech and make it more memorable in the long run.

Balancing Facts and Emotions

Lastly, it's essential to balance your use of facts and emotions. While facts help support your arguments and add credibility, emotions help connect with your audience and make your speech more impactful. A balanced approach to facts and emotions is crucial for a great two-minute speech.

ChatGPT Prompt for Writing a Two Minute Speech

Chatgpt prompt.

Compose a speech that is two minutes in length, ensuring that it is well-crafted, comprehensive, and of the highest quality possible.

[ADD ADDITIONAL CONTEXT. CAN USE BULLET POINTS.]

In conclusion, writing a two-minute speech requires careful planning, research, and structure. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be able to craft a concise, impactful talk that resonates with your audience and conveys your message effectively. Remember to keep it simple, use storytelling techniques and maintain a balance between facts and emotions. With practice, you'll be able to deliver great two-minute speeches that leave a lasting impression on your audience.

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Powerful 2 Minute Speech Topics: A-Z Guide (With 200+ Examples)

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking , Speech Topics , Speech Writing

It is often believed that giving a 2-Minute Speech is the most challenging form of public speaking because of the time constraint. But here I am to tell you that there is something even more challenging than giving a 2-minute speech. And that is finding a powerful 2-minute speech topic !

2-minute speeches are short, crisp ways to present your opinion, understanding, or study to others. It is short. It is simple. And it is convenient, especially from the listener’s point of view.

To know more about 2-minute speeches, check out this short video below:

Here is what you can expect from this blog:

What is a 2-minute speech.

• How do you find a 2-minute speech topic?
• 2-minute speech topics

How to make a 2-minute speech script?

2-minute speeches to memorize, delivering 2-minute speeches.

2-minute speeches are short and crisp speeches of about 260-350 words.

Because 2-minute speeches are short, you can be assured of having constant attention from your audience. This means that you might have to come up with a 2-minute speech topic that is not only informative and interesting but one that stands out and makes the audience want to listen to it immediately.

So how do you find a 2-minute speech topic?

There are 2 ways you can find a 2-minute speech topic that would suit perfectly for your next speech.

First is when you go about doing your research and then ideating or selecting a topic that is more in line with your purpose of giving the speech.

The second and the most popular way to find a 2-minute speech topic is to go on to google and type 2-minute speech topics. You shouldn’t be shocked at the number of topics the internet has to offer to you. You might not even have to go anywhere else, jump on to the speech topics section if you want to get straight into selecting a 2-minute speech topic for yourself.

Researching for your 2-minute speech topic

So, you chose not to select one of the many topics available on the internet? That’s great! Want to know why?

1. It would help you come up with a topic that is more personalized and less common.

When you come up with the topic yourself, you move from the very broad topics available online and can find a topic that caters more to your area of interest or understanding.

2. You would be able to narrow down on a topic of your choice or area of interest.

3. it would help you gain an understanding of the topic from various points of view.

In the initial ideation stage, as you try to research the topic and find a topic for your 2-minute speech, you would be exposed to various political, environmental, or social perspectives of the same topic which would further help you to not only narrow down your topic but also understand your topic from various points of view, thus helping you ace a question-and-answer round.

Process of Finding a topic

Before beginning straight up by researching your topic, there are a couple of things that you might have to take a look into which will help you navigate through the next step (that is researching for your topic). These include:

1. Understanding the event for which you’d be giving the speech

Understanding the event or occasion where you will be giving the speech is important as it would give you a brief idea of what is expected in terms of the content and tone of your speech .

So, for instance, if you are giving a speech at a conference, it would have a more formal tonality to it as compared to a speech that you might present at your best friend’s wedding which would usually be filled with a lot of slang, humor, and casual tone.

2. Understanding your audience

The next thing you should try to find a little more clarity on is your possible audience. Understanding who the majority of your audience will comprise will help you in finding a topic that would be more in line with their broad interest, thus attracting them to listen to your speech right from the very beginning .

3. Your interests and knowledge

Yet another thing that you must take into consideration besides what the event and audience expect from you is your interest in the topic. Having a tad bit of understanding of the speech topic you would want to dive into can also help you in navigating through your research better.

4. Your purpose for giving the speech

Establish your purpose for giving the speech even before you start researching. The reason is very simple, you’d be able to understand which kind of a topic you should focus on depending on the purpose of your speech.

Do you plan on providing the audience with detailed information on the topic? Or are you trying to sell your view or product to the audience within these 2 minutes?

In both cases, your topic, as well as the structure of speech, would be very different.

Once you have an idea of your audience, your interests, and your knowledge areas, you can then move on to researching your topic.

A simple google search can be a good starting point.

Take the help of news articles, journals, blogs, and much more to narrow down and come up with a 2-minute speech topic that you feel most excited about!

Selecting a 2-minute speech topic from the internet

A-z list of 2-minute speech topics, find some of the best 2-minute speech topics here:.

• Abortion: Should the government have a say in it?
• Art:  A mode of storytelling
• A day in the life of a (add your profession, organization, or ethnicity)
• Artificial intelligence: a boon or a curse?
• Art and Craft: a lost activity
• Benefits of Yoga
• Benefits of meditation
• Ban on Animal testing
• Bullying and how to discourage it
• Buildings and Aesthetics: An architectural standpoint
• Chronic Depression and its cure
• Cults: The secrets you know nothing about
• Cultural difference: The harsh reality of moving abroad
• Corruption: the hidden dirt
• Cricket: sport turned into a religion
• Climate Change
• Disaster Management
• Domino effect in real life
• Demonetization in India
• Dance therapy and its uses
• Dealing with daily hassles of life
• Environmental pollution and its adverse effects
• Education system of India
• Election ethics and rules
• Elocutions: Everything you need to know
• Everything we know about aliens
• FOMO (Fear of missing out) and how to deal with it
• Falling in your dreams: the meaning behind it
• Fat loss fads you must avoid
• Fitness and influencing
• Forced labor: An unfortunate reality
• Girl Education: The inspiring story of Malala
• Generation gap and how it affects communication
• Gender sensitization and ways of being more aware of it
• Growing a terrace garden
• Gaining muscles: everything you need to know
• Health and Hygiene: Two underrated
• Hacks to do well in your academics
• Habits that are ruining your health
• Hollywood: An insight into the world of glamour
• Hitchhiking your way to find peace
• Importance of reading
• Importance of following a routine
• Importance of kindness
• Importance of education
• Importance of sports
• The language barrier and how to overcome it
• Loyalty: An endangered quality?
• Land Pollution and ways to deal with it
• Less is more: All about Minimalism
• Legalization of marijuana: An opinion
• Moral Policing: is it ethical?
• Memorizing speeches and their disadvantages
• Making friends as adults
• Manifestation: A belief or a joke?
• Millennials: generation of environmental advocates
• Mental health
• Music and its power to heal
• Media and its effects on forming opinions
• My role models
• Noise pollution
• National integration
• Natural resources: A tragedy of depleting future
• Negating minorities and their impact on the overall development of the country
• Natural disasters: Can we tackle them?
• Online dating and its effects on self-esteem
• Online education and its authenticity
• Overcoming fear through exposure therapy
• Olympics 2021
• Organ donation: Progress made so far
• Our Environment, our responsibility
• Pros and cons of being a vegetarian
• Political ideologies that shook the world
• Poor scores and their effect on the success
• Parenting styles over the years
• Paternal leaves in Indian organizations
• Poverty in India
• Positive thinking and gratitude
• Punctuality: Through the eyes of different cultures
• Quarantine and increase in social anxiety among people
• Qualifying for Olympics: Struggle unspoken of
• Quran and its teachings
• Questionnaire: The best way of collecting data?
• Questioning and its importance in the workspace
• Racism:  An unfortunate view in the society
• Right to education
• Religion vs Spirituality
• Reasons why failure is important
• The reality of fast-food brands
• Should body-shaming be a punishable offense?
• Sneaker trends that would blow your mind
• Sustainable fashion brands to follow
• Shaping perspectives through conformity
• Time management: A necessary corporate skill
• Travel and tourism: A Course
• Technology and its growing importance in everyday life
• Tourism in India
• The best day of my life
• Unity: A quality that formed countries
• Unity in Diversity in India
• Unemployment and its impact on the mental health of the youth
• Understanding climate change
• Understanding the importance of compounding
• Value of Education
• Value of Hard work
• Value of Discipline
• Videogames and their influence on violent behavior
• Viral: A trend or a tragic accident?
• Which is better: Studying in the country or moving abroad?
• What does sustainability mean?
• What is the Bermuda triangle?
• Water pollution and its solutions
• Waste management around the world
• World peace: An idea that is achievable or too far-fetched?
• Xenotransplantation: Future of organ transplantation
• Xerox: A brand or name for photocopy
• Xbox and its evolution over the years
• X-rays and how it harms the human body

2-minute speech topics for students

What are the best topics for students.

If you have asked yourself this question but haven’t received an answer yet, check out the list below to find one now!

• Opinion on the New education policy
• Need for sex education in schools
• Overcoming the problem of Brain Drain
• Addressing the issue of child labor
• Pros and cons of online degrees
• Boarding school vs full-time schools
• Co-ed school vs gender-specific schools
• Liberty to choose your subjects in schools
• Ban on uniforms
• Curbing school shootings
• Grading system: Changes required.
• Peer pressure and the need to fit in
• Coping with academic stress
• Are scores a good measure of student’s intelligence?
• Importance of focusing on extracurricular activities

2-minute speech topics for MBA students

• Advantages of cloud kitchens
• Importance of understanding the market
• Best marketing strategy
• Hard work vs smart work
• The rise of entrepreneurship in India
• Importance of internships in skills building
• Reservation system: My honest pinion
• Pros and cons of working from home
• Everything about GST you don’t know of
• Stocks or Cryptocurrencies?
• Using reels to market products
• Understanding the importance of influencer marketing
• Assessing job satisfaction among employees
• Biggest banking frauds in the world
•  How movies influence fashion trends
• The insane E-commerce discounts
• Women in Business
• Why age is just a number when it comes to entrepreneurship
• Management lessons from mythology
• Make in India or Make for India?

Speech topics for adults

• Are first impressions really the most lasting impressions?
• Importance of observing in everyday life
• Conforming vs standing out: What should you prefer?
• Impact of positive thinking in healing chronic diseases
• Importance of body language in public speaking
• Is buying luxury goods on a loan worth it?
• Why renting a house is better than buying it
• Why timetables never work
• How do colors affect the way we feel?
• How your brains are wired to think negatively
• Impact of childhood trauma on antisocial behaviors
• Love: Difference between what is real and reel
• Why being young is overrated
• Are you a victim of the fashion industry?
• How to easily start a conversation
• Savings in college could help you in your 40s
• Being happy all the time is an unachievable reality
• The advantages of taking calculated risks
• Dealing with stress on a daily basis
• How do you overcome obstacles?

2-minute speech topics for the Interview

• Understanding the future of the metaverse
• Hard work leads to smart work
• Effect of job satisfaction on life satisfaction
• How to motivate the employees in no time
• Gender Equality in the Workplace
• How to get over stage fright?
• How to give a speech in an interview?
• How organizational culture affects motivation?
• Management strategies that can help in improving productivity
• Ways to essentially decrease production costs

Funny 2-minute speech topics

• Why I would rather go to jail than clean utensils
• If I could live my cat’s life for a day
• The most profitable mistake I ever made
• Tutorial on how to deny reality
• Tips on walking your dog
• Why you must never eat fish food
• Things you can do to irritate someone
• Evolution of my new year’s resolutions
• Adulting and falling in love with the idea of arranged marriages
• Dating in 2022

2-minute speech topics on any proverb

• Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder
• Actions speak louder than words
• Health is wealth
• Joy of giving
• Don’t judge a book by its cover
• Knowledge is power
• Laughter is the best medicine
• Action speaks louder than words.
• A jack of all trades is a master of none.
• A good listener is a silent flatterer.
• All that glitters is not gold.
• Among the blind, the one-eyed man is the king.
• An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.
• As you sow, so you shall reap.
• What goes around comes back around.
• Curiosity killed the cat.
• Time is money.

Unique speech topics

• The tragedy of not being on social media
• Importance of taking a drop year
• Are scholarships always fair?
• Reasons teenagers start substance abuse
• Places on earth no man has ever been
• The most surveillance city in the world
• Why euthanasia is justified
• Formal schooling is important despite not being practical
• If the earth stopped rotating for a split second
• Benefits of boiling water

2-minute speech topics on famous personalities

• Mahatma Gandhi
• William Shakespeare
• Rabindranath Tagore
• Nelson Mandela
• Barack Obama
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
• Virat Kohli
• Jawaharlal Nehru
• Winston Churchill
• Abraham Lincoln

Once you have decided on your topic for the speech, the next step is to come up with the speech itself or the script.

For this, you’ll have to understand the approx number of words you will be comfortable adding to your speech so as to not exceed the time limit of 2-minutes.

Next, you can go about the usual “ introduction, main body, and conclusion ” structure for structuring your script.

It isn’t necessary for you to frame the entire speech word for word, you can also frame it in a pointer format if that is more convenient for you.

How do you start a 2-minute speech?

As there isn’t much time in your hand, presenting detailed opening lines for a 2-minute speech would mean that you would have to cut down on your main content.

Instead, you can start by giving a very quick introduction like “Hi I am Nisha and I will be talking about the adverse effects of sleep deprivation today with you.”

You can also use other more fun and engaging ways to begin your speech and there are tons of ways you can do it. Check out the list below to find examples of a few:

1. Rhetorical questions

Rhetorical questions are questions wherein you want to provoke the audience to think and not to come up with any specific answer . An example of the same is given below.

So from a glance, do I look like marriage material? Nina Donovan

Jokes and humor are almost always appreciated by the audience provided it isn’t even slightly derogatory or demeaning to anyone. Opening your 2-minute speech with a joke can in fact be a good attention grabber that would also not take up a lot of your speech time .

Example of a joke used as an opening line:

Do you know when brown kids get slapped? Every brown birthday party. Hasan Minhaj

3. Statistics or figures

What is the best way to make someone understand the reality of any situation you ask? Figures, numbers, or stats!

Because when the audience sees the number in front of them, they can no longer be in denial or in their own world of assumptions. Hence, using statistics in your opening lines would definitely help you reach your goal of spreading awareness (if that is what your purpose is).

Suicide happens to be one of the leading causes of death in United states with approximately one indivdiual dying to suicide every 11 minutes. The question is why are we still overlooking this grave issue?

To know more about effective opening lines, check out our post on 50 speech opening lines .

Following your brief introduction, as you dive into your topic, there are a couple of things that you must keep in your mind, they are:

• Stick to only one takeaway . Having many takeaways might not help you effectively reach the audience.
• Try to add short stories only if you plan on adding a story to your speech. Make sure that it isn’t taking up a huge chunk of your speech time.

How do you end your 2-minute speech?

In short speeches, your ending or conclusion is very important. It needs to be impactful. You can either summarize your speech in a couple of seconds or you can re-establish your takeaway at this point in your speech. You can try to end with a powerful quote or try to motivate your audience to take some action .

An example of asking the audience to take an action is,

“So as we reach the end of the speech on effects of sleep deprivation, I’d want you to go back home and think to yourself, is browsing for  a couple of more minutes really necessary over your precious sleep?”

To take a deeper look into the closing lines for your speech, check out our video below!

2-minute speech on Brain Drain

Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadela, Leena Nair, and Paraag Agarwal what do they all have in common?

You probably guessed it right! They are the CEOs of some of the biggest companies in the world but there is yet another commonality that they have. They are all Indian Origin CEOs who gained their initial education from some of the top colleges in India to hold such exceptional positions in world-renowned companies now. 

If this isn’t a good example of brain drain, I’m not sure what is. Brain drains, a concept that is very common to Indians when we lose some of the smartest people of our country to better opportunities abroad. These companies not only offer the individuals with better work ethos and environment but also provide them with a handsome paycheck and add to that the amount of appreciation they receive for the work they chip in. Something that is either too rare or alien to the Indian work environment. 

But the scenario in India is changing. With the coming of start-up culture in India where the employees are given just as much priority as the company’s clients If the companies encourage such open and collaborative culture where there is a fair opportunity for growth provided to all the employees, we might be able to see some considerable fall in the problem of brain drain in India.

Importance of education 2-minute speech

Do you remember how in school they asked us to prove whether the two figures were triangles when you could easily have concluded that they indeed were triangles just by looking at them?

So then why do we say that education is important?

For starters, to be able to live a decent life, the basic requirement for any job is for you to possess at least a diploma or degree. Apart from the theoretical learning that we get through education, there are plenty of other skills and experiences we are exposed to like broadening our perspective by interacting with peers, enhancing public speaking skills, understanding the basics of how the world functions are it the laws and rights that the individual possesses or the understanding of geographical division and economic conditions in the society. Education helps in enhancing the capacities, attitudes, interests, urges, and needs of the individual. And hence when the student or individual is deprived of education, it isn’t just the theoretical knowledge that they miss out on but they also miss out on having a holistic development of themselves. This is what makes education very important in everyone’s life.

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Final Words

2-minute speeches are short and crisp which can serve as a blessing as you are not required to go too much into detail. You can come up with a 2- minute speech topic either by researching one that fits perfectly with your interests or you can find one online.

The idea is to enjoy giving the speech. And for you to enjoy delivering your speech, it is important for you to first come up with something that excites you and interests you!

Keep following Frantically Speaking for more such short guides to help you with your public speaking and communication skills.

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The 50 Best 2-Minute Speech Topics

It might seem daunting to come up with a speech topic, let alone a two-minute speech topic that can both engage and inform your audience. With the right topic, however, you can make a powerful impact in the short amount of time that you have. Here is a list of the 50 best two minute speech topics to get you started.

