President's Tip of the Week

Topic Ideas for Your IceBreaker Speech
(9/16/08)

Andrew Dlugan shares these ideas for putting together your ice breaker.

"Although your broad topic is yourself, there are numerous angles to take, and several ways to organize your speech.

"Idea #1: Chronological
"For many people, a series of chronological snapshots of their life is the easiest to write and deliver...

"Idea #2: Topical
"Discuss a series of elements of your life to provide a "sampling" of your life. For example, you could open up by talking about your family, then discuss your career, and conclude with your hobbies.

"Idea #3: Common Thread
"Select a common thread that runs through your life, and share brief stories where this common element appears. It might be a signature phrase, a philosophy that guides you, or even something obscure like peanut butter. (i.e. imagine stories through your life where peanut butter played a role)

"Idea #4: One Key Event
"Focus on one critical event which took your life in a completely different direction.

Idea #5: How I Got Here…
"A combination of #1 and #4, explain the series of decisions or events that brought you "here", where "here" might be the place you currently live, the job you currently have, the life you lead, or the decision to join Toastmasters."

You can read more of Andrew Dlugan's article on Ice Breakers here. There are some great links to examples of each type of ice breaker he lists above. HINT: you could use these ideas for any speech in the CC manual.