Can you say a few words...

Have you been called on to "Say a few words" at short notice? For example, you are at a business event and your host invites you to the microphone to "Say a few words". As you walk up to the stage, how do you create your short speech?

Here is a technique that I explained to an audience this week. My audience found it beneficial, and you may find it useful too.

1. Define what you want that audience to remember after your speech. For example "I want them to know why I support the invasion of Mars to capture plutonium".

2. Support your message with some, or all of: Examples, anecdotes, metaphors, benefits, stories. For example "Our children will benefit from the vast resources of plutonium on Mars as the alternative energy source for the next 1,000 years. In 1969 we landed on the moon. The moon landing was a giant leap for mankind and forever expanded our minds to new possibilities of space exploration. In the same way, we need to stretch our minds and realize that we can invade Mars and capture the plutonium. We merely need to believe that we can do it. Do not let your children down and let this opportunity slip past us. "

3. Recap your message.

4. Leave the stage.

You can execute these simple steps in the time that you walk up to the microphone. Remember - Message, Supporting Point, Recap. One of my audiences did it this week, and you can too.