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)
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.
Useful for workplace morning meetings! Recommended topics and trivia for a 1-minute speech (11–20)
What day is it today?
Introduce the meaning behind today, and encourage everyone to keep in mind what day it is as they go about their day.
Since there’s some kind of commemorative day designated for every date, it’s recommended to include fun facts related to it as you proceed.
Rather than letting the days pass by without much thought, adding variety to each day helps both the listeners and the speakers stay focused and engaged during the morning meeting.
From work-related commemorative days to surprisingly unexpected ones that you wouldn’t think were commemorated, choose topics that will capture people’s interest.
Why Santa Claus is red
When we think of Santa Claus, the color red strongly comes to mind, and this is said to originate from the person who served as his model.
The roots of Santa Claus lie in Saint Nicholas, a priest of the Catholic Church, whose vestments were red.
Because this red color is imbued with the meaning of dedicating oneself to the happiness of others, even at the cost of one’s life, Santa Claus is also depicted wearing red clothing.
The idea of carefully observing things we might ordinarily overlook may also align with the purpose of the morning assembly: to ensure we spend the day safely.
Talking about seasonal events and occasions
When the days of getting through your work turn into a routine assembly line, your awareness of the calendar gradually fades, doesn’t it? In that context, how about introducing topics related to seasonal events and traditions as a way to refocus attention on the passage of time? By helping people really feel the season through conversation, they might discover approaches that suit that particular time of year.
It’s a theme that could break the tendency to just go with the flow and create an opportunity to use time more intentionally.
Why does Disney call part-time employees “cast members”?
As a staple of entertainment, Disney is also a perfect theme for sparking interest in morning assemblies.
At Disney, employees are called “cast members” and visitors are “guests.” This reflects the idea that, on the stage of the dreamlike world, they are performers who create experiences for those who come.
Why not boost your motivation for the day by learning about Disney’s professional mindset, where everything in the park is part of a themed show?