18 ways to think about conversation starters
Anyone who is invited to speak to a group of people may find themselves wondering what to talk about. If you are a beginning speaker, this is a more common challenge than an experienced speaker who is typically asked to speak about their area of expertise.
This will especially apply if you are in a Toastmasters group or other similar group where you are primarily to hone your public speaking skills. Often times, you will be asked to speak about a topic that you are not familiar with. So where do you come up with your speech ideas?
One way is to sit down with a series of questions and use them as thought starters.
Take some time to review these 18 questions and see if you’re not a little closer to finding some speech topics that interest you:
- What inspires you?
- What motivates you?
- What do you spend time on during the day?
- What do you know a lot about?
- In what can be considered an expert?
- What do you like to write about?
- What do people call you to talk about?
- What kinds of conventions or trade shows do you attend?
- What would you do if you knew you would be successful?
- What is your hobby?
- What is your Hobbie?
- What interests you?
- What topics do you like to read about?
- What topics do you like to see other people talk about?
- What public television programs do you gravitate to?
- What kind of movies do you watch?
- What do you think is most important for teens to learn?
- What would you like to say to the world before you leave it?
By examining these questions, and their answers, you can find several key themes that inspire you; topics that you are passionate about, that interest you, that interest you and that you know enough to prepare a great speech.
So, what are you waiting for? Start brainstorming and answering those questions, and you’ll soon find your way to more talking points than you ever thought possible.