{"id":63316,"date":"2022-06-03T15:47:19","date_gmt":"2022-06-03T07:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.mindvalley.com\/?p=63316"},"modified":"2025-05-22T13:32:07","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T12:32:07","slug":"how-to-start-a-speech","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mindvalley.com\/blog\/how-to-start-a-speech\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Start a Speech: 3 Insights by Lisa Nichols"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Martin Luther King\u2019s <em>I Have a Dream<\/em>, Queen Elizabeth I\u2019s <em>Speech to the Troops at Tilbury<\/em>, and even Steve Jobs\u2019 commencement address \u2014 these people sure knew how to start a speech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And what about in movies? Coach D&#8217;Amato\u2019s speech from <em>Any Given Sunday<\/em>, William Wallace\u2019s from <em>Braveheart<\/em>, or Miranda Priestly\u2019s from <em>The Devil Wears Prada<\/em> are just a few that straight-up give you goosebumps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But what does it take to truly captivate your audience? Sprinkle in your message? Add in a dash of character? And then, mix in the essence?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re stuck on how to start a speech, here\u2019s where you can discover invaluable tips and insights that can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-start-a-speech-the-storytelling-aspect\">How to Start a Speech: The Storytelling Aspect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Storytelling is very much an integral part of any speech. And it\u2019s one aspect that you should consider formulating first in order to hook in your audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Storytelling\u2019s very much like food in the way that they bring people together with love and open arms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take bread, for instance. We, as a species, have been eating bread since forever ago; it\u2019s even referred to as the \u201cstaff of life\u201d in the Bible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every culture has its distinct version \u2014 from the <em>naan<\/em> in India to the <em>p\u00e3o de queijo<\/em> in Brazil as well as the <em>fougasse<\/em> in France to the <em>injera<\/em> in Ethiopia, and let\u2019s not forget the white loaf in the United States to the <em>mantau<\/em> in China. It\u2019s a staple that can be prepared, served, and enjoyed in countless ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-art-of-storytelling\">The art of storytelling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Similarly, storytelling has long been part of our DNA as a human race with each culture having its own unique approach and voice to narrate stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Native American tribes\u2019 oral storytelling traditions are passed down from generation to generation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hawaiian storytelling also includes <em>mele<\/em> (song), <em>oli<\/em> (chant), and <em>hula<\/em> (dance).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>And even in African culture, storytellers (more often referred to as griots) are the most revered people in villages. Not only did they narrate stories, but they also held the knowledge of their village\u2019s genealogy, history, and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everywhere you look, stories are being told (more than likely, over breaking bread).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In speeches, in books, in articles, on podcasts, on television, on social media (Vishen tells some amazing stories on his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/vishen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a>), in court, in religious gatherings, in business meetings, at award shows\u2026 and like food, it\u2019s all around us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no environment where a story does not elevate the experience\u2026Stories are the bridge that connects our hearts to each other. And it allows us to find our common ground.<\/p>\n<cite>\u2014 Lisa Nichols, trainer of Mindvalley\u2019s <em>Speak and Inspire<\/em> Quest<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, pour some wine (or grape juice, if you fancy), break some bread, and digest these tips to move people with your story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bonus: we\u2019ve added some of Lisa\u2019s insights from the <em>Speak and Inspire<\/em> Quest to bring out the flavor.<\/strong> <em>Bon app\u00e9tit!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-2020-Day-2-04_01422-All-Is-Amazing.jpg\" alt=\"Lisa Nichols speaking on stage at Mindvalley Live 2020 in Los Angeles about how to start a speech\" class=\"wp-image-63322\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:contain\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-2020-Day-2-04_01422-All-Is-Amazing.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-2020-Day-2-04_01422-All-Is-Amazing-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-2020-Day-2-04_01422-All-Is-Amazing-736x491.jpg 736w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-2020-Day-2-04_01422-All-Is-Amazing-442x295.jpg 442w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tip-1-sprinkle-in-your-message\">Tip #1: Sprinkle in your message<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, let\u2019s go back to bread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While bread itself can come in many variations, its use can be diverse as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can be used as an appetizer, like in an Italian bruschetta. It can be eaten as a main meal, like in a good ol\u2019 American cheeseburger. Or it can even be part of a dessert, like your grandma\u2019s famous bread pudding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As long as you got bread, you got yourself a meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Likewise, as long as you got a message, you got yourself the heart and soul of your speech.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your message is <em>the<\/em> essential point that serves as an attention-getter for your speech. Or simply put, it\u2019s what you want your audience to remember.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-example-of-sprinkling-in-a-message\">Example of sprinkling in a message<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most great messages, especially ones looking to inspire, start with an \u2018oomph.\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_b7bgtu2O4E\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Coach D&#8217;Amato<\/a>\u2019s from <em>Any Given Sunday<\/em> is a perfect example of how to start a motivational speech:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c<em>I don&#8217;t know what to say really. Three minutes \u2018til the biggest battle of our professional lives all comes down to today. Either we heal as a team or we&#8217;re gonna crumble inch by inch, play by play \u2018til we&#8217;re finished.