introduction of ceo speech

Mastering CEO Town Hall Speeches: Strategies for Engaging Communication

August 13, 2023

CEO town hall speeches are crucial events that require careful planning and execution to ensure effective communication. The success of these speeches hinges on the ability of CEOs to engage and captivate their audience. In this article, we explore strategies for mastering CEO town hall speeches and achieving engaging communication. Drawing from research and best practices, we discuss techniques such as utilizing visuals, incorporating storytelling, and employing humor. Additionally, we delve into effective communication techniques, emphasizing the importance of clearly defining objectives, using concise language, and encouraging two-way communication. By implementing these strategies, CEOs can enhance their communication skills and foster a stronger connection with their audience.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Preparation is crucial for a successful CEO town hall speech
Strategies for capturing audience attention include using engaging visuals, storytelling, humor, and strong opening statements
Effective communication techniques for CEO speeches include defining purpose, using concise language, practicing active listening, encouraging two-way communication, and tailoring the speech to the audience
Building trust and credibility as a CEO involves transparency, empathy, follow-through, appreciation, and fostering an inclusive work environment

The Importance of Preparation for CEO Town Hall Speeches

The success of CEO town hall speeches heavily relies on thorough preparation, as lack thereof can result in ineffective communication. Preparation techniques play a crucial role in engaging the audience during these speeches. Effective audience engagement is achieved through various strategies, including the use of engaging visuals and multimedia elements. Incorporating storytelling techniques helps make the speech more relatable to the audience. Humor creates a positive and engaging atmosphere, capturing the attention of the listeners. A strong and attention-grabbing opening statement sets the tone for the speech. Maintaining a confident and energetic delivery throughout the speech keeps the audience engaged. By employing these preparation techniques, CEOs can effectively communicate with their audience during town hall speeches.

Strategies for Capturing Audience Attention

Engaging visuals and multimedia elements can be used to capture the attention of the audience during a CEO town hall speech. These strategies are effective in creating an interactive and engaging atmosphere, encouraging audience participation. Some strategies to capture the audience’s attention include:

Incorporating interactive activities: Including activities such as live polling, quizzes, or interactive Q&A sessions can actively involve the audience and make the speech more engaging.
Encouraging audience participation: Allowing the audience to provide input, ask questions, or share their experiences during the speech can create a sense of involvement and make the speech more interactive.
Utilizing multimedia elements: Incorporating videos, graphics, or slideshows can visually enhance the speech, making it more visually appealing and memorable for the audience.

Utilizing Engaging Visuals and Multimedia Elements

Utilizing visually stimulating graphics and multimedia elements enhances the effectiveness of a CEO town hall speech. Engaging visual aids and multimedia elements capture the attention of the audience and make the speech more compelling. By incorporating visually appealing graphics, such as charts, graphs, and infographics, the CEO can effectively convey complex information in a concise and easily understandable manner. Multimedia elements, such as videos and animations, add dynamism and excitement to the speech, making it more engaging and memorable. These elements not only enhance the delivery of key messages but also create a visually appealing and interactive experience for the audience. The use of engaging visual aids and multimedia elements in a CEO town hall speech is essential for maximizing audience engagement and ensuring effective communication.

Incorporating Storytelling Techniques for Relatability

Incorporating storytelling techniques in a CEO town hall speech allows for a more relatable and engaging experience for the audience. Crafting compelling narratives in a speech can captivate the emotions of the listeners and create a connection with the speaker. This technique involves using anecdotes, personal experiences, or case studies to illustrate key points and make them more memorable. By framing information within a narrative structure, the CEO can effectively convey their message and engage the emotions of the audience. This can help the audience to connect with the speaker on a deeper level and make the speech more impactful. Additionally, storytelling can also help to simplify complex ideas and make them easier to understand and digest. Overall, incorporating storytelling techniques in a CEO town hall speech enhances the communication experience and fosters a stronger connection between the speaker and the audience.

Using Humor to Create a Positive and Engaging Atmosphere

Humor can be an effective tool in fostering a positive and engaging atmosphere during a CEO town hall speech. By incorporating humor techniques, such as clever anecdotes, playful language, and well-timed jokes, the speaker can create a relaxed and enjoyable environment. This can increase audience engagement and make the speech more memorable. Humor can also help to build rapport between the CEO and the audience, as it creates a sense of shared understanding and camaraderie. However, it is important to use humor judiciously and appropriately, as what may be funny to one person may not be to another. Additionally, the speaker should consider the cultural context and sensitivities of the audience to ensure that the humor does not offend or alienate anyone. Overall, using humor can be an effective strategy for creating a positive and engaging atmosphere during a CEO town hall speech and increasing audience engagement.

Crafting a Strong and Attention-Grabbing Opening Statement

Crafting a strong and attention-grabbing opening statement is essential for capturing the audience’s interest and setting the tone for a CEO town hall speech. An impactful introduction can set the stage for a successful speech by immediately engaging the audience and piquing their curiosity. To achieve this, CEOs can employ several strategies:

Start with a provocative question or statement that challenges the audience’s thinking.
Use a compelling anecdote or story that relates to the topic of the speech.
Incorporate surprising or thought-provoking statistics or facts that grab attention.

Mastering a Confident and Energetic Delivery

A confident and energetic delivery is crucial for capturing the attention and maintaining the engagement of the audience during a CEO town hall speech. Non-verbal communication plays a significant role in conveying confidence and energy. Body language, facial expressions, and gestures should be used effectively to enhance the delivery. Maintaining good eye contact with the audience indicates attentiveness and connection. Additionally, utilizing vocal variety, such as tone, pitch, and pace, can help convey enthusiasm and maintain audience interest. A CEO should project their voice clearly and use appropriate pauses for emphasis. It is also important to be aware of posture and movement on stage, as they can contribute to the overall impression. By mastering a confident and energetic delivery, a CEO can effectively engage the audience and make a lasting impact.

Effective Communication Techniques for CEO Speeches

Effective communication techniques for CEO speeches involve clearly defining the purpose and objectives of the speech, utilizing concise and impactful language, practicing active listening, encouraging two-way communication, and tailoring the speech to the specific audience and their interests.

Active Listening Techniques:

Maintain eye contact and nonverbal cues to show attentiveness

Paraphrase and summarize key points to demonstrate understanding

Ask clarifying questions to gather more information

Post-Speech Evaluation:

Collect feedback from employees to assess the effectiveness of the speech

Analyze the impact of the speech on employee morale and engagement

Address any unanswered questions or concerns raised during the speech

Follow-up Actions:

Implement necessary changes based on the feedback received

Communicate follow-up actions and progress to employees in a timely manner

Continuously evaluate and improve future CEO speeches based on previous evaluations and feedback.

Clearly Defining the Purpose and Objectives

In order to effectively communicate during CEO town hall speeches, it is essential to clearly define the purpose and objectives of the speech. This involves setting clear goals and outlining what the speech aims to achieve. By doing so, the messaging becomes more focused and impactful. Clear objectives provide a roadmap for the speech, ensuring that the CEO stays on track and delivers a coherent message to the audience. Additionally, defining the purpose and objectives helps in crafting effective messaging that aligns with the desired outcomes. This includes using concise and impactful language to convey key messages and ensure that the audience understands the intended meaning. By clearly defining the purpose and objectives, the CEO can enhance the overall effectiveness of the speech and successfully engage with the audience.

Using Concise and Impactful Language

Utilizing concise and impactful language is crucial for conveying key messages effectively and engaging the audience during CEO town hall speeches. To achieve this, CEOs can employ several strategies:

Craft clear and succinct messages that capture the essence of their ideas.
Use strong and persuasive language to create a lasting impact on the audience.
Employ rhetorical devices such as repetition and parallelism to enhance the delivery of key points.

Encouraging Two-Way Communication and Tailoring the Speech

In addition to using concise and impactful language, effective CEO town hall speeches require encouraging two-way communication and tailoring the speech to the specific audience. Active listening plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue and understanding the needs and concerns of employees. By actively engaging with their audience, CEOs can create an inclusive atmosphere where employees feel valued and heard. Furthermore, tailoring the speech to the specific audience ensures that the content is relevant and resonates with their interests. CEOs can achieve this by conducting thorough research and understanding the demographics, preferences, and expectations of the audience. By incorporating active listening and specific audience targeting, CEOs can enhance the effectiveness of their town hall speeches and establish stronger connections with their employees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a ceo ensure that their town hall speech is well-prepared.

To ensure a well-prepared CEO town hall speech, executives should prioritize planning and invest sufficient time and resources. Adequate preparation is crucial for effective communication, capturing audience attention, and delivering key messages concisely and impactfully.

What Are Some Examples of Engaging Visuals and Multimedia Elements That Can Be Incorporated Into a CEO Town Hall Speech?

Engaging visuals and multimedia elements, such as compelling images, videos, and interactive slides, can enhance a CEO town hall speech. These elements capture attention, convey information effectively, and create a visually stimulating experience for the audience.

How Can Storytelling Techniques Be Used to Make a CEO Town Hall Speech More Relatable to the Audience?

Storytelling techniques create an emotional connection in CEO town hall speeches, enhancing relatability. By incorporating authentic narratives, CEOs can engage the audience, evoke empathy, and convey meaningful messages, fostering a deeper understanding and connection.

What Are Some Tips for Using Humor Effectively in a CEO Town Hall Speech to Create a Positive and Engaging Atmosphere?

Using humor effectively in a CEO town hall speech can create a positive and engaging atmosphere. Strategies include incorporating appropriate and relatable jokes, maintaining a professional tone, and ensuring the humor aligns with the overall message and objectives of the speech.

Why Is It Important for a CEO to Begin Their Town Hall Speech With a Strong and Attention-Grabbing Opening Statement?

The importance of a CEO’s opening statement lies in its ability to capture and maintain the attention of the audience. Attention-grabbing openers have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the town hall speech.

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Five of the Best Speech Opening Lines

Great opening lines to a speech get us curious and can set the direction for a powerful talk. In those first few seconds you have the chance to gain your audience’s attention, earn their trust, and persuade them you are someone worth listening to. The best introductions to speeches are a mile away from the standard welcomes and thank yous that set the snoozometer to max. Get it right, and those initial words can captivate the crowd from the off, creating a connection with every individual in the room. But how do you go about opening your speech with something different and memorable? A great place to start is looking at examples of introductions to successful speeches to see what you can learn from them. To show you what we mean, we’ve picked some of our favourite opening lines from TED talks, home to some of the best conference speeches in the world. From funny stories to hard-hitting introductions, TED talks show the art of the possible when it comes to getting your speech off to a kick-ass start. Have a go at guessing the speaker, or the focus of the rest of their talk (hint…we give you the answers later on).

Do you want to improve your public speaking? Why not view our Public Speaking Courses !

Guess the Speech: Five of the best speech opening lines

Speech A: Good morning. How are you? It’s been great, hasn’t it? I’ve been blown away by the whole thing. In fact, I’m leaving.

Speech B: For a long time, there was me, and my body. Me was composed of stories, of cravings, of strivings, of desires of the future. Me was trying not to be an outcome of my violent past, but the separation that had already occurred between me and my body was a pretty significant outcome. Me was always trying to become something, somebody. Me only existed in the trying. My body was often in the way.

