Winning Small Group Speeches

Mike Noblet
Jan 2, 2018
2 min read

At neighborhood meet and greet events, you decide whether to make a short presentation based on number of attendees and if there is space for you to address the group. Events held at restaurants call for a short presentation. Use this format:

Be introduced by your host
Have the leading sponsor, an elected official perhaps, introduce you at restaurant events.
Thank everyone for attending.
Recognize and thank key sponsors.
Give a three-to-five minute speech with the following components:
Open with a brief statement of why you are running.
Highlight your positions on issues meaningful to the audience. Be clear. Use down-to-earth language. No jargon or acronyms. Explain how your background translates to success in office, and why, as well as what, makes you the better, or best, candidate.
Emphasize your reasons for running and the benefits you offer to emphasize how when in office you will benefit the voter.
Close by re-stating selected previous points to drive home what sets you apart from your opponent but without demeaning the person. Bring your message full circle in your close as you once again thank your audience and re-affirm how and why you are the better, or best, candidate for the office.
Wrap up with a simple request for their support and their votes. Always, ask for their the vote, always!
Rehearse your message as many times as it takes to know it cold.
Memorize it so well that you need minimal notes or no notes at all.
Speak in a sincere, relaxed manner.
Present it to core campaign staff for word-for-word reviews to confirm that nothing is missing and that your message grabs attention.

The Take Away

Take to heart the old maxim “To practice makes perfect.” By rehearsing as many times as you need so when speaking at your fund raisers you present a confident and friendly demeanor. Your goal at every speaking opportunity – no matter if the group is five or fifty – to demonstrate you are a thoughtful leader who when in office will serve the community well. That is, how you will benefit whom you are speaking to such they will want to vote for you.