Using Your Speaking to Make a Difference
by Barbara Rocha

YOU’VE GOT THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD

The Los Angeles Times used to run a dynamic ad that celebrated “the Power of One,” stirring people to action by telling about many instances of individuals who have effected change.

A powerful tool we all have for creating change is the power to speak. A great way to hone your speaking skills is to talk about subjects that inspire your passion, and that have the potential for making a change in our society’s status quo.

Consider some of the issues that concern you the most. Do you have personal experience or special knowledge of any of those? Or, better yet, in what ways do your experience and knowledge dovetail with those issues? There is some way that what you know and who your are intersects with at least one of those issues.

Now think of some audiences that are concerned about those same issues, and, also, some audiences who are inclined to be in tune with your credentials and/or experiences.

Whatever the connection between you, your passion, and your audience, build a talk based on that common ground, and have a rallying cry. Suggest a solution. Start a movement. Get them involved. And increase “the Power of One.” We all have the Power of One if we choose to use it. So, challenge yourself to make at least one speech this year supporting a favorite cause. And do it soon. Unleash your power and change a small part of our world.

We all have “the Power of One” if we choose to use it. So, challenge yourself to make at least one speech this year supporting a favorite cause. And do it soon. Unleash your power and change a small part of our world.