Speech C: Sadly, in the next 18 minutes when I do our chat, four Americans that are alive will be dead from the food that they eat.

Speech D: Okay, now I don’t want to alarm anybody in this room, but it’s just come to my attention that the person to your right is a liar. (Laughter) Also, the person to your left is a liar. Also the person sitting in your very seats is a liar. We’re all liars. What I’m going to do today is I’m going to show you what the research says about why we’re all liars, how you can become a liespotter and why you might want to go the extra mile and go from liespotting to truth seeking, and ultimately to trust building.

Speech E: Imagine a big explosion as you climb through 3,000 ft. Imagine a plane full of smoke. Imagine an engine going clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack. It sounds scary. Well I had a unique seat that day. I was sitting in 1D.

Giving a good introduction to a speech is key

Answers: Who delivered these great opening lines?

These examples pack a punch for very different reasons. There’s absolutely no chance of the audience zoning out when the speaker goes straight in with such a powerful start. So, who gave these speeches, and why are the introductions so good? Time for the big reveal….

A: Sir Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity

Deceptively simple, the opening lines for this speech set the tone for what has become the most viewed TED talk of all (currently nearly 57 million views). Far from being just ‘throat clearing’, Sir Ken’s funny introduction cleverly paves the way for a talk that will gently but profoundly show us a new way of looking at education. It’s as if we are at a dinner party, being hosted by Sir Ken – he makes us feel comfortable, interested and open all at once. We are not being lectured to (which is always a possibility when education is the subject matter of choice), we want to learn and hear more. Very skilful indeed.

Ginger tip: funny introductions

Using humour in your introduction can be a great way to get your speech off to a flying start – but only if you do it in a way that feels natural. This example shows how you can make people laugh without telling a joke. It’s about finding your own funny and feeling totally comfortable with what you’re saying. If it feels a bit forced to you, it definitely will to your audience. You don’t have to make people roll around on the floor laughing, but light-hearted and amusing anecdotes can add energy and engagement to your talk – which is especially needed if you’re in the dreaded after-lunch slot . Remember, when you open your speech with something funny, you are setting the tone for the rest of your talk – so you’ll need to pepper humour throughout.

Extra Ginger nuggets

How to write a funny speech Funny inspiring speakers talks

B: Eve Ensler: Suddenly, my body

As you’d expect from a the writer of the Vagina Monologues, the start of this speech opening was profound, stark in its honesty and inviting. We empathize and want to know more. Unfortunately this speech suffered from a common affliction that writers face; in getting focused on the precise words of the speech (in this instance, Eve Ensler read her speech), we can get disconnected from the full power of the material. Whilst the words were powerful, we would have enjoyed the rest of this speech more if Eve had given herself permission to find the right words in the moment, rather than needing to be perfectly scripted.

Ginger tip: going unscripted

You want it to be perfect. You’re worried about forgetting something vital. You’re scared of doing it wrong. These are common and perfectly understandable reasons why people opt to script their speech and read it word for word. But rather than delivering a foot-perfect performance, you’re more likely to lose the vital connection with the audience. Not to mention risking plunging yourself into the dreaded ‘I’m sorry I’ve lost my place’ scenario. More than anything, people want you to be human and to speak from the heart. It takes confidence to ditch your notes, but with some simple techniques, you can prepare and remember your speech in a way that allows you to deliver a clear, compelling and authentic talk.

How to start a speech with power and confidence How to remember a speech without notes

C: Jamie Oliver’s TED Wish: Teach every child about food

This is one of our favourite ever TED talks, and it doesn’t pull its punches from the very first line. Jamie Oliver manages to balance preparation (statistics, stories, well-developed ideas) with heart in his TED talk. This speech opening line both makes our jaws drop to the ground in shock at such a statistic and opens our hearts to the human side of the story. Powerful stuff.

Ginger tip: punchy facts

Opening your speech with a hard-hitting fact can quickly add credibility to your talk and demonstrate the scale of an issue. It’s best to keep statistics simple and make them as relevant to the audience as possible, so it feels memorable rather than dry. Resist the urge to stuff the rest of the speech with stats. Try to stick to a few powerful facts and bring them to life with real examples.

Extra Ginger nuggets:

The key to presenting data…is not to present data How to make a powerful point with your speech

D: Pamela Meyer: How to spot a liar

We love talks that balance humour and connect us to the subject matter in hand – and Pamela Meyer does this perfectly in her TED talk opening line. By bringing a challenge straight to us, in our very seats, Pamela engages us and makes sure the talk is about ‘me’ the audience member. We’re laughing and ready to listen. Great job.

Ginger tip: setting up a problem

Setting up a problem at the start of your speech immediately creates a reason for listening and a direction for your talk. And if you involve the audience in the problem, it’s even more powerful. It doesn’t have to be something completely new, in fact telling us what we already know and explaining why that’s a problem can be a really engaging way to start. Depending on the subject matter, you can frame the problem in different ways – from serious to humorous. And it gives a natural structure to the rest of your talk as you explore how to solve the issue.

The best way to engage your audience Five methods to master audience interaction

E: Ric Elias: 3 things I learned while my plane crashed

Wow, what an opening! Who wouldn’t want to know more? Ric Elias showed here how powerful it is to jump straight into a story, with no fussing around with thank yous and throat clearing. Unfortunately after the winning start, the rest of the talk lacked some of the gusto and drama of its opening lines. What can we learn from this? Start with power, but make sure you structure your talk to include a journey that will continue to keep us involved all the way through.

Ginger tip: start with a story

Stories are one of the most effective ways to inspire others. We’re hard wired to connect with stories and your experience of the world is one of the most valuable speaking tools that you possess. Telling a story is a popular way to open a speech because it can quickly build that all-important human connection with your audience. If you have a message that’s personal, or if you’re trying to influence your audience to make a change, a story is a great place to start.

Why is it so important to tell your story? 3 storytelling secrets for public speaking

Research the best speech opening lines before you start

Creating the best introduction for your speech

We hope these examples of great opening lines demonstrate that you don’t have to conform to the ‘safe’ introductions we’re all used to hearing at corporate conferences. In fact, at Ginger, we dare our speakers to rip up the ‘rulebook’, to be courageous, and to take a different approach to setting the scene. You can find even more tips in our free guide, The 10 best ways to start your talk . We’d love to hear your thoughts on these and other examples of great opening lines – so please share your ideas in the comments below.

Beyond introductions

Of course, it’s all very well creating a captivating introduction, but you don’t want the rest of your talk to fall off a cliff edge after you’ve built it up so spectacularly. Maintaining the audience’s attention for the rest of your speech is just as important. We’ve developed the TED-style Talk Guidebook to help you through the process of writing a brilliant speech. Whether you’re crafting a short talk or a keynote, it will help you create a speech that’s as good as a TED talk – so you can wow your audience from the first word to the final thank you. If you’d like to get hands-on support with becoming a better public speaker, then take a look at our training courses. There’s something for every level, from nervous beginners to becoming a leading speaker on the world stage. We’d love to welcome you along.

UK based? Here’s some courses that you might enjoy:

Presentation Skills and Essentials
Leadership and Communications
TED Talk Presentations

Ginger Leadership Communications

This showcase of inspiring female speakers is part of Ginger’s work with game changing leaders.

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News and insights

2021 Annual General Meeting: chief executive officer's speech

Bernard looney, chief executive officer, bp 2021 agm, 1 st. james’s square, london.

Thank you, Helge - and my thanks to everyone joining.

This is the second AGM since I’ve been in this role and the second time we are meeting remotely.

But whether we meet in person or virtually, these gatherings are important.

It is a chance for us to update you – bp’s owners - on the company’s performance; it is your chance to raise any questions or concerns – and we will do our best to respond.

A year like no other

It has been an incredibly tough period. COVID –19, above all else, is a human tragedy. And now it feels like the world is on two divergent paths. Some of us are planning for a return to life more like what we knew before the pandemic. Many others are dealing with rising infection rates and deaths.

I am getting regular updates on the situation in places such as India and Brazil – and it is nothing short of heart-breaking.

Around the world we have lost colleagues to the virus and our thoughts are with their families.

Many of us have a family member or friend who has died or been taken ill. And more people around the world have been diagnosed with COVID in recent weeks than at any other point since the virus emerged.

At bp, we will continue to play our part supporting our people, our customers, our partners and our communities. Just like we have throughout the last year.

A year that will be remembered for pain, for sadness, and for loss of life.

And I want to pay tribute to our frontline staff – who have kept our plants and platforms, our forecourts and shops running. They have sacrificed so, so much – and they have earned our deep respect.

I also know this past year has been tough for shareholders . I recognize the financial impact on you of a reset dividend and a lower share price.

At the same time, I wholeheartedly believe in the strategy we have laid out, and which we are now focused on delivering.

Delivering on our strategy

As Helge said, this past year has been extraordinary in every sense – and that’s certainly true for bp. In February 2020, we launched our new purpose and net zero ambition. And we also announced our intention to reinvent bp – our biggest re-organisation in decades. Then in August we unveiled our strategy to transform from an international oil company into an integrated energy company – or from IOC to IEC . And at the same time, we said we were committed to performing while we transform bp.

We are beginning to show that, over time, we can transition bp to a lower carbon future AND at the same time deliver competitive cash returns for our investors. There need not be a choice.

But this all starts with safety – our core value.

This is so important to me and the company - I know from first-hand experience the pain it can cause when things go wrong.

That’s why we consolidated a single set of principles that define bp’s- safety culture - how we expect everyone to lead with care, with trust, and to feel able to speak-up when they see something that looks wrong.

These safety leadership principles apply to everyone – and they start with me.

Throughout the past year - our colleagues have looked after each other and shown a great sense of care. This has enabled us to stay safe, despite the multiple challenges of the pandemic.

And now we are making good progress in re-establishing maintenance activities that have been disrupted and bringing people back to our offices where we can do so safely.

Nothing is more important than caring for our people and as we like to say, a safe business is a good business.

And so we delivered a strong set of results for the first quarter of this year – generating $11 billion of cash inflow from operating cash and divestment proceeds. We are being very disciplined with capital and very disciplined with costs.

We expect our capital outlay to be around $13 billion this year – over $6 billion lower than in 2019.

Our cash costs this year are expected to be $2.5 billion lower than in 2019 – and on track to be $3-4 billion lower by the end of 2023.

That has contributed to our net debt falling by $18 billion in the space of a year – from $51 billion in April 2020 to around $33 billion today – even during the pandemic.

This disciplined approach has enabled us to more than meet our net debt target of $35 billion – and move to a new phase of our financial frame– around a year earlier than planned.

We are committing to use at least 60% of our surplus cashflow to buyback bp shares, subject to maintaining a strong investment grade credit rating – in effect, returning the money to you, our shareholders.

We hope you’ll find this combination of our resilient dividend plus buybacks a really attractive shareholder-proposition. That was our intention when we set out our financial frame alongside our strategy.