• The Importance of Setting Boundaries
• Discrimination in the Workplace
• Self-Care and Stress Management for Mental Well-Being 
• If I Could Live the Life of My Dog for a Day
• The Benefits of Positive Self-Talk 
• Different Challenges of Being a Leader 
• The Benefits of Diversity in the Workplace 
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Education 
• What The Pandemic Did To Me
• The Benefits of Investing in Yourself 
• Role of Social Connections in Mental Health 
• The Role of Technology in Modern Society
• The Challenges of Climate Change 
• How to Become an Expert at Anything
• Benefits of Volunteering and Community Service
• Work From Home Shenanigans
• History and Significance of a Particular Holiday or Event
• The Benefits of Reading 
• The Importance of Building Strong Relationships
• The Power of Forgiveness
• Importance of Having a Good Work Ethic
• The Benefits of a Good Night’s Sleep
• Benefits of a Healthy Social Life
• The Power of Books 
• The Art of Public Speaking 
• Value of Education
• The Challenges of Living in a Digital World
• The Benefits of Having an Unusual Hobby
• Achieving Success Through Creative Thinking
• Cultivating a Growth Mindset
• The Power of Letting Go of the Past
• Value of Taking Time for Yourself
• The Art of Making Friends
• The Importance of Choosing Happiness
• Benefits of Living a Simple Life
• Joys of Pursuing a Dream
• The Value of Learning Every Day
• Why It’s Okay to Make Mistakes
• Disconnect to Connect
• Role of Humor in Life
• How to Deal With Stress 
• Why Learning A Second Language Is A Great Idea
• Benefits of a Strong Support System in Times of Hardship
• Importance of Forgiveness and How It Can Improve Relationships
• Dangers of Distracted Driving
• The Importance of Setting Clear Goals and Objectives
• Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Our Lives
• Benefits of Being a Good Listener and How It Can Improve Your Relationships and Communication Skills
• How to Stay Confident in the Face of Criticism or Negativity
• The Link Between Body Language and Confidence

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the 50 Best 2 Minute Speech Topics provide a wide range of ideas to help anyone craft a great speech. With a variety of topics to choose from, there is something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a humorous topic or something more serious. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that will engage your audience and leave them with something to think about.

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How to write a speech that your audience remembers

Whether in a work meeting or at an investor panel, you might give a speech at some point. And no matter how excited you are about the opportunity, the experience can be nerve-wracking . 

But feeling butterflies doesn’t mean you can’t give a great speech. With the proper preparation and a clear outline, apprehensive public speakers and natural wordsmiths alike can write and present a compelling message. Here’s how to write a good speech you’ll be proud to deliver.

What is good speech writing?

Good speech writing is the art of crafting words and ideas into a compelling, coherent, and memorable message that resonates with the audience. Here are some key elements of great speech writing:

• It begins with clearly understanding the speech's purpose and the audience it seeks to engage. 
• A well-written speech clearly conveys its central message, ensuring that the audience understands and retains the key points. 
• It is structured thoughtfully, with a captivating opening, a well-organized body, and a conclusion that reinforces the main message. 
• Good speech writing embraces the power of engaging content, weaving in stories, examples, and relatable anecdotes to connect with the audience on both intellectual and emotional levels. 

Ultimately, it is the combination of these elements, along with the authenticity and delivery of the speaker , that transforms words on a page into a powerful and impactful spoken narrative.

What makes a good speech?

A great speech includes several key qualities, but three fundamental elements make a speech truly effective:

Clarity and purpose

Remembering the audience, cohesive structure.

While other important factors make a speech a home run, these three elements are essential for writing an effective speech.

The main elements of a good speech

The main elements of a speech typically include:

• Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for your speech and grabs the audience's attention. It should include a hook or attention-grabbing opening, introduce the topic, and provide an overview of what will be covered.
• Opening/captivating statement: This is a strong statement that immediately engages the audience and creates curiosity about the speech topics.
• Thesis statement/central idea: The thesis statement or central idea is a concise statement that summarizes the main point or argument of your speech. It serves as a roadmap for the audience to understand what your speech is about.
• Body: The body of the speech is where you elaborate on your main points or arguments. Each point is typically supported by evidence, examples, statistics, or anecdotes. The body should be organized logically and coherently, with smooth transitions between the main points.
• Supporting evidence: This includes facts, data, research findings, expert opinions, or personal stories that support and strengthen your main points. Well-chosen and credible evidence enhances the persuasive power of your speech.
• Transitions: Transitions are phrases or statements that connect different parts of your speech, guiding the audience from one idea to the next. Effective transitions signal the shifts in topics or ideas and help maintain a smooth flow throughout the speech.
• Counterarguments and rebuttals (if applicable): If your speech involves addressing opposing viewpoints or counterarguments, you should acknowledge and address them. Presenting counterarguments makes your speech more persuasive and demonstrates critical thinking.
• Conclusion: The conclusion is the final part of your speech and should bring your message to a satisfying close. Summarize your main points, restate your thesis statement, and leave the audience with a memorable closing thought or call to action.
• Closing statement: This is the final statement that leaves a lasting impression and reinforces the main message of your speech. It can be a call to action, a thought-provoking question, a powerful quote, or a memorable anecdote.
• Delivery and presentation: How you deliver your speech is also an essential element to consider. Pay attention to your tone, body language, eye contact , voice modulation, and timing. Practice and rehearse your speech, and try using the 7-38-55 rule to ensure confident and effective delivery.

While the order and emphasis of these elements may vary depending on the type of speech and audience, these elements provide a framework for organizing and delivering a successful speech.

How to structure a good speech

You know what message you want to transmit, who you’re delivering it to, and even how you want to say it. But you need to know how to start, develop, and close a speech before writing it. 

Think of a speech like an essay. It should have an introduction, conclusion, and body sections in between. This places ideas in a logical order that the audience can better understand and follow them. Learning how to make a speech with an outline gives your storytelling the scaffolding it needs to get its point across.

Here’s a general speech structure to guide your writing process:

• Explanation 1
• Explanation 2
• Explanation 3

How to write a compelling speech opener

Some research shows that engaged audiences pay attention for only 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Other estimates are even lower, citing that people stop listening intently in fewer than 10 minutes . If you make a good first impression at the beginning of your speech, you have a better chance of interesting your audience through the middle when attention spans fade. 

Implementing the INTRO model can help grab and keep your audience’s attention as soon as you start speaking. This acronym stands for interest, need, timing, roadmap, and objectives, and it represents the key points you should hit in an opening. 

Here’s what to include for each of these points: 

• Interest : Introduce yourself or your topic concisely and speak with confidence . Write a compelling opening statement using relevant data or an anecdote that the audience can relate to.
• Needs : The audience is listening to you because they have something to learn. If you’re pitching a new app idea to a panel of investors, those potential partners want to discover more about your product and what they can earn from it. Read the room and gently remind them of the purpose of your speech. 
• Timing : When appropriate, let your audience know how long you’ll speak. This lets listeners set expectations and keep tabs on their own attention span. If a weary audience member knows you’ll talk for 40 minutes, they can better manage their energy as that time goes on. 
• Routemap : Give a brief overview of the three main points you’ll cover in your speech. If an audience member’s attention starts to drop off and they miss a few sentences, they can more easily get their bearings if they know the general outline of the presentation.
• Objectives : Tell the audience what you hope to achieve, encouraging them to listen to the end for the payout. 

Writing the middle of a speech

The body of your speech is the most information-dense section. Facts, visual aids, PowerPoints — all this information meets an audience with a waning attention span. Sticking to the speech structure gives your message focus and keeps you from going off track, making everything you say as useful as possible.

Limit the middle of your speech to three points, and support them with no more than three explanations. Following this model organizes your thoughts and prevents you from offering more information than the audience can retain. 

Using this section of the speech to make your presentation interactive can add interest and engage your audience. Try including a video or demonstration to break the monotony. A quick poll or survey also keeps the audience on their toes. 

Wrapping the speech up

To you, restating your points at the end can feel repetitive and dull. You’ve practiced countless times and heard it all before. But repetition aids memory and learning , helping your audience retain what you’ve told them. Use your speech’s conclusion to summarize the main points with a few short sentences.

Try to end on a memorable note, like posing a motivational quote or a thoughtful question the audience can contemplate once they leave. In proposal or pitch-style speeches, consider landing on a call to action (CTA) that invites your audience to take the next step.

How to write a good speech

If public speaking gives you the jitters, you’re not alone. Roughly 80% of the population feels nervous before giving a speech, and another 10% percent experiences intense anxiety and sometimes even panic. 

The fear of failure can cause procrastination and can cause you to put off your speechwriting process until the last minute. Finding the right words takes time and preparation, and if you’re already feeling nervous, starting from a blank page might seem even harder.

But putting in the effort despite your stress is worth it. Presenting a speech you worked hard on fosters authenticity and connects you to the subject matter, which can help your audience understand your points better. Human connection is all about honesty and vulnerability, and if you want to connect to the people you’re speaking to, they should see that in you.

1. Identify your objectives and target audience

Before diving into the writing process, find healthy coping strategies to help you stop worrying . Then you can define your speech’s purpose, think about your target audience, and start identifying your objectives. Here are some questions to ask yourself and ground your thinking : 

• What purpose do I want my speech to achieve? 
• What would it mean to me if I achieved the speech’s purpose?
• What audience am I writing for? 
• What do I know about my audience? 
• What values do I want to transmit? 
• If the audience remembers one take-home message, what should it be? 
• What do I want my audience to feel, think, or do after I finish speaking? 
• What parts of my message could be confusing and require further explanation?

2. Know your audience

Understanding your audience is crucial for tailoring your speech effectively. Consider the demographics of your audience, their interests, and their expectations. For instance, if you're addressing a group of healthcare professionals, you'll want to use medical terminology and data that resonate with them. Conversely, if your audience is a group of young students, you'd adjust your content to be more relatable to their experiences and interests. 

3. Choose a clear message

Your message should be the central idea that you want your audience to take away from your speech. Let's say you're giving a speech on climate change. Your clear message might be something like, "Individual actions can make a significant impact on mitigating climate change." Throughout your speech, all your points and examples should support this central message, reinforcing it for your audience.

4. Structure your speech

Organizing your speech properly keeps your audience engaged and helps them follow your ideas. The introduction should grab your audience's attention and introduce the topic. For example, if you're discussing space exploration, you could start with a fascinating fact about a recent space mission. In the body, you'd present your main points logically, such as the history of space exploration, its scientific significance, and future prospects. Finally, in the conclusion, you'd summarize your key points and reiterate the importance of space exploration in advancing human knowledge.

5. Use engaging content for clarity

Engaging content includes stories, anecdotes, statistics, and examples that illustrate your main points. For instance, if you're giving a speech about the importance of reading, you might share a personal story about how a particular book changed your perspective. You could also include statistics on the benefits of reading, such as improved cognitive abilities and empathy.

6. Maintain clarity and simplicity

It's essential to communicate your ideas clearly. Avoid using overly technical jargon or complex language that might confuse your audience. For example, if you're discussing a medical breakthrough with a non-medical audience, explain complex terms in simple, understandable language.

7. Practice and rehearse

Practice is key to delivering a great speech. Rehearse multiple times to refine your delivery, timing, and tone. Consider using a mirror or recording yourself to observe your body language and gestures. For instance, if you're giving a motivational speech, practice your gestures and expressions to convey enthusiasm and confidence.

8. Consider nonverbal communication

Your body language, tone of voice, and gestures should align with your message . If you're delivering a speech on leadership, maintain strong eye contact to convey authority and connection with your audience. A steady pace and varied tone can also enhance your speech's impact.

9. Engage your audience

Engaging your audience keeps them interested and attentive. Encourage interaction by asking thought-provoking questions or sharing relatable anecdotes. If you're giving a speech on teamwork, ask the audience to recall a time when teamwork led to a successful outcome, fostering engagement and connection.

10. Prepare for Q&A

Anticipate potential questions or objections your audience might have and prepare concise, well-informed responses. If you're delivering a speech on a controversial topic, such as healthcare reform, be ready to address common concerns, like the impact on healthcare costs or access to services, during the Q&A session.

By following these steps and incorporating examples that align with your specific speech topic and purpose, you can craft and deliver a compelling and impactful speech that resonates with your audience.

Tools for writing a great speech

There are several helpful tools available for speechwriting, both technological and communication-related. Here are a few examples:

• Word processing software: Tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or other word processors provide a user-friendly environment for writing and editing speeches. They offer features like spell-checking, grammar correction, formatting options, and easy revision tracking.
• Presentation software: Software such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides is useful when creating visual aids to accompany your speech. These tools allow you to create engaging slideshows with text, images, charts, and videos to enhance your presentation.
• Speechwriting Templates: Online platforms or software offer pre-designed templates specifically for speechwriting. These templates provide guidance on structuring your speech and may include prompts for different sections like introductions, main points, and conclusions.
• Rhetorical devices and figures of speech: Rhetorical tools such as metaphors, similes, alliteration, and parallelism can add impact and persuasion to your speech. Resources like books, websites, or academic papers detailing various rhetorical devices can help you incorporate them effectively.
• Speechwriting apps: Mobile apps designed specifically for speechwriting can be helpful in organizing your thoughts, creating outlines, and composing a speech. These apps often provide features like voice recording, note-taking, and virtual prompts to keep you on track.
• Grammar and style checkers: Online tools or plugins like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor help improve the clarity and readability of your speech by checking for grammar, spelling, and style errors. They provide suggestions for sentence structure, word choice, and overall tone.
• Thesaurus and dictionary: Online or offline resources such as thesauruses and dictionaries help expand your vocabulary and find alternative words or phrases to express your ideas more effectively. They can also clarify meanings or provide context for unfamiliar terms.
• Online speechwriting communities: Joining online forums or communities focused on speechwriting can be beneficial for getting feedback, sharing ideas, and learning from experienced speechwriters. It's an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and improve your public speaking skills through collaboration.

Remember, while these tools can assist in the speechwriting process, it's essential to use them thoughtfully and adapt them to your specific needs and style. The most important aspect of speechwriting remains the creativity, authenticity, and connection with your audience that you bring to your speech.

5 tips for writing a speech

Behind every great speech is an excellent idea and a speaker who refined it. But a successful speech is about more than the initial words on the page, and there are a few more things you can do to help it land.

Here are five more tips for writing and practicing your speech:

1. Structure first, write second

If you start the writing process before organizing your thoughts, you may have to re-order, cut, and scrap the sentences you worked hard on. Save yourself some time by using a speech structure, like the one above, to order your talking points first. This can also help you identify unclear points or moments that disrupt your flow.

2. Do your homework

Data strengthens your argument with a scientific edge. Research your topic with an eye for attention-grabbing statistics, or look for findings you can use to support each point. If you’re pitching a product or service, pull information from company metrics that demonstrate past or potential successes. 

Audience members will likely have questions, so learn all talking points inside and out. If you tell investors that your product will provide 12% returns, for example, come prepared with projections that support that statement.

3. Sound like yourself

Memorable speakers have distinct voices. Think of Martin Luther King Jr’s urgent, inspiring timbre or Oprah’s empathetic, personal tone . Establish your voice — one that aligns with your personality and values — and stick with it. If you’re a motivational speaker, keep your tone upbeat to inspire your audience . If you’re the CEO of a startup, try sounding assured but approachable. 

4. Practice

As you practice a speech, you become more confident , gain a better handle on the material, and learn the outline so well that unexpected questions are less likely to trip you up. Practice in front of a colleague or friend for honest feedback about what you could change, and speak in front of the mirror to tweak your nonverbal communication and body language .

5. Remember to breathe

When you’re stressed, you breathe more rapidly . It can be challenging to talk normally when you can’t regulate your breath. Before your presentation, try some mindful breathing exercises so that when the day comes, you already have strategies that will calm you down and remain present . This can also help you control your voice and avoid speaking too quickly.

How to ghostwrite a great speech for someone else

Ghostwriting a speech requires a unique set of skills, as you're essentially writing a piece that will be delivered by someone else. Here are some tips on how to effectively ghostwrite a speech:

• Understand the speaker's voice and style : Begin by thoroughly understanding the speaker's personality, speaking style, and preferences. This includes their tone, humor, and any personal anecdotes they may want to include.
• Interview the speaker : Have a detailed conversation with the speaker to gather information about their speech's purpose, target audience, key messages, and any specific points they want to emphasize. Ask for personal stories or examples they may want to include.
• Research thoroughly : Research the topic to ensure you have a strong foundation of knowledge. This helps you craft a well-informed and credible speech.
• Create an outline : Develop a clear outline that includes the introduction, main points, supporting evidence, and a conclusion. Share this outline with the speaker for their input and approval.
• Write in the speaker's voice : While crafting the speech, maintain the speaker's voice and style. Use language and phrasing that feel natural to them. If they have a particular way of expressing ideas, incorporate that into the speech.
• Craft a captivating opening : Begin the speech with a compelling opening that grabs the audience's attention. This could be a relevant quote, an interesting fact, a personal anecdote, or a thought-provoking question.
• Organize content logically : Ensure the speech flows logically, with each point building on the previous one. Use transitions to guide the audience from one idea to the next smoothly.
• Incorporate engaging stories and examples : Include anecdotes, stories, and real-life examples that illustrate key points and make the speech relatable and memorable.
• Edit and revise : Edit the speech carefully for clarity, grammar, and coherence. Ensure the speech is the right length and aligns with the speaker's time constraints.
• Seek feedback : Share drafts of the speech with the speaker for their feedback and revisions. They may have specific changes or additions they'd like to make.
• Practice delivery : If possible, work with the speaker on their delivery. Practice the speech together, allowing the speaker to become familiar with the content and your writing style.
• Maintain confidentiality : As a ghostwriter, it's essential to respect the confidentiality and anonymity of the work. Do not disclose that you wrote the speech unless you have the speaker's permission to do so.
• Be flexible : Be open to making changes and revisions as per the speaker's preferences. Your goal is to make them look good and effectively convey their message.
• Meet deadlines : Stick to agreed-upon deadlines for drafts and revisions. Punctuality and reliability are essential in ghostwriting.
• Provide support : Support the speaker during their preparation and rehearsal process. This can include helping with cue cards, speech notes, or any other materials they need.

