Speech Externals

Don't let any of the externals of this speech invitation confuse you.

Perhaps they did ask for a biographical sketch and your photo.

They told you they want to run them in the local newspapers, but don't let that fool you. They need the publicity to get a crowd at the meeting.

Then, too, the chairman may have mentioned that little cocktail session before the meeting. But that, too, is custom.

So let's be cold in our analysis of this bid to you.

Perhaps the picture is not too flattering, but it's real.

I've been on both sides. I've been the committee, and I've been the guest speaker, and I know. I'm bringing it to you to deflate you, to puncture your pomposity, so that you'll get off the high horse.

For I know that if I get you down to the realities at the start, I'll do you a big favor and I'll do your audience a big favor.

Continued...From "How to Write a Speech"
By: EDWARD J. HEGARTY

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