At the same time as delivering for today we have been making significant strategic progress for tomorrow. In the last year alone, we have:

Delivered 6 major oil and gas projects around the world – adding 335,000 1 barrels a day of higher-margin production capacity.
Moved into offshore wind – establishing businesses in the UK and the US – the world’s largest offshore wind market and its fastest growing.
Grown rapidly in solar energy – our brilliant solar joint venture Lightsource bp grew its development pipeline by around 3GW net to bp last year and another 1.4GW in the last quarter.
Increased the profitability of our convenience business – adding around 300 convenience stores and growing the gross margin by over 10% year on year.
Made EV-charging faster and easier to find - expanding the number of electric vehicle charging points to more than 10,000 – and by joining forces with BMW and Daimler, and with VW, we plan to see many more customers being directed right to our growing network of chargers.
Started laying the foundations for a 10% share of key hydrogen markets, by leading the UK’s biggest blue hydrogen project.
Got plans underway for the UK’s first Net Zero industrial hub, working with other energy companies.
Formed new partnerships to help meet our net zero ambition – with cities like Houston & Aberdeen – as well as with some of world’s leading companies including Amazon, Microsoft, Qantas and Uber.

Performing while transforming

This is exactly what we mean when we talk about performing while transforming.

It’s about being purpose-led and performance-driven.

Doing well for investors AND making a difference in the world.

Delivering cash for shareholders today AND transforming bp for tomorrow.

We have made a strong start – and we greatly appreciate all your support. We do not take it for granted.

I am optimistic about the year ahead. The team is in a groove. We are focused on the right things – safe and reliable operations, managing cost and capital, and disciplined step by step strategic moves.

Thank you for listening

Back to you, Helge.

1 Net to bp

Also on bp.com.

Board and leadership team

bp Annual Report

Our transformation

NettResults

Preparing for the agm: how to build a compelling ceo speech in five steps.

March 17, 2022 by nick Leighton

This was authored by our great friend Erin Reese Account Supervisor, Roop & Co.

Congratulations! You’ve been selected to present a keynote speech on your area of expertise. Now comes the hard part — developing a presentation that will effectively engage and resonate with your audience. Whether you’re presenting to an audience of 25 or 2,500, you’ll want to ensure that your keynote speech hits the mark.

Below are five key ways that you can ensure your keynote speech leaves a lasting impression with your audience, for all the right reasons:

1. Know Your Audience

It’s important to understand the type of event you’ll be attending, as well as the expectations of the audience. For example, if you’re speaking at a scientific forum to an audience of academics, your talk about the latest advancements in biotech drug discovery and development — peppered with highly scientific terminology and theories about complex cellular processes — will likely be well-received and easily comprehended.

On the other hand, that same speech will likely fall flat if presented to a group of biotech investors. Although they may understand the basics of the science, these investors are probably more interested in WHY they should invest in your company —instead of the fine details of research process.

The key takeaway? Make sure you thoroughly understand your audience, including their background and level of experience relating to the topic on which you’ll be presenting. This insight will allow you to tailor your speech accordingly.

2. Content is Key

Once you’ve considered your audience, it’s time to develop your content. Regardless of the topic, there are few important considerations for any presentation. First and foremost, is your content accurate? Anything you present, from statistics to attributed quotes, should be thoroughly fact-checked and appropriately cited to original sources.

Secondly, is the content of your keynote speech proprietary? Unless your event is private and requires non-disclosure agreements, virtually anything you say can and likely will be shared externally. Additionally, many events will invite and encourage media attendance — meaning, for better or worse, portions of your speech could end up being front-page news.

If you are discussing financial or other sensitive information, it’s probably a good idea to vet your discussion points with a member of your legal or financial team to ensure the data you’re sharing is approved for public consumption.

3. Engage Your Audience

No one wants to be lectured for 45 minutes. When developing your keynote speech, consider ways to meaningfully connect with and engage your audience . If you’ve considered the needs of your audience and built your speech accordingly, you’re already on the right path. That said, there are additional tools you can use to ensure your audience remains actively engaged from the start.

One public speaking tip is to start with a personal story , which can make you more relatable to your audience and encourage them to invest in what you have to say. Whether humorous or humbling, sharing a part of your personal story allows viewers to get to know you on a deeper level and, thus, builds trust.

Conducting real-time audience polling is a great way to ensure your viewers’ full attention. Tools like Poll Everywhere and Turning allow you to build a range of questions into your presentations — from true or false to multiple choice and even short answers. Audience members can then respond using their smartphones, allowing them to share their opinions, feedback and experiences in real time. Ultimately, this leads audience members to become more actively engaged in the presentation.

4. To PowerPoint or Not to PowerPoint

PowerPoint presentations have long been a mainstay of the keynote speech, but are they really the best way to increase audience engagement? According to recent scientific studies on the human brain, using a PowerPoint presentation during your speech can actually decrease comprehension and retention . It turns out that human brains aren’t great at multitasking, which means your audience can either listen to your words or focus on your presentation — but they cannot do both (well) at the same time.

Does this mean you should trash your PowerPoint presentation entirely? Not exactly. Instead of text-heavy slides that require a higher level of focus from your audience, limit your deck to engaging images and high-level text — such as a single figure highlighting a financial goal or a title slide to introduce your next topic. This will allow your audience to quickly read your slide and return their focus back to what you’re saying.

If you’re interested in an alternative to the standard PowerPoint presentation, consider starting with a briefing document — an approach favored by Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon . This involves providing attendees with an overview document that contains the relevant ideas and requested decisions, and then allowing time before you speak for attendees to review the document. An added bonus of this approach is that attendees get to keep this helpful handout for future reference.

5. Practice Makes Perfect

The final — and perhaps most important — step is to practice, practice, practice. Take the time to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the content of your keynote speech. If you’re using a PowerPoint, make sure your content matches the slides and try out different transitions until you find the ones that work best.

Keep in mind that technology is not foolproof. Wireless connections can go down, teleprompters may get stuck, or someone may trip on a cord and unplug your device. If the worst happens, you should know your speech well enough to proceed without technology — or at least with the help of printed notes.

Giving a keynote speech to a large group can be nerve wracking for even the most seasoned speakers. However, if you take the time to familiarize yourself with your presentation and have appropriate back-ups in place, chances are you’ll be more relaxed and prepared when it’s time to take the stage.

If you follow these five key steps to building a compelling CEO speech for your company’s upcoming annual meeting, you’ll have taken the time to thoroughly research your audience, prepare an engaging speech and practice to perfection. At that point, all that’s left is to take a deep breath, smile and confidently take the stage. You’ve got this!

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Preparing for the AGM: How to Build a Compelling CEO Speech in Five Steps

By Erin Reese - Roopco | March 14 2022

five steps to crafting a compelling CEO speech

Below are five key ways that you can ensure your keynote speech leaves a lasting impression with your audience, for all the right reasons:

1. Know Your Audience

2. Content is Key

3. Engage Your Audience

4. To PowerPoint or Not to PowerPoint

5. Practice Makes Perfect

Alessandra Malvermi

Co-founder and managing partner, sound public relations.

A public relations, brand management, digital strategies, social media, content marketing and crisis communications expert, Alessandra is strongly passionate about innovation and new trends and has a lively talent for international relations. Besides being Vice President of Global Women in PR for Italy, she has been a jury member of the IMC European Awards and Chair of the PRGN Membership Committee. Among her interests are skiing, trekking, music, arts, books and more.

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Satya Nadella email to employees on first day as CEO

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From: Satya Nadella To: All Employees Date: Feb. 4, 2014 Subject: RE: Satya Nadella – Microsoft’s New CEO

Today is a very humbling day for me. It reminds me of my very first day at Microsoft, 22 years ago. Like you, I had a choice about where to come to work. I came here because I believed Microsoft was the best company in the world. I saw then how clearly we empower people to do magical things with our creations and ultimately make the world a better place. I knew there was no better company to join if I wanted to make a difference. This is the very same inspiration that continues to drive me today.

It is an incredible honor for me to lead and serve this great company of ours. Steve and Bill have taken it from an idea to one of the greatest and most universally admired companies in the world. I’ve been fortunate to work closely with both Bill and Steve in my different roles at Microsoft, and as I step in as CEO, I’ve asked Bill to devote additional time to the company, focused on technology and products. I’m also looking forward to working with John Thompson as our new Chairman of the Board.

While we have seen great success, we are hungry to do more. Our industry does not respect tradition — it only respects innovation. This is a critical time for the industry and for Microsoft. Make no mistake, we are headed for greater places — as technology evolves and we evolve with and ahead of it. Our job is to ensure that Microsoft thrives in a mobile and cloud-first world.

As we start a new phase of our journey together, I wanted to share some background on myself and what inspires and motivates me.

I am 46. I’ve been married for 22 years and we have 3 kids. And like anyone else, a lot of what I do and how I think has been shaped by my family and my overall life experiences. Many who know me say I am also defined by my curiosity and thirst for learning. I buy more books than I can finish. I sign up for more online courses than I can complete. I fundamentally believe that if you are not learning new things, you stop doing great and useful things. So family, curiosity and hunger for knowledge all define me.

Why am I here?

I am here for the same reason I think most people join Microsoft — to change the world through technology that empowers people to do amazing things. I know it can sound hyperbolic — and yet it’s true. We have done it, we’re doing it today, and we are the team that will do it again.

I believe over the next decade computing will become even more ubiquitous and intelligence will become ambient. The coevolution of software and new hardware form factors will intermediate and digitize — many of the things we do and experience in business, life and our world. This will be made possible by an ever-growing network of connected devices, incredible computing capacity from the cloud, insights from big data, and intelligence from machine learning.

This is a software-powered world.

It will better connect us to our friends and families and help us see, express, and share our world in ways never before possible. It will enable businesses to engage customers in more meaningful ways.

I am here because we have unparalleled capability to make an impact.

Why are we here?

In our early history, our mission was about the PC on every desk and home, a goal we have mostly achieved in the developed world. Today we’re focused on a broader range of devices. While the deal is not yet complete, we will welcome to our family Nokia devices and services and the new mobile capabilities they bring us.

As we look forward, we must zero in on what Microsoft can uniquely contribute to the world. The opportunity ahead will require us to reimagine a lot of what we have done in the past for a mobile and cloud-first world, and do new things.

We are the only ones who can harness the power of software and deliver it through devices and services that truly empower every individual and every organization. We are the only company with history and continued focus in building platforms and ecosystems that create broad opportunity.

Qi Lu captured it well in a recent meeting when he said that Microsoft uniquely empowers people to “do more.” This doesn’t mean that we need to do more things, but that the work we do empowers the world to do more of what they care about — get stuff done, have fun, communicate and accomplish great things. This is the core of who we are, and driving this core value in all that we do — be it the cloud or device experiences — is why we are here.

What do we do next?

To paraphrase a quote from Oscar Wilde — we need to believe in the impossible and remove the improbable.

This starts with clarity of purpose and sense of mission that will lead us to imagine the impossible and deliver it. We need to prioritize innovation that is centered on our core value of empowering users and organizations to “do more.” We have picked a set of high-value activities as part of our One Microsoft strategy. And with every service and device launch going forward we need to bring more innovation to bear around these scenarios.

Next, every one of us needs to do our best work, lead and help drive cultural change. We sometimes underestimate what we each can do to make things happen and overestimate what others need to do to move us forward. We must change this.

Finally, I truly believe that each of us must find meaning in our work. The best work happens when you know that it’s not just work, but something that will improve other people’s lives. This is the opportunity that drives each of us at this company.

Many companies aspire to change the world. But very few have all the elements required: talent, resources, and perseverance. Microsoft has proven that it has all three in abundance. And as the new CEO, I can’t ask for a better foundation.

