So, you’ve worked tirelessly to win President Obama’s “Race to the Top” video competition. Therefore, is there some excuse to gently nod off to sleep during your class of 2010 commencement speech? Perhaps so. But what if the commencement speech is the President Obama Kalamazoo speech, at your very own school?
“To sleep: perchance to dream…” Shakespeare
Yes, you’ve guessed it. Some unfortunate student was filmed falling asleep as his classmates listened to the rousing rhetoric of the President.
As the President regaled the class of 2010 at the Kalamazoo Central High School with the call to action, “Your country needs you,” he slept.
That’s right. In the full glare of the commencement speech. The young man chose to take a well-earned sleep. And, of course, because he sat directly behind the President, he was in full sight. Priceless. And it wasn’t even a lengthy speech.
Obama Kalamazoo Speech Inspires Sleep
We can, of course, only guess at how long he had to wait before the commencement speech started. But everything about the Obama Kalamazoo speech suggests the usual tight security. Perhaps the audience had to wait several hours before the speech started. Still, no-one was hurt! Apart from the young man’s pride. And perhaps the President’s feelings.
A priceless introduction to highbrow political speech making for the young man.
Tips to Keep Your Audience Awake During Your Speech
The idea than anyone might sleep during your speech is clearly anathema to all of us. Yet, it does happen. Vice-President Biden fell asleep during a President Obama speech. And Secretary Clinton fell asleep during another President Obama speech. Was the President a common factor…? No matter, these tips should help you keep your audience alert and awake.
- 1Be brief. You don't need to give a lengthy speech.
- 2Have a good title, theme and structure for your speech.
- 3Speak slowly and pause to good effect.
- 4Use interesting stories and anecdotes.
- 5Speak in short sentences and use common language.
Of course, if you want to deliver a speech that doesn’t leave your audience yawning, then why not consider a coaching session. Because a one-to-one public speaking skills coaching day will give you the skills and confidence to address any event. You can choose to be coached in your offices. Or, you can choose one of more than 40 training centres around the country. And now you can also opt for an online public speaking course. It’s your choice. So, please don’t hesitate to get in contact to discuss your speech requirements further.
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Great public speaking site. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to some friends!