Three secrets of an inspiring year-end speech

It remains a magical moment, the seconds between the tapping of the glass and the opening of the speech. The promise still fully intact. The audience full of expectation of what is to come. The speaker still in the dark as to how his or her words will fall. In short, anything can still happen.

And we may again, as the Christmas and New Year speeches are once again upon us. But how do you make sure you fulfill that promise?

As a male of 14, 15 years old, I thought speeches were powerful. With the bravado and naivete of an adolescent, I trusted that the story would emerge on the spur of the moment. And it often did. At least, the bar your audience sets for you at that age is so low, it's easy to score. A winning concept that had more and more losers in subsequent years. The unprepared speech on my father's ^60th that ended with some sputtering and murmuring. The half-baked idea with which I addressed my sister at her party, leaving the partygoers in despair. The inspiration that never came, saddling a friend with a story without a thread or punch line.

Thinking things will work out rarely turned out to be a good idea in the grown-up world. As did the "drink up a little courage" strategy. No, even for a good dinner or other party speech: preparation, preparation, preparation.

Therefore, for anyone who wants or needs to tap the glass in the coming weeks, here are 3 secrets to fulfilling the promise and getting them on the couches.

1. Provide a clear structure

As audiences, we need footing and consistency. Too often, speeches babble on without any tension. Using a clear structure as a starting point works wonders. For example, use for the party speech:

• Surprise (joke/story/question to audience)
• Review (what happened?)
• Analysis (what conclusions can we draw from it?)
• Preview (where is it going?)
• Closure (key message/wish)

What can this look like in practice? Matthew McConaughey shows us:

Especially for our newsletter readers, we have put this diagram on a handy card. Print it out, fill it up and steal the show!

2. Make your audience the hero

We all know the speeches in which someone mainly hoists himself on the shield. As an audience, this makes us restless or even irritated. Partly because the speaker does not provide us with that universal basic need: to feel seen. That does not mean that you cannot tell a personal story. In fact, that can work very well. As long as you bridge the gap with your audience and involve them in your story. By attaching to your anecdote a truth recognizable to your audience, you make them the hero of your speech.

Oprah Winfrey gives a great example here:

. Seize your moment

Then the moment is there, you've prepared well, you tap against the glass. But, suddenly uncertainty takes over: "Is everyone waiting for this?", "Does my anecdote fit this moment?", "Isn't it too cheesy?", and so on. Voices that throw you off balance and affect your performance. Then remember: your audience wants you to succeed. They want inspiration and entertainment and a speaker who stands for his cause.

So should "the Monica" in you wake up, let these words from my 2-year-old daughter inspire you: "When you stand, you stand."

Or in other words, straighten your back, unpack and make it a party.

You'll think after reading these tips: Sounds good, but I still need some help?
Then sign up for our FREE webinar "An inspiring Christmas or New Year's speech, that's how you do it" here.

Should we not meet you there, Speak to Inspire wishes you a wonderful Christmas and an inspiring New Year.