Let’s build on this foundation together.

Axel Springer and Microsoft expand partnership across advertising, AI, content and Azure services 

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10 Introducing a New CEO Best Practices

If you're introducing a new CEO to your company, it's important to do it right. Here are 10 best practices to help you make a smooth transition.

Introducing a new CEO to the organization can be a daunting task. It is important to make sure that the transition is smooth and that the new CEO is welcomed and accepted by the team.

In this article, we will discuss 10 best practices for introducing a new CEO. From creating a communication plan to setting expectations, these best practices will help ensure that the transition is successful and that the new CEO is able to hit the ground running.

1. Develop a plan for introducing the new CEO to employees, customers, and other stakeholders

The plan should include a timeline for introducing the new CEO, as well as specific goals and objectives. This will ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the change in leadership and can adjust accordingly. It also allows the organization to control the message and ensure that it is communicated accurately and consistently.

The plan should also include strategies for engaging with employees, customers, and other stakeholders. For example, the plan could include an employee town hall meeting or customer webinar where the new CEO can introduce themselves and answer questions. Additionally, the plan should include communication channels such as email, social media, and press releases to ensure that everyone is informed about the transition.

2. Prepare an introduction speech that highlights the CEO’s qualifications and goals for the company

The introduction speech should be tailored to the company’s culture and values, as well as the CEO’s background. This will help set the tone for how the new leader is perceived by employees, customers, and other stakeholders. It also gives the audience a better understanding of what the CEO brings to the table and why they were chosen for the role.

When crafting the introduction speech, it’s important to focus on the CEO’s qualifications and experience that are relevant to the position. For example, if the CEO has extensive experience in the industry, this should be highlighted. Additionally, any awards or recognition the CEO has received should be mentioned.

It’s also important to include the CEO’s goals for the company. This helps give the audience an idea of where the company is headed under the new leadership. The goals should be specific and measurable so that everyone can track progress over time.

3. Schedule meetings with key personnel to discuss the new CEO’s vision for the company

Having meetings with key personnel allows the new CEO to communicate their vision for the company in a more personal and direct way. This helps ensure that everyone is on the same page, as well as provides an opportunity for the new CEO to answer any questions or address any concerns that may arise.

The best way to go about scheduling these meetings is by first identifying who the key personnel are. These could include members of the executive team, department heads, and other stakeholders. Once identified, it’s important to set up individual meetings with each person so they can have one-on-one time with the new CEO. It’s also beneficial to provide an agenda ahead of time so everyone knows what topics will be discussed.

4. Create a timeline for introducing the new CEO to external stakeholders such as investors, partners, and media

Creating a timeline allows the organization to plan and coordinate the introduction of the new CEO in an organized manner. It also helps ensure that all stakeholders are informed at the same time, which is important for maintaining consistency in messaging and avoiding any confusion or misunderstandings.

The timeline should include key dates such as when the announcement will be made, when the new CEO will start, and when they will meet with external stakeholders. It should also include details about how each stakeholder group will be introduced to the new CEO, such as through press releases, interviews, or other forms of communication. Additionally, it should outline what information will be shared with each stakeholder group, such as background on the new CEO’s experience and qualifications.

5. Leverage social media channels to broadcast the news of the new CEO appointment

Social media channels are a great way to reach a wide audience quickly and effectively. By broadcasting the news of the new CEO appointment on social media, companies can ensure that their message reaches a large number of people in a short amount of time. Additionally, it allows for two-way communication between the company and its stakeholders, which is important when introducing a new leader.

When leveraging social media channels to broadcast the news of the new CEO appointment, companies should create content that is engaging and informative. This could include an official announcement post with details about the new CEO’s background and qualifications, as well as posts featuring interviews or Q&A sessions with the new CEO. Companies should also use visuals such as photos and videos to make the content more appealing and shareable. Furthermore, they should encourage followers to engage with the content by asking questions and providing feedback.

6. Invite the new CEO to attend industry events and conferences to build relationships with peers

Attending industry events and conferences is a great way for the new CEO to become familiar with their peers in the industry, as well as gain insight into current trends and topics. This will help them better understand the competitive landscape and develop relationships that can be beneficial for the company.

The best way to do this is by having the new CEO attend events and conferences related to their field of expertise. They should also take advantage of networking opportunities at these events, such as attending panel discussions or speaking engagements. Additionally, they should make sure to introduce themselves to other attendees and exchange contact information. Doing so will allow them to stay connected and build meaningful relationships with their peers.

7. Set up a team of internal ambassadors to help spread the word about the new leader

The team of internal ambassadors can help to create a sense of excitement and enthusiasm about the new CEO. They can also provide an opportunity for employees to get to know the new leader on a more personal level, which helps to build trust and loyalty. Additionally, having a team of internal ambassadors allows the new CEO to have direct access to employees in order to answer questions and address any concerns they may have.

To set up a team of internal ambassadors, it is important to select individuals who are respected by their peers and have strong communication skills. These individuals should be given clear instructions on how to communicate information about the new CEO and what topics to discuss. It is also important to ensure that these ambassadors receive regular updates from the new CEO so that they can stay informed and pass along accurate information.

8. Provide resources and training to ensure all staff are familiar with the new CEO’s background and objectives

Having resources and training available to staff allows them to become familiar with the new CEO’s background, which can help build trust between the CEO and the staff. It also helps staff understand the CEO’s objectives and how they fit into the company’s overall mission. This understanding can help create a sense of unity among the staff and make it easier for them to work together towards achieving those objectives.

Providing resources and training can be done in various ways. For example, the company could host an orientation session where the new CEO introduces themselves and their goals. They could also provide written materials such as brochures or handouts that explain the CEO’s background and objectives. Additionally, the company could offer online courses or webinars that cover the same topics. By providing multiple methods of learning, the company ensures that all staff members have access to the information they need to get up to speed on the new CEO.

9. Encourage open dialogue between the new CEO and staff to foster trust and collaboration

Open dialogue between the new CEO and staff is important because it allows for a two-way exchange of ideas, opinions, and feedback. This helps to create an environment of trust and collaboration, which can be beneficial in many ways. For example, open dialogue encourages employees to feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns, which can lead to better problem solving and decision making. Additionally, it can help build relationships between the new CEO and staff, as well as foster a sense of unity within the organization.

To encourage open dialogue between the new CEO and staff, there are several strategies that can be implemented. One way is to hold regular meetings with staff members where they can ask questions and provide feedback. These meetings should be held in a safe and respectful environment so that everyone feels comfortable speaking up. Additionally, the new CEO should make themselves available to answer any questions or address any issues that may arise. They should also take the time to get to know each employee on a personal level, as this will help to build stronger relationships. Lastly, the new CEO should strive to create an atmosphere of transparency and openness by being honest and transparent about their plans and goals for the company.

10. Establish clear communication channels so that employees can provide feedback on their experience working with the new CEO

Having a clear communication channel allows employees to provide feedback in an organized and efficient manner. This helps the new CEO understand how their leadership is being received, as well as any areas of improvement that may be needed. It also gives employees a sense of ownership over the transition process, which can help build trust between them and the new leader.

The best way to establish these channels is by setting up a dedicated email address or online form for employees to submit their feedback. This should be promoted throughout the organization so that all employees are aware of it. Additionally, having a designated person or team responsible for collecting and responding to employee feedback will ensure that it is taken seriously and addressed in a timely manner.

10 Child Domain DNS Best Practices

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5 Tips to Write a Speech for Your Nonprofit CEO

Your nonprofit’s CEO is the spokesperson of your organization. They take on all kinds of speaking engagements, including at galas and other fundraising events, award ceremonies, advocacy events, and to address staff.

And you⁠—you communications extraordinaire⁠—may be tasked with writing speaking points for your CEO and other senior staff.

Speechwriting is a craft in itself. Writing speeches for others has its own set of challenges. I have written countless speeches for CEOs and other staff as a nonprofit communications manager. Here are my top five tips:

KNOW THE PREFERRED FORMAT

I’ve written for a CEO who prefers to read a script word for word, and a CEO who just needed bullet points to make her speech sing. Before you even start, ask what type of speaking points work best for the speaker. Don’t assume!

Whichever format works best, use a large font, and leave plenty of space between sentences. I tend to bold sentences that make a strong point.

OUTLINE FIRST

Some speeches will be just three minutes, and some will be much longer. Make a short, high-level outline to ensure you are hitting all the points your CEO needs to make.

You may be surprised at the direction they have in mind. You will want to clear that up before you begin to write.

WRITE LIKE YOUR CEO SPEAKS

Yes, it’s not easy to emulate someone else’s voice. The more you write for your CEO, the more you will nail it.

At the very least, use contractions, short sentences, and avoid large and complicated words.

Read the speech out loud, which will help you pluck out awkward and difficult to understand sentences.

ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME

Your CEO will need time to give several rounds of feedback until it sounds just right. Once the speech is in the final shape, they will need time to practice.

I’ll never forget thinking I gave enough time for edits, and then was scrambling to get all the speaking points on note cards just moments before my CEO was out the door to her event!

TELL A GOOD STORY

As storytellers know, a good story will stay with an audience far longer than statistics and figures. Work in stories of people and families impacted by your organization.

I would not overwhelm the speech with numerous stories - choose one or two compelling and applicable stories to bring the point home.

I’ve found writing for nonprofit CEOs to be a great privilege. It’s a task that nonprofit marketers take on, which reiterates an essential truth about your job: you play a powerful role in telling your organization’s story.

And stories make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

LIKE WHAT YOU READ? COME HANG OUT IN THRIVE NONPROFIT CIRCLE FOR learning, support, and camaraderie from fellow change agents.

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A Simple Way to Introduce Yourself

Andrea Wojnicki

Think: present, past, future.

Many of us dread the self-introduction, be it in an online meeting or at the boardroom table. Here is a practical framework you can leverage to introduce yourself with confidence in any context, online or in-person: Present, past, and future. You can customize this framework both for yourself as an individual and for the specific context. Perhaps most importantly, when you use this framework, you will be able to focus on others’ introductions, instead of stewing about what you should say about yourself.

You know the scenario. It could be in an online meeting, or perhaps you are seated around a boardroom table. The meeting leader asks everyone to briefly introduce themselves. Suddenly, your brain goes into hyperdrive. What should I say about myself?

Andrea Wojnicki , MBA, DBA, is an executive communication coach and founder of Talk About Talk, a multi-media learning resource to help executives improve their communication skills.

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Speech Writing

Introduction Speech

Introduction Speech - A Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

11 min read

What is an Introduction Speech?

An introduction speech, or introductory address, is a brief presentation at the beginning of an event or public speaking engagement. Its primary purpose is to establish a connection with the audience and to introduce yourself or the main speaker.

This type of speech is commonly used in a variety of situations, including:

Public Speaking: When you step onto a stage to address a large crowd, you start with an introduction to establish your presence and engage the audience.
Networking Events: When meeting new people in professional or social settings, an effective introduction speech can help you make a memorable first impression.
Formal Gatherings: From weddings to conferences, introductions set the tone for the event and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

In other words, an introduction speech is simply a way to introduce yourself to a crowd of people.

How to Write an Introduction Speech?

Before you can just go and deliver your speech, you need to prepare for it. Writing a speech helps you organize your ideas and prepare your speech effectively.