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because, no matter how they\u2019re served (be it in an amazing movie or <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.mindvalley.com\/the-art-public-speaking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">public speaking<\/a>), all great griots include messages and experiences as attention grabbers for speeches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-insight-from-lisa-nichols\">Insight from Lisa Nichols<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every message can have a different meaning to different people. \u201c<em>Content and intellectual presentations are necessary<\/em>,\u201d says Lisa.<em> <\/em>\u201c<em>They provide information, they provide clarity, they provide direction, they provide skillset to the listener<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They can inspire, teach, clarify, and influence a person. In the wrong hands, however, they can also manipulate the masses (here\u2019s looking at you, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ushmm.org\/collections\/bibliography\/nazi-propaganda-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">propaganda commercials<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But no one starts off as a master griot, not even the great Lisa herself. You can\u2019t assume that if you put a bunch of ingredients in a bowl, you\u2019re going to bake the best speech there ever was. (This isn&#8217;t exactly <em>The Great British Bake Off<\/em>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, now that you\u2019ve found your message to tell, where do you go from here? By understanding all the characteristics of presenting a great speech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-20204Z6A4236-Kersti-Niglas.jpg\" alt=\"Lisa Nichols speaking on stage at Mindvalley Live 2020 in Los Angeles about adding character in how to start a speech\" class=\"wp-image-63323\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:contain\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-20204Z6A4236-Kersti-Niglas.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-20204Z6A4236-Kersti-Niglas-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-20204Z6A4236-Kersti-Niglas-736x491.jpg 736w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-20204Z6A4236-Kersti-Niglas-442x295.jpg 442w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tip-2-add-a-dash-of-character\">Tip #2: Add a dash of character<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every speech has a story. It can be about difficult moments in life, enlightening situations, or experiences that you had under disguise. Great stories are typically birthed in the incidents. Some happen in a moment and others, over a few years (and some might even be ongoing).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, how do you make your story great?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Well, think in terms of food \u2014 what makes bread great? Any baker would tell you there are five elements of amazing bread: color, shape and size, crust, texture, and flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, in terms of a speech, any griot would say that it\u2019s more than just vocalizing your point. It\u2019s about <em>showing<\/em> it. So, here are a few things you should keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Have a purpose and a clear structure of a speech<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create a character to root for (in the case of your own story, it\u2019ll be you)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Appeal to the emotions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Incorporate surprises, plot twists, and a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.mindvalley.com\/pregnant-pause\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pregnant pause<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make it simple and focused<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-example-of-a-dash-of-character\">Example of a dash of character<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2010\/01\/18\/122701268\/i-have-a-dream-speech-in-its-entirety\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Martin Luther King\u2019s speech<\/a>, for instance. Most people don\u2019t remember how it starts. They do, however, recognize this famous part of it: \u201c<em>I have a dream\u2026<\/em>\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why? It serves a purpose. It appeals to people\u2019s emotions. And most importantly, it roots for a simple, relatable cause \u2014 the dream of equality for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MLK starts off with\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c<em>I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2026and he goes on to add five more \u201c<em>I have a dream\u2026<\/em>\u201d that serve as a powerful punch to his overall message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-insight-from-lisa-nichols-0\">Insight from Lisa Nichols<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Great speeches are crafted intentionally to engage your audience through your motivations, beliefs, emotions, and actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In fact, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedaily.com\/releases\/2018\/09\/180913113822.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2018 study<\/a> shows that, contrary to Aristotle\u2019s theory that the plot is the most important component of storytelling, the brain relates best to the main character, especially their thoughts and feelings. (This is perhaps why we tend to \u201cLike\u201d social media posts that relay personal stories.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So now, with your ingredients at hand, you\u2019re ready to show and tell. But there\u2019s one more thing to add into the mix to deliver your story \u2014 the essence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-2020-4Z6A4150-Kersti-Niglas.jpg\" alt=\"Lisa Nichols speaking on stage at Mindvalley Live 2020 in Los Angeles about how to start a speech with essence\" class=\"wp-image-63324\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:contain\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-2020-4Z6A4150-Kersti-Niglas.