So you are new to Toastmasters or have been doing public speaking for a bit. What are some speeches that can get you to the next level?
Start by watching a few presentations that do a great job of highlighting the techniques you are about to master as a member of your club. We have collected a list of some fantastic talks below that will undoubtedly inspire you. Enjoy!
1. Sarah Kay: If I should have a daughter
This is one of the most enjoyable talks I have seen lately for a couple of reasons. First, it's told by the young and charismatic Sarah Kay, a performing poet and poetry teacher. Second, the talk has such rhythm and passion that I can only admire Kay's deep self-expression techniques. I would recommend seeing this video as you prepare for Toastmasters Speech 10: Inspire Your Audience.
2. Amy Cuddy: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are
This is probably the most practical talk from a Toastmasters perspective. Cuddy shares some tips on body language and how that impacts one's performance in stressful situations like public speaking. She encourages viewers to expand their posture and smile, thus radiating confidence and victory for a few minutes. Such daily preparation, Cuddy scientifically proved, should help keep the stress away and inspire confidence.
3. Simon Sinek: How Great Leaders Inspire Action
Sinek defines the Golden Circle - What, How and Why - and explains the way such structure makes a great leader. Impactful brands like Apple, Sinek argues, come from inside of the circle - from the Why. The Why offers a great technique for persuasive speech that you might do in the future. Watch this talk as you prepare for Toastmasters Speech 9: Persuade With Power.
4. Conan O'Brien: 2011 Dartmouth College Commencement Address
Conan O'Brien's commencement speech is a great example of how to instill humor in your speech and use pauses for greater effect. Utilize techniques from this video for your Toastmasters Speech 6: Vocal Variety.
5. Andrew Dlugan - Face the Wind
This is a Toastmasters speech delivered by Andrew Dlugan. It shows a great usage of humor and the speaker also inspires with vocal variety and gestures, which makes this video a fantastic lesson for Toastmasters Speech 5: Your Body Speaks.
Are there any other speeches you would like to add here? Share your comments below!