Here is how to introduce yourself in a speech.

Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is crucial. Consider their interests, backgrounds, and expectations to tailor your introduction accordingly.

For instance, the audience members could be your colleagues, new classmates, or various guests depending on the occasion. Understanding your audience will help you decide what they are expecting from you as a speaker.

Start with a Hook

Begin with a captivating opening line that grabs your audience's attention. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a thought-provoking question about yourself or the occasion.

Introduce Yourself

Introduce yourself to the audience. State your name, occupation, or other details relevant to the occasion. You should mention the reason for your speech clearly. It will build your credibility and give the readers reasons to stay with you and read your speech.

Keep It Concise

So how long is an introduction speech?

Introduction speeches should be brief and to the point. Aim for around 1-2 minutes in most cases. Avoid overloading the introduction with excessive details.

Highlight Key Points

Mention the most important information that establishes the speaker's credibility or your own qualifications. Write down any relevant achievements, expertise, or credentials to include in your speech. Encourage the audience to connect with you using relatable anecdotes or common interests.

Rehearse and Edit

Practice your introduction speech to ensure it flows smoothly and stays within the time frame. Edit out any unnecessary information, ensuring it's concise and impactful.

Tailor for the Occasion

Adjust the tone and content of your introduction speech to match the formality and purpose of the event. What works for a business conference may not be suitable for a casual gathering.

Introduction Speech Outline

To assist you in creating a structured and effective introduction speech, here's a simple outline that you can follow:

Here is an example outline for a self-introduction speech.

Outline for Self-Introduction Speech

7 Ways to Open an Introduction Speech

You can start your introduction speech as most people do:

“Hello everyone, my name is _____. I will talk about _____. Thank you so much for having me. So first of all _______”

However, this is the fastest way to make your audience lose interest. Instead, you should start by captivating your audience’s interest. Here are 7 ways to do that:

Quote

Start with a thought-provoking quote that relates to your topic or the occasion. E.g. "Mahatma Gandhi once said, 'You must be the change you want to see in the world."

Anecdote or Story

Begin with a brief, relevant anecdote or story that draws the audience in. It could be a story about yourself or any catchy anecdote to begin the flow of your speech.

Pose a rhetorical question to engage the audience's curiosity and involvement. For example, "Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel back in time, to experience a moment in history?”

Statistic or Fact

Share a surprising statistic or interesting fact that underscores the significance of your speech. E.g. “Did you know that as of today, over 60% of the world's population has access to the internet?”

“What If” Scenario

Paint a vivid "What if" scenario that relates to your topic, sparking the audience's imagination and curiosity. For example, "What if I told you that a single decision today could change the course of your life forever?"

Ignite Imagination

Encourage the audience to envision a scenario related to your topic. For instance, "Imagine a world where clean energy powers everything around us, reducing our carbon footprint to almost zero."

Start your introduction speech with a moment of silence, allowing the audience to focus and anticipate your message. This can be especially powerful in creating a sense of suspense and intrigue.

Introduction Speech Example

To help you understand how to put these ideas into practice, here are the introduction speech examples for different scenarios.

Introduction Speech Writing Sample

Short Introduction Speech Sample

Self Introduction Speech for College Students

Introduction Speech about Yourself

Student Presentation Introduction Speech Script

Teacher Introduction Speech

New Employee Self Introduction Speech

Introduction Speech for Chief Guest

Moreover, here is a video example of a self introduction. Watch it to understand how you should deliver your speech:

Want to read examples for other kinds of speeches? Find the best speeches at our blog about speech examples !

Introduction Speech Ideas

So now that you’ve understood what an introduction speech is, you may want to write one of your own. So what should you talk about?

The following are some ideas to start an introduction speech for a presentation, meeting, or social gathering in an engaging way.

Personal Story: Share a brief personal story or an experience that has shaped you, introducing yourself on a deeper level.
Professional Background: Introduce yourself by highlighting your professional background, including your career achievements and expertise.
Hobby or Passion: Discuss a hobby or passion that you're enthusiastic about, offering insights into your interests and what drives you.
Volunteer Work: Introduce yourself by discussing your involvement in volunteer work or community service, demonstrating your commitment to making a difference.
Travel Adventures: Share anecdotes from your travel adventures, giving the audience a glimpse into your love for exploring new places and cultures.
Books or Literature: Provide an introduction related to a favorite book, author, or literary work, revealing your literary interests.
Achievements and Milestones: Highlight significant achievements and milestones in your life or career to introduce yourself with an impressive track record.
Cultural Heritage: Explore your cultural heritage and its influence on your identity, fostering a sense of cultural understanding.
Social or Environmental Cause: Discuss your dedication to a particular social or environmental cause, inviting the audience to join you in your mission.
Future Aspirations: Share your future goals and aspirations, offering a glimpse into what you hope to achieve in your personal or professional life.

You can deliver engaging speeches on all kinds of topics. Here is a list of entertaining speech topics to get inspiration.

Tips for Delivering the Best Introduction Speech

Here are some tips for you to write a perfect introduction speech in no time.

Now that you know how to write an effective introduction speech, let's focus on the delivery. The way you present your introduction is just as important as the content itself.

Here are some valuable tips to ensure you deliver a better introduction speech:

Maintain Eye Contact

Make eye contact with the audience to establish a connection. This shows confidence and engages your listeners.

Use Appropriate Body Language

Your body language should convey confidence and warmth. Stand or sit up straight, use open gestures, and avoid fidgeting.

Mind Your Pace

Speak at a moderate pace, avoiding rapid speech. A well-paced speech is easier to follow and more engaging.

Avoid Filler Words

Minimize the use of filler words such as "um," "uh," and "like." They can be distracting and detract from your message.

Be Enthusiastic

Convey enthusiasm about the topic or the speaker. Your energy can be contagious and inspire the audience's interest.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Rehearse your speech multiple times. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, or seek feedback from others.

Be Mindful of Time

Stay within the allocated time for your introduction. Going too long can make your speech too boring for the audience.

Engage the Audience

Encourage the audience's participation. You could do that by asking rhetorical questions, involving them in a brief activity, or sharing relatable anecdotes.

Mistakes to Avoid in an Introduction Speech

While crafting and delivering an introduction speech, it's important to be aware of common pitfalls that can diminish its effectiveness. Avoiding these mistakes will help you create a more engaging and memorable introduction.

Here are some key mistakes to steer clear of:

Rambling On

One of the most common mistakes is making the introduction too long. Keep it concise and to the point. The purpose is to set the stage, not steal the spotlight.

Lack of Preparation

Failing to prepare adequately can lead to stumbling, awkward pauses, or losing your train of thought. Rehearse your introduction to build confidence.

Using Jargon or Complex Language

Avoid using technical jargon or complex language that may confuse the audience. Your introduction should be easily understood by everyone.

Being Too Generic

A generic or uninspiring introduction can set a lackluster tone. Ensure your introduction is tailored to the event and speaker, making it more engaging.

Using Inappropriate Humor

Be cautious with humor, as it can easily backfire. Avoid inappropriate or potentially offensive jokes that could alienate the audience.

Not Tailoring to the Occasion

An introduction should be tailored to the specific event's formality and purpose. A one-size-fits-all approach may not work in all situations.

To Conclude,

An introduction speech is more than just a formality. It's an opportunity to engage, inspire, and connect with your audience in a meaningful way.

With the help of this blog, you're well-equipped to shine in various contexts. So, step onto that stage, speak confidently, and captivate your audience from the very first word.

Moreover, you’re not alone in your journey to becoming a confident introducer. If you ever need assistance in preparing your speech, let the experts help you out.

MyPerfectWords.com offers a custom essay service with experienced professionals who can craft tailored introductions, ensuring your speech makes a lasting impact.

Don't hesitate; hire our professional speech writing service to deliver top-quality speeches at your deadline!

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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Motivational Speech from CEO to Employees

Inspiring people and keeping them motivated is one of the most important attributes of a leader. It’s not always easy to motivate your employees. But as a leader, it’s your job to do so—and you should never give up on that mission. Here are some tips for giving the best motivational speech as a CEO to employees for inspiring people.

3 Tips to write the best Motivational Speech from CEO to Employees

If you’re here, you’re probably looking for motivation or preparing to inspire your team on a big day. Let’s look at some of the influential and persuasive tools used by these CEOs.

1. Inspire your team members by acknowledging and celebrating wins, big and small.

It helps to establish a culture where everyone who works for your company feels like they are part of something bigger than themselves.
If a project succeeds, it’s important to recognize that success and give credit where credit is due. Celebrate small wins along with big ones.
Be sure to recognize any employee who goes above and beyond their job description or makes an effort to help others out of the kindness of their heart.

2. Building a culture of recognition is an effective means of motivating employees to regularly exceed their goals.

Recognition is a powerful motivator. It’s not just about patting someone on the back, but rather it involves letting people know that their efforts are valued.
In order for recognition to be effective, it should be done in a public way, in a timely fashion, and be meaningful. Use your speech to recognize the efforts of your employees.

3. Inject wit, humor, and empathy into your words to build trust, create bonds, repair relationships, and create joy in the workplace.

As you know, humor is a great way to connect with people . It builds trust, creates bonds, repairs relationships, and creates joy in the workplace.
It can also motivate your employees and make them feel good about themselves. And if you want to make someone feel special or important—or even just lighten the mood at a tense moment—a joke is often just what’s needed!
Telling personal stories also works wonders.

Best CEO speeches to employees

Great CEOs rely on various communication tools to inspire their teams and influence others to take action. Here are some of the CEOs who have successfully found the courage to show their true selves through inspirational speeches added to their presentations.

1. Howard Schultz:

Howard Schultz, CEO Starbucks gives a great motivational speech to his employees

If you go and ask any presentation expert about who, according to them, is one of the best storytelling executives in the business currently, they’ll probably say former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz.

Schultz often returned to his story about how he rose from rags to riches, from being a child of often unemployed parents in Brooklyn public housing to becoming the CEO of the world’s most successful coffeehouse chain. He’d use the story as a starting point to describe the history and mission of Starbucks and to explain many decisions he made regarding the company.
He mentioned in his speeches how he took inspiration from his father , who was injured and unable to work, which gave him the urge to launch a company that took care of its workers and provided them with benefits, like insurance and adequate time-off.
By framing his business goals in a personal story about his values , Schultz made his corporate mission understandable and described his strategic decisions in a way that made sense to anyone.
Check his complete speech here .

I love Starbucks. Many of you do, too. We all have a stake in our future. It is something we all share. And this serves as an invitation to come build it. Howard Schultz:

2. Sheryl Sandberg:

Sheryl Sandberg is known for her motivational speeches to employees.

Not everyone is comfortable sharing their stories from their struggling period, just like Sheryl Sandberg once felt reluctant to share her tale of tragedy in her public speeches.

Today, the Facebook COO masterfully reveals deeply personal stories in her talks, and these make her messages powerful and brings hope.
One of Sandberg’s most effective uses of personal storytelling happened during her 2016 UC Berkeley commencement speech after tragically and suddenly losing her husband Dave Goldberg in 2015. Sandberg chose not to mourn but to harness that painful tragedy to deliver a talk that was profoundly affecting and inspiring. She described her experience of losing her husband, then explained how she was able to rise from her unbearable grief into a stronger, more resilient person.

