Useful for workplace morning meetings! Recommended topics and trivia you can use for a one-minute speech.
If you were told, “Please give a concise one-minute speech at the morning assembly,” what would you talk about?
It’d be best to choose a topic that benefits work or one that’s captivating enough to draw listeners in—something that will pique the audience’s interest.
And not just at work: even the principal’s speech—often said to be long-winded—could be something students look forward to if it’s concise and engaging.
So this time, we’ll introduce recommended topics and trivia perfect for a one-minute speech.
You won’t always know in advance when you’ll be asked to speak, so be sure to check these out for when the moment comes!
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Useful for workplace morning meetings! Recommended topics and trivia you can use for a one-minute speech (1–10)
Ask “Pinocchio” how to use a fire extinguisher.
Fire extinguishers are installed everywhere and we’re all familiar with their presence, but few people have actually used one.
The correct way to use a fire extinguisher is summarized by the Japanese keyword “Pinocchio.” It stands for the steps: pull the pin, take the nozzle, brace yourself, and press to discharge.
It’s important to remember this sequence well so you don’t panic.
Because the topic concerns something that protects our everyday safety, it should capture people’s attention and encourage them to listen carefully.
Latest news
Including recent events and news as topics is a classic approach in speeches.
It shows that you’re paying attention to what’s happening in the world and that you’re an attentive person.
The choice of topics is crucial: think about themes that will engage your audience while incorporating your own opinions.
It’s also important to be mindful of the flow of your talk—starting from broad, seemingly unrelated issues and connecting them to familiar, close-to-home matters can be very effective.
How to stop yawning
As you repeat morning assemblies day after day, both the speaker and the listeners are likely to gradually lose focus.
Why not take advantage of that dip in concentration to introduce techniques for stopping yawns? There are various methods, so incorporate your own anecdotes while highlighting the most effective ones.
It could also be interesting to deliberately present noticeable techniques—like using your hands—so you can spot someone in the audience who looks like they’re about to yawn.
The origin of the sandwich
Sandwiches have become a popular food in Japan as well.
Do you know who invented them? The creator of the sandwich was a man named John Montagu.
The name comes from the fact that he held the title of Earl of Sandwich.
Incidentally, it’s said that the Earl devised the sandwich because he wanted a staple food he could eat with one hand while playing games.
As a side note, both spellings “サンドウィッチ” and “サンドイッチ” are considered correct in Japanese.
What does “pyramid” refer to?
When someone accomplishes something truly great that will be remembered by future generations, we use expressions like “to erect a golden milestone.” So what does the word “金字塔 (kinjitō)” in this phrase actually refer to? The term literally means “a tower in the shape of the character for gold,” and because it resembles the kanji for gold (金), it refers to a pyramid.
Because pyramids, with their immense scale and historical value, are regarded as a magnificent achievement of humanity, the word 金字塔 (kinjitō) came to be used metaphorically to signify a great accomplishment.