Page 73 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking

40 Part 1 Foundations
In Their Own Words

Storytelling Speech

The best speeches tell a story with a purpose in mind. As
you read this speech, ask yourself what the speaker’s pur-
poses were. How did his story impact you in terms of your
own life experiences? This transcript was prepared from
a video of Montana’s speech. Compare the experience of
reading this speech with that of viewing it on our Online
Learning Center Web site (www.mhhe.com/brydon6); click
on the Speech Coach link and go to Segment 2.2.

MOVING FORWARD
by Montana Kellmer
“Fourth and goal, six seconds left, let’s do this guys, it’s
our last shot. [Inaudible] 24 crossbow pass, on one, it’s com-
ing to you, ready, break!” I walk up to the line, put my hands
under the center, check to see if everyone’s set, call off the
cadence: “Down, six, hut!” I take the snap, drop back to
pass; the whole world fades to black.
Let’s back up 14 years. “Where you going dad?” “Son,
I gotta go.” “Where you going dad?” “Son, I have to leave.”
My parents split up when I was 3 years old. While most kids
were worrying about what time Cookie Monster was coming
on, when mommy was bringing home cookies, all I wanted
to know was when my father was coming back.
My family had three custody battles. Each cost them
Montana Kellmer
$30,000 apiece. That’s a total of $90,000. Money wasn’t
the biggest issue, though. It was the head games. I’m 9 years old, my father comes to me and
tells me he’s not going to talk to me if I live with my mother. My mom comes to me and asks
me to pick. I’m 9 years old, how am I supposed to choose which parent I want to live with? I
love them both equally.

Summarize Your Main Points

Tell ’em what you’ve told ’em. That is the fi rst and most important function of a
conclusion. Remind the listeners of what they’ve heard.

Close With Impact
Just as a salesperson doesn’t like the customer to walk out the door without buy-
ing something, you don’t want your audience to leave without at least thinking
about doing what you’ve asked them to do. So, fi nd a way to reinforce your spe-

cific purpose. It’s also your last chance to leave a favorable impression. Just as
listeners are turned off by an introduction that begins “Today I want to tell you
about . . . ,” you can undermine the effectiveness of an excellent speech with a
poor conclusion, such as “Well, I guess that’s about it.” Finish with a fl ourish that
is as powerful as your opening.
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