When life sucks you under, you can kick against the bottom, break the surface, and breathe again…you can choose joy and meaning.” Sheryl Sandberg:

Sandberg’s exhortation was powerful and uplifting despite its origin in a tragedy. She figured out how to unlock the power of a personal setback story for a presentation message that fosters endurance and drives the forward movement.

3. Rowan Trollope:

Check Rowan Trollope motivational speech given to employees.

Five9 CEO Rowan Trollope never fails to use firsthand anecdotes in his speeches. These stories make him feel relatable rather than like an untouchable executive who seems significantly snobbish and highly professional, not having a moment to listen to his employees’ needs and impulses.

As a leading SVP at Cisco, he delivered the 2016 Cisco Keynote at Enterprise Connect. He opened the speech with the story of his first experience with weightlessness at the “Zero-G Experience” when his instructor warned him he would laugh when he was finally weightless (all people do), he resolved to remain stoic. However, once he got up into the air and floated, he burst out laughing uncontrollably—reminding him that he was human, just like everyone who’d been weightless before him (even professional astronauts).
Trollope’s story not only showed his humanity but also endeared him to the audience , giving him an understandable jumping-off point to explain to listeners what he wanted to do with Cisco products. He wanted to create products and devices that delighted users, whether they were professionals in the industry or just picking up the technology for the first time.

Like his weightlessness story, most of Trollope’s tales are entertaining and full of humility. They work to demonstrate his “humanness”—taking him down off any “executive pedestal” and making him approachable and accessible. This results in a message that feels relevant and understandable to everyone listening. Read Trollope’s complete speech and be inspired.

“Organizations are spending $275B a year as an industry to deliver an experience that a lot of times, most people don’t like. That feels like an opportunity to me.” Rowan Trollope

Motivation is something that everyone needs, and it’s up to you as a leader to inspire your employees. If you want people to surround themselves with positive energy every day, then you have to do the same for them. It’s easy for leaders to get caught up in their own personal issues and forget about the people who rely on them for support. Remember: it’s all about building relationships with others because without them, what would we have?

Motivational Speech from CEO to Employees

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The Speech All New CEOs Should Give

I once took one of those business simulation courses. In it, we were given a computer terminal, an inbox, and a walkie-talkie. Our simulated company, Acme Widget, was said to be in trouble, and the point of the exercise was to evaluate our crisis management skills. There was a team of psychologists who were looking for leadership and other soft skills that might help us do well during a pressure-filled day.

The fellow who had been chosen as simulated CEO of our team was an up-and-coming executive in a Fortune 100 company. He was clearly acting as CEO in the exercise because his company had indicated he had so much potential.

The psychologists asked the “CEO” to give his motivational speech as the simulation began.

The CEO said, “Our job is to grow revenue faster than expense. Now get to work!”

That was it.

Would it surprise you to hear that Acme Widgets did not survive the simulated crisis? The emails flew, the disasters proliferated, and the team fell apart. I thought then, and I still believe, that the CEO’s speech could have made a big difference in how our team performed.

The CEO Speech He Should Have Given

Here is what he should have said. As a matter of fact, this is the speech that I give when I take over companies as an interim presiden t.

“My name is Walter, and I will be CEO of this company. I am not an expert in many of the aspects of the business, so I hope you will be open with me when I ask questions. I am not probing to look for weaknesses in you or your colleagues but to see how we are doing things now and how we might look for improvements. My interest is in processes, not personalities. I am not here to hurt anyone, just to see that we all work together to further the corporate fortunes.

“I have a few expectations. I’d like to share them with you now.

“The first is safety. Whether you work with machines or in the office, I’d like to promote a culture that ensures that we all go home safely at the end of the workday. I will be asking specific questions on this aspect. Not for money reasons or for insurance, but because we are all in this together, and we can’t promote that feeling if someone is risking his or her hands in the factory or a sore back in the filing room. Please be open as to how this concern might be addressed.

“The second expectation is respect. This expectation is one you can aim at me. You should expect that I treat you with respect at all times. This means no shouting, yelling, or baiting. And I will expect the same treatment in return, and that the same courtesies will be extended to others in the company, at all levels. That doesn’t mean we can’t be human — as a matter of fact, I do like to hear laughter and chatter — but it must be kept on a basic, respectful level.

“The third is integrity. That means we tell the truth. You can expect me to tell the truth, and I will expect the same. Telling the truth is very freeing. The truth has no politics and no taboo subjects. If it will make the company do better, it should be spoken about candidly. By the way, when I ask questions of people who work here, I keep their impressions to myself. It doesn’t do anyone any good for me to say, ‘Susie thinks our marketing is a disaster.’ However, after speaking to Susie, I might talk to the people in marketing and say, ‘When was the last time you gave a presentation on the latest campaign?’

“Oh, and a commitment to telling the truth is not the same as giving out all information. You do not have the right to know everyone’s salary information or when the big merger is going to be announced. Some information is kept appropriately hidden, when it needs to be.

“The last expectation has to do with teamwork. If you need help, you should ask for it. No one should feel that his or her position is in danger when he or she feels a better job can be done with a little help. You should also provide help when you can and when it would help others do a better job. No doubt this means that you will be making extra efforts and personal sacrifices. Those efforts will be recognized by the people around you and may eventually even lead to material improvements in your situation. But at a minimum, you will realize that some days you, too, need help. Having provided it, you will be gratified when your colleagues step up to do the same.

“Those are my expectations. Please let me know if we are falling short in these areas.

“My door is always open. Thanks for listening.”

View the original of this article here.

A business coach can help with communication challenges. Find out how .

Contact InterimExecs to learn how a RED Team CEO can lead your organization through turnaround, growth (merger, acquisitions, ERP/CRM implementation, process improvement), or absence of leadership. We have experienced CEOs ready to inspire and lead your team.

About the Author

Walter Simson was a lending officer and workout specialist at Chase Bank in New York when his family asked for some help with the family printing business. He took it over and turned it around over a three year period, and then returned to the bank for a few years. He now spends most of his time in the Midwest. He has since pursued a career of professional management, typically in troubled businesses, where personal referrals make all the difference. His practice is dedicated to strategic repositioning, not to cost-cutting.

This entry was posted in Chief Executive , Leadership on May 5, 2023 by InterimExecs
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The speech all new CEOs should give

By Site Staff
Aug 19, 2013
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The psychologists asked the “CEO” to give his motivational speech as the simulation began.

The CEO said, “Our job is to grow revenue faster than expense. Now get to work!”

That was it.

Here is what he should have said. As a matter of fact, this is the speech that I give when I take over companies as an interim president.

“I have a few expectations. I’d like to share them with you now.

(Continued)

“Those are my expectations. Please let me know if we are falling short in these areas.

“My door is always open. Thanks for listening.”

Click here to sign up for the free IB ezine – your twice-weekly resource for local business news, analysis, voices, and the names you need to know. If you are not already a subscriber to In Business magazine, be sure to sign up for our monthly print edition here .

Business Simulation
Walter Simson

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The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

Remarks by President Biden on the CHIPS and Science Act | Syracuse, NY

Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology Syracuse, New York

2:39 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Hello, hello, hello. (Applause.) It’s good to be back in Syracuse. (Applause.) I fell in love with this place, but I fell in love with a girl before I did that. (Laughter.) Come — please, all, have a seat. Shannon, thanks for that introduction and thank you for your brothers and sisters in the — in the building trades, what they’re doing to help build a future here in Syracuse.

You know, before I start, I want to take a moment to honor

two officers who have already been mentioned — two fallen heroes who were killed in the line of duty this month: Lieutenant Michael Hoosock and — County Sheriff Department — and Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen.

We pray for their loved ones, whose hearts have been broken. You know, every time a police officer puts on that shield every morning, their husband or wife, whatever it is, their child worries about will they get that phone call — will they get that phone call.

I got one of those phone calls in a different circumstance — find out you’ve lost part of your soul, lost part of your heart. For — the entire Syracuse community is grieving, and we’re grieving with you. You know, to the men and women in law enforcement here and across the country, you represent the best of us. You really do. It’s one of the toughest jobs in America — one of the toughest jobs. And to the families, who I hope to get to meet shortly, I say, “My heart goes out to you.” Thank you. And God bless you all.

Folks, I want to thank Governor Hochul for having us here today and for her partnership. And thanks to Chuck Schumer, a relentless advocate for this project we — we’re here to talk about today.

County Executive McMahon, it’s good to be back in a place that meant so much to me in my life.

I also want to thank Governor Little of Idaho and — and Boise Mayor McLean for joining us.

Micron’s CEO, Sanjay, thank you for your leadership and investment in America. We tried to entice you a little bit with a couple hundre- – you know, billions of dollars, but you came. (Laughter.) It seemed to work.

And to all the union leaders here, including Randi Weingarten, the American Federation of Teachers, thank you for showing the world that we can do big things again in America. And all — folks, all over the years I’ve asked business leaders like Sanjay –- because the other team kept criticizing me for wanting to make these investments, you know, things like the — the infrastructure bill, which was over a trillion dollars. And we’re going to have in- — we have an Infrastructure Decade coming. The last guy had Infrastructure Week and never showed up. (Laughter.) But — but, you know, I asked him — I was told that, you know, “This is a government intervention.” I said, “Sure in the hell is.” (Laughter and applause.) I ask every business leader I know — not a joke — “When the federal government makes a multi-billion-dollar investment in something, does that encourage you or discourage you from getting engaged?” Well, guess what? Every single solitary leader said, overwhelmingly, yes, it encourages them to get engaged. And so, that’s why we’re here today. You know, during the pandemic, folks, everyone learned about supply chains. You may remember we had a global shortage of semiconductors — smaller than the tip of your finger, and now it’s even smaller than that — that would help power everything in our lives from smartphones to cars to dishwashers, satellites. We invented those chips here in America. We invented them. We made them move. We modernized them. But over time, we stopped — we used to have 40 percent of this market. And over time, we stopped making them. So, when the pandemic shut down the chips factories overseas, prices of everything went up at — here at home. That semiconductor shortage drove one third of the surge in inflation in 2021, caused long wait lines of all kinds of products. Folks, I determined that I’m never going to let us be vulnerable to wait lines again. Wh- — if it’s essential, we’re going to make it here in America. And together — (applause) — and, by the way, that’s not hyperbole; that’s literal. Together with Schumer, Leader and I, we took action to make sure these chips are made in America again, creating tens of thousands — and I mean tens of thousands — of good-paying jobs, bringing prices down for everyone. In 2022, together with Sch- — Leader Schumer, we wrote the CHIPS and Science Act. We used to invest significant amounts of money in research and development. We stopped doing it, but I was determined we were going to do it again. It’s one of the most significant science and technology investments in our history. And two months later, I came to Syracuse to celebrate Micron’s historic plan to build the biggest semiconductor manufacturing site in all of America, one of the biggest in the world. As was mentioned, it’s the size of — going to be the size of 40 football fields — 40 — big enough to fit four Carrier Domes inside and still have space leftover. Today, I’m pleased to announce we’re building on that commitment with a landmark preliminary agreement between my administration and Micron, a major chip manufacturer, which is building these fabs here in Upstate New York: $6.1 billion in chips funding paired with $125 billion from Micron to build these facilities here in New York and near Micron headquarters in Idaho. And I — you know, by the way — (applause) — it’s been mentioned before, it’s the single-biggest private investment ever in the history of these two states — Idaho and, you know, New York. So far from — not far from here, in Clay, New York, it’s going to help build two to four manufacturing facilities planned by Micron’s mega-labs [mega-fabs].