Remember that successful ghostwriting is about capturing the essence of the speaker while delivering a well-structured and engaging speech. Collaboration, communication, and adaptability are key to achieving this.

Give your best speech yet

Learn how to make a speech that’ll hold an audience’s attention by structuring your thoughts and practicing frequently. Put the effort into writing and preparing your content, and aim to improve your breathing, eye contact , and body language as you practice. The more you work on your speech, the more confident you’ll become.

The energy you invest in writing an effective speech will help your audience remember and connect to every concept. Remember: some life-changing philosophies have come from good speeches, so give your words a chance to resonate with others. You might even change their thinking.

Understand Yourself Better:

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

Use a personal SWOT analysis to discover your strengths and weaknesses

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How to write a 2-minute speech.

Last week I sat in the audience at the annual Project Glimmer fundraising luncheon, proudly watching three powerful young women deliver powerful personal perspectives on Saying 'Yes', Dreaming Big, and Taking Back their Voice.

This was a really big deal and a really big moment. It was the first time the audience could hear directly from these girls and the way Project Glimmer supported them throughout their teen and tween years — they had finally turned 18.

When Chrissy Shea , CEO of Project Glimmer, approached me to support the girls with their speeches, she knew what she was doing. She has been orchestrating these events for more than a decade and knows that every minute counts. Each girl was given two minutes to share her story.

Two minutes is not a lot of time. Every word — every syllable — matters.

The speeches were spectacular — they were the highlight of the event. They told the story of each girl and they told the story of Project Glimmer. They accomplished a full metric ton of impact in a mere 120 seconds.

If you've ever struggled to write a high-impact speech with just 120 seconds to make yourself and your message memorable, it's easier to achieve than you think.

The audience reaction and the girls' satisfaction inspired me to share with others my approach to writing a 2-minute speech and setting your client up for success (which can also be applied to 5-minute and even 20 minute speeches, with slight variations).

Thanks for reading The Art of Smart Storytelling! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Step 1. Ask questions and listen.

Every speech-writing engagement begins with deep inquiry and deep listening. In just 45 minutes, I usually have all I need to write a 2-minute speech. (Longer speeches may take some back and forth as we dive deeper into stories.) This is always my favorite part of the process. I feel like I'm panning for gold, shirt-sleeves rolled up, senses dialed high as I'm on high alert for that glint of truth that we'll hang the entire speech around. It's not always in the story being shared — in fact, I quite often find it in the silence or hesitation or discarded thought bubble.

I operate intuitively, feeling for truth in my body — I am feeling what it's like to be the audience as I listen to my client in those first 45 minutes. I'm listening and I'm watching for all those places where the words, the story, and the person become a quantum experience — where they are more than the sum of their parts.

I usually find the hook in the first 15 minutes, and I use the rest of the time gently digging around it — like an archaeologist unearthing a fossil — to bring it to life.

Step 2. Cluster themes and squint.

I record and transcribe our discovery sessions. Recording allows me to stay present and in my body, listening and feeling, instead of stressing out about capturing the specific words and phrases and details.

Once I have the transcript, I start looking for the bones. I get rid of all the fluff and tangential stuff and I start looking for patterns in the content itself: repeated words and phrases are a pattern, the story of a from-to expansion is a pattern, the story of a repeated cycle is a pattern.

(By the way, pattern-recognition is one of my superpowers. It's even in my Human Design, which I use as a tool to amplify my gifts and better serve my clients. Follow this link to begin working with yours. )

After stripping out the inessential, I now have the hook and the bones, and I squint. (My business partner, Tara Tallman Sollman , taught me this one.) Squinting helps you see the forest through the trees.

I now have my storytelling "architecture" and can begin the actual writing.

Step 3. Write for voice and rhythm.

I often feel like a method actor throughout my speech-writing process. In the first step, I physically embody the audience, imagining and sensing their experience and what they want or need to hear and feel. In this step, I now embody the speaker.

I imagine I am them at the podium and I sit in their life experience and aura. I also know their Human Design (I bring this into my client work so that I can better serve) — their energy type, the places in their definition that they most identify with, their profile lines. I also know where they may feel vulnerable so I can help them navigate and provide tender, even "surgical" support in a way that it lands in their emotional and physical self.

The most important part of writing for my client's voice is to remove myself from the mix — I must become my client, but in an elevated form for the main stage.

It's an emotional and energetic balancing act to be:

– relatable, but not colloquial

– aspirational, but not pretentious

– informational, but not boring

Getting the voice right is a giant step in getting the rhythm right — the tools of rhetoric and language are deeply intertwined.

Step 4. Read it out loud and trim for time.

Okay, this is arguably the most painful part of the process. It often means letting go of precious words and turns of phrase, but it's also where the ultimate pay-off is.

I have no idea why it is that a speech read in silence and a speech spoken out loud are so very different. What sounds fine to your mind while scanning the page can sound overwhelmingly formal, fussy, and dull when spoken out loud. It never ceases to amaze me.

I always always always do this step with the client — this is where we begin transferring ownership, honing and trimming together.

I bring to them the fleshed-out architecture, eyeballing it for length (so we're not tasked with turning a novel into a sound-bite). I start this session by reading out loud the entire speech and pointing out areas that felt powerful and natural to me and areas that felt forced. When I do this, I am helping them understand my language as a guide, but I'm also helping them see what resonates for me as the audience member again.

During this stage we're both in the Google Doc highlighting, cutting, transforming, and editing — it's a moment of real collaboration and co-creation at its best.

By the end of the session, we do a read-through and time it. Anything between 1:50 and 2:10 is good for me — we'll fine-tune it in the final coaching session for delivery.

The client now has their Google Doc. I no longer touch it (unless they ask). It is theirs to play with word choice and emphasis — they're now tasked to "make it their own" where there may be places that don't feel 100% authentic.

Step 5. Listen, nuance, and amplify.

This is the phase I love most. Even though we've only spent 2-3 brief sessions together, we've built so much trust and intimacy in our little world of words and stories. I get to see the results of their trust-fall with me.

I have my client read their speech to me as if they were delivering it, and I time it. I listen for emphasis and tone and "connection" to the content, and I take notes about words I want to emphasize, places I want to speed up or slow down, opportunities to pause. I am noting all the ways I want my client to hold this space and own this moment. I want them to step into their power and magnetism, because I know that's what the audience hungers for.

After annotating the delivery, we get a clean recording that I send in an audio file so they can listen over and over, imprinting their voice in their minds to aid them in memorization. (It's infinitely more powerful and magnetic when delivering a speech from memory, but it takes a lot more time to get there. If you have the time and runway to memorize and rehearse, I can't recommend this enough.)

Whether you're writing a 2-minute, 5-minute, or 20-minute speech, the best speeches are always anchored in a story. A nugget of truth about you that is accessible and relatable to others in the form of a universal truth, and a way of sharing it that brings to life multiple dimensions of our collective human experience.

Ready for more?

• Games, topic printables & more
• The 4 main speech types
• Example speeches
• Commemorative
• Declamation
• Demonstration
• Informative
• Introduction
• Student Council
• Speech topics
• Poems to read aloud
• How to write a speech
• Using props/visual aids
• Acute anxiety help
• Breathing exercises
• Letting go - free e-course
• Using self-hypnosis
• Delivery overview
• 4 modes of delivery
• How to make cue cards
• How to read a speech
• 9 vocal aspects
• Vocal variety
• Diction/articulation
• Pronunciation
• Speaking rate
• How to use pauses
• Eye contact
• Body language
• Voice image
• Voice health
• Public speaking activities and games
• Blogging Aloud
• About me/contact

How to write a good speech in 7 steps

By:  Susan Dugdale  

- an easily followed format for writing a great speech

Did you know writing a speech doesn't have be an anxious, nail biting experience?

Unsure? Don't be.

You may have lived with the idea you were never good with words for a long time. Or perhaps giving speeches at school brought you out in cold sweats.

However learning how to write a speech is relatively straight forward when you learn to write out loud.

And that's the journey I am offering to take you on: step by step.

To learn quickly, go slow

Take all the time you need. This speech writing format has 7 steps, each building on the next.

Walk, rather than run, your way through all of them. Don't be tempted to rush. Familiarize yourself with the ideas. Try them out.

I know there are well-advertised short cuts and promises of 'write a speech in 5 minutes'. However in reality they only truly work for somebody who already has the basic foundations of speech writing in place.

The foundation of good speech writing 

These steps are the backbone of sound speech preparation. Learn and follow them well at the outset and yes, given more experience and practice you could probably flick something together quickly. Like any skill, the more it's used, the easier it gets.

In the meantime...

Step 1: Begin with a speech overview or outline

Are you in a hurry? Without time to read a whole page? Grab ... The Quick How to Write a Speech Checklist And come back to get the details later.

• WHO you are writing your speech for (your target audience)
• WHY you are preparing this speech. What's the main purpose of your speech? Is it to inform or tell your audience about something? To teach them a new skill or demonstrate something? To persuade or to entertain? (See 4 types of speeches: informative, demonstrative, persuasive and special occasion or entertaining for more.) What do you want them to think, feel or do as a result of listening the speech?
• WHAT your speech is going to be about (its topic) - You'll want to have thought through your main points and have ranked them in order of importance. And have sorted the supporting research you need to make those points effectively.
• HOW much time you have for your speech eg. 3 minutes, 5 minutes... The amount of time you've been allocated dictates how much content you need. If you're unsure check this page: how many words per minute in a speech: a quick reference guide . You'll find estimates of the number of words required for 1 - 10 minute speeches by slow, medium and fast talkers.

Use an outline

The best way to make sure you deliver an effective speech is to start by carefully completing a speech outline covering the essentials: WHO, WHY, WHAT and HOW.

Beginning to write without thinking your speech through is a bit like heading off on a journey not knowing why you're traveling or where you're going to end up. You can find yourself lost in a deep, dark, murky muddle of ideas very quickly!

Pulling together a speech overview or outline is a much safer option. It's the map you'll follow to get where you want to go.

Get a blank speech outline template to complete

Click the link to find out a whole lot more about preparing a speech outline . ☺ You'll also find a free printable blank speech outline template.  I recommend using it!

Understanding speech construction

Before you begin to write, using your completed outline as a guide, let's briefly look at what you're aiming to prepare.

• an opening or introduction
• the body where the bulk of the information is given
• and an ending (or summary).

Imagine your speech as a sandwich

If you think of a speech as a sandwich you'll get the idea.

The opening and ending are the slices of bread holding the filling (the major points or the body of your speech) together.

You can build yourself a simple sandwich with one filling (one big idea) or you could go gourmet and add up to three or, even five. The choice is yours.

But whatever you choose to serve, as a good cook, you need to consider who is going to eat it! And that's your audience.

So let's find out who they are before we do anything else. 

Step 2: Know who you are talking to

Understanding your audience.

Did you know a  good speech is never written from the speaker's point of view?  ( If you need to know more about why check out this page on  building rapport .)

Begin with the most important idea/point on your outline.

Consider HOW you can explain (show, tell) that to your audience in the most effective way for them to easily understand it.   

Writing from the audience's point of view

To help you write from an audience point of view, it's a good idea to identify either a real person or the type of person who is most likely to be listening to you.

Make sure you select someone who represents the "majority" of the people who will be in your audience. That is they are neither struggling to comprehend you at the bottom of your scale or light-years ahead at the top.

Now imagine they are sitting next to you eagerly waiting to hear what you're going to say. Give them a name, for example, Joe, to help make them real.

Ask yourself

• How do I need to tailor my information to meet Joe's needs? For example, do you tell personal stories to illustrate your main points? Absolutely! Yes. This is a very powerful technique. (Click storytelling in speeches to find out more.)
• What type or level of language is right for Joe as well as my topic? For example, if I use jargon (activity, industry or profession specific vocabulary) will it be understood?

Step 3: Writing as you speak

Writing oral language.

Write down what you want to say about your first main point as if you were talking directly to Joe.

If it helps, say it all out loud before you write it down and/or record it.

Use the information below as a guide

(Click to download The Characteristics of Spoken Language  as a pdf.) 

You do not have to write absolutely everything you're going to say down * but you do need to write down, or outline, the sequence of ideas to ensure they are logical and easily followed.

Remember too, to explain or illustrate your point with examples from your research. 

( * Tip: If this is your first speech the safety net of having everything written down could be just what you need. It's easier to recover from a patch of jitters when you have a word by word manuscript than if you have either none, or a bare outline. Your call!)

Step 4: Checking tone and language

The focus of this step is re-working what you've done in Step 2 and 3.

You identified who you were talking to (Step 2) and in Step 3, wrote up your first main point.  Is it right? Have you made yourself clear?  Check it.

How well you complete this step depends on how well you understand the needs of the people who are going to listen to your speech.

Please do not assume because you know what you're talking about the person (Joe) you've chosen to represent your audience will too. Joe is not a mind-reader!

How to check what you've prepared

• Check the "tone" of your language . Is it right for the occasion, subject matter and your audience?
• Check the length of your sentences. You need short sentences. If they're too long or complicated you risk losing your listeners.

Check for jargon too. These are industry, activity or group exclusive words.

For instance take the phrase: authentic learning . This comes from teaching and refers to connecting lessons to the daily life of students. Authentic learning is learning that is relevant and meaningful for students. If you're not a teacher you may not understand the phrase.

The use of any vocabulary requiring insider knowledge needs to be thought through from the audience perspective. Jargon can close people out.

• Read what you've written out loud. If it flows naturally, in a logical manner, continue the process with your next main idea. If it doesn't, rework.

We use whole sentences and part ones, and we mix them up with asides or appeals e.g. "Did you get that? Of course you did. Right...Let's move it along. I was saying ..."

Click for more about the differences between spoken and written language .

And now repeat the process

Repeat this process for the remainder of your main ideas.

Because you've done the first one carefully, the rest should follow fairly easily.

Step 5: Use transitions

Providing links or transitions between main ideas.

Between each of your main ideas you need to provide a bridge or pathway for your audience. The clearer the pathway or bridge, the easier it is for them to make the transition from one idea to the next.

If your speech contains more than three main ideas and each is building on the last, then consider using a "catch-up" or summary as part of your transitions.

Is your speech being evaluated? Find out exactly what aspects you're being assessed on using this standard speech evaluation form

Link/transition examples

A link can be as simple as:

"We've explored one scenario for the ending of Block Buster 111, but let's consider another. This time..."

What follows this transition is the introduction of Main Idea Two.

Here's a summarizing link/transition example:

"We've ended Blockbuster 111 four ways so far. In the first, everybody died. In the second, everybody died BUT their ghosts remained to haunt the area. In the third, one villain died. His partner reformed and after a fight-out with the hero, they both strode off into the sunset, friends forever. In the fourth, the hero dies in a major battle but is reborn sometime in the future.

And now what about one more? What if nobody died? The fifth possibility..."

Go back through your main ideas checking the links. Remember Joe as you go. Try each transition or link out loud and really listen to yourself. Is it obvious? Easily followed?

Keep them if they are clear and concise.

For more about transitions (with examples) see Andrew Dlugan's excellent article, Speech Transitions: Magical words and Phrases .

Step 6: The end of your speech

The ideal ending is highly memorable . You want it to live on in the minds of your listeners long after your speech is finished. Often it combines a call to action with a summary of major points.

Example speech endings

Example 1: The desired outcome of a speech persuading people to vote for you in an upcoming election is that they get out there on voting day and do so. You can help that outcome along by calling them to register their support by signing a prepared pledge statement as they leave.

"We're agreed we want change. You can help us give it to you by signing this pledge statement as you leave. Be part of the change you want to see!

Example 2: The desired outcome is increased sales figures. The call to action is made urgent with the introduction of time specific incentives.

"You have three weeks from the time you leave this hall to make that dream family holiday in New Zealand yours. Can you do it? Will you do it? The kids will love it. Your wife will love it. Do it now!"

How to figure out the right call to action

A clue for working out what the most appropriate call to action might be, is to go back to your original purpose for giving the speech.

• Was it to motivate or inspire?
• Was it to persuade to a particular point of view?
• Was it to share specialist information?
• Was it to celebrate a person, a place, time or event?

Ask yourself what you want people to do as a result of having listened to your speech.

For more about ending speeches

Visit this page for more about how to end a speech effectively . You'll find two additional types of speech endings with examples.

Write and test

Write your ending and test it out loud. Try it out on a friend, or two. Is it good? Does it work?

Step 7: The introduction

Once you've got the filling (main ideas) the linking and the ending in place, it's time to focus on the introduction.

The introduction comes last as it's the most important part of your speech. This is the bit that either has people sitting up alert or slumped and waiting for you to end. It's the tone setter!

What makes a great speech opening?

Ideally you want an opening that makes listening to you the only thing the 'Joes' in the audience want to do.

You want them to forget they're hungry or that their chair is hard or that their bills need paying.

The way to do that is to capture their interest straight away. You do this with a "hook".

Hooks to catch your audience's attention

Hooks come in as many forms as there are speeches and audiences. Your task is work out what specific hook is needed to catch your audience.

Go back to the purpose. Why are you giving this speech?

Once you have your answer, consider your call to action. What do you want the audience to do, and, or take away, as a result of listening to you?

Next think about the imaginary or real person you wrote for when you were focusing on your main ideas.

Choosing the best hook

• Is it humor?
• Would shock tactics work?
• Is it a rhetorical question?
• Is it formality or informality?
• Is it an outline or overview of what you're going to cover, including the call to action?
• Or is it a mix of all these elements?

A hook example

Here's an example from a fictional political speech. The speaker is lobbying for votes. His audience are predominately workers whose future's are not secure.

