Finding it hard to get your public speaking community talking? 'Finish the Sentence' prompts inspire members to share their thoughts and stories, breaking the ice for everyone. Use these templates to spark creativity and encourage participation with minimal effort.
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Finish the Sentence prompts are powerful because they invite participation without pressure. Members can respond in just a few words or elaborate as much as they like, lowering the barrier to entry and making it easy for even shy or busy members to join in. This format taps into both creativity and personal experience, making it relatable for a wide range of members.
Psychologically, incomplete sentences trigger curiosity and a natural desire to complete the thought. This technique leverages the ‘Zeigarnik effect’—our tendency to remember and want to complete unfinished tasks. In the context of public speaking, it creates a safe space for reflection, practice, and playful engagement, whether members are just starting out or are seasoned presenters.
The moment before I step on stage, I always feel...
💡 Example: "The moment before I step on stage, I always feel a mix of excitement and nerves."
If I could give one tip to a nervous speaker, it would be...
💡 Example: "If I could give one tip to a nervous speaker, it would be to breathe deeply and smile."
The best speech I ever heard started with...
💡 Example: "The best speech I ever heard started with a funny personal story."
Public speaking makes me think of...
💡 Example: "Public speaking makes me think of butterflies in my stomach."
If I could speak to any audience in the world, I would choose...
💡 Example: "If I could speak to any audience in the world, I would choose the United Nations."
My go-to way to calm my nerves before speaking is...
💡 Example: "My go-to way to calm my nerves before speaking is listening to music."
The funniest thing that ever happened to me during a speech was...
💡 Example: "The funniest thing that ever happened to me during a speech was my microphone falling off."
If I could master one public speaking skill overnight, it would be...
💡 Example: "If I could master one public speaking skill overnight, it would be storytelling."
The most challenging part of public speaking for me is...
💡 Example: "The most challenging part of public speaking for me is remembering my speech."
After finishing a speech, I feel...
💡 Example: "After finishing a speech, I feel relieved and proud."
One thing I wish I knew before my first speech was...
💡 Example: "One thing I wish I knew before my first speech was that everyone gets nervous."
The audience I most enjoy speaking to is...
💡 Example: "The audience I most enjoy speaking to is high school students."
If I could eliminate one fear about speaking, it would be...
💡 Example: "If I could eliminate one fear about speaking, it would be forgetting my words."
My favorite way to start a speech is...
💡 Example: "My favorite way to start a speech is with a question."
A speaker I admire because...
💡 Example: "A speaker I admire because they tell great stories is Brené Brown."
The best feedback I ever received after a speech was...
💡 Example: "The best feedback I ever received after a speech was that I inspired someone to try public speaking."
If I could add one prop or visual to my next talk, it would be...
💡 Example: "If I could add one prop or visual to my next talk, it would be a giant flipchart."
The story I most love to share during a speech is...
💡 Example: "The story I most love to share during a speech is about my first big presentation."
When I forget my words on stage, I usually...
💡 Example: "When I forget my words on stage, I usually pause and take a breath."
The topic I could talk about for hours is...
💡 Example: "The topic I could talk about for hours is leadership."
If I could improve one thing about public speaking events, it would be...
💡 Example: "If I could improve one thing about public speaking events, it would be more opportunities for Q and A."
The best question I ever got from an audience was...
💡 Example: "The best question I ever got from an audience was about handling tough feedback."
I first realized I liked public speaking when...
💡 Example: "I first realized I liked public speaking when I saw someone inspired by my talk."
If I could give my younger self advice about speaking, I would say...
💡 Example: "If I could give my younger self advice about speaking, I would say to practice more and worry less."
To me, a great speaker is someone who...
💡 Example: "To me, a great speaker is someone who connects with the audience."
The best way to practice a speech is...
💡 Example: "The best way to practice a speech is in front of a mirror."
I feel most confident on stage when...
💡 Example: "I feel most confident on stage when I know my material well."
The most unusual venue I have spoken at is...
💡 Example: "The most unusual venue I have spoken at is a moving train."
If I could distill my speaking style in one word, it would be...
💡 Example: "If I could distill my speaking style in one word, it would be energetic."
One thing that always helps me engage my audience is...
💡 Example: "One thing that always helps me engage my audience is asking questions."
If I could invite any famous person to my next talk, it would be...
💡 Example: "If I could invite any famous person to my next talk, it would be Barack Obama."
The part of speech writing I enjoy most is...
💡 Example: "The part of speech writing I enjoy most is crafting the opening."
If I could change one thing about my last speech, it would be...
💡 Example: "If I could change one thing about my last speech, it would be to slow down."
The most surprising benefit of public speaking for me has been...
💡 Example: "The most surprising benefit of public speaking for me has been building confidence."
If I could share one message with the world, it would be...
💡 Example: "If I could share one message with the world, it would be to always keep learning."
The hardest question I have faced on stage was...
💡 Example: "The hardest question I have faced on stage was about a controversial topic."
To prepare for Q and A, I usually...
💡 Example: "To prepare for Q and A, I usually rehearse possible questions."
If I could sum up my last speech in three words, they would be...
💡 Example: "If I could sum up my last speech in three words, they would be passionate, informative, fun."
The most rewarding part of public speaking is...
💡 Example: "The most rewarding part of public speaking is inspiring others."
One thing I always do after a speech is...
💡 Example: "One thing I always do after a speech is thank the audience."
Complete the sentence: I speak because...
💡 Example: "I speak because I want to make a difference."
Copy and paste any of the templates below into your community posts or discussion threads. Introduce the prompt by inviting members to finish the sentence in their own words. For extra engagement, encourage replies to each other's answers or feature creative completions. Use these prompts as icebreakers, reflection starters, or warm-ups before speaking events.
These templates are designed for all platforms. Adapt the prompt tone to match your community’s vibe, and use platform features like pinning, reactions, or tagging to boost visibility and participation.
Use prompts that mirror common impromptu situations, such as 'When asked a tough question during Q&A, I usually...' or 'If I forget my next point on stage, I...' This encourages members to think on their feet, simulating table topics or extemporaneous speaking formats often encountered in public speaking environments.
Try prompts like 'Right before stepping onto the stage, I calm my nerves by...' or 'The physical symptom of nervousness I struggle with most is...' These encourage members to open up about their experiences with performance anxiety and share coping techniques, fostering peer support around a universal public speaking challenge.
Use prompts like 'The moment I realized the power of vocal projection was when...' or 'I use pauses effectively by...' These get members reflecting on their vocal delivery techniques, which is a core skill in public speaking, and can lead to shared tips and demonstration videos.
Include prompts like 'The personal story I most enjoy sharing is about...' or 'I hook my audience at the start of a story by...' to guide members in practicing narrative arcs and audience engagement—key elements in effective public speaking.
Absolutely! Use prompts such as 'A metaphor I often use to clarify complex ideas is...' or 'The most impactful repetition I've heard in a speech was...' to encourage members to practice and discuss the use of rhetorical techniques in their speaking.
Customize prompts to the format, such as 'The TEDx talk that inspired my speaking style is...' or 'In my last Toastmasters evaluation, I learned to...' This helps members share insights tailored to the demands and expectations of different public speaking contexts.
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