In Boise, Ohio [Idaho], it’s going to help build new high-volume manufacturing fabs as well.

In all, it’s going to create over 70,000 jobs across both states, at least 9,000 of which are construction jobs, 11,000 manufacturing jobs, tens of thousands more up and down the supply chain. And it includes 9,000 permanent Micron manufacturing jobs right here in Clay — not here, but near, in Clay, just a — just a little bit from here — many of them paying — catch this — $100,000 a year. And it doesn’t require a college degree. (Applause.)

These projects are governed by the largest Project Labor Agreement in the state’s history. It makes one of the — and it makes sure that work is done on time with the highest quality and most significant safety standards. And I’m pleased that Micron is planning to sit down with unions to discuss the labor piece.

Look — (applause) — that’s not all. And, by the way, I know I get criticized for being the most pro-union president in American history, but guess what? The middle class built this country, and unions built the middle class. (Applause.)

These new — brand new facilities are going to produce the most sophisticated, powerful, leading-edge memory chips in the entire world. Each one has — has trillions — not billions, not millions — trillions of tiny features, each 4,000 [40,000] times thinner than a single hair on your head. And I’ve got some very thin hair on my head. (Laughter.)

They require manufacturing precision down to the size of an atom. They posse- — they process enormous amounts of information at lightning speed. And they’re critical to the emerging technology that will power tomorrow’s economy, like artificial intelligence and advanced communications. They’ll make everyday things faster, lighter, smaller, and more reliable. And it’s about time.

Even though America invented these advanced chips, we don’t make any of them today — zero, zero. All manufacturing of leading-edge chips moved to Asia years ago.

That’s why, today, this is such a big deal. And it is a big deal.

We’re bringing advanced chips manufacturing back to America after 40 years. And it’s going to transform our semiconductor industry, a pillar of a modern economy. And it’s going to create an entirely new ecosystem in research, design, manufacturing of advanced chips here in America.

Folks, where is it written — when I said we were going to have the lo- — become the manufacturing capital of the world again when I got elected, they looked at me, some of my friends, and said, “You’re crazy.” Well, where the he- — where the heck is it written — (laughter) — that American manufacturing can- — will not be the capital of the world again? It’s going to be.

We’ve already created 8- — nearly 800,000 new manufacturing jobs since I took office. And, fol- — we’re just getting started. And that’s a fact. We’re just getting started.

It isn’t just about investing in America. It’s about investing in the American people as well. (Applause.) And that includes training folks for these high-paying jobs — highly skilled new jobs that we’re creating. To do that, we’re bringing employers, unions, community colleges, high schools together and workforce hubs where folks can learn the skills hands-on.

My Jill wi- — my wife, Jill, cares a lot about this as well. She’s teaching at a community college right now. Last year, she announced our first five workforce hubs in — in the na- — in the United States in Pittsburgh; Phoenix; Baltimore; Columbus, Ohio; and Augusta, Georgia. Thousands of workers will be trained in these facilities.

And today, I’m pleased to announce four new hub programs. One hub in Detroit and Lansing, Michigan, folks will make electric cars. Another hub in Philadelphia, one in Milwaukee will train workers that’ll replace every — every poisonous lead pipe in America within the decade. And here in Syracuse — the Syracuse region, a new hub is going to train semiconductor workers for the future. (Applause.)

And I know that Micron is also partnering with the American Federation of Teachers to develop a technology curriculum for high schools in New York state. Think about it, those of you who are as young as me, 40 — in your 40s or so. (Laughter.) How many schools still have shop in them? How many folks have — where you learn how to work with your hands?

A significant number of public schools did away with it. So many young people who are qualified and want to and are capable who are going to never know that they had that capacity.

Well, I want to thank Randi and Sanjay for their work and Micron’s leadership in workforce development, because it’s going to make a big difference.

In all — (applause) — so far, my Investing in America agenda has attracted more than $825 billion — $825 billion in private-sector investment, not a penny of which existed before I got elected. I ignited a ma- — it ignited a manufacturing boom, a clean-energy boom, a semiconductor boom nationwide. And it’s clear we have the strongest economy in the world, and that’s a fact.

Fifteen million new jobs created in three and half years. (Applause.) Unemployment did — has — hasn’t been this low for this long for 50 years. Wages are rising. Instead of importing foreign products, we’re exporting — and exporting American jobs, we’re exporting American products and creating American jobs — (applause) — here in America where they belong.

And, folks, my predecessor and his MAGA Republican friends have a very different view. They oppose the CHIPS and Science Act that’s powering this growth today.

In fact, your congressman, Brandon Williams, called it “corporate welfare.”

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Booo —

THE PRESIDENT: Bless me, Father. (The President makes the sign of the cross.) (Laughter.)

And Elise Stefanik, a few counties over, called the CHIPS Act — she said it was, “Washington at its worst,” end of quote. I guess they’re not going to be here today to celebrate. (Laughter and applause.)

But now — now — (applause) — conversion is wonderful, isn’t it?

Now they’ve seen the massive surge in investment and jobs that we’ve mobilized, and they’re singing a different tune now. Now they say this is “critical.” You got that? Stefanik said this is “critical.”

Now they say what we’re doing will, quote, “lead to a more prosperous, secure, and innovative America.” Well, there’s nothing, I said, like conversion. I agree. Welcome, welcome, welcome. (Laughter.)

Folks, look, we got to stop this division. I promised to be a president for all of America, whether you voted for me or not. Today’s investment helps Americans everywhere, in red states and blue states, and proof that we have — we leave no one behind.

Of the infrastructure jobs and pr- — and proposals, we have more of them in red states than in blue states. It’s about America.

Let me close with this. The past few years, I’ve talked to folks all across America, in their communities and at their kitchen tables. They often tell me, back in 2020, they were down. They had lost their business.

How many — did you know somebody who worked at Carrier or another facility and a whole generation that worked there? And you’re sitting there as a parent and — a mom — and the kid that comes home, well-educated, says, “I can’t live here anymore. There’s no job for me. I got to move. I got to move.” They lost faith.

Syracuse is a good example. For decades — decades, it was a manufacturing boomtown full of good-paying jobs and a solid path to the middle class. I know; I lived here. I went to law school here. I married a wonderful woman from Lake Skaneateles who I came — that’s why I came to Syracuse Law School. I felt it.

But over the years, trickle-down economics swept it all away. Under my predecessor, manufacturers left. Factories like BCS Automotive over in Auburn, where her family lived, shut down. Twenty-two thousand local jobs disappeared in the Syracuse region.

That’s a story seen in community after community nationwide: hollowed out, robbed of hope. But not on my watch, thanks to investing we’re making in America and the partnerships we’ve formed. (Applause.)

American manufacturing is back. (Applause.) New factories are going up all across the country. And communities like Syracuse are writing a great American comeback story — that’s what it is: a comeback story — creating new jobs, new businesses, new hope.

Today, folks, when folks see shovels in the ground on these projects, people going back to work, I hope they feel the pride that I feel — pride in their hometown that’s making a comeback, pride in America, pride in knowing we can get big things done when we work together.

That’s why I’ve never been more optimistic about this nation’s future. We just have to remember who we are, for God’s sake. We’re the United States of America. (Applause.) And there is nothing — nothing, nothing — beyond our capacity to get done when we work together.

God bless you all. And may God protect our troops.

This is a big deal day. Congratulations, Syracuse. (Applause.) Congratulations.

Thank you. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you.

2:55 P.M. EDT

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Rock'n'roll pioneer and 'Titan of Twang' Duane Eddy dead at 86

Duane Eddy hits like Peter Gunn and Rebel Rouser were an influence on a generation of future guitar heroes

Duane Eddy, the pioneer of instrumental rock'n'roll most famous for the hits Rebel-Rouser and Peter Gunn, has died at the age of 86. According to a statement released by the musician's family, Eddy died of cancer on Tuesday at the Williamson Health Hospital in Franklin, Tennessee.

“Duane inspired a generation of guitarists the world over with his unmistakable signature ‘Twang’ sound," read the statement. "He was the first rock and roll guitar god, a truly humble and incredible human being. He will be sorely missed."

Eddy was born in New York in 1938 and picked up the guitar at a young age. As a teenager he devised a technique of playing lead parts on the low strings of his instrument, conjuring up the "twangy" sound for which he'd become famous. His band used route-one melodies, adding rasping horns and a guitar tone like a motorbike engine, and the classic early singles Rebel Rouser and Peter Gunn – released in 1958 and 1959 respectively – prompted untold numbers of would-be stars to pick up the guitar.

"The twang developed because I got tired of hearing rock and roll licks on the high strings,” Eddy told Relix in 2012 . “It was always the same thing. I wanted to do something different. I thought, ‘Try playing down low.’ I knew that the low strings recorded stronger and more powerfully than the high strings.”

“I’ve had many guitarists come up and say they were either influenced by me or started playing because of me,” he told Classic Rock . “Everybody from Jimmy Page to Mark Knopfler to Brian May . They probably would have anyway, but that gave them more excuse to rebel. I kept those melodies simple. A guy can pick up a guitar and play the first few notes of Rebel Rouser or Peter Gunn . Then you’re encouraged to go: ‘Well, I might be able to do this’.”

“ Rebel Rouser became the soundtrack for me being a teenager who thought he was a rebel," former Yes frontman Jon Anderson told Classic Rock in 2014. "It was raw. It was rock‘n’roll, and an instrumental that really left its mark on me".

Eddy recorded less frequently as the British invasion took hold in the US, but developed a second career as a Hollywood actor, appearing in Thunder Of Drums, Because They’re Young, The Wild Westerners and the outlaw biker exploitation movie The Savage Seven.

Eddy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 by Mick Jones of Foreigner , a late replacement for Creedence Clearwater Revival man John Fogerty, who'd lobbied for Eddy's inclusion but couldn't make the ceremony.

"Rock as we know it would not be here," said Jones during his induction speech. "That sound was bad." The following year, Eddy played on Foreigner's hit single Until The End Of Time .

In 2000, Eddy's career was celebrated at the fabled Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, with a concert named The Twang Years. Eddy played a set, Peter Frampton , Vince Gill and John Fogerty made appearances, and Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell presented Eddy with a proclamation declaring him the official "Titan of Twang."

Eddy's last album was 2011's critically acclaimed Road Trip , an unlikely but successful collaboration with former Pulp guitarist and singer/songwriter Richard Hawley. The pair performed together in London and Manchester in 2018 to celebrate Eddy's 80th birthday.

“Instrumentalists don’t usually become famous," said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. "But Duane Eddy’s electric guitar was a voice all its own. His sound was muscular and masculine, twangy and tough. Duane scored more than thirty hits on the pop charts.

"But more importantly, his style inspired thousands of hillbilly cats and downtown rockers – the Ventures, George Harrison , Steve Earle, Bruce Springsteen , Marty Stuart, to name a few – to learn how to rumble and move people to their core. The Duane Eddy sound will forever be stitched into the fabric of country and rock'n'roll."

