What topics are you knowledgeable about? How will you choose a topic for your Ice Breaker speech?
The Purpose Statement of an Ice Breaker is: “The purpose of this project is for the member to introduce himself or herself to the club and learn the basic structure of a public speech.” – Pathways
You can speak on any subject of your choosing, however the above purpose statement indicates it’s a good idea to tell us something about You! It is entirely possible to do so and still home in on something specific about you, rather than try tell us EVERYTHING. Here are some things I have found helpful in my own case and also seen work well in the case of other first-time public speakers.
1. You are the subject expert on at least one subject: You! Hey, nobody has been there and seen it all from the start until now, through your eyes. You can talk all night about yourself, or some aspect of your life, if you so wish. Happily the Ice Breaker is there for us to get to know you a little. You can tell us anything about you and your life.
2. You might want to home in on a particular instance in your life. Apart from telling us who you are and what you are passionate about, why not home in on one aspect of you, or one event that is a window to that aspect? If you tell us a short instance in a story format, you are tapping on one of the most effective tools in public speaking: storytelling. You will more easily capture and maintain your audience’s attention.
3. Tell us something you have learned in your life. Why is it important? What should we do about it: a call to action from you to us, your audience. This will give a sense of purpose to your speech, elevating it above just a personal introduction to the club audience.Â
You have between 4 and 6 minutes to deliver your speech. Not a lot of time if you become engrossed in your delivery.
An eternity if you are focusing on yourself instead of your audience. Think of us, think of your subject, speak from the heart.
Enjoy the ride!
Post by: Massimo
Vice President Education and Membership 2020-21
Immediate Past President
Tube Talk Toastmasters Club