277 Too Short, Too Long Speeches

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">This was a gala affair for a very worthy cause.  A grand setting. Beautiful ladies in evening gowns, men resplendent in their tuxedos.  The host of the charity event was duly introduced, to give an opening speech.  The speech actually started quite well.  He told a powerful story about a young person struggling in their life.  The trials, tribulations and barriers described in the lead up to the point of the story were gripping.  The punch line was delivered, and it was a direct hit to the heart.  The person he was describing to us was a very close relative.  This had real impact with the audience, it made it personal.  Taking an abstract idea and then driving it home with reference to your own reality, brings an audience to you.  They are sympathetic, some will be empathetic, but all will be moved.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">This was a high point of emotional engagement and then he continued.  And continued and continued.  You could feel the power of the speech, the grip on the audience, was slowly being eroded.  The attention of this luminous gathering was being lost, reduced, dissipated.  Sitting there, I wondered, at what point should he have stopped while he had everyone in the palm of his hand?  When it is us up there, how do we know when is enough is enough? </span> <span lang="EN-US" xml:lang= "EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Perhaps his attachment to the loved one was driving him to keep going, elaborating and expanding on his message.  Maybe he felt there were many things which needed to be said to this audience.  No doubt there were many worthy points to be conveyed that evening.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">The problem is, this is what we want.  But what does our audience want?  If we want to reach them, we have to give the audience what they want, so we can keep them with us.  Once we indulge ourselves and prioritise our