When done properly, nothing is better at creating impact and influence than a memorable speech. When done properly.
Who do you think did a memorable job creating impact and building a following with their acceptance speeches at the 2019 Oscars?
Some Oscar speeches are memorable, and others are forgettable. To attract a following, a memorable speech is an amazing opportunity and responsibility. Just ask world champion speaker Ramona J. Smith, a high school teacher from Houston, Texas.
With a memorable speech titled "Still Standing," Smith won the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking in 2018. She claimed the title with a motivational speech about her own life, drawing on a boxing analogy to share how she overcame failures, including dropping out of college four times and a divorce.
Smith is only the fifth woman to capture the Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking title since the contest began in 1938.
As a speaking expert, I went to Smith for her take on the most memorable Oscar speeches of 2019. Here are her top three:
Applause for Ali. “Making history as the first black actor with two Best Supporting Actor Academy Awards, Mahershala Ali was polished, composed and humble,” says Smith. “His speech was gracious and seamless as he mentioned ‘he captured the essence’ of Dr. Shirley. While he thanked the academy, his wife, daughter and his inspiring grandmother, he didn’t waste his time on stage, which came across as regal.”
Kudos to Colman. “Olivia Colman Best Actress acceptance speech was both funny and gracious,” said Smith. “When she first arrived on stage it seemed like she wasn’t sure what to say, but, by using natural humor, she quickly won the audience over. Whether it was when she openly scoffed at the teleprompter when asked to wrap up her speech, acknowledging fellow nominee Glenn Close, or admiring Lady Gaga, her speech was the most entertaining of the night.”
Spike Did the Right Thing. “When Spike Lee won the Best Adapted Screenplay award, he came to the stage with pure joy,” said Smith. “He leapt into Samuel L. Jackson’s arms and his purple outfit and gold accessories made him stand out before he even said a word. His speech was powerful, heartfelt and paid homage to those who had come before him.”
If you want to attract high-paying clients, you need to be able to take the stage and be memorable. My advice is to follow the three Ps formula of prepare, promote and perform.
No matter what the speech length, prepare it well. Know what three points you want to make. Then promote when you speak. You should not speak without making a point, and that is what promote means. You are there to promote a point of view. Then you need to perform. This means bringing you’re A game to the speech. Perform are all those techniques you need to learn to be a better speaker.
For those who want to improve their speaking techniques, Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that helps individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Founded in 1924, the organization's membership exceeds 357,000 in more than 16,600 clubs in 143 countries.
