The unbelievably simple missing part of great speeches

The other night, I heard a speech by Michelle Rhee, Chancellor of the District of Columbia Public Schools system. I was blown away. This young woman has grabbed the DC schools bureaucracy by the (insert colorful term here), and she’s taking courageous, bold steps to cure the ailing system - including firing incompetent people. When she spoke of her work, her intelligence and passion had me completely spellbound.

By the end of her speech, I was ready to quit my job and volunteer for her full time. I was willing to do anything, yet there wasn’t anything to do.

Then the next speaker came up (who was also great), and moved us all. But then, again, while still contemplating what to do with my inspiration, the evening moved on.

This happens to me too often: I hear an amazing speech at an event, I’m inspired, and yet there’s no where to put that energy.

I’m about to give you such and wonderful piece of advice that NO ONES DOES, so do it! The next time you have or host an event, if you have a great speaker, get them to issue a CALL TO ACTION that people can heed in the next five minutes. Make it something people can do right away to translate their emotion and support into tangible help. Like text an email on their handhelds to a policymaker. Or sign a pledge to help you. Or give you their email address. Or write a check.

People want to help. Help them help you. Help them translate inspiration into action. They want to.

So many people ask me how to build an email list. How about by asking people tearing up at that speech?

I have never been to an event that has taken a single one of those simple steps.

Try it. If I’m there, I swear I’ll do whatever you ask.

Posted by on 01/16 at 07:53 PM

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Comments

I experienced something like this where I work at Bridging The Gap (an environmental non-profit). We cosponsored a speaking event that fired up a lot of people who where then frustrated that they weren’t able to act. It’s part of the reason why we’re focusing our next big educational campaign on lifestyle changes: every presentation will be focused on the call to change!

Posted by May on 01/17 at 01:02 PM

I am so glad that you brought this up Katya. So many speeches only go so far - where is the ask (and have they connected their ask to their audience)? Billy Bragg would often agitate (and provide comedic schtick) between songs and ask the audience members to stick around after the show for one on one time. I saw so many people walking away inspired as well as ready to change the world (with helpful hints from Billy). John Denver used to do this as well but would have someone research the major environmental issue facing that community and would urge concert attendees to work with a local group to tackle the issue. Interesting models to consider.

Nice comments from kids books too. Great stuff as always. cheers - Mark

Posted by on 01/25 at 11:49 AM

Thanks Mark! Great examples from you. When is the next ALBD speech? I’ll be ready to sign up afterward:)

Posted by on 01/29 at 04:39 PM