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-2020-4Z6A4150-Kersti-Niglas-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-2020-4Z6A4150-Kersti-Niglas-736x491.jpg 736w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-2020-4Z6A4150-Kersti-Niglas-442x295.jpg 442w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tip-3-mix-in-the-essence\">Tip #3: Mix in the essence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The phrase \u201ccook with love\u201d means much more than bending over backward to provide bread on the table. It involves connection to others, nurturing, and mindfulness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember your mama\u2019s cooking \u2014 how she made it taste so good, it invokes memories even years later? Because it was cooked with love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By adding the ingredient of love into anything and everything you do, whether it\u2019s cooking or storytelling, it affects your life positively. And like a ripple in water, it spreads those good vibes onto those around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c<em>How we tell our stories controls our mood, self-image, and the influence we have on others. Our stories can also dictate our future paths and successes<\/em>,\u201d says Pamela Rutledge, author of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/343921003_Everything_is_Story_Telling_Stories_and_Positive_Psychology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Everything is Story: Telling Stories and Positive Psychology<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c<em>Therefore, understanding storytelling is not only key to how we feel about ourselves and how we interact with others, but it gives us valuable tools we can use to make change.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We find our humanity in a story, but it takes time and practice to master it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-example-of-the-essence\">Example of the essence<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s take a look at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Steve Jobs\u2019 commencement address<\/a> at Stanford in 2005. It\u2019s one of the best examples of how to start a speech, being one of the most-watched commencement speeches of all time and amassing more than 40 million views to date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In it, he gets straight to the essence:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c<em>Truth be told I never graduated from college and this is the closest I&#8217;ve ever gotten to a college graduation. Today I want to tell you three stories from my life. That&#8217;s it. No big deal. Just three stories.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And in doing so, he opens himself up to the audience in vulnerability and love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-insight-from-lisa-nichols-1\">Insight from Lisa Nichols<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re wondering how to start off a speech with the power of your unique, authentic voice, Lisa explains that it starts with you showing up for yourself. After all, how can you make the bread when you don\u2019t have the most important ingredient of all \u2014 self-love?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re not showing up to make the effort, then \u201c<em>you\u2019re probably not showing up for yourself in other areas of your life<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c<em>Anything that\u2019s not working for you, I want you to do a pattern interrupt,<\/em>\u201d she says. \u201c<em>Yes, it might be difficult, but you\u2019re bigger than your circumstances. You have everything in you to rise above a challenging moment and come through<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-2020-Day-2-04_01350-All-Is-Amazing.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-63325\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:contain\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-2020-Day-2-04_01350-All-Is-Amazing.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-2020-Day-2-04_01350-All-Is-Amazing-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-2020-Day-2-04_01350-All-Is-Amazing-736x491.jpg 736w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/06\/how-to-start-a-speech-Mindvalley-Live-LA-2020-Day-2-04_01350-All-Is-Amazing-442x295.jpg 442w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-we-recommend-the-lisa-nichols-special\">We Recommend the \u2018Lisa Nichols\u2019 Special<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Great storytellers are as unique as their stories. Lisa Nichols is no exception.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A self-proclaimed \u2018sister-friend in possibility and in prosperity,\u2019 we can all take a cue from this light of inspiration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.mindvalley.com\/lisa-nichols-on-steve-harvey-show\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">story<\/a> of how she went from a broke and broken single mom to the CEO of her company, Motivating the Masses, and a New York Times bestselling author has garnered the likes of Steve Harvey and Oprah Winfrey. She has also taken to the stage at several Mindvalley A-Fests as well as the Mindvalley Summit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You see, Lisa\u2019s <em>Speak and Inspire<\/em> Quest (as well as its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindvalley.com\/speak\/masterclass\/?utm_source=blog_inline_link&amp;utm_campaign=evergreen_sai&amp;utm_medium=end_of_article\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free Masterclass<\/a>) is not just about being a great speaker and storyteller. It\u2019s about finding the real you. It\u2019s about finding the heart and soul of your voice so that you can express the stories of where you came from, where you\u2019re going, and what made you who you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In turn, it will inspire and empower other people to do the same. And like a dinner party (where there\u2019s bread, of course), when people are brought together for the sake of goodness, there\u2019s an energy of love, light, and happiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is the power of a griot. And, should you allow it, that is the power of your speech.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your talks can be of epic proportions. Here\u2019s how to start a speech in your unique, authentic voice with pro tips from world-class speaker, Lisa Nichols.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":63321,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[4256],"series":[],"area-of-growth":[3412],"outcome":[3480,3463,3467],"featured":[],"coauthors":[329],"class_list":["post-63316","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career","tag-conversation-starters","area-of-growth-skills","outcome-authenticity","outcome-communication","outcome-public-speaking"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.6 (Yoast SEO v27.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Start a Speech: 3 Insights by Lisa Nichols<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Your talks can be of epic proportions. 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