Current events are (among other things) the makings of relevant speeches. Some events end with the headlines. Depending on the lives involved, lives affected and someone's willingness to share their experience with others, speaking and writing careers are born.
Take today.....
Today in Los Angeles, there begins, a colossal undertaking of de-constructing/repairing a bridge over the very major 405 freeway shutting down a 10-mile segment of the freeway that will affect at least 5 additional freeways and millions travelling in cars. The PR campaign makes an effort to caution people to shop locally and stay off the freeways and "get to know your community." Imagine the personal stories that will develop by the time it re-opens on Monday morning. Mark my words...someone with a significant story to tell will emerge from this. The Santa Monica, UCLA Medical Center has three helicopter companies on standby to transport patients and human organs in the event of emergency operations requiring extra medical supplies and personnel. True to LA's penchant for drama, it's already being called,"Carmageddon."
Frank Abagnale had no idea at age 16 when he ran away from home that his survival methods would become the bestseller, Catch Me If You Can and later the movie starring Leonardo de Caprio who wasn't even born when all this happened. Aron Ralston had no idea when he dashed out to go hiking that he would end up having to cut off his right arm to save his life. Out of that event, he wrote his bestselling book, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, and that turned into the movie just released, 127 Hours. The Navajo Code Talkers (WWII) received no recognition until the project was declassified in 1968 and although recognition came to them through President Clinton and the movie, Windtalkers, I don't know if there are descendents who are speaking about that now, but there should be!
The Los Angeles Times this morning reviewed the debut of the new movie, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Author Lisa See's bestselling book by the same name was a great read about two young Chinese girls in the early 1800s who were paired as laotong - the formal name for such arranged friendships between girls. It follows them through their arranged marriages, forced separations, foot-binding, class differences and cultural uprisings. Throughout it all, they stay in touch by sending messages written in nu shu, the secret language of women, written by them on the folds of a fan.
What has happened in your culture and family that can be told in a way that is both entertaining and benefit driven? On the other hand, what research might you be doing now to investigate something that has affected the lives of others that can be told by you from the stage?
Today in Dallas, Texas, it is the second day of the impressive 4-day eWomenNetwork's International Conference & Business Expo featuring 36 (mostly women) speakers that are deserving of such a large audience. If you're not there now, make plans to attend next year. As an emerging speaker, this is a stage you'll want to be on in the future.