The Entertaining Speaker #1 - The Entertaining Speech

(See sample speech here)



Introduction

Entertainment is a universal human need, more in demand today than ever before. Conventions and civic, professional and social club meetings always need entertaining speakers for their programs. Many speakers assume that entertaining is easy and end up boring their audience to tears. Taking time to learn and practice the fundamentals will help you project that light-hearted relaxation audience love.


Executive Summary

An entertaining speech need not be funny. It simply gives the audience an opportunity to enjoy themselves in some way. The speech may have a message, but the message is not the major focus of the speech. Relate your talk to the audience and its interests, incorporating personal experiences. Be positive, avoid lecturing and strive for simplicity. The audience should not have to work too hard to follow your presentation.


Objectives

  • Entertain the audience by relating a personal experience.

  • Organize an entertaining speech for maximum impact.

Time: Five to seven minutes





Your Assignment

For this project, prepare, rehearse and deliver a five- to seven-minute speech whose purpose is simply to entertain the audience. Relate some personal experience. Build up the aspects of the experience to keep the audience entertained. If you wish, assume that your Toastmasters club audience represents some specific group, and practice your ability to relate your talk to their purpose and interests (be sure to advise the Toastmaster of the meeting of this fact).

This information is provided as a service to members. For full details on this speech project, refer to The Entertaining Speaker manual. All materials in the Toastmasters Educational Program are copyright Toastmasters International. All rights reserved.


The Entertaining Speaker Manual

People like to be entertained. The popularity of books, movies, television programs and DVDs is strong evidence of this. Entertaining speakers are in demand as well. The purpose of an entertaining speaker is simply to offer listeners a pleasant diversion. Conventions and civic, professional and social club meetings always need entertaining speakers for their programs.

(See sample speech here)