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Tim Russert Memorial Speech by his son Luke
By Darren | June 25, 2008
A friend from Boston sent me a link to this speech. I’m always getting asked about memorial speeches, so here’s a video clip of a really good one by the late Tim Russert’s son. It was given at a memorial service in Washington, DC. The elements of it are right-on.
I don’t think I’ve ever blogged twice in one day. But I think this is worth it. (If you didn’t see the tip from Bruce Springsteen - scroll down). Embedded in the video clip is also a great presentation tip from Tim Russert himself. Note that his son talks about the presentations his dad gave at several schools and charities. Tim would take the same speech and just “tweak” it for the audience in front of him. (This is a good reminder about the mistake a lot of Toastmasters make. We’ve been taught to write a new speech every time.) Instead, as Tim did, use the same “power” speech (or stories) and angle them towards the people that you’re serving in front of you.
I’ve been speaking since 1994, and I essentially have four basic speeches. Each one is really good, but they’re all constantly evolving — and getting better. Want me to write a brand-new speech from scratch? Well, you’d have to pay me much more than a full fee… and I’d still probably turn you down! Why trash something that is already proven to work?
Stage time, Stage time, Stage time,
Darren LaCroix
2001 World Champion of Public Speaking
PS Hope you enjoy Luke’s speech. It is from the heart.
Topics: Public Speaking Business, Public Speaking Skills, World Class Presentations |