Speech

by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Sayings

There is a saying, “Speech is silver. Silence golden.”

It does not mean that we should stay silent all the time.

If one does not have meaningful things to say, it is better to remain silent rather than rambling or engaging in frivolous talk.

Duration of speech

• The length of a speech varies.
• President Abraham Lincoln was requested to give a “few appropriate remarks” at Gettysburg. His address consisted of ten sentences. It was delivered in less than two minutes (which was not long enough for the official photographer to record the historic moment).
• Typically, Elevator speeches last 30 – 45 seconds, Impromptu Speech (e.g. Table Topics) last 1 – 2 minutes, Prepared Speeches last 5 – 7 minutes, TED talks lastless than 18 minutes), Keynote speeches last 45 – 60 minutes with Q&A.

Message

• It is usually more important than the messenger.
• The speaker should provide a “take away” or an “action item”.

Training / Aids

• I had a book of the 40+ speeches given by notable people (e.g. Winston Churchill).
• Rotary Club, Kiwani’s Club and Toastmasters International provide guidance and training for communication (Public Speaking and Leadership).
• I am a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM).

Speeches

• Inaugural address by Abraham Lincoln
• John F Kennedy’s speech about Moon Mission
• Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is known for “The Last Lecture”, where a Professor presents to an audience (e.g. those present for his forthcoming Retirement). Randy Pausch, who was diagnosed with Cancer, gave an up-lifting “The Last Lecture”. It can be viewed on You Tube. It has also been made into a book.
• Steve Jobs gave a Commencement Speech at Stanford University. It can be viewed on the Internet. In three parts, he connected the dots (e.g. taking a Calligraphy course to the aesthetic Font designs on Apple Computers.

Posts

• 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival
• My Educational Videos
• Public Speaking
• Toastmaster’s Journey
• YMCA