"How's your imagination this morning? Good? (Pause for response from audience) Great, I'm glad. Because we're going to put it to work starting right now.

I want you to see your future. What does it look like? Are you happy? Is everything as you want it to be? No? Let's change that. We could do it. And we could do it today.

At the end of this speech you're going to be given the opportunity to change your world, for a better one ...

No, I'm not a magician. Or a simpleton with big ideas and precious little commonsense. I'm an ordinary man, just like you. And I have a plan to share!"

And then our speaker is off into his main points supported by examples. The end, which he has already foreshadowed in his opening, is the call to vote for him.

Prepare several hooks

Experiment with several openings until you've found the one that serves your audience, your subject matter and your purpose best.

For many more examples of speech openings go to: how to write a speech introduction . You'll find 12 of the very best ways to start a speech.

That completes the initial seven steps towards writing your speech. If you've followed them all the way through, congratulations, you now have the text of your speech!

Although you might have the words, you're still a couple of steps away from being ready to deliver them. Both of them are essential if you want the very best outcome possible. They are below. Please take them.

Step 8: Checking content and timing

This step pulls everything together.

Check once, check twice, check three times & then once more!

Go through your speech really carefully.

On the first read through check you've got your main points in their correct order with supporting material, plus an effective introduction and ending.

On the second read through check the linking passages or transitions making sure they are clear and easily followed.

On the third reading check your sentence structure, language use and tone.

Double, triple check the timing

Now go though once more.

This time read it aloud slowly and time yourself.

If it's too long for the time allowance you've been given make the necessary cuts.

Start by looking at your examples rather than the main ideas themselves. If you've used several examples to illustrate one principal idea, cut the least important out.

Also look to see if you've repeated yourself unnecessarily or, gone off track. If it's not relevant, cut it.

Repeat the process, condensing until your speech fits the required length, preferably coming in just under your time limit.

You can also find out how approximately long it will take you to say the words you have by using this very handy words to minutes converter . It's an excellent tool, one I frequently use. While it can't give you a precise time, it does provide a reasonable estimate.

Step 9: Rehearsing your speech

And NOW you are finished with writing the speech, and are ready for REHEARSAL .

Please don't be tempted to skip this step. It is not an extra thrown in for good measure. It's essential.

The "not-so-secret" secret of successful speeches combines good writing with practice, practice and then, practicing some more.

Go to how to practice public speaking and you'll find rehearsal techniques and suggestions to boost your speech delivery from ordinary to extraordinary.

The Quick How to Write a Speech Checklist

Before you begin writing you need:.

• Your speech OUTLINE with your main ideas ranked in the order you're going to present them. (If you haven't done one complete this 4 step sample speech outline . It will make the writing process much easier.)
• Your RESEARCH
• You also need to know WHO you're speaking to, the PURPOSE of the speech and HOW long you're speaking for

The basic format

• the body where you present your main ideas

Split your time allowance so that you spend approximately 70% on the body and 15% each on the introduction and ending.

How to write the speech

• Write your main ideas out incorporating your examples and research
• Link them together making sure each flows in a smooth, logical progression
• Write your ending, summarizing your main ideas briefly and end with a call for action
• Write your introduction considering the 'hook' you're going to use to get your audience listening
• An often quoted saying to explain the process is: Tell them what you're going to tell them (Introduction) Tell them (Body of your speech - the main ideas plus examples) Tell them what you told them (The ending)

TEST before presenting. Read aloud several times to check the flow of material, the suitability of language and the timing.

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Two-minute Impromptu Speeches (Examples for Self-Study)

These two-minute impromptu speeches show how well a person can grab a surprise topic and talk about it clearly and confidently in just a short time. It’s like seeing someone catch a curveball effortlessly.

This isn’t just about being a smooth talker, though. It’s about being ready, being clear, and making sense even when you’re surprised.

What are impromptu speeches?

Impromptu speeches are like on-the-spot talks. You don’t get time to plan or rehearse. Imagine being asked to speak about something without any warning. That’s what an impromptu speech is. It’s all about thinking and speaking right then and there.

Why are they important? Have you ever been put on the spot and asked to share your thoughts? It happens a lot in life – in school, work, or even with friends. Learning impromptu speaking helps you handle these moments.

It boosts your confidence and lets you share ideas quickly. With practice, you can handle surprise questions or topics with ease and look good doing it!

What can studying short impromptu speeches teach us? By looking at short impromptu speech examples, there’s a lot to learn. These examples show us how to get to the point fast. They teach us how to organize our thoughts quickly.

You’ll notice how some start with a story or a fact to grab attention. Studying these helps you speak better when caught off guard and keeps listeners interested even if you’ve only got a short time to talk.

Impromptu Speech Bootcamp

Ask jef menguin.

As part of The 10x Chronicles , I'm launching a new segment where I answer YOUR burning questions. Whether it's about leadership, public speaking, productivity, or anything in between, I want to hear from you.

I'll dive deep into your questions on my podcast and articles, offering actionable advice, strategies, and stories from my experiences. No question is too big or too small—if it's on your mind, it's worth exploring. Submit your questions.

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28+ Easy English 2-Minute Speech Topics For Students

A concise 2-minute speech should begin with a compelling introduction that states your topic’s relevance and importance while briefly introducing yourself. Allocate about a minute for two clear and well-structured main points supported by relevant examples or evidence. Utilize transitions to smoothly guide your audience through these points, ensuring a logical flow. Conclude by summarizing your main ideas, underlining their significance, and leaving the audience with a memorable closing thought or call to action. Practising with a timer and refining your delivery will help you maintain confidence and coherence within the time limit.

Easy English 2-minute Speech Topics for Students (30 Topic Ideas)

Here are some 2-minute speech topics suitable for students; they are easy to prepare, and we have included sample speeches for the most.

• The Power of Kindness: Discuss how small acts of kindness can significantly impact individuals and the community. Here is an example: The Power of Kindness
• The Power of Self-Compassion : The power of self-compassion lies in its ability to transform setbacks into opportunities for growth, fostering resilience, kindness, and a deeper connection with oneself and others. The Power of Self-Compassion
• The Benefits of Reading: Highlight the advantages of reading regularly, from expanding vocabulary to fostering creativity. Here is an example: The Benefits of Reading
• Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone: Talk about how failures can be valuable learning experiences and growth opportunities. Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone
• Cyberbullying Awareness : Raise awareness about the adverse effects of cyberbullying and encourage online kindness. Cyberbullying 2-minute speech
• The Importance of Recycling: Explain why recycling is crucial for the environment and how students can contribute. Importance of Recycling
• Overcoming Stage Fright: Share strategies for managing stage fright and public speaking anxiety. Remove Stage Fear
• The Impact of Social Media on Relationships: Discuss how social media affects friendships, family relationships, and personal interactions. Related: Negative Impacts on Social Media
• Balancing Academics and Extracurricular Activities: Offer tips for maintaining a healthy balance between schoolwork and extracurricular pursuits.
• Discovering Your Passion: Encourage students to explore their interests and find their passions outside of academics.
• The Role of Students in Environmental Conservation: Inspire students to protect the environment through active actions actively.
• Building Healthy Study Habits: Provide practical advice on effective study habits and time management for academic success. Healthy Study Habits
• Promoting Mental Health Awareness: Discuss the importance of addressing mental health issues and reducing stigma.
• The Significance of Volunteering: Talk about the benefits of volunteering for personal growth and community betterment. The Significance of Volunteering
• Media Literacy in the Digital Age: Educate students about critical thinking when consuming online information and media.
• Exploring Cultural Diversity: Celebrate the richness of cultural diversity and the importance of embracing different perspectives.
• Healthy Eating for Students: Share tips for making nutritious food choices and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Setting SMART Goals: Teach students how to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals.
• The Impact of Music on Mood: Discuss how music can influence emotions and provide stress relief for students.
• The Importance of Time Management: Explain why managing time efficiently is essential for academic success and well-being.
• The Influence of Role Models: Highlight the positive impact of role models on shaping students’ aspirations and behaviour.
• Ethical Considerations in AI: Discuss the moral challenges and considerations surrounding the development and use of artificial intelligence, including issues related to bias, privacy, and accountability.
• Impact of AI on Employment: Explore the potential impact of AI on the job market, discussing both the potential for job displacement and the creation of new opportunities.
• Applications of AI in Healthcare: Highlight the various ways artificial intelligence is used in the healthcare industry, from diagnostics to personalized medicine.
• AI and Climate Change: Discuss how AI technologies can address environmental challenges, such as climate change, through improved resource management, energy efficiency, and monitoring.
• The Role of AI in Education: Explore how AI transforms education through personalized learning, adaptive assessments, and intelligent tutoring systems.
• AI and Creativity: Challenge the notion that AI is purely analytical and explore how it can enhance and contribute to creative art, music, and literature processes. 2-minute speech on AI and Creativity
• The Future of AI: Discuss emerging trends and technologies in AI, such as quantum computing, explainable AI, and the potential for superintelligent systems.
• AI and Cybersecurity : Explore the role of AI in enhancing cybersecurity measures, from threat detection to proactive defence strategies.
• AI in Autonomous Vehicles: Highlight the advancements in AI that contribute to the development of autonomous vehicles and discuss the potential benefits and challenges.
• Bias in AI: This section delves into the issue of bias in AI algorithms, discussing how biases can emerge and the efforts to address and mitigate them.
• What makes learning fun: Learning becomes enjoyable when infused with curiosity, allowing individuals to freely explore new ideas and concepts. Engaging activities and interactive experiences stimulate the mind, fostering a sense of discovery and accomplishment. When learners feel empowered to connect with the material personally, whether through hands-on experimentation or meaningful discussions, acquiring knowledge transforms into a delightful journey of growth and understanding. 2-minute speech on What Makes Learning Fun?

More Easy English Speech Topics For Students from various categories

These topics are suitable for 1-minute / 2-minute, or even 5-minute speeches.

• 21 English Speech Ideas on Personal Development
• 21 English speech ideas based on Climate Change and Environmental Conservation
• 21 English Speech Ideas on Equality and Social Justice
• 21 English Speech Ideas Based on Global Health
• 21 English Speech Ideas on Mental Health Awareness
• 21 English Speech Ideas on Social Media and Society
• 21 English Speech Ideas from Technology and its Impact

Remember to check our Checklist for your speech preparation and Overcome stage fright (12 practical ideas)

To discover current and relevant topic ideas, it’s beneficial to stay updated with news sources and media outlets, engage with discussions on social media platforms and online communities, explore academic journals and publications in your field, listen to podcasts and watch YouTube channels focused on emerging trends, attend conferences and events for cutting-edge insights, utilize tools like Google Trends to identify popular subjects, consider local and global issues, and seek input from peers and professors for research gaps and debates. Ensuring the credibility of your sources and considering a range of perspectives will help you select a timely and engaging topic that aligns with your interests and audience expectations.

Which topic is best for a 2-minute speech?

When preparing a 2-minute speech, it is most important to select a topic that interests you and appeals to your listeners. Consider the occasion and your audience to ensure your speech is appropriate for the event. Keep your speech concise, focused, and engaging to deliver your message effectively within the time limit. Remember that the purpose of a 2-minute speech is to convey your message clearly and effectively.

How do I give a great 2-minute speech?

To deliver a great 2-minute speech, focus on a clear and concise message. Start with a strong opening, organize your speech with a brief introduction, one or two main points, and a compelling conclusion. Use simple, impactful language, engage your audience, and practice your speech for smooth delivery and confidence. Manage your time effectively to fit within the 2-minute limit. Related: Checklist for your Speech Preparation

Is a 2 minute speech good?

A 2-minute speech is effective for various occasions, such as introductions, presentations or short talks.

Related Topics:

• Checklist for your speech preparation
• 2 Minute Speech on Climate Change
• Global Warming Speech
• 2 Minute Speech on Science and Technology
• Speech on Gender Equality
• Speeches on Leadership
• 101 Topic Ideas for a Motivation Speech Preparation
• More Speech preparation articles
• 12 Ideas to Remove Stage Fear while Speaking
• Speech about Women’s Empowerment
• Speech about Pollution
• Speech about Education
• 2 Minute Speech Topics for Students (Easy English)
• The Benefits of Reading
• Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe
• Importance of Recycling
• The Power of Kindness
• speech about education
• Science and Technology

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• Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe. 2-Minute Speech (today)
• ECE Seminar Topics 2024 – The Top 100 Topics for Electronics and Communication Engineering (today)
• Importance of Recycling 2-Minute Speech (today)
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How to Give a Great Impromptu Speech

Last Updated: March 19, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 411,925 times.

Most speeches are the result of careful planning, revision and practice. There may be times, however, when a situation demands that you give an impromptu speech with little or no time to prepare. When you find yourself in an unexpected public speaking scenario, you’ll be improvising what you say, which means you’ll have to be able to think on your feet. Following a basic structure, pacing yourself and staying composed will help you deliver an oration you can be proud of, or at least survive with minimal embarrassment.

Setting Up an Unexpected Speech

• Most of the time when you’re giving an impromptu speech, you’ll be singled out to say a few words on the spot. Since you’ll only have a few moments, preparing yourself is more about getting yourself in the right state of mind than it is knowing exactly what you’re going to say.
• If you really need to milk it, you can buy yourself some extra time by shaking hands, exchanging pleasantries or adjusting the microphone stand before speaking.

• Assume that everyone around you wants to see you succeed. This will help put you at ease. Expecting yourself to fail will only destroy your composure and make you more fearful of your audience.
• Confront the reality of your situation to avoid being blindsided by panic. Accept that you have to give a speech and then focus all your resources on giving a good one.

• Oftentimes, the more confident you make yourself appear, the more confident you’ll feel.
• Relax! Speaking in front of a crowd is not that big a deal. Even if you make a mistake, it’s not the end of the world.

• Don’t just jump right into the main idea of your speech. Test the waters by getting used to speaking and sharing a little about yourself first.

Delivering an Effective Speech

• Use simple sentences that follow a logical progression and enunciate your words carefully to keep yourself from getting tongue-tied.
• Slowing yourself down a little will give your mind time to catch up and formulate new ideas.

• Two minutes will fly by once you start speaking. Despite your reservations about being put on the spot, you may actually find it harder to give a short speech than a long one.

• A good way to give your speech a solid beginning, middle and end is to present details chronologically. For example start with “when I first became friends with John, he…”, follow that up with “now that we’re coworkers, we have more fun than ever…” and conclude with “I have no doubt that the future of our friendship will be just as entertaining.”
• When describing personal experiences, avoid sharing opinions on irrelevant controversial subjects.

• Humor is a great icebreaker and also makes it easier to hold your audience’s attention.
• Be sure any jokes you make are suitable for the age and demographic of your audience, as well as the occasion itself.

Ending on a High Note

• As with the rest of your speech, keep your conclusion brief. It’s alright to sign off with a simple “thank you for your time” or “let’s hear it for the newlyweds.”

• If you’re planning on making a specific request or appeal, as for a business conference, the end of your speech is the proper time to do it.
• The conclusion is the perfect occasion to come out with something especially heartfelt. Emotions will run high and the crowd will be moved by your sentiments.

• You don’t have to thank every important figure at the event individually. A general expression of gratitude is all that’s needed.
• Be clear who you’re supposed to hand the microphone or floor off to so that you don’t end your speech by looking around in confusion. [11] X Research source

• Impromptu speeches are mostly appraised by the willingness of the speaker to rise to the occasion. There’s no sense in being too critical of your performance since you’ll have had no time to work on it beforehand.

Expert Q&A

• Practice for unexpected speaking scenarios by volunteering to give impromptu speeches at casual events. Thanks Helpful 19 Not Helpful 2
• If you're using a microphone, stay within optimal range for your voice to be amplified. Don't move the microphone too close or too far away from your mouth. Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 2
• While brainstorming, quickly come up with three or four main points to cover. Thanks Helpful 20 Not Helpful 4

Tips from our Readers

• Speak clearly and be confident. This will make you seem more credible even if some parts of your speech aren't as strong as others.
• Don't waste your time by writing full sentences, write bullet points and then expand on them when you give the speech.
• Make sure not to be too cocky or sound sarcastic, or you might not win over the audience.
• Use your own stories. Relate the topic to some of the moments in your life.

• Steer clear of subjects you don't know much about. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 2
• Be careful not to offend your audience. Not only is it bad form and will make your speech be perceived as a failure, it could actually harm your standing among your acquaintances. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 3
• Take a moment to get your appearance in order before presenting yourself. Steal a quick glance in the mirror or have a trusted friend tell you if your hair is a mess, your shirt is untucked, you have food stuck in your teeth, etc. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 3
• Don't use generic, pre-written speeches pulled from the internet or oration guidebooks. These can easily come off as stilted and inorganic. Your audience will be able to tell if you're simply going through the motions. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 4

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• ↑ Lynn Kirkham. Public Speaking Coach. Expert Interview. 20 November 2019.
• ↑ http://wittcom.com/how-to-develop-confidence-speaking/
• ↑ http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/how-to-impromptu-speech/
• ↑ http://www.askmen.com/money/body_and_mind_150/192b_better_living.html
• ↑ http://www.write-out-loud.com/how-to-use-humor-effectively.html
• ↑ https://speakingwithoutnet.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/ending-on-a-high-note-the-last-sentence/
• ↑ https://www.workingvoices.com/insights/presenting-how-to-react-when-you-make-a-mistake/

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• 11 Tips for Giving a Great Speech

Chances are you’ll be asked to give speeches or presentations in classes at school. If you get involved in volunteer groups, brief speeches to open events or thank participants are a must. Then there are the speeches at events such as weddings, as well as speeches that you might have to give in the workplace. That amounts to the average person being required to give quite a lot of speeches, even if they don’t get involved in an area such as politics where the ability to give a good speech becomes even more important. You might also have suffered through quite a number of bad speeches from other people – whether that’s at family events where the microphone squeaks the whole way through or a school presentation where the headteacher can’t quite make the jokes work. If you don’t want to inflict the same sort of experience on others, here are our top tips for giving a great speech.

