Viola Davis’ speech at the Emmys, Caitlyn Jenner’s speech at the ESPYs, and Tim Cook’s commencement address at George Washington University are three of the seven speeches selected by Toastmasters International as the “Most Buzzworthy Speeches of 2015.” While the occasions and content of the seven speeches are different, a representative for Toastmasters says they all share some critical characteristics. “A common thread is sincerity and authenticity and a desire to connect and give that audience something of value. The speaker realizes it’s not just about them—it’s about something larger, and they try to give voice to that feeling,” says Dilip Abayasekara, an accredited member of Toastmasters and former president of the organization.
Memorable speeches create an emotional connection with the audience, he says, and leave listeners with something to think about. When Davis became the first African-American to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, she opened with a quote from Harriet Tubman and talked about opportunities for all black actresses. “She thanked those that had gone before her, and I got the impression she felt she was preparing the way for others. That sense of continuity, that sense of thread, that this is not a one-time thing. It’s a relationship through the ages. It’s really inspiring to sense that from just a two- or three-minute speech,” Abayasekara says.
Short speeches such as that tend to be more memorable, he says, but they also require greater discipline and focus from the presenter. When booking speakers, planners should try to get a sense of whether the speaker understands that their mission is to give the audience something of value. Speakers who have that mindset will usually ask questions in advance, such as: Who is the audience and what are their expectations? How has the event been publicized and what has been promised to the attendees?
“A great speech is the byproduct of someone who has prepared himself but who also really understands that we stand there with a heart of gratitude and love in order to give something of value,” Abayasekara says.
