Nobody puts Tracee in a corner. Actress, comedian and daughter of one of the Supremes, Tracee Ellis Ross delivered a show-stopping speech this November. At the Glamour’s 2017 Women of the Year Summit, Ross transformed from a television actress to a life coach. Her speech was inspiring, passionate, funny and heartfelt. There are some impactful speaking lessons to learn from Ross. This article will show you how you can deliver a speech filled with fiery impact.
Ross uses three impacting speaking elements that you can apply to your presentation content. Her speech includes real experiences, inspiring advice and moments of levity.
Real Experiences
Ross opens her speech with her experience as a woman in her mid-40s. “It’s really interesting to be a woman, and to get to 45, and to not be married, and to not have kids,” Ross says, “Especially when you’ve pushed out five kids on TV.” She is often met with options on how to meet the right guy and how to have a child on her own. This leads her to believe all her life accomplishments mean nothing without a husband and child.
This is a real experience that happens to many women in our society. Share your real life stories to create an instant connection with your audience. Chances are many people in the audience can directly relate to your experience. This is a strong way to introduce your story and carry the excite throughout your entire presentation.
Inspiring Advice
This speech offers many pieces of advice that are life changing. The biggest moment comes towards the middle when Ross has a revelation. “My life is mine. Those words stopped me in my tracks,” Ross said. “Those words brought tears to my ears because, yes, I’ve been living my life—but not to my own expectations. Not for me.” This sets the course for Ross to deliver impactful speaking insights on how to live your life for yourself.
Have you had a revelation like the one Ross had? Use it to make your own impact. Everyone has heard inspiring advice that helped change their lives. Share yours with the same amount of passion and purposeful pausing like Ross does in her speech.
Moments of Levity
Throughout her speech, Ross makes sure her sense of humor shows. She’s a natural at making quick quips and drawing attention to herself. This makes her appear approachable and her speech sound conversational. Lessons of impactful speaking include allowing the audience to get to know the real you.
Allow time for funny moments in your speech. Don’t be afraid to laugh and reveal parts of your personality. These natural moments go a long way in building a relationship with your audience. Being a conversational speaker will help the audience trust you and enjoy watching you on stage.
Tracee Ellis Ross’ speech was a relatable, inspiring and personable performance. She sets the framework for how to deliver impactful speaking moments that leave an unforgettable impression.
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