1. Practise your microphone technique

2. Keep it short

Particularly at something like a party or a wedding, no one will be unhappy if your speech runs a little short; it’ll just give them more time to investigate the canapés. If you are giving a speech for a class in school, and it’ll be assessed, you need to prioritise keeping it within the required time limits. But even under these circumstances, if you’ve been tasked – say – with giving a 10-15 minute speech, it’s usually better to come in nearer the 10 than the 15 minute mark. Put simply, even if your speech is terrible, your audience can probably tolerate it for 10 minutes. Much longer, and they’ll be struggling. This shouldn’t limit what you can cover; in the film Up , the whole of Carl and Ellie’s heartbreaking love story is told in under 12 minutes. Do you really need longer to make your points? Achieve brevity by writing out the speech you would give if you had all the time in the world, and then cut anything that seems extraneous or boring.

3. Consider what your audience wants to hear

If you are giving a speech in class because it’s your assignment, what your audience wants to hear is likely to be “the bell ringing for lunch”; you can’t help them there. But under other circumstances, consider what your audience wants to hear and what you want to say, and strive for there to be as much overlap as possible. In the context of a political speech, for instance, what you want to say might be why your party should receive votes; what your audience wants to hear is what your party would do for them, if they won power. Hopefully it should be possible to write a speech that meets both sets of needs, rather than focusing solely on whatever it is that you want to say and leaving your audience disappointed.

4. Pick a theme and stick to it

Here’s a goal for giving a speech: someone sitting near the back, who’s messing around on their phone for at least two-thirds of it and focusing mainly on how long it will be until lunch, should nonetheless be able to give a reasonably accurate answer to the question, “what was it about?” If you’re supposed to be giving a speech in defence of the nuclear deterrent, for example, both the topic and your position on it should be clearly identifiable. This means – to stick with the nuclear deterrent example – not talking for a while about jobs, and then the wider economy, and then the North-South divide, and then Scottish independence, and then Ukraine with a brief digression into South Ossetia before rounding off by squeaking out “and that’s why we should renew Trident!” seconds before you run out of time – no matter how relevant that cornucopia of topics may feel (and they are all relevant, albeit tenuously). It means that even if you do have to take a while to explain a more complex idea, you need to be concise, and bring it back to your theme as quickly as you can.

5. Speak slowly

Most people speak more quickly than they realise when they’re on stage, especially if they’re nervous. But no one will be able to follow your speech if you’re jabbering it out. Thankfully, this one is easy to fix with a little effort and practise. First of all, figure out how quickly you’re actually speaking: do a word count for your speech and then time yourself saying it. A fast speaker will speak at maybe 160 words per minute, a slow speaker at 100 wpm and an average speaker at 130 wpm. For a formal speech, you want to be speaking on the slow side. While this will vary by culture and environment, 120 wpm is a reasonable target to aim for; slow enough that everyone should be able to understand you, and fast enough that you hopefully won’t be sending them to sleep.

6. Tell a couple of jokes

This is a tricky tip because there are lots of pitfalls in the world of telling jokes. For instance, there’s the temptation to include an in-joke that three of your friends will understand and find hilarious, that is utterly baffling to everyone else in the room. Avoid this – if you include any jokes, witty references or anything along those lines, make sure they are accessible to everyone present. All the same, if you can manage a joke or two, it can be a useful way to break up a speech and retain the audience’s interest. A little self-deprecation (not too much!) or the use of classic joke formats such as “the scene was chaotic; it looked as if a bomb had hit and we didn’t know where to start on repairs – but that’s enough about the hen party…” work nicely even if you’re not very confident. Don’t turn it into a stand-up comedy sketch if you’re not a comedian, don’t wait for ages for laughter that’s not showing up, and don’t make jokes at the expense of anyone who you don’t know for sure can take it.

7. Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself if you need to

If you follow US or UK politics at all, you’ve probably heard some of these phrases recently: take back control, make America great again, long-term economic plan, son of a bus driver. Three of these have already led the party or people they’re associated with to electoral victory; the fourth remains to be seen. To take the ‘son of a bus driver’ as an example, this refers to Sadiq Khan, now Mayor of London. There can be hardly anyone in London who doesn’t know what their Mayor’s dad did for a living. Meanwhile, many of them probably can’t remember his rival Zac Goldsmith’s name, let alone anything he said during the campaign. The point is that repetition works. In pursuit of point 4, if you want people to remember your key theme, you’re going to have to say it more than once. Don’t assume that everyone will have paid attention to everything you’ve said, unless you’re in a classroom setting where they’ll get told off if they don’t.

8. Only use the visual aids you need

This tip applies to two things: PowerPoints and notes. If you can do without either (and your assignment allows it), then do. Every time you’re glancing over your notes or up at the screen, fiddling with the laptop to get the slide to move on, fighting with a video that isn’t working or struggling to read your own handwriting, is time that you’re not spending engaging with your audience. A well-written, clear speech delivered without notes is always going to be better than someone awkwardly reading aloud the bullet points on their PowerPoint slides. If you must do a presentation – for instance, because there are photos that need to be included – have as little text on it as possible, preferably none. That way, if there are people at the back who can’t really see the screen through the sea of heads in front of them, they’ll still be able to follow what you’re saying.

9. Get a friend to check for awkward mannerisms

Mannerisms that are entirely fine in normal life become awkward and strange when you’re speaking in public. Perhaps you’re inclined to fiddle with your hair or your cuffs, you rock back and forth on the balls of your feet, or you have a habit of reaching your hand to your cheek when you’re talking. No one would notice in everyday conversation, but when you’re on a stage, it’ll become all they’ll see. Some of this is easily avoidable – for instance, if you have long hair that you’re inclined to twirl or otherwise fiddle with, tie it up. For other mannerisms, get the critical friend who helped you sort out your microphone technique to tell you what they are, and do your best to suppress the more annoying ones.

10. Look around the room

Talking about eye contact usually has the effect of making normal eye contact a lot harder, and so does giving a speech. All of a sudden, you’re up on stage, and you have no idea what a normal way to look at a group of people is. Some speakers deal with this by picking a point in the middle distance and speaking to it; others by picking a particular person near to the back and addressing their entire speech at them. This is obviously no fun for that person, who probably spends the whole thing feeling extremely uncomfortable, but it’s not too weird for everyone else. Better still, though, if you can manage it, is to look slowly and steadily around the room, trying to make eye contact with a decent range of people, before returning to the middle distance for a while, rinse and repeat. This needs to be slow and steady, or you give the impression that you’ve just smelled smoke and are casting about for a fire exit before the stampede beings.

11. Don’t be scared of a good reaction

If your speech is genuinely engaging, funny, inspiring or any of the other things you might hope it would be, your audience will react to it. There might be laughter, or applause, or even a bit of cheering depending on the setting. This can be daunting because when you’re practising your speech in front of your bedroom mirror, there’s no way to prepare for it. And it’s where even the best speakers can go wrong, by launching straight into what they were going to say next without waiting for the laughter or applause to stop, or by looking painfully awkward while it’s going on. It’s a pitfall that’s mostly solved by being aware it might happen. If your audience is applauding you or otherwise reacting well, it’s OK to smile, look up, wait for them to stop and then keep going with your speech – it’s as simple as that. You could even throw in a “thank you” before you continue in the knowledge that it’s all going well. Image credits: microphones ; audience ; boy with microphone ; clock ; winding road ; enjoy a joke ; sticky notes ; 

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2-Minute Speech Topics for Students PLUS Guide

Choosing engaging 2-minute speech topics for students is crucial for developing their public speaking skills. This short format is perfect for honing impromptu speaking abilities, teaching learners to articulate their ideas quickly and effectively.

A 2-minute speech refers to a brief, concise speech designed to be delivered within a span of approximately two minutes. This format demands that the speaker be particularly mindful of time , focusing on presenting their main points clearly and succinctly to effectively convey their message. Ideal for educational settings, impromptu speaking opportunities, and situations requiring quick presentations of ideas, 2-minute speeches challenge students and speakers to hone their public speaking skills, including clarity, persuasion, and the ability to engage an audience within a limited timeframe. Despite their brevity, these speeches can cover a wide range of topics, from societal issues to personal reflections, making them a versatile tool for developing communication skills.

2-Minute Speech Topics for Students PLUS Guide for Each

Below, we discuss a variety of topics suitable for this purpose, accompanied by a guide on how to deliver them effectively.

#1 Climate Change: The Immediate Challenge

Climate Change stands as a critical issue, offering a rich vein for 2-minute speech topics . It allows students to delve into urgent environmental concerns, making it a compelling subject for public speaking . This topic also lends itself well to impromptu speaking, as it is relevant and familiar to many.

• Start with a Hook : Initiate with a striking fact about climate change to captivate your audience.
• State the Problem and Impact : Succinctly explain what climate change is and its dire consequences on both the environment and human life.
• Call to Action : End your speech with a persuasive appeal for personal or communal action to combat climate change.

#2 The Power of Reading

Reading is a timeless topic that emphasizes the importance of literature and learning, making it an excellent choice for 2-minute speech topics . It encourages students to explore the benefits of reading, from knowledge acquisition to imagination enhancement, perfect for public speaking sessions. This theme is especially suited for impromptu speeches, as it relates to personal experiences and the universal value of reading.

• Highlight Benefits : Briefly discuss the numerous benefits of reading, such as improved vocabulary, knowledge, and empathy.
• Personal Story : Share a short personal anecdote about how reading has impacted your life or the lives of others.
• Encourage Participation : Conclude by motivating your peers to read more, suggesting starting with a book that interests them.

#3 Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking

Addressing the fear of public speaking is not just meta but also immensely beneficial for students learning to navigate public speaking themselves. It’s a prime example of a 2-minute topic where speakers can share tips and personal experiences, making it ideal for impromptu sessions where empathy and personal growth are highlighted.

• Acknowledge the Fear : Begin by acknowledging that fear of public speaking is common and understandable.
• Share Strategies : Offer brief, effective strategies for overcoming this fear, such as practice, visualization, and focusing on the message rather than the audience.
• Inspire Confidence : Conclude with a positive note, encouraging your classmates to see each public speaking opportunity as a chance to grow and improve.

#4 Social Media: Connecting or Isolating?

Social Media offers a nuanced topic that explores the dual role of digital platforms in fostering connections and potentially leading to isolation. It’s a relevant issue for students and an engaging subject for 2-minute speeches , especially in public speaking and impromptu contexts where opinions and personal experiences can spark thoughtful discussion.

• Present the Paradox : Start by outlining how social media can both connect people worldwide and create feelings of isolation among users.
• Evidence and Examples : Briefly cite studies or anecdotes that highlight the positive and negative aspects of social media use.
• Personal Stance : End by offering a balanced view or personal opinion on how to use social media healthily, encouraging a thoughtful approach among peers.

#5 Climate Change: The Immediate Challenge

• Topic Focus : This 2-minute speech encourages students to delve into the urgent issue of climate change, emphasizing its significance and the immediate actions required to address it.
• Begin with Impact : Initiate with a striking fact about climate change to capture attention.
• Clarify the Issue : Quickly outline what climate change is and its potential impacts on our world and daily lives.
• Encourage Action : Conclude with a persuasive call to action, urging listeners to adopt more sustainable practices in their lives.

#6 The Power of Reading

• Topic Focus : In this speech, students explore the transformative impact reading can have on individuals’ lives, stressing the benefits beyond mere entertainment.
• Engage with a Question : Start by asking the audience about their last impactful reading experience to engage them.
• Highlight Benefits : Briefly discuss the benefits of reading, such as improved empathy, cognitive skills, and knowledge acquisition.
• Inspire Participation : Encourage listeners to dedicate time to reading daily, suggesting it can be a powerful tool for personal growth and understanding of the world.

#7 The Importance of Teamwork

• Topic Focus : This topic invites students to consider the value of teamwork in achieving goals, whether in sports, academics, or extracurricular activities.
• Start with an Anecdote : Kick off with a short story of a successful team, highlighting the collective effort.
• Discuss Key Principles : Outline the principles that make a team successful, such as communication, trust, and shared goals.
• Motivate Collaboration : End with a call to inspire students to embrace teamwork in various aspects of their lives, illustrating how it can lead to greater accomplishments.

#8 Embracing Diversity

• Topic Focus : A 2-minute speech on embracing diversity encourages students to appreciate and learn from differences in culture, opinion, and lifestyle.
• Open with Facts : Present intriguing statistics or facts about the world’s diversity to pique interest.
• Share Personal Insights : If appropriate, share a brief personal experience of learning from diversity.
• Call for Openness : Conclude by encouraging students to be open to new experiences and viewpoints, highlighting how this openness enriches personal and communal life.

#9 The Influence of Social Media

• Topic Focus : In this speech, students are urged to explore the dual-edged impact of social media on society, focusing on both its benefits and potential downsides.
• Engage with Contrast : Begin by presenting the contrasting impacts of social media, from connectivity and learning opportunities to issues like cyberbullying and misinformation.
• Personal Reflection : Encourage a moment of reflection on personal use of social media and its effects on one’s life and mental health.
• Encourage Balance : End with advice on maintaining a healthy balance with social media use, emphasizing the importance of real-world connections and experiences.

#10 The Future of Technology

• Topic Focus : Students discuss the rapid advancement of technology and its potential future impacts on society, considering both the opportunities and challenges it presents.
• Spark Curiosity : Kick off with intriguing examples of emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence and renewable energy sources.
• Discuss Implications : Briefly explore the potential benefits these technologies could bring, as well as ethical considerations and challenges.
• Inspire Engagement : Conclude with a call to action for students to engage with technology responsibly and creatively, emphasizing the role of the next generation in shaping the future.

#11 Environmental Conservation

• Topic Focus : This topic challenges students to consider the critical importance of environmental conservation and how individual actions contribute to a larger impact.
• Start with the Big Picture : Introduce the concept of environmental conservation and its significance in protecting our planet for future generations.
• Highlight Actionable Steps : Provide examples of simple, actionable steps everyone can take to reduce their environmental footprint, like reducing waste and conserving water.
• Call for Collective Action : Encourage a collective effort towards environmental conservation, stressing that every small action contributes to a larger change.

#12 The Value of Lifelong Learning

• Topic Focus : Here, students are encouraged to consider the benefits of adopting a mindset geared towards lifelong learning, both personally and professionally.
• Inspire with Benefits : Begin by outlining the benefits of lifelong learning, such as staying adaptable, improving skill sets, and enhancing personal fulfillment.
• Personal Growth : Highlight how lifelong learning contributes to personal growth and the ability to navigate life’s challenges more effectively.
• Encourage Curiosity : Conclude with a call to remain curious and open to new learning opportunities, emphasizing that learning does not end with formal education.

These topics not only aid in developing public speaking skills among students but also encourage critical thinking and engagement with current issues. Through 2-minute speeches , learners can practice articulating their thoughts under time constraints, a valuable skill in both academic and personal contexts.

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100+ 2 Minute Speech Topics For Students [Updated]

• Post author By admin
• February 23, 2024

Public speaking can be a daunting task for many students. Whether it’s presenting in front of a classroom or speaking at an event, the thought of standing up and delivering a speech can make even the most confident individuals feel nervous. However, mastering the art of public speaking is an invaluable skill that can benefit students in various aspects of their lives. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of 2 minute speech topics for students and provide a comprehensive guide to help them excel in this endeavor.

Table of Contents

Importance of 2-Minute Speeches

Time management is crucial in today’s fast-paced world, and learning how to effectively communicate ideas within a short time frame is a valuable skill. 2-minute speeches challenge students to condense their thoughts and ideas into a concise format, teaching them the importance of prioritizing information and delivering it efficiently. 

Additionally, shorter speeches help students develop their attention-span, as they must find creative ways to engage their audience and convey their message effectively in a limited amount of time.

Moreover, regular practice with short speeches can significantly improve students’ overall public speaking abilities, boosting their confidence and communication skills.

How to Select 2 Minute Speech Topics For Students?

Selecting 2-minute speech topics for students can be a thoughtful process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the perfect topic:

• Identify Interests: Encourage students to consider their interests, hobbies, or areas of expertise. Topics they’re passionate about are more likely to engage both them and their audience.
• Relevance: Choose topics that are relevant to the audience’s interests, current events, or issues that affect their lives. This ensures the speech resonates with the listeners.
• Audience Consideration: Consider the audience’s demographics and preferences. Select topics that are appropriate and interesting to the specific audience you’ll be addressing.
• Clarity and Depth: Opt for topics that can be explored within a 2-minute timeframe. Ensure the topic is narrow enough to cover adequately but broad enough to provide depth and insight.
• Impactful and Thought-Provoking: Select topics that have the potential to evoke emotions, spark discussions, or inspire action. Thought-provoking topics encourage critical thinking and engagement from the audience.
• Personal Connection: Encourage students to choose topics that they have a personal connection to or experiences with. Sharing personal anecdotes or insights can make the speech more authentic and relatable.
• Diversity: Promote diversity in topic selection. Encourage students to explore a range of subjects, including social issues, science and technology, arts and culture, environment, education, and more.
• Relevance to Learning Objectives: Align the topic selection with the learning objectives or goals of the assignment or curriculum. Ensure that the chosen topics allow students to demonstrate their understanding and skills effectively.
• Originality: Encourage creativity and originality in topic selection. Encourage students to think outside the box and explore unique or less-discussed subjects to capture the audience’s attention.
• Practice and Feedback: After selecting a topic, encourage students to practice delivering their speech and seek feedback from peers or mentors. This helps refine the content and delivery for maximum impact.

By following these guidelines, students can select 2-minute speech topics that are engaging, relevant, and impactful, allowing them to effectively communicate their ideas and connect with their audience.

