-- Below is a reworked English version of my blog post "本田健さんの英語スピーチ・卓越したつかみ力" on Nov 12, 2023. --
For those aspiring to aim for the world, my previous post focused on Honda Ken's English speech, which could truly serve as a role model. From his inaugural lecture on the Big Island, a 90-minute seminar conducted entirely in English, even a 30-second recorded clip conveyed his greatness, wouldn't you agree?
Just two days later, he held another inaugural lecture on Oahu, with the same title but entirely different content, which left me in awe. When I asked him about it after the event, he casually said, "I get bored if I give the same talk."
In most cases, if a Japanese person were to give a 90-minute English presentation, that alone would be quite an accomplishment. Thinking of delivering different content each time might not even cross one's mind. However, Ken has the remarkable ability to adapt his speech to the moment.
Now, there's actually more to Ken's response I mentioned earlier: "I get bored if I give the same talk. Have you noticed that I changed the opening? Oh, feel free to share the video."
Can you believe it? As an exemplary model of how to start a speech, I wanted to introduce this to everyone if possible. I had recorded only the opening part. It's as if he had known my intentions, which was another big surprise!
So, in this post, I'd like to analyze and share the first 4 minutes and 30 seconds with you.
In Honda Ken's speeches, just as in his book writing, interesting words flow naturally as if it's a special talent of his. But there are things we can emulate. If you're interested, please read on till the end.
Let's start with the very first words of the introduction. This moment is crucial as it's when the audience is most attentive, deciding whether to listen and open their hearts. What you say here is vital.
While starting with a standardized phrase like, "Thank you for the introduction. I'm ... It's my honor to talk to you," might miss this crucial moment.
In Ken's case, whether in Japanese or English, every time, his greetings begin with a different word or phrase.
Now, what did he say at the beginning of this inaugural lecture on Oahu? As you can see in the video, it triggered an instant burst of laughter.
His first words were, "I didn't expect that song coming. What a gorgeous song!" This might seem completely nonsensical to anyone who wasn't present in that moment. But for those who were there, it was a word that resounded and resonated.
To give you a hint, just before that, a local singer had made an appearance. They sang lyrics related to the seminar's title in an exciting manner, involving everyone in the audience.
This kind of opening technique in a speech is often referred to as a "callback." In simple terms, it involves recalling an experience that everyone in the audience shared. By referring to a shared experience, the distance between the speaker and the audience quickly diminishes, creating an engaging and relatable start.
Ken seems to naturally start with a callback more often than using it as a deliberate technique. He captures the atmosphere and energy of the moment, seamlessly connects with it, and then transitions into his own narrative.
After that brief moment of instantly building a sense of unity with the audience, he moved on to introduce himself:
"I'm so happy to be here. I feel so excited because this has been my dream come true. Thank you so much."
After expressing gratitude and sharing his passion about the event, he quickly proceeds to explain the specific reasons behind his sentiments:
"Hawaii has always been on my mind for so many years.I started coming almost 33,4 years ago. Every time I come here something happens."
The specific reasons are presented as a story that includes self-disclosure. Moreover, the beginning of this story is quite intriguing. It leaves you thinking, "Something always happens when he comes? What could it be?" And it continues like this:
"I got married when I was 23 and for the honeymoon I was here. You know that I don't really disclose any information so much but I did everything very early in my years. "
Sharing personal stories like this can instantly create a sense of connection with the audience. Moreover, when he mentioned that he did "everything very early in my years," it added a layer of intrigue, making the audience even more interested in the story.
Then, he dropped the bombshell: "And I got divorced at 25 and then I came back with my wife now."
This narrative twist is truly captivating. In just the first 60 seconds, he manages to keep the audience engaged, not only with laughter but also with moments of surprise and realization, as you can see in the video.
As for the next 3 minutes and 30 seconds, it would be fascinating to analyze in detail, but it would make this explanation quite lengthy. So, I'll highlight the essential points.
The foundation of the story's development lies in the characters, and stories featuring strong and memorable characters undeniably have a significant impact.
In this speech, while sharing memories related to Hawaii involving family members, Ken's mother takes center stage as the central character. Her stories are not just entertaining but also intriguing.
She had a deep love for Hawaii. She would collect those small jam jars served at hotels, even from other people's tables, filling an entire suitcase with them and decorating her cupboard with them for decades. On one hand, she expressed a desire for freedom and divorce, perhaps influenced by Hawaii's energy. On the other hand, she mentioned working at Hawaii's ABC Store with a deadpan face, and when discussing visas and the challenges of working in America, she firmly stated, "With passion, you can do anything!" It's quite a mix of stories she shared.
As we laugh along with these episodes, we not only feel Ken's affection for his mother but also, as listeners, we start to endearingly connect with her as if we were witnessing these moments ourselves.
What makes Ken's English-speaking presentations resonate with people around the world is his consistent practice of sharing someone's story like this in his talks. In other words, it's because love, sorrow, and perspectives as human experiences are universally relatable.
Now, after eliciting plenty of laughter, this opening 4-minute greeting ends with a heartwarming round of applause:
A few days ago in my dream my mom was in the uniform of an ABC store. Her name is Kimiko by the way, so there is Kimiko here. I just signed her name. So I just, you know, felt so extra happy that she's here in spirit. Now she's working at ABC stores in heaven and enjoying freedom. So this is the symbol of freedom for me.
How did you find it? Even this 4 minutes and 30 seconds opening story alone is quite touching, isn't it? Ken consistently shares stories that evoke both laughter and tears right from the beginning, which is why he's become so popular internationally.
In fact, yesterday's lecture, which lasted from 10 in the morning until 6 in the evening, was all conducted in English. A world-famous life coach, Alan Cohen, also attended the event, making it a day full of English presentations. Ken's interaction with Alan in English was outstanding, and I learned a lot from both of them.
☟Enjoy the 4 minutes and 30 seconds of the story.☟
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