Public Speaking: The Speech Sandwich

Summary

In this insightful video, Rvy Robinson, a master speaker trainer, uses the metaphor of a sandwich to illustrate how to structure a powerful speech. He emphasizes the importance of having both 'top' and 'bottom' pieces of bread—the introduction and conclusion—to hold the speech together. The 'meat' represents the main content, which can be adjusted based on the length of the talk. Robinson advises that, regardless of time constraints, the bread (intro and outro) should never be omitted, ensuring a balanced and impactful presentation. For more tips on becoming a better speaker, visit his website.

Takeaways

• 😀 The sandwich metaphor is a powerful tool for structuring a speech.
• 🍞 The top piece of bread represents your introduction, including your attention-grabber and thank you to build rapport.
• 🍞 The bottom piece of bread is the conclusion, which includes your call to action, memorable statement, and final thank you.
• 🥩 The 'meat' of your speech is the core content, your knowledge, and the key message you want to share.
• 🥗 Additional elements like stories or examples can be the 'lettuce, tomato, and spices' that enhance your speech.
• 📏 The length of the 'meat' can vary depending on the length of the talk, but the bread should always stay the same.
• 🚫 A common mistake is to forget the bread (introduction and conclusion) when time is tight.
• 🕒 Short talks have less meat, while longer ones have more meat, but always ensure both pieces of bread are included.
• 💬 The introduction and conclusion are essential for your speech to stay intact and leave a lasting impression.
• 🌐 For more speaking tips and techniques, visit www.instantprospeaker.com.

Q & A

What is the core message of the speech structure analogy?

The core message is that a well-structured speech, like a sandwich, needs two pieces of bread (the introduction and the call to action) to hold the knowledge (the filling) together. Without the bread, the speech may fall apart, regardless of its length.

What does the 'top piece of bread' represent in the speech structure?

The 'top piece of bread' represents the introduction of the speech, which includes an attention-grabber, a personal story, and a thank you. It’s designed to build rapport with the audience and set the tone for the talk.

What role does the 'bottom piece of bread' play in the speech?

The 'bottom piece of bread' represents the call to action, which invites the audience to take a next step, whether that’s learning more, reflecting on the message, or acting upon it. It also includes a final thank you to the audience for their time and attention.

How does the 'meat' in the sandwich analogy relate to the speech?

The 'meat' of the sandwich represents the main content of the speech, which is your knowledge. This is the information you are sharing with the audience, supported by stories, examples, and details (the 'lettuce' and 'tomato').

Why is it important to keep the 'bread' in your speech structure?

The 'bread'—the introduction and call to action—is crucial because it frames your message, providing context and a clear purpose for your speech. Skipping these elements may cause the speech to feel incomplete or less engaging.

What should you adjust when the length of your speech changes?

When the length of your speech changes, you should adjust the amount of 'meat' (the content) but keep the 'bread' (the introduction and call to action) intact. This ensures the structure remains solid, regardless of whether the speech is short or long.

How can stories be incorporated into the speech structure?

Stories can be added inside the speech as part of the 'meat' to make the content more relatable and engaging. These stories act as 'lettuce', 'tomato', and 'spices', enhancing the overall flavor and memorability of your message.

What is the purpose of the sandwich analogy in this speech?

The sandwich analogy serves to simplify the structure of a speech, making it easier for speakers to understand the importance of balance between the introduction, body (knowledge), and conclusion (call to action).

Why might some people forget to include the 'bread' in their speeches?

Some people might forget the 'bread' because they focus too much on the content (the 'meat') and believe they don’t have time for a proper introduction or conclusion. However, this can lead to a lack of engagement or clarity in the speech.

What should someone do if they want to improve their speaking skills?

To improve speaking skills, it's important to focus on structuring speeches properly, ensuring that both the 'bread' and 'meat' are present. Additionally, they can visit resources like [www.instantprosper.com](http://www.instantprosper.com) for further guidance and tips on becoming a more powerful speaker.