100+ 2 Minute Speech Topics For Students

• The Importance of Kindness in Daily Life
• Benefits of Regular Exercise
• Overcoming Adversity: Lessons Learned
• Impact of Social Media on Relationships
• Environmental Conservation: Small Actions, Big Impact
• The Power of Positivity
• Exploring Cultural Diversity
• Importance of Time Management for Students
• My Role Model and Why They Inspire Me
• Breaking Stereotypes: Embracing Individuality
• The Influence of Music on Mood
• The Art of Effective Communication
• Benefits of Volunteering in the Community
• Overcoming Fear of Failure
• Cyberbullying: Recognizing and Preventing It
• The Beauty of Diversity in Nature
• Healthy Eating Habits for a Balanced Life
• Importance of Mental Health Awareness
• Pursuing Your Passions: Finding Fulfillment
• The Impact of Technology on Education
• Respecting Differences: Embracing Inclusion
• Tips for Effective Study Techniques
• Importance of Setting Goals
• Coping with Stress in High School
• Benefits of Learning a Second Language
• The Power of a Smile
• Exploring Career Options: Finding Your Path
• Benefits of Outdoor Activities for Physical Health
• Overcoming Procrastination: Getting Things Done
• Building Resilience in Challenging Times
• The Role of Education in Shaping Society
• Importance of Financial Literacy for Teens
• Developing Leadership Skills in Student Life
• Impact of Positive Role Models on Youth
• The Value of Friendship in Adolescence
• Environmental Sustainability: Individual Responsibility
• Overcoming Peer Pressure: Making Smart Choices
• The Joy of Reading: Unlocking Imagination
• Recognizing and Appreciating Teachers
• The Power of Empathy in Building Relationships
• Benefits of Mindfulness and Meditation
• Navigating Social Media: Staying Safe Online
• Exploring Career Opportunities in STEM Fields
• Overcoming Self-Doubt: Believing in Yourself
• The Importance of Cultural Awareness
• Tips for Effective Public Speaking
• Benefits of Adopting a Pet
• The Impact of Positive Affirmations on Self-Confidence
• Digital Citizenship: Responsible Online Behavior
• Celebrating Diversity in Friendship
• Importance of Sleep for Academic Success
• Overcoming Challenges Through Perseverance
• The Power of Gratitude in Daily Life
• Benefits of Teamwork in Achieving Goals
• The Role of Family in Shaping Values
• Exploring Creativity Through Art and Music
• The Significance of Volunteer Work in Society
• Developing Critical Thinking Skills
• Tips for Effective Time Management
• Overcoming Obstacles: Turning Failure into Success
• The Impact of Social Media Influencers
• Cultivating a Growth Mindset
• The Importance of Recycling for a Sustainable Future
• Benefits of Positive Affirmations for Mental Health
• The Role of Technology in Environmental Conservation
• Exploring Different Learning Styles
• Overcoming Test Anxiety: Strategies for Success
• Benefits of Participating in Sports
• The Power of Positive Self-Talk
• Importance of Respecting Others’ Opinions
• Strategies for Conflict Resolution
• The Impact of Role Models on Career Choices
• Exploring Cultural Traditions and Celebrations
• Overcoming Negative Body Image: Embracing Self-Acceptance
• The Benefits of Traveling and Cultural Exchange
• The Influence of Peer Groups on Behavior
• Building Confidence Through Public Speaking
• Importance of Setting Boundaries in Relationships
• The Role of Nutrition in Mental Health
• Benefits of Journaling for Personal Growth
• The Impact of Social Media on Body Image
• Strategies for Overcoming Procrastination
• The Power of Resilience in Adversity
• Tips for Effective Conflict Resolution
• Benefits of Positive Affirmations for Self-Esteem
• Exploring Different Career Paths
• Overcoming Shyness: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
• The Importance of Self-Care Practices
• Benefits of Outdoor Education Programs
• The Role of Empathy in Building Stronger Communities
• Strategies for Building Healthy Relationships
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Recognizing Your Worth
• The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
• Benefits of Learning from Failure
• The Power of Visualization in Goal Setting
• Strategies for Overcoming Perfectionism
• Importance of Seeking Help for Mental Health Issues
• The Role of Resilience in Academic Success
• Benefits of Adopting a Growth Mindset
• The Impact of Positive Role Models on Self-Confidence
• Strategies for Overcoming Test Anxiety
• Benefits of Practicing Gratitude Daily
• The Power of Positive Thinking in Achieving Goals
• Tips for Building Resilience in Challenging Times
• Importance of Building a Support Network for Mental Health.

Ways To Structure 2 Minutes Speech

Structuring a 2-minute speech effectively is essential to ensure that your message is clear, concise, and engaging. Here are several ways to structure a 2-minute speech:

Introduction (10-15 seconds)

• Start with a hook or attention-grabber to capture the audience’s interest.
• Introduce yourself and briefly preview the topic you’ll be discussing.
• State the main purpose or thesis of your speech.

Main Points (45-60 seconds)

• Organize your speech into two or three main points that support your thesis.
• Dedicate roughly equal time to each main point.
• Provide supporting evidence, examples, or anecdotes for each point to reinforce your arguments.
• Use transitions to smoothly move from one point to the next, maintaining the flow of your speech.

Conclusion (15-20 seconds)

• Summarize the main points you’ve discussed, reinforcing your thesis.
• End with a strong closing statement or call to action that leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
• Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion; instead, focus on reinforcing key takeaways.

Optional: Opening Story or Quote (10-15 seconds)

• Begin your speech with a relevant story, anecdote, or quote that sets the tone for your topic.
• Ensure that the opening relates directly to the main points you’ll be discussing and serves to engage the audience from the start.

Optional: Visual Aid or Prop (if applicable)

• If appropriate for your topic, consider using a visual aid or prop to enhance your speech.
• Keep visual aids simple and relevant, using them to complement your verbal message rather than distract from it.

Optional: Audience Interaction (if applicable)

• Engage the audience by asking a rhetorical question, prompting them to reflect on their own experiences, or inviting them to participate in a brief activity related to your topic.
• Be mindful of time constraints and ensure that any audience interaction enhances rather than detracts from the overall structure of your speech.

Remember to practice your speech multiple times to ensure that you can deliver it comfortably within the 2-minute timeframe. Focus on clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery, and be prepared to adapt if you find that certain sections of your speech are taking longer than anticipated. 

With careful planning and rehearsal, you can structure a compelling and effective 2-minute speech that effectively conveys your message to the audience.

Mastering the art of 2 minute speeches is a valuable skill that can benefit students in various aspects of their lives. By learning how to effectively communicate ideas within a short timeframe, students can improve their time management, attention span, and overall public speaking abilities.

By choosing the right 2 minute speech topics for students, structuring their speech effectively, and delivering it with confidence, students can excel in this endeavor and become successful communicators.

So, embrace opportunities for public speaking, practice regularly, and watch as your confidence and communication skills soar.

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Home » Blog » General » The Power of Gratitude: A Quick 2-Minute Speech Guide

The Power of Gratitude: A Quick 2-Minute Speech Guide

Welcome to my blog! Today, I want to talk about the power of gratitude and how it can positively impact our lives. Gratitude is a simple yet profound concept that has the potential to transform our mindset and well-being. In this blog post, I will provide you with a quick 2-minute speech guide on gratitude, so you can effectively communicate its importance to others.

Definition of Gratitude

Before we dive into the speech guide, let’s first define gratitude. Gratitude is the practice of acknowledging and appreciating the good things in our lives. It involves recognizing the positive aspects, experiences, and people that we are grateful for. In the realm of social emotional learning, gratitude plays a significant role in fostering emotional intelligence, empathy, and positive relationships.

Research has shown that practicing gratitude can have a profound impact on our mental well-being. It helps shift our focus from what is lacking in our lives to what we already have. By cultivating gratitude, we can experience greater happiness, contentment, and overall life satisfaction.

Benefits of Practicing Gratitude

Now that we understand the definition of gratitude, let’s explore the benefits of incorporating it into our daily lives.

Psychological Benefits of Gratitude

Practicing gratitude has been linked to numerous psychological benefits:

• Improved mood and happiness: Expressing gratitude can boost our mood and increase feelings of happiness. It helps us focus on the positive aspects of our lives, even during challenging times.
• Reduced stress and anxiety: Gratitude has a calming effect on our nervous system. It helps reduce stress and anxiety by shifting our attention away from negative thoughts and worries.
• Increased resilience and positive mindset: When we practice gratitude, we develop a more positive mindset and become better equipped to handle adversity. It helps us find silver linings and learn from difficult experiences.

Social Benefits of Gratitude

Gratitude not only benefits us individually but also has a positive impact on our relationships and communities:

• Strengthened relationships and connections: Expressing gratitude towards others strengthens our relationships and fosters a sense of connection. It helps us appreciate the people in our lives and encourages them to reciprocate.
• Enhanced empathy and compassion: Gratitude cultivates empathy and compassion towards others. It helps us recognize the efforts and kindness of others, leading to a more compassionate and understanding society.
• Fostering a positive and supportive community: When gratitude is practiced collectively, it creates a positive and supportive community. It encourages individuals to uplift and support one another, creating a ripple effect of kindness and gratitude.

How to Deliver a 2-Minute Speech on Gratitude

Now that we understand the benefits of gratitude, let’s explore how to deliver a powerful 2-minute speech on this topic:

• Start with a captivating opening statement or anecdote related to gratitude: Begin your speech with a compelling story or statement that grabs the audience’s attention and sets the tone for the rest of your speech.
• State the purpose of the speech: Clearly state the purpose of your speech – to emphasize the power of gratitude and its impact on our lives.
• Share a personal experience or observation: Connect with your audience by sharing a personal experience or observation that highlights the impact of gratitude. This will make your speech relatable and engaging.
• Discuss the benefits of practicing gratitude: Use concise and impactful language to explain the psychological and social benefits of gratitude. Highlight the key points we discussed earlier.
• Provide practical tips for cultivating gratitude: Offer a few practical tips that your audience can implement in their daily lives to cultivate gratitude. Keep it simple and actionable.
• Conclude with a call to action: Wrap up your speech by encouraging the audience to embrace gratitude and incorporate it into their daily lives. Leave them with a powerful call to action that inspires them to take the first step.

Tips for Effective Delivery

In addition to the content of your speech, here are some tips to enhance your delivery:

• Maintain eye contact with the audience: Engage with your audience by maintaining eye contact. This helps establish a connection and keeps their attention focused on you.
• Use appropriate body language and gestures: Use gestures and body language to enhance your speech. This adds visual interest and helps convey your message effectively.
• Speak clearly and confidently: Speak with clarity and confidence, using a conversational tone. This will make your speech more engaging and relatable.
• Use pauses effectively: Utilize pauses strategically to emphasize key points and allow the audience to absorb your message. This adds impact and helps maintain a steady pace.
• Practice beforehand: Practice your speech beforehand to ensure a smooth delivery within the time limit. This will boost your confidence and help you deliver your message effectively.

In conclusion, gratitude is a powerful practice that can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. By incorporating gratitude into our daily lives, we can experience improved mental well-being, stronger relationships, and a more positive and supportive community. Remember, a 2-minute speech on gratitude can make a lasting impact. So, start embracing gratitude today and witness the positive changes it brings.

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

“How To” Speech Topics, Ideas & Examples

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

Want to speak in front of an audience but are terrified of freezing or being boring? I know the feeling. If you’ve ever had to give a “how-to” speech, you know that it can be incredibly intimidating. It also entails coming up with how-to speech ideas and creative examples.

After all, how will they finish listening if the audience isn’t hooked by what you’re saying right away? To help ease your worries (and inspire those ideas!), here’s everything you need on “how-to” speeches: topics, samples & potential pitfalls — so read ahead!

Writing a How-to Speech

The speaker needs to consider several important factors when preparing to give a how-to speech. The how-to speech should identify the problem that needs to be resolved, explain how the problem can be fixed with a step-by-step approach, and list any potential obstacles the audience may face.

It is also important for speakers to choose how-to speech topics that are of interest or relevance to their target audience. This will ensure maximum engagement and retention throughout the speech.

How-to Speech Ideas That Are Funny

When it comes to funny “how-to” speeches, the possibilities are endless! Whether talking about how to make a perfect paper airplane or how to be the life of the party, humor can enhance your presentation and help keep your audience engaged.

Try using puns, silly props, or even anecdotes that provide insight into the process while still making people laugh. The goal is to not only impart valuable knowledge but also entertain your listener.

With some creativity, you can develop a humorous speech that achieves a comedic effect and explains its topic.

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Interesting How-to Topics

When asked to present a speech, many people immediately search for the most interesting ideas for a how-to speech. From tidying up after the biggest mess to baking a delicious cake, speeches about how to do something can be informative and entertaining.

While it may seem challenging to come up with fresh ideas, an infinite number of topics could be used. Some great suggestions include teaching viewers how to create a simple budget plan , explaining plant-based diets and their benefits, explaining how to instruct others effectively, or even how to ace an interview.

No matter what topic you go with, remember that the important thing is to be passionate and provide audiences with detailed instructions. When done correctly, choosing an interesting “how-to” topic for your speech will surely have your audience applauding in no time!

Choosing a Demonstration Speech Topic

Choosing a demonstration speech topic may seem daunting, but it can be simple and enjoyable with the right guidance. Identifying the topics appropriate for a demonstration speech is the first step in navigating this process.

Demonstration topics should be grounded in facts and provide pertinent knowledge about your expertise or interest. They should also focus on something that can be demonstrated in a tangible way, such as making a craft or performing an experiment.

• Your Interests

Choosing engaging good how-to speech topics based on one’s interests can be daunting yet rewarding. Taking the time to reflect on potential topics and thinking carefully about what topics truly interest you is fundamental to assembling a captivating presentation.

As such, it is paramount to begin by reflecting upon your hobbies and leisure activity ideas that you find most intriguing, as well as any activities or tasks you feel passionate about sharing with others.

Additionally, curating ideas from other media sources, such as newspaper articles or magazines, helps provide further insight into new and novel subjects or angles that can motivate your research process.

Only through this deliberate effort to understand our interests and apply them creatively towards developing a worthwhile “how-to” speech topic can we find the contentment of presenting a presentation with which listeners will engage.

• Who the Speech Is For

Choosing a “how-to” speech topic is critical in delivering an effective presentation. When selecting your topic, it’s important to keep the audience in mind.

Decide who your speech is for and make sure it is relevant to their interests. Select something specific that can benefit them or be beneficial in a general sense. Choose something the audience wants to learn about and that you are comfortable presenting. This will ensure your presentation skills are on display, as well as your knowledge about the topic.

Ensure your topic has enough depth for you to use additional research as support. This will strengthen the content of your presentation and demonstrate personal effort.

Ultimately, with careful consideration of who your speech is addressed to, you can craft a “how-to” topic that adds value both for yourself and your audience.

• The Setting of the Speech

Choosing a “how-to” speech topic based on the setting of the speech is an important step in preparing for an effective presentation.

It is essential to consider the purpose of the speech, the audience’s interests and needs, and any limitations or restrictions that may be present to construct an appropriate topic and choose relevant information to include.

Anticipating questions or topics of interest related to the audience is helpful when selecting a relevant topic.

• The Time You’ve Got to Prepare the Speech

Deciding on a “how-to” speech topic can be daunting. But the task becomes much more manageable, considering how much time you have to prepare for the presentation. Start by narrowing down the possibilities based on how much time you have.

If you have more time to prepare, opt for something more challenging. If you have only a short amount of time, choose a simpler topic.

Once you have determined the complexity level and estimated preparation time, consider your interests to find a topic that is both engaging to yourself and hopefully your audience.

As with any speech or presentation, researching and practicing before the actual event will greatly benefit your delivery and engagement with your audience.

Although finalizing a speech topic for a “how-to” presentation can be stressful, understanding constraints and utilizing interests will help make this process easier.

• The Time You’ve Got to Give the Speech

When selecting a “how-to” speech topic, the amount of time you have to give the presentation should be considered. It is wise to carefully analyze the time frame constraints of the assignment and assess which topics can be thoroughly explored in the allocated duration.

Attempting to cover too much material within a limited timeframe may lead to rushed communication and limit your opportunity to expand on the subject matter. Instead, select a focus that allows space for further discussion but remains concise enough to explore properly within your allotted time.

It is also advantageous to choose a topic that naturally interests you. This will heighten enthusiasm and engagement throughout your presentation, thus helping create an impactful delivery. Doing so will ensure you stay on track and avoid exceeding the assigned timeframe.

• The Guidelines for Assessment

When choosing a “how-to” speech topic, it is important to ensure that the topic meets all of the guidelines for assessment. It is a good idea to consider current and relevant topics, informative, interesting, and new, demonstrating the speaker’s understanding of their subject matter.

Choosing a topic with an appropriate difficulty level can help ensure that your speech will be comprehensive and engaging for your audience.

Demonstrative Speech Topics

Selecting topics for speeches comes down to choosing something you both know and can present effectively. As you brainstorm possible show-and-tell ideas, narrow the topics until you arrive at one that is interesting to you and your audience and fulfills all criteria needed for an effective demonstration presentation.

Once you’ve chosen a successful topic, preparing the speech will become much simpler, allowing you to demonstrate confidently and successfully.

Here are some easy demonstrative speech ideas for how-to.

Animals/Pets

Giving a speech to educate an audience about how to care for animals/pets can be an enriching experience.

It is important to research and thoroughly understand the topic to provide the audience with accurate and applicable information. This will entail researching different animal species and their specific characteristics, needs, and behaviors.

Moreover, ample time must be allocated for preparation so all aspects of proper pet-keeping can be explained clearly and confidently.

Topics ideas could range from a persuasive speech on how to pick the best breed to an informative speech on pet health. 

