Reply #20: here's the technique [View All]

You must grab the attention of the listener in the first several sentences. You must convey to them the reason they should continue to listen. You just have a moment to do that.

And so you should present a conflict, a controversial statement, a narrative, or a personal anecdote right up front.

By citing your Wyoming background and mentioning attributes of Wyoming, you 1) invoke the kindly regarded heritage of the Western storyteller and 2) follow the tradition of convention speakers who display pride in their state. Your words about Wyoming are "loaded" -- they convey an added meaning and give context and importance.

The finest tradition of political speech uses "yarns" and homespun analogies to communicate sophisticated points. (Think Gerry Spence.) Your mention of Rand-Steinbeck and your last sentences provide the depth that balances the antelope.

You're not a CEO, you're not a budget wonk, you're not a news anchor, you're not an academic. For the purpose of convention politics, you're a young person from Wyoming with something to say about your political affiliation and Democrats. Make Wyoming proud!