To be a leader of an organization, you must be able to speak in front of a large audience.
Below are two speeches I gave to 2,000 individuals and 600 individuals respectively,
with both speeches ending in standing ovations.
1995 University High School Graduation Speech (11:24 minutes)
Below are two speeches I gave to 2,000 individuals and 600 individuals respectively,
with both speeches ending in standing ovations.
1995 University High School Graduation Speech (11:24 minutes)
"The Five Most Important Lessons to Learn in Life," a speech I gave in front of 600 individuals
when I was inducted as a honorary member into the International Golden Key Club at The
University of Arizona in 2001 (10:14 minutes)
when I was inducted as a honorary member into the International Golden Key Club at The
University of Arizona in 2001 (10:14 minutes)
| "Steven Reff gave a keynote speech titled "The Five Most Important Lessons to Learn in Life" to the International Golden Key Club in 2001. This appearance was particularly notable because in 2001, Reff was reportedly the only high school teacher in America selected as an honorary member of the society. At the time of the speech, he was an educator at University High School in Tucson before later becoming a prominent economics lecturer at the University of Arizona's Eller College of Management." Ask Google AI 3 |
| "Steven Reff gave a 12-minute commencement address to approximately 2,000 people at Centennial Hall on the University of Arizona campus." Ask Google AI 2 |
| "Writing a memorable speech requires focusing on the audience, structure, and emotional resonance rather than just the facts. Below is a comprehensive checklist for preparing, writing, and refining a memorable speech based on expert tips. 1. Preparation & Audience Analysis Define the Purpose: What is the one main goal? (e.g., to inspire, inform, persuade, or entertain). Identify the "Takeaway" Line: What is the one sentence you want them to remember or repeat? Know the Audience: Who are they? (Age, interest, knowledge level). Apply WIIFM (What’s In It For Me): Why should the audience care about this?. Define the Constraints: Check the time limit, venue, and occasion. 2. Structuring the Speech Hook the Audience: Start with a story, a shocking statistic, or a rhetorical question. Limit Main Points: Stick to 3–5 key points maximum. Use Stories: Use anecdotes to make complex points memorable. Include Transitions: Use signposts to connect ideas (e.g., "Next," "However," "To illustrate"). Craft a Strong Conclusion: Summarize key points and end with a call to action or a memorable closing line. 3. Writing for the Ear Write Conversationally: Use "you," "we," and "I" to connect directly. Use Simple Language: Replace jargon and complex words with simple, clear, and punchy words. Keep Sentences Short: Long sentences lose the listener. Use Rhetorical Devices: Incorporate repetition, contrast, or metaphor. 4. Editing & Refinement Read Out Loud: Does it sound natural when spoken?. Cut the Fluff: Remove "nice to know" material to focus on "need to know". Check the Tone: Is it appropriate for the occasion (serious, funny, professional)? 5. Final Checklist Before Delivery Memorize the Opening/Closing: Knowing your start and end boosts confidence. Prepare Visual Aids: Are they simple, necessary, and tested? Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse for timing and flow. Key Tip: "Tell them what you're going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you told them". " Ask Google AI 1 |
| Steven M. Reff Economics Lecturer University of Arizona (2007 - 2016) The 2015 University of Arizona Five-Star Faculty Award |
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| Public Speaking Lessons for Prospective Leaders |
NOTE: This speech was originally video taped in analog video and transferred to digital
in the early 2000s; thus, you will see blurriness in the video. With that being said,
listen to the words and read the captions underneath the video to understand how the
speech was written.
in the early 2000s; thus, you will see blurriness in the video. With that being said,
listen to the words and read the captions underneath the video to understand how the
speech was written.
NOTE: This speech was originally video taped in analog video and transferred to digital.
When I gave this speech, I brought along a video camera and when I got the event early
I asked if anyone had ever worked a video camera. A young lady said she did, so I asked
her if she would video tape my speech as I thought it would be a great way to teach
the topic at hand, but also to teach people how to get up in front of other people
in a positive, funny way to engage the audience for 11 minutes.
REMEMBER: If you are a keynote speaker, try to keep your speeches short, as taking
too much time begins to fade an audience's attention span.
When I gave this speech, I brought along a video camera and when I got the event early
I asked if anyone had ever worked a video camera. A young lady said she did, so I asked
her if she would video tape my speech as I thought it would be a great way to teach
the topic at hand, but also to teach people how to get up in front of other people
in a positive, funny way to engage the audience for 11 minutes.
REMEMBER: If you are a keynote speaker, try to keep your speeches short, as taking
too much time begins to fade an audience's attention span.
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