Gardens/Yards

Talking about creating and maintaining a garden or a yard requires proper preparation to ensure that the information relayed is accurate and beneficial. Researching various gardening elements beforehand will provide a strong base for discerning audiences to build on.

Be sure to present topics such as plant selection, design ideas, pest prevention, watering methods, and other environmental factors in an organized fashion that is easy for your listeners to follow.

Offering clear instructions throughout the speech with examples showing the steps in action can help ensure that your audience walks away feeling confident about their newly acquired knowledge.

Topics could cover how to identify poisonous plants, how to get rid of garden pests, how to make an indoor herb garden, and even how to make garden art. 

To give an effective “how-to” speech about crafts, the speaker should start by introducing themselves and properly framing the topic. They should provide a brief overview of what the audience will learn in their presentation and then begin with the most basic information, slowly building up to more complex concepts.

Crafting often has visual aid speech topics. At every stage of presenting, visuals should be provided for illustration. Visuals could range from diagrams or step-by-step photographs showing how a craft is made to video or actual physical models.

Once all of this information has been presented, the speaker should summarize the key points covered and allow time for questions from the audience before concluding their presentation.

Games/Sports

Giving a “how-to” speech about games/sports is an excellent way to share knowledge and teach important concepts. It requires the speaker to do comprehensive research and prepare in advance.

To give an effective “how-to” speech, start by introducing the game/sport accurately and make sure to tailor the presentation for your specific audience. Additionally, focus on one topic at a time, explain each step with vivid examples, and use visuals like charts or diagrams if possible.

Once you have covered all steps necessary for playing the game/sport, end the speech concisely and provide resources that can be used after the presentation.

Topics here could range from how to perfect your golf swing to even how to teach basketball.

Food And More

Delivering a successful “how-to” speech about food and drinks requires careful preparation. First, it is important to do research on the topic so that you have an understanding of the background information.

Once this has been accomplished, the next step should be to focus on a specific field within the topic and craft your presentation around this selected focus. Be sure to collect illustrations, charts, or photographs relevant to your chosen material, as these visual elements can make all the difference in bringing your words to life.

How to Structure a How-to Speech

Structuring a “how-to” speech can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Firstly, you should brainstorm the steps needed to accomplish your desired outcome with as much detail as possible. Secondly, organize the steps in chronological order.

This will give the rhythm of your speech a natural flow. Then, begin by introducing yourself and the topic by providing background information on why it is important.

Following completion of the step-by-step instructions, summarize what was just explained and explain why it matters in general terms. Finally, address any foreseeable issues and offer solutions to avoid them.

How-to Speech Template

A “how-to” speech template is an effective method to prepare a speech. This is especially useful when speaking on topics that may be largely unfamiliar to the audience, as it provides a straightforward structure for organizing the material.

The basic format of this type of speech involves:

• Introducing the topic.
• Describing the purpose and benefits of knowing more about it.
• Decomposing the subject matter into easily digestible sections.
• Concluding with a summary and reflection on what has been covered.

Additionally, including visual aids and personal anecdotes can further add interest and clarity to speeches, helping ensure everyone remains engaged throughout the presentation. Use this blank demonstration speech outline to craft your own any time!

To Sum It Up

Giving a great how-to speech is mostly about choosing the right topic. As how-to speeches often require visuals such as PowerPoint slides and handouts, these should be reviewed pre-speech to guarantee smooth delivery during the presentation itself. Speaking confidently and clearly while allowing time for questions and feedback is also essential in delivering an effective how-to speech.

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Great Movie Speeches in 2 minutes (8 examples)

Movie speeches are a great opportunity see how much impact you can have in a short space of time.

I watched ‘ Fair Game ‘ last night (with Sean Penn and Naomi Watts) which ended with a powerful movie speech. Powerful and short . In fact, the best movie speeches are only about 100 seconds. (The Gettysburg Address was about 2 min long).

Hopefully these movies speeches will get you in the mood to produce powerful business presentations (most of which are longer than they need to be ).

And by the way, the speakers giving these movie speeches  don’t rush . There are long pauses . In fact, they generally speak at half the pace of most business presentations. Yet they convey so much.

You can say a lot in a minute or two if you clarify your ideas and craft your messages .

List of great movie speeches…

TRANSCRIPT:

“I ain’t draft-dodgin.’ I ain’t burnin’ no flag. And I ain’t runnin’ to Canada. I’m stayin’ right here.

You wanna send me to jail? Fine, you go right ahead. I’ve been in jail for 400 years. I can be there for 4 or 5 more.

But I ain’t goin’ no 10,000 miles to help murder and kill other poor people . If I wanna die, I’ll die right here, right now fightin’ you — if I wanna die.

You my enemy. Not no Chinese, no Viet Cong, no Japanese.

You my opposer — when I want freedom.

You my opposer — when I want justice.

You my opposer — when I want equality.

Want me to go to somewhere and I fight for you? You won’t even stand up for me right here in America for my rights and my religious beliefs. You won’t even stand up for me right here at home .”

A Beautiful Mind (2002)

“I’ve always believed in numbers and the equations and logics that lead to reason .

But after a lifetime of such pursuits, I ask,

What truly is logic? Who decides reason?

My quest has taken me through the physical, the metaphysical, the delusional — and back. And I have made the most important discovery of my career, the most important discovery of my life: It is only in the mysterious equations of love that any logic or reasons can be found.

I’m only here tonight because of you [wife, Alicia]. You are the reason I am. You are all my reasons . Thank you.”

Fair Game (2011)

(Less than 2 mins) Enlightening movie speech about the decision to go to war in Iraq. Watch the movie speech here.

“ How many of you know the 16 words in President Bush’s State of the Union Address that led us to war? (none) How many know my wife’s name? (everyone) .

How can you know one, and not the other? When did the question move from ‘Why are we going to war?’ to ‘Who is this man’s wife?’

I asked the first question, and somebody else asked the second. And it worked. Because none of us know the truth. The offence that was committed was not committed against me, it was not committed against my wife – it was committed against you. All of you.

If that makes you angry or feel misrepresented, do something about it.

When Benjamin Franklin left Independence Hall, just after the second draft of it, he was approached by a woman on the street, the woman said, ‘Mr Franklin, what manner of government have you bequeathed us? And Franklin said, ‘A Republic madam… if you can keep it.’

The responsibility of a country is not in the hands of a privileged few. We are strong and we are free from tyranny as long as each one of us remembers his or her duty as a citizen. Whether it’s to report a pothole at the top of your street, or lies in a State of The Union Address, speak out! Ask those questions. Demand that truth. Democracy is not a free ride man, I’m here to tell you.

But this is where we live. And if we do our job, this is where our children will live. God bless America.”

Wall street (1987)

“Well, ladies and gentlemen, we’re not here to indulge in fantasy , but in political and economic reality. America has become a second-rate power. Its trade deficit and its fiscal deficit are at nightmare proportions. Now, in the days of the free market, when our country was a top industrial power, there was accountability to the stockholder. The Carnegies, the Mellons, the men that built this great industrial empire, made sure of it because it was their money at stake. Today, management has no stake in the company!

All together, these men sitting up here [Teldar management] own less than 3 percent of the company. And where does Mr. Cromwell[CEO] put his million-dollar salary? Not in Teldar stock; he owns less than 1 percent.

You own the company. That’s right — you, the stockholder.

Teldar Paper has 33 different vice presidents, each earning over 200 thousand dollars a year. Now, I have spent the last two months analyzing what all these guys do, and I still can’t figure it out. One thing I do know is that our paper company lost 110 million dollars last year, and I’ll bet that half of that was spent in all the paperwork going back and forth between all these vice presidents.

And you are all being royally screwed over by these, these bureaucrats, with their steak lunches, their hunting and fishing trips, their corporate jets and golden parachutes.

The new law of evolution in corporate American seems to be survival of the un-fittest . Well in my book you either do it right or you get eliminated. In the last seven deals that I’ve been involved with there were 2.5 million stockholders who have made a pre-tax profit of 11 million dollars. I am not a destroyer of companies, I am a liberator of them!

The point is ladies and gentlemen that Greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right, greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed in all of its forms. Greed for life, money, love, knowledge, has marked the upward surge of mankind, and greed – you mark my words – will not only save Teldar Paper, but that other malfunctioning corporation called the U.S.A .

Thank you very much.”

The Verdict (1982)

“Well…You know, so much of the time we’re just lost. We say, “Please, God, tell us what is right. Tell us what is true.”

I mean there is no justice. The rich win; the poor are powerless. We become tired of hearing people lie. And after a time we become dead, a little dead. We think of ourselves as victims — and we become victims. We become weak; we doubt ourselves; we doubt our beliefs; we doubt our institutions; and we doubt the law.

But today you are the law . You are the law, not some book, not the lawyers, not a marble statue, or the trappings of the court. See, those are just symbols of our desire to be just. They are, in fact, a prayer, I mean a fervent and a frightened prayer.

In my religion, they say, “Act as if you had faith; faith will be given to you.”

If we are to have faith in justice we need only to believe in ourselves and act with justice. See, I believe there is justice in our hearts .”

Malice (1993)

(90 seconds) One of the most devious movie speeches; where Alec Baldwin plays a Doctor intentionally losing a malpractice suit to collect a share of the insurance money. Watch the movie speech here.

“ The question is, “Do I have a ‘God Complex’ ?

Which makes me wonder if this lawyer has any idea as to the kind of grades one has to receive in college to be accepted at a top medical school.

Or if you have the vaguest clue as to how talented someone has to be to lead a surgical team.

I have an M.D. from Harvard. I am board certified in cardiothoracic medicine and trauma surgery. I have been awarded citations from seven different medical boards in New England; and I am never, ever sick at sea.

So I ask you, when someone goes into that chapel and they fall on their knees and they pray to God that their wife doesn’t miscarry, or that their daughter doesn’t bleed to death, or that their mother doesn’t suffer acute neural trauma from postoperative shock, who do you think they’re praying to? Now, you go ahead and read your Bible, Dennis, and you go to your church and with any luck you might win the annual raffle. But if you’re looking for God, he was in operating room number two on November 17th, and he doesn’t like to be second guessed.

Let me tell you something: You ask me if I have a God complex?

….and this side show is over.”

Gandhi (1982)

(Less than 2 mins) Movies speeches like this show how messages can change the world! Dramatic yet calm speech advocating a policy of non-violence while opposing an unjust law.

Person from the large, angry audience : “ In this cause, I would be willing to die! “

Gandhi : I praise such courage. I need such courage because in this cause I, too, am prepared to die. But, my friend, there is no cause for which I am prepared to kill . Whatever they do to us, we will attack no one, kill no one, but we will not give our fingerprints — not one of us.

They will imprison us, and they will fine us. They will seize our possessions, but they cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them.

Audience Member : Have you been to prison?! They beat us and torture us! I say that we should —

Gandhi : I am asking you to fight! To fight against their anger, not to provoke it. We will not strike a blow, but we will receive them. And through our pain we will make them see their injustice, and it will hurt — as all fighting hurts. But we cannot lose. We cannot. They may torture my body, break my bones, even kill me. Then, they will have my dead body — not my obedience.

We are Hindu and Muslim, children of God, each one of us. Let us take a solemn oath, in His name, that come what may we will not submit to this law.”

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

(2 mins) Great movie speech where Morgan Freeman’s character ‘Redding’ addresses the parole board for the final time. Watch the movie speech here.

“ Parole Board Interviewer : Please, sit down. Ellis Boyd Redding, your files say you’ve served 40 years of a life sentence. You feel you’ve been rehabilitated?

Redding : Rehabilitated? Well, now, let me see. You know, I don’t have any idea what that means .

Parole Board Interviewer : Uh, well, it means you’re ready to rejoin society.

Redding : I know what you think it means, sonny. To me, it’s just a made up word, a politician’s word, so that young fellas like yourself can wear a suit and a tie and have a job. What do you really wanna know? Am I sorry for what I did?

Parole Board Interviewer : Well, are you?

Redding : There’s not a day goes by I don’t feel regret. Not because I’m in here, or because you think I should. I look back on the way I was then, a young, stupid kid who committed that terrible crime. I wanna talk to him. I wanna try to talk some sense to him — tell him the way things are. But I can’t. That kid’s long gone and this old man is all that’s left. I gotta live with that.

Rehabilitated? It’s just a bullshit word.

So you go on and stamp your form, sonny, and stop wasting my time. Because to tell you the truth, I don’t give a shit.

Parole Board Interviewer : [Stamp: APPROVED]”

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CNN’s Daniel Dale Fact Checks Trump’s Rant After E. Jean Carroll Appeal Hearing: ‘A Jury of His Peers Disagreed’

Baltimore ravens tweet gets brutal community note after game-winning play in nfl opener gets called back, cnn’s wolf blitzer roasts trump during post-court rant: ‘if he’s so innocent’ why didn’t he testify, hannity asks trump what he’ll do when kamala harris tries to ‘piss you off’ at debate, national review writers blast ‘hollow, lazy, emotionally manipulative’ jd vance for dividing conservatives with ‘dumb-as-rocks’ rhetoric, trump drops two-minute word salad when asked how he would make childcare more affordable.

In response to a question about making childcare more affordable, former President Donald Trump provided what can best be described as a largely unintelligible word salad.

Trump on Tuesday fielded questions at the Economic Club of New York . During this Q&A session, he was asked to “commit to prioritizing legislation to make childcare affordable.” As a follow-up to that question, he was asked to elaborate on the legislation he would put in place.

Almost immediately, the former president skirted around that question to talk about “taxing foreign nations” and his promise to “no deficits within a fairly short period of time”:

Well, I would do that, and we’re sitting down — you know, I was, somebody — we had Senator Marco Rubio , and my daughter Ivanka was so impactful on that issue. It’s a very important issue. But I think when you talk about the kind of numbers that I’m talking about, that — because the childcare is childcare — there’s something, you have to have it in this country. You have to have it. But when you talk about those numbers compared to the kind of numbers that I’m talking about by taxing foreign nations at levels that they’re not used to — but they’ll get used to it very quickly — and it’s not going to stop them from doing business with us; but they’ll have a very substantial tax when they send product into our country. Those numbers are so much bigger than any numbers that we’re talking about, including childcare, that it’s going to take care — we’re going to have, I look forward to having no deficits within a fairly short period of time, coupled with the reductions that I told you about on waste and fraud and all of the other things that are going on in our country because I have to stay with childcare. I want to stay with childcare. But those numbers are small relative to the kind of economic numbers that I’m talking about — including growth — but growth also headed up by what the plan is that I just told you about. We’re going to be taking in trillions of dollars. And as much as childcare is talked about as being expensive, it’s, relatively speaking, not very expensive compared to the kind of numbers we’ll be taking in. We’re going to make this into an incredible country that can afford to take care of its people, and then we’ll worry about the rest of the world. Let’s help other people, but we’re going to take care of our country first. This is about America first. It’s about “Make America Great Again.” We have to do it because right now we’re a failing nation, so we’ll take care of it. Thank you.

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Imagine the pivotal moments in Good Will Hunting, where we witness Will’s deeply profound transformation from a troubled mind to someone learning to step into his potential. Mr. Keating’s spirited call to his students to “seize the day” in Dead Poets Society stays long past the credits roll. 

We also can’t forget Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, who is so hopeful and determined that an entire prison of men is motivated by his persistence. Much like these peak moments of classic cinema, a layered motivational speech can change hearts, compel action, and stand the test of time.

Are you gearing up to speak in front of a crowd of peers, students, or simply just the general public? Knowing how to motivate through words will arm you with the tools to get your message across most effectively. Over the following few sections, we’ll explain how to write a motivational speech that resonates and delivers an enduring impact.

Step 1: Define Your Purpose and Audience

Before embarking on writing a motivational speech, clarity about intention and listeners is paramount. Without a clear idea about the target audience, drafting your speech can be challenging. 

1.1. Identifying the goal or message of your speech

Your speech requires a well-defined purpose. This will guide the selection and delivery of motivational speech topics. If stirring activity is the goal, contemplate the precise steps you want listeners to take after hearing you. This could encompass adopting a new outlook or engaging in a cause. To elevate morale, infuse affirmations throughout. Highlight accomplishments and strengths. Your message should reinforce faith in capabilities and potential.

For personal growth, emphasise constant learning and the importance of self-betterment. Provide insights and techniques aiding audiences’ skills and character cultivation.

1.2. Understanding your audience

Comprehending those addressed is pivotal for effectively customizing the inspirational speech. For instance, the common issues they confront, their dreams, goals, etc. 

Consider demographics, such as age, occupation, culture, interests, and particular difficulties. This aids in crafting a relevant, relatable message. Employ language, anecdotes, and examples echoing audiences’ experiences and values. This builds connection and amplifies impact.

Step 2: Choose an Engaging Topic or Theme

To keep their attention, choosing a theme that will interest the audience is vital. For instance, selecting a topic that resonates with their challenges. 

2.1. Selecting a compelling and relevant theme

Your focus should correspond to the purpose of the speech. In simpler words, make sure the theme of your speech inspires them. For instance, rendering them the courage to take up a venture they have been contemplating for a long time. 

Overcoming adversity or challenges

Themes, which describe an individual’s or a group’s experiences of defeating some challenges, can be the most powerful and relevant. This theme resonates with many, whether it’s a motivational speech for students or others. 

Achieving goals and success

Themes focused on achieving goals or success motivate the listeners to take action. Incorporate real stories of heroes who have overcome all challenges to fulfil their dreams. 

Personal growth and self-improvement

Another theme that is suitable for a speech of such kind is focused on personal growth and self-improvement. There, you can explain the necessity of self-education and knowledge.

2.2. Brainstorming captivating titles or hooks

Find a memorable title to interest your potential audience. For this purpose, use words that hint at what will be described, which can establish the mood. 

Step 3: Craft a Powerful Introduction

How we begin the motivational speech impacts how our message is received. A skilled orator knows this well.

