How much should you reveal in a speech? Should you put yourself on the line? Tell something private about yourself? In this speech, Tony Porter uses a number of deeply personal stories to drive home his point about the socialization of men. His thesis is stated early, and is crystal clear; men are taught to hide their emotions, and disrespect women, and this needs to change.

Many speakers would resort to dry statistics in order to prove their point, but Mr. Porter makes a much shrewder choice by using deeply personal stories. He begins with a story about his children, and his overbearing need to discipline his son because he is crying. He moves on to a story about his father crying in a limousine after a funeral, and then a story about his first sexual experience. Each story builds in intensity and personal revelation, and weaves effortlessly into his thesis. The effect is very powerful.

Statistics help build a case in a speech, but they are not the lifeblood a good speech. Good stories are at the heart of a good speech, and the more personal, the better. Ultimately, the audience wants to connect on a human level to a speaker, and deeply felt stories help build this intimacy.

So what do you think? Are you willing to tell a secret in a speech?

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