Getting members to open up about their public speaking journeys can be tough, but real stories inspire and connect. These experience share templates make it easy for your community to bond, celebrate wins, and learn from each other. Use these proven prompts to spark conversations that matter.
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Experience sharing taps into the universal need for connection and understanding. When members reflect on their personal public speaking journeys, they foster empathy and break down barriers, making the community a supportive space. By inviting authentic storytelling, you encourage vulnerability and create opportunities for deeper learning, as members see themselves in each other's experiences.
This approach also leverages social proof and relatability, motivating less active members to participate. Stories are memorable and impactful, often leading to more meaningful engagement than advice or facts alone. Experience share prompts remind members they are not alone, whether they are celebrating successes or navigating challenges.
Share a moment when public speaking surprised you. What happened?
💡 Example: "I once forgot my lines on stage and improvised. It went better than expected!"
What was your first public speaking experience like?
💡 Example: "My first speech was in school, and I was so nervous my hands shook."
Describe a time you felt proud after a speech. What made it special?
💡 Example: "After my TEDx talk, someone said my story helped them overcome a fear."
Have you ever made a big mistake on stage? How did you recover?
💡 Example: "I skipped a whole section but joked about it and kept going."
What is your favorite memory from a public speaking event?
💡 Example: "Meeting my mentor after a panel discussion is still my favorite moment."
Share a lesson you learned from a tough audience.
💡 Example: "I learned to adjust my pace when my audience looked bored."
Has public speaking changed the way you communicate daily?
💡 Example: "Now I am much more confident in meetings at work."
Describe your most unexpected public speaking opportunity.
💡 Example: "I was asked to give a toast at a wedding with no preparation."
What advice would you give your past self before your first speech?
💡 Example: "I would say, 'Breathe and trust yourself, it will be fine.'"
Have you ever inspired someone else through your speaking? Share the story.
💡 Example: "A student told me my talk encouraged her to join the debate team."
What motivates you to speak in public?
💡 Example: "I love sharing ideas and helping people learn."
Share a ritual or habit that helps you prepare for a talk.
💡 Example: "I always listen to calming music before I go on stage."
Tell us about a time you received helpful feedback after speaking.
💡 Example: "Someone pointed out my pacing, and it really helped me improve."
Have you ever spoken in a language that is not your first? What was it like?
💡 Example: "Speaking in English for an international conference was nerve-wracking."
Describe the best introduction you ever received. How did it make you feel?
💡 Example: "The host shared a story about me that made me feel valued."
What was your biggest fear about public speaking, and how did you overcome it?
💡 Example: "I feared forgetting my words, but practice helped me get over it."
Share a funny or embarrassing moment from a speech.
💡 Example: "My microphone squeaked every time I moved, and the audience laughed with me."
Describe a speech or speaker who changed your perspective.
💡 Example: "A keynote speaker made me see public speaking as a tool for change."
What is the smallest audience you have ever spoken to? How did it feel?
💡 Example: "I once spoke to just three people. It was more intimate but also more nerve-wracking."
How do you handle nerves before speaking?
💡 Example: "I breathe deeply and remind myself I am prepared."
Have you ever participated in a speaking competition? What was it like?
💡 Example: "I joined a Toastmasters contest and learned a lot from the feedback."
Describe a talk you wish you could redo. What would you change?
💡 Example: "I would slow down and make more eye contact with my audience."
What is the most challenging topic you have covered? Why?
💡 Example: "Talking about mental health was tough but important to me."
Share a tip you learned from another speaker.
💡 Example: "A speaker told me to always pause after the main point. It works wonders."
What is your preferred speaking format (panel, solo, online, etc.)? Why?
💡 Example: "I prefer panels because they feel more conversational."
How did you feel after your first successful speech?
💡 Example: "I felt proud and relieved. It boosted my confidence a lot."
Who has supported you most in your public speaking journey?
💡 Example: "My mentor always encouraged me to take every opportunity."
What has been your biggest growth area through public speaking?
💡 Example: "Learning to engage with difficult questions has been huge for me."
Share a time when audience questions took you by surprise.
💡 Example: "I was asked an off-topic question and had to think on my feet."
Describe how you practice or rehearse your talks.
💡 Example: "I record myself and listen for areas to improve."
Have you ever used humor in a speech? How did it go?
💡 Example: "My joke landed well and helped me connect with the audience."
What is your favorite way to connect with your audience?
💡 Example: "I ask questions to get people thinking and involved."
Share a quote or phrase that motivates you before a talk.
💡 Example: "I always remember, 'The only way out is through.'"
Describe a moment when you saw someone else conquer their speaking fears.
💡 Example: "A colleague gave her first speech and nailed it after months of practice."
Have you ever spoken virtually? How was it different from in-person?
💡 Example: "Online talks are harder because you cannot read the room."
What advice do you have for someone afraid to get started?
💡 Example: "Start small and remember everyone feels nervous at first."
Share a time when you felt out of your comfort zone while speaking.
💡 Example: "Speaking at an international conference was really intimidating."
Describe a small win in your public speaking journey.
💡 Example: "I made eye contact with every person in the room for the first time."
What inspires you to keep improving your speaking skills?
💡 Example: "Seeing how much I can help others motivates me to keep learning."
Have you ever spoken to a tough or skeptical crowd? What did you learn?
💡 Example: "I learned the value of patience and adapting my message."
Share a time your talk did not go as planned. What did you do?
💡 Example: "My slides failed, so I spoke from memory and got great feedback."
What would you tell someone who is about to give their first speech?
💡 Example: "Relax and focus on your message, not your nerves."
Choose a template that fits your community's current focus or recurring themes. Post it as a new topic or conversation starter, and encourage responses by leading with your own story. Pin popular threads or highlight thoughtful replies to build momentum. Rotate prompts weekly or monthly to keep content fresh and ensure all voices are invited to the conversation.
For all platforms, adjust formatting to suit your space: use bold or emojis to highlight prompts, and consider pinning or featuring top experience share threads. Encourage replies with likes, reactions, or follow-up comments to keep conversations visible and lively.
You can select templates that specifically prompt members to discuss their first experiences with nervousness before a speech, techniques they've used to manage anxiety (like breathing exercises or visualization), or stories of how their confidence has changed over time. These prompts help normalize the challenge and create a supportive environment for discussing nerves—one of the most common public speaking hurdles.
Utilize templates that ask about real-life Q&A moments, strategies for addressing unexpected or challenging questions, and stories of turning interruptions into positive interactions. For example, you might use a template like 'Share a time when an audience question caught you off guard—how did you respond?' to spark detailed, practical discussions.
Choose or adapt templates to directly reference formats, such as 'Describe your first impromptu speech experience' or 'Share a tip for transitioning from memorized scripts to extemporaneous delivery.' This approach taps into industry-specific scenarios and invites nuanced discussion about various public speaking contexts.
Select templates that encourage members to reflect on constructive criticism, pivotal evaluation moments, or lessons learned from formal feedback. For instance, prompts like 'Share the most impactful evaluation you’ve received and how it changed your speaking style' help members connect over shared growth experiences in structured settings.
Opt for templates that ask members to recount challenging moments with AV equipment, how they maintained composure, and the improvisation skills they used. Examples include 'Tell us about a time your tech failed mid-speech—how did you recover?' This fosters practical knowledge sharing on a common public speaking stressor.
Yes, several templates can be customized to prompt members about delivering speeches over Zoom, managing virtual audience engagement, or navigating language barriers. Example prompts: 'Share your tips for captivating a remote audience' or 'Describe your experience with giving a bilingual presentation.' These address unique, contemporary public speaking challenges.
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