3.1. Capturing the audience’s attention from the start

To captivate our listeners, we must start strong. An exciting opening secures engagement immediately. Begin by sharing something unexpected that makes us think differently. Use words that can reset the listeners’ perspectives. 

Offer a meaningful personal anecdote linked to your theme. For example, recalling how you persevered through a formidable challenge displays character. Propose an inquiry that gets brains buzzing. For instance, “What if failing wasn’t an option – how far could you go?” A powerful motivational speech has questions that ignite interest.

3.2. Establishing rapport and connecting with the audience

By relating to others, trust and goodwill form. Demonstrate empathy for their journey and find humour in shared humanity to foster connection. 

Step 4: Develop the Body of Your Speech

The body of your speech is where you fully explore your central theme and provide compelling evidence to support your perspective.

4.1. Structuring your content logically and coherently

Develop your motivational speech text coherently that flows logically from one idea to the next. This ensures your audience can easily follow your line of thinking.

Using the problem-solution format

Present a challenge or issue your listeners face, then propose ways to address it. Framing your speech in this problem-solution format engages attendees and leaves them with practical takeaways.

Incorporating personal experiences or examples

Weave in relevant anecdotes from your own life that demonstrate your points. Sharing stories from your journey makes your motivational speech more relatable and memorable for those listening.

Transitioning smoothly between points

Use transition phrases and words to move gracefully from one concept to the next. Maintaining continuity and flow aids comprehension as you develop your key arguments.

4.2. Incorporating motivational techniques

It is one of the techniques to amplify the impact of your message. Invoke emotions by connecting to what matters to your audience. Talk about what energizes their spirit. This helps in bringing your ideas to life. Visual storytelling engages the imagination and makes your insights more unforgettable. Cite inspiring quotes, role models, or triumphs that reinforce your ideas. For instance, share the tale of someone who achieved remarkable things against challenging odds.

Step 5: Craft a Compelling Conclusion

The best motivation speech has a good ending. It should solidify your message and leave a lasting impression.

5.1. Summarising your key points and central message

Briefly reiterate the main ideas of your speech to reinforce your message. Include the most essential points to summarize your central theme.

5.2. Leaving a lasting impression

End your motivational speech with energy to guarantee your message resonates. Leave the audience motivated to remember the significance of your presentation.

Offer a brief yet compelling call to action. For instance, “I challenge each and every one of you today to take one bold step closer to your dream.” Conclude by sharing an uplifting quote or sentiment to encourage your listeners. For example, “Remember that the only boundaries in life are those you place on yourself.”

Step 6: Polish and Refine Your Speech

Think about ways to make your motivational speech sound better with finishing touches. 

6.1. Editing and revising for clarity and impact

Review your speech thoroughly to ensure each component is concise yet impactful. Remove redundant elements and guarantee your terminology is unambiguous and direct. Consider reworking sections to accentuate your focus better or strengthen connections between ideas.

6.2. Incorporating rhetorical devices and language techniques

Employ literary techniques like reiteration, symmetry, and allegory to enliven your speech. Such strategies render your message more compelling and unforgettable. Consider diverse methods of arrangement and expression to engage your audience and solidify the understanding of your perspective.

6.3. Rehearsing and timing your delivery

Rehearse your oration repeatedly in diverse settings. Monitor precise timing and presentation style. Record yourself and reflect on areas for improvement. Welcome feedback and tweak accordingly. Refine through trial and error to optimize performance.

Examples and Inspiration

Before writing your motivational speech in English, look into some references. This will help you to comprehend where and how to add quotes, examples, and where to use your own words. 

1. Excerpts from renowned motivational speeches

Study excerpts from famous speeches to understand what makes them effective. For example, the “I Have a Dream” speech from Martin Luther King Jr is powerful because of its rhythmic repetition and vivid imagery. It painted a vision so compelling that listeners felt they could touch it.

2. Techniques used by successful motivational speakers

Analyze techniques used by speakers who have motivated millions, like Tony Robbins’ theatrical storytelling style that transports audiences or Brené Brown’s empathy-invoking vulnerability that connects hearts. Notice patterns in how they engage emotion and imagination to inspire action.

Additional Tips and Strategies

A few more pointers to remember while crafting a motivational speech for success in life are as follows: 

1. Incorporating personal stories and experiences

Share authentic anecdotes highlighting your message to relate to listeners. Tales showcasing trials and triumphs trumpet your theme memorably.

Pick stories that hit on what your speech is about. Let’s say you are lecturing on resilience, then tell an instance of overcoming extraordinary difficulties. 

Paint a vivid picture of your personal experience. Describe the feelings, backdrop, and actions that took place. Relate your story to the experiences of your audience and what they can learn from it.

2. Using visual aids or multimedia elements effectively

Imagery and technological tools tactically bolster speeches, illustrating important issues innovatively. Multimedia maintains momentum and mesmerizes minds.

Using visual aids enables viewers to grasp complexities more easily. These elements capture their eye, raise their attention, and have an impact that speech alone can never rival. Information presented in visual form is also more easily remembered.

3. Engaging the audience and encouraging participation

Encouraging engagement energizes events and makes them interactive. Pose questions, invite feedback, or conduct activities involving everyone enthusiastically.

You must plan and rehearse the audience participation, or the program will fail. Make activities and questions accessible to everybody in the audience. Be prepared for surprises and a change from plan according to your audience’s responses or degree of enthusiasm.

To write a motivational speech, you need careful planning and an understanding of your mission and audience. Make the speech capture their attention by taking these steps and then get them going with an organic spark of interest in your activities or ideas. You must be authentic and build connections to master delivering a great inspirational speech. Speak from your heart, and the words will resonate.

FAQs on Motivational Speech

Q1: how long should a motivational speech be.

A1: A motivational speech should be clear and impactful, generally 10-20 minutes long. The key is to hold people’s interest and let them go away with a strong message. Remember that a short motivational speech can also spark significant changes. 

Q2: How can I overcome stage fright before giving a speech?

A2: Practice the speech several times, ideally in front of a mirror or small audience. Focus on preparing the material and on deep breathing.

Q3: What role can humor play in a motivational speech?

A3: Humor can help bring your audience’s attention to the speech. The humorous content should fit the overall message while not distracting from it. It should be funny but with some logic and shouldn’t offend anyone.

Q4: What should I do if I get lost in my speech?

A4: If you lose your rhythm, take a deep breath. Use notes or slides to get back on track with what you are saying. Remember, audiences are often more lenient than we tend to believe. In addition, pausing can also create a suspenseful, engaging moment.

Q5: How can I involve the audience in my speech?

A5: To make your speech more interactive, ask rhetorical questions, invite audience participation, and use visual aids. This keeps the audience interested and brings home your message. You could also call for comments or volunteer to share their experiences related to your subject.

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Trump tried to explain how he plans to make childcare more affordable. It was a word salad

The republican nominee gave a two-minute, 362-word response, article bookmarked.

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After what were supposed to be remarks on his economic agenda on Thursday , Donald Trump was asked whether he will commit to making childcare affordable, and what “specific piece of legislation” he would support to do so.

A two-minute, 362-word response didn’t appear to come close to answering either question.

The Republican presidential nominee addressed the Economic Club of New York on Thursday, and promised to slash “trillions” in federal spending, gut regulations, increase tariffs on imports and hire billionaire Elon Musk to identify where to make “drastic” cuts across the government.

Then he was asked the following question.“If you win in November, can you commit to prioritizing legislation to make childcare affordable, and if so, what specific piece of legislation would you advance?”

Trump responded: “Well, I would do that, and we’re sitting down, and I was, somebody, we had Senator Marco Rubio, and my daughter Ivanka was so impactful on that issue. It’s a very important issue. But I think when you talk about the kind of numbers that I’m talking about, that, because, look, child care is child care is. It’s, couldn’t, you know, there’s something, you have to have it. In this country you have to have it.”

He went on: “But when you talk about those numbers compared to the kind of numbers that I’m talking about by taxing foreign nations at levels that they’re not used to — but they’ll get used to it very quickly – and it’s not gonna stop them from doing business with us, but they’ll have a very substantial tax when they send product into our country. Those numbers are so much bigger than any numbers that we’re talking about, including child care, that it’s going to take care.

“We’re gonna have — I, I look forward to having no deficits within a fairly short period of time, coupled with the reductions that I told you about on waste and fraud and all of the other things that are going on in our country, because I have to stay with child care. I want to stay with child care, but those numbers are small relative to the kind of economic numbers that I’m talking about, including growth, but growth also headed up by what the plan is that I just, that I just told you about.

“We’re gonna be taking in trillions of dollars, and as much as child care is talked about as being expensive, it’s relatively speaking not very expensive compared to the kind of numbers we’ll be taking in. We’re going to make this into an incredible country that can afford to take care of its people, and then we’ll worry about the rest of the world. Let’s help other people. But we’re going to take care of our country first. This is about America first. It’s about Make America Great Again. We have to do it because right now we’re a failing nation, so we’ll take care of it.”

Trump’s running mate JD Vance was asked a similar question at a Turning Point Action event in Arizona on Wednesday.

He said the government should “make it easier” for families to effectively act as childcare workers.

“One of the ways that you might be able to relieve a little bit of pressure on people who are paying so much for daycare is, maybe grandma or grandpa wants to help out a little bit more, or maybe there’s an aunt or uncle that wants to help out a little bit more,” Vance told host Charlie Kirk.

“If that happens, you relieve some of the pressure on all the resources that we’re spending on daycare,” he added.

Vance suggested lowering hiring standards for childcare workers and removing “ridiculous certification” policies that he claims have “nothing to do with taking care of kids.”

He later clarified his remarks on X, writing that “parents or grandparents might not be able to help, but they might want to, and for those families, federal policy should not be forcing one particular family model.”

Eighty percent of Republicans and 99 percent of Democrats want candidates to have a plan to lower the cost of childcare as families face a growing affordability crisis, according to recent polling .

The cost of childcare — which typically runs families more than $10,000 each year, on average, but is often much higher in certain parts of the country — rose 6 percent from 2022 into 2023, nearly double the rate of inflation, according to the Department of Labor .

One in five women reported that children in their household were unable to attend childcare because programs in their area were “closed, unavailable, unaffordable, or because they were concerned about their child’s safety,” according to a National Women’s Law Center analysis.

Those figures were more acute among Black women and disabled women, who were nearly two times more likely than white men to report that their children could not attend childcare, the report found.

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ATTACK OF THE CLONES —

Yubikeys are vulnerable to cloning attacks thanks to newly discovered side channel, sophisticated attack breaks security assurances of the most popular fido key..

Dan Goodin - Sep 3, 2024 5:58 pm UTC

The YubiKey 5, the most widely used hardware token for two-factor authentication based on the FIDO standard , contains a cryptographic flaw that makes the finger-size device vulnerable to cloning when an attacker gains temporary physical access to it, researchers said Tuesday.

The cryptographic flaw, known as a side channel , resides in a small microcontroller used in a large number of other authentication devices, including smartcards used in banking, electronic passports, and the accessing of secure areas. While the researchers have confirmed all YubiKey 5 series models can be cloned, they haven’t tested other devices using the microcontroller, such as the SLE78 made by Infineon and successor microcontrollers known as the Infineon Optiga Trust M and the Infineon Optiga TPM. The researchers suspect that any device using any of these three microcontrollers and the Infineon cryptographic library contains the same vulnerability.

Patching not possible

YubiKey-maker Yubico issued an advisory in coordination with a detailed disclosure report from NinjaLab, the security firm that reverse-engineered the YubiKey 5 series and devised the cloning attack. All YubiKeys running firmware prior to version 5.7—which was released in May and replaces the Infineon cryptolibrary with a custom one—are vulnerable. Updating key firmware on the YubiKey isn’t possible. That leaves all affected YubiKeys permanently vulnerable.

“An attacker could exploit this issue as part of a sophisticated and targeted attack to recover affected private keys,” the advisory confirmed. “The attacker would need physical possession of the YubiKey, Security Key, or YubiHSM, knowledge of the accounts they want to target and specialized equipment to perform the necessary attack. Depending on the use case, the attacker may also require additional knowledge including username, PIN, account password, or authentication key.”

Side channels are the result of clues left in physical manifestations such as electromagnetic emanations, data caches, or the time required to complete a task that leaks cryptographic secrets. In this case, the side channel is the amount of time taken during a mathematical calculation known as a modular inversion. The Infineon cryptolibrary failed to implement a common side-channel defense known as constant time as it performs modular inversion operations involving the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm. Constant time ensures the time sensitive cryptographic operations execute is uniform rather than variable depending on the specific keys.

More precisely, the side channel is located in the Infineon implementation of the Extended Euclidean Algorithm, a method for, among other things, computing the modular inverse. By using an oscilloscope to measure the electromagnetic radiation while the token is authenticating itself, the researchers can detect tiny execution time differences that reveal a token’s ephemeral ECDSA key, also known as a nonce. Further analysis allows the researchers to extract the secret ECDSA key that underpins the entire security of the token.

In Tuesday’s report, NinjaLab co-founder Thomas Roche wrote:

In the present work, NinjaLab unveils a new side-channel vulnerability in the ECDSA implementation of Infineon 9 on any security microcontroller family of the manufacturer.This vulnerability lies in the ECDSA ephemeral key (or nonce) modular inversion, and, more precisely, in the Infineon implementation of the Extended Euclidean Algorithm (EEA for short). To our knowledge, this is the first time an implementation of the EEA is shown to be vulnerable to side-channel analysis (contrarily to the EEA binary version). The exploitation of this vulnerability is demonstrated through realistic experiments and we show that an adversary only needs to have access to the device for a few minutes. The offline phase took us about 24 hours; with more engineering work in the attack development, it would take less than one hour. After a long phase of understanding Infineon implementation through side-channel analysis on a Feitian 10 open JavaCard smartcard, the attack is tested on a YubiKey 5Ci, a FIDO hardware token from Yubico. All YubiKey 5 Series (before the firmware update 5.7 11 of May 6th, 2024) are affected by the attack. In fact all products relying on the ECDSA of Infineon cryptographic library running on an Infineon security microcontroller are affected by the attack. We estimate that the vulnerability exists for more than 14 years in Infineon top secure chips. These chips and the vulnerable part of the cryptographic library went through about 80 CC certification evaluations of level AVA VAN 4 (for TPMs) or AVA VAN 5 (for the others) from 2010 to 2024 (and a bit less than 30 certificate maintenances).

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The interview: Kamala Harris’ inaugural sit-down was most notable for seeming ... ordinary

Accompanied by her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Vice President Kamala Harris told CNN her “values have not changed” even as she is “seeking consensus.” Harris also spoke about her stances on issues such as fracking and the southern border.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris waves at a campaign rally Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Savannah, Ga. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz appear at the Fiserv Forum during a campaign rally in Milwaukee, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

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After avoiding a probing interview by a journalist for the first month of her sudden presidential campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris’ first one Thursday was notable mostly in how routine it seemed.

CNN’s Dana Bash, sitting down with Harris and running mate Tim Walz in a Georgia restaurant, asked her about some issues where she had changed positions, the historical nature of her candidacy, what she would do in her first day as president and whether she’d invite a Republican to be a Cabinet member (yes, she said).

What Bash didn’t ask — and the Democratic nominee didn’t volunteer — is why it took so long to submit to an interview and whether she will do more again as a candidate.

Harris drew criticism for not doing an interview until now

With no clips from interviews or extended news conferences as a candidate to pick apart, Republican Donald Trump and his campaign had made Harris’ failure to take on journalists an issue in itself. She had promised to rectify that by the end of August, and made it in just under the wire.

In the interview, taped earlier Thursday at Kim’s Cafe in Savannah, Georgia, Bash occasionally had pressed Harris when the vice president failed to answer a question directly. She asked four times, for example, about what led Harris to change her position on fracking — a controversial way to extract natural gas from the landscape — from her brief presidential candidacy in 2020.

“How should voters be looking at some of the changes in policy?” Bash asked, wondering whether experience led Harris down another path. “Should they be completely confident that what you’re saying now is going to be the policy moving forward?”

Bash asked Harris twice whether she would do something different, like withhold some military aid to Israel, to help reach a peace deal in the Mideast. Harris stressed the importance of a deal, but offered no new specifics on achieving it.

When Bash sought a response to Trump suggesting that Harris had only recently been emphasizing her Black roots, the vice president swiftly brushed it aside. “Next question,” she said.

CNN political analyst David Axelrod suggested that Harris, by not doing interviews previously, had raised the stakes on what is usually a typical test that presidential candidates face. But after the Bash session aired, Axelrod said that she “did what she needed to do.”

“What she needed to do was be the same person she has been on stage the past month,” said Axelrod, onetime aide to Obama when he was in the White House. He predicted the interview would ultimately make little difference in the campaign.

Tim Walz was included in the interview, too

In seeking a personal connection with viewers, Bash asked Walz for his feelings about his son’s emotional response to this Democratic convention speech, and a memorable photo that depicted Harris’ niece from behind, watching her aunt deliver her address to Democrats.

By including Walz in the interview, Harris joined a tradition followed by Donald Trump and Mike Pence, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and Biden and Harris themselves. But that decision stood out because of her lack of solo interviews and the compressed nature of her campaign.

Republicans complained she would use Walz as a crutch, someone who could smooth over his boss’ rough moments and simply take up time that could have been used for questions directed at Harris.

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“This is one more Harris campaign insult to American voters,” the Wall Street Journal said in an editorial Thursday.

Ultimately, Bash directed only four questions to Walz — one a followup — and the vice presidential candidate didn’t interject or add to Harris’ responses.

This was the second high profile moment for Bash already this campaign. The “Inside Politics” anchor moderated June’s debate between Trump and President Biden, an event where the journalists were overshadowed by the poor performance by Biden that eventually led to him abandoning his re-election bid .

David Bauder writes about media for the AP. Follow him at http://twitter.com/dbauder .