Online Editor at Louder/Classic Rock magazine since 2014. 38 years in music industry, online for 25. Also bylines for: Metal Hammer, Prog Magazine, The Word Magazine, The Guardian, The New Statesman, Saga, Music365. Former Head of Music at Xfm Radio, A&R at Fiction Records, early blogger, ex-roadie, published author. Once appeared in a Cure video dressed as a cowboy, and thinks any situation can be improved by the introduction of cats. Favourite Serbian trumpeter: Dejan Petrović.

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Mastering CEO Town Hall Speeches: Strategies for Engaging Communication
Preparation is crucial for a successful CEO town hall speech. Strategies for capturing audience attention include using engaging visuals, storytelling, humor, and strong opening statements. Effective communication techniques for CEO speeches include defining purpose, using concise language, practicing active listening, encouraging two-way ...
How To Make A Memorable Executive Speech: 14 Expert Tips
8. Bring The Right Energy. The most important thing to make a speech memorable, aside from a clear, concise message, is energy. The energy you exude while giving a speech transfers to the audience ...
CEOs: Read this Before You Open Your Mouth
PK. Peggy Klaus consults with executives and organizations on leadership and communication. Are you a CEO preparing to give a town hall state-of-the-union talk to your employees? Whether you're ...
Five of the Best Speech Opening Lines
Deceptively simple, the opening lines for this speech set the tone for what has become the most viewed TED talk of all (currently nearly 57 million views). Far from being just 'throat clearing', Sir Ken's funny introduction cleverly paves the way for a talk that will gently but profoundly show us a new way of looking at education.
PDF CEO Speech at Annual General Meeting 2020
CEO Speech at Annual General Meeting 2020 The spoken word applies. Mrs. Chairwoman, dear shareholders, board of directors, staff and guests, I would like to begin by thanking you for taking the time to attend the Group's Annual General Meeting, both physically and virtually.
PDF CEO Annual General meeting speech
CEO ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING SPEECH 2/4 . We are optimistic about our business performance in 2021. Despite the COVID-19 challenges, we introduced a new operating model - the ABB Way - moving the accountability down to our operating divisions. We completed the carve-out and divestment of our Power Grids business to Hitachi and
Writing a speech for the CEO? Here's where to begin
After that, the process will be a familiar one. Editing - insert, delete, add, change, bolster and supplement. As you write, don't forget that you are writing for a live delivery. Don't burden your CEO with long and complex sentences, multi-syllabic words that could trip the speaker up, or too much unfamiliar jargon or data.
The Secret Behind Authentic And Persuasive CEO Speeches
Five9 CEO Rowan Trollope regularly uses firsthand anecdotes in his speeches. These stories make him feel relatable rather than like an untouchable executive, because they show that he understands ...
2021 Annual General Meeting: chief executive officer's speech
Bernard Looney, chief executive officer, bp 2021 AGM, 1 St. James's Square, London. 12 May 2021. 2020 was a challenging year for many reasons, Bernard Looney told shareholders. But after a strong set of results in early 2021 and a series of business achievements, bp is showing it can perform while transforming itself - and that the strategy ...
Preparing for the AGM: How to Build a Compelling CEO Speech in Five
Make sure you thoroughly understand your audience, including their background and level of experience relating to the topic on which you'll be presenting. This insight will allow you to tailor your speech accordingly. 2. Content is Key. Once you've considered your audience, it's time to develop your content. Regardless of the topic, there ...
Preparing for the AGM: How to Build a Compelling CEO Speech in ...
Make sure you thoroughly understand your audience, including their background and level of experience relating to the topic on which you'll be presenting. This insight will allow you to tailor your speech accordingly. 2. Content is Key. Once you've considered your audience, it's time to develop your content. Regardless of the topic, there ...
Satya Nadella email to employees on first day as CEO
To: All Employees. Date: Feb. 4, 2014. Subject: RE: Satya Nadella - Microsoft's New CEO. Today is a very humbling day for me. It reminds me of my very first day at Microsoft, 22 years ago. Like you, I had a choice about where to come to work. I came here because I believed Microsoft was the best company in the world.
Apple CEO Tim Cook's opening speech
Apple's Tim Cook makes his first product speech as CEO.
10 Introducing a New CEO Best Practices
2. Prepare an introduction speech that highlights the CEO's qualifications and goals for the company. The introduction speech should be tailored to the company's culture and values, as well as the CEO's background. This will help set the tone for how the new leader is perceived by employees, customers, and other stakeholders.
5 Tips to Write a Speech for Your Nonprofit CEO
The more you write for your CEO, the more you will nail it. At the very least, use contractions, short sentences, and avoid large and complicated words. Read the speech out loud, which will help you pluck out awkward and difficult to understand sentences. ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME. Your CEO will need time to give several rounds of feedback until it ...
CEO strategy speech
As a CEO, you are expected to deliver the opening address at your organisation's strategic planning workshop or retreat. The strategy speech, which sets the scene for the strategy workshop ...
The Right Way to Bring a New CEO On Board
After the Handshake. Succession doesn't end when a new CEO is hired. Summary. A startling percentage of new CEOs fail within their first 18 months, according to many estimates—whether they ...
A Simple Way to Introduce Yourself
A Simple Way to Introduce Yourself. by. Andrea Wojnicki. August 02, 2022. Bernd Vogel/Getty Images. Summary. Many of us dread the self-introduction, be it in an online meeting or at the boardroom ...
How to Write an Introduction Speech: 7 Easy Steps & Examples
Rehearse and Edit. Practice your introduction speech to ensure it flows smoothly and stays within the time frame. Edit out any unnecessary information, ensuring it's concise and impactful. Tailor for the Occasion. Adjust the tone and content of your introduction speech to match the formality and purpose of the event.
Motivational Speech from CEO to Employees
Here are some tips for giving the best motivational speech as a CEO to employees for inspiring people. 3 Tips to write the best Motivational Speech from CEO to Employees . If you're here, you're probably looking for motivation or preparing to inspire your team on a big day. Let's look at some of the influential and persuasive tools used ...
The Speech All New CEOs Should Give
The CEO Speech He Should Have Given. Here is what he should have said. As a matter of fact, this is the speech that I give when I take over companies as an interim presiden t. "My name is Walter, and I will be CEO of this company. I am not an expert in many of the aspects of the business, so I hope you will be open with me when I ask questions.
Introduction from the New CEO
Our job is to make the implementation and management of the agents far easier; 2) The agent here at Verdasys is as good as, and actually better than, others I have seen, and yet we still have not tapped its full potential; 3) The "whatever it takes" attitude the team uses to assist customers like you; and 4) A world class customer base any ...
The speech all new CEOs should give
The speech all new CEOs should give. I once took one of those business simulation courses. In it, we were given a computer terminal, an inbox, and a walkie-talkie. Our simulated company, Acme Widget, was said to be in trouble, and the point of the exercise was to evaluate our crisis management skills. There was a team of psychologists who were ...
Syracuse, NY
Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and TechnologySyracuse, New York 2:39 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Hello, hello, hello. (Applause.) It's good to be back in Syracuse. (Applause.) I fell in love ...
Rock'n'roll pioneer and 'Titan of Twang' Duane Eddy dead at 86
"Rock as we know it would not be here," said Jones during his induction speech. "That sound was bad." ... CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. "But Duane Eddy's electric guitar was a voice all its own. ... and thinks any situation can be improved by the introduction of cats. Favourite Serbian trumpeter: Dejan Petrović. More ...
PDF State of California Before the Commission on Judicial Performance
16C - CEO Stalter a. Findings of Fact On October 4, 2021, Stalter's first day as CEO, Judge Mallery told her that she was not like a girl, and that she was "cool." The comment made Stalter uncomfortable. In his Verified Answer, Judge Mallery admitted making these statements, but denied that any of his comments were inappropriate.

Mastering CEO Town Hall Speeches: Strategies for Engaging Communication

Key Takeaways

The Importance of Preparation for CEO Town Hall Speeches

Strategies for Capturing Audience Attention

Utilizing Engaging Visuals and Multimedia Elements

Incorporating Storytelling Techniques for Relatability

Using Humor to Create a Positive and Engaging Atmosphere

Crafting a Strong and Attention-Grabbing Opening Statement

Mastering a Confident and Energetic Delivery

Effective Communication Techniques for CEO Speeches

Clearly Defining the Purpose and Objectives

Using Concise and Impactful Language

Encouraging Two-Way Communication and Tailoring the Speech

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Examples of Engaging Visuals and Multimedia Elements That Can Be Incorporated Into a CEO Town Hall Speech?

How Can Storytelling Techniques Be Used to Make a CEO Town Hall Speech More Relatable to the Audience?

What Are Some Tips for Using Humor Effectively in a CEO Town Hall Speech to Create a Positive and Engaging Atmosphere?

Why Is It Important for a CEO to Begin Their Town Hall Speech With a Strong and Attention-Grabbing Opening Statement?

Five of the Best Speech Opening Lines

Guess the Speech: Five of the best speech opening lines

Answers: Who delivered these great opening lines?

Creating the best introduction for your speech

Beyond introductions

Ginger Leadership Communications

2021 Annual General Meeting: chief executive officer's speech

A year like no other

Delivering on our strategy

Performing while transforming

1 Net to bp

Board and leadership team

bp Annual Report

Our transformation

NettResults

Preparing for the AGM: How to Build a Compelling CEO Speech in Five Steps

1. Know Your Audience

2. Content is Key

3. Engage Your Audience

4. To PowerPoint or Not to PowerPoint

5. Practice Makes Perfect

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Satya Nadella email to employees on first day as CEO

Related Posts

10 Introducing a New CEO Best Practices

1. Develop a plan for introducing the new CEO to employees, customers, and other stakeholders

2. Prepare an introduction speech that highlights the CEO’s qualifications and goals for the company

3. Schedule meetings with key personnel to discuss the new CEO’s vision for the company

4. Create a timeline for introducing the new CEO to external stakeholders such as investors, partners, and media

5. Leverage social media channels to broadcast the news of the new CEO appointment

6. Invite the new CEO to attend industry events and conferences to build relationships with peers

7. Set up a team of internal ambassadors to help spread the word about the new leader

8. Provide resources and training to ensure all staff are familiar with the new CEO’s background and objectives

9. Encourage open dialogue between the new CEO and staff to foster trust and collaboration

10. Establish clear communication channels so that employees can provide feedback on their experience working with the new CEO

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5 Tips to Write a Speech for Your Nonprofit CEO

KNOW THE PREFERRED FORMAT

OUTLINE FIRST

WRITE LIKE YOUR CEO SPEAKS

ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME

TELL A GOOD STORY

LIKE WHAT YOU READ? COME HANG OUT IN THRIVE NONPROFIT CIRCLE FOR learning, support, and camaraderie from fellow change agents.

A Simple Way to Introduce Yourself

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Introduction Speech - A Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

What is an Introduction Speech?

How to Write an Introduction Speech?

Introduction Speech Outline

7 Ways to Open an Introduction Speech

Introduction Speech Example

Introduction Speech Ideas

Tips for Delivering the Best Introduction Speech

Mistakes to Avoid in an Introduction Speech

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Motivational Speech from CEO to Employees

3 Tips to write the best Motivational Speech from CEO to Employees

1. Inspire your team members by acknowledging and celebrating wins, big and small.

2. Building a culture of recognition is an effective means of motivating employees to regularly exceed their goals.