A few days ago, I received a call from my friend Walid Khabbaze generously inviting me to speak at the upcoming MINDX event on March 29, 2025, themed “The Perfect Pattern.”
At first, I was hesitant—I’ll be traveling the days before and have another obligation on the same day as the event. It didn’t seem practical.
But given that my schedule is relatively open until March 25, with several proposals already submitted and pending responses, I decided to accept the challenge and take the stage.
Now, I have less than 10 days to craft a compelling, impactful, and inspirational 15-minute speech.
This is both an exciting project and a real test of my ability to deliver under pressure. In fact, it might even serve as a mini crash course in public speaking for those of you who are interested in the process.
Step 1: Setting Guardrails
After my call with Walid, I thought:
“I don’t have time to experiment recklessly. If I don’t set clear thematic boundaries right away, I risk getting lost in too many directions—which inevitably leads to stress and anxiety.”
So, the first step was to pin this down quickly.
Step 2: Structuring the Speech
Here’s how I approached it:
1️⃣ Pick a topic I am well-versed in and comfortable speaking about—preferably one I’ve spoken about before.
2️⃣ Ensure the topic resonates—not only with me but also with the audience. The best speeches aren’t just well-researched; they come from a place of deep authenticity and conviction.
3️⃣ Structure the speech into a clear narrative arc—one that audiences naturally relate to.
I sometimes choose the heroic journey pattern, a timeless narrative structure that mirrors the way we process transformation in life:
Order (Ordinary Life Before the Shift) Example: A stable, structured legal career—until something disrupts it.
Chaos (Disruption & Adventure) Example: Quitting a prestigious job, stepping into uncertainty, and facing challenges head-on.
Integration (Returning with Wisdom) Example: Navigating the unknown, rebuilding meaningfully, and emerging happier and more fulfilled.
This structure makes it easier for the audience to engage with and internalize the message.
Step 3: Clarifying My Intention
Before I write a single word, I need to be crystal clear about why I am giving this talk.
Am I trying to show off my expertise?
Do I want to flex my virtue or parade my struggles?
Or is my intention to genuinely connect—to share something meaningful, with the hope that someone in the audience might find wisdom, value, or encouragement?
The answer matters.
If my speech isn’t honest and heartfelt, it will feel performative. The audience can always sense when a speaker is genuinely invested in what they are saying versus when they are just delivering words.
That means:
Every word must be authentic—I should be able to justify it if prompted.
The speech must align with my values—if I say something I don’t truly believe, the audience will pick up on it.
The message should be meaningful to me first before I expect it to be meaningful to others.
Final Thoughts
I now have my topic locked down, and I am actively working on refining the speech. Wish me luck!
How do you approach public speaking engagements, dear reader?
What is your process for choosing a topic and crafting your speech?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Philippos
PS: If you’re interested in attending mindx, here’s the event link: https://mindxlive.com/experiences/