Speech Package
For class Education Project only
Denton Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
Included: Memo, luncheon agenda, speech script and presentation slides
Memo
To: Professor Kimberly Keller and President Neal J. Smatresk
From: Sara Stiles
Date: November 12, 2020
Subject: Location and other details for the upcoming Denton Chamber of Commerce luncheon
Proposed location for upcoming luncheon
The Emerald Ballroom (314) located in the University Union is an ideal location for the luncheon. When the room is sectioned off to only 314 A&B, the ballroom seats a capacity of 280 individuals at round tables.
The layout of ballroom 314 A&B includes three projectors and a small stage. There is also ample room for a buffet table. The Emerald Ballroom is also located in a prime location on the third floor of the union, driving traffic of local business leaders directly to the heart of the university. The address for the University Union is 1155 Union Cir, Denton, TX 76203.
Guest Parking
The best parking location for guests is:
Union Circle Garage; 350 S Welch St., Denton, TX 76201
An additional parking option for guests is:
Highland Street Garage; 620 Central Ave., Denton, TX 76201
Agenda
Thursday, November 12, 2020
12:30 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. | Guests arrive and check-in
12:50 p.m. to 12:55 p.m. | UNT President Neal Smatresk delivers welcoming address
12:55 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Denton Chamber of Commerce Ambassador introduces the chamber’s chairperson
1:00 p.m. to 1:10 p.m. | Chamber chairperson speaks about the organization’s upcoming job fair
1:10 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Lunch is served, and guests are free to serve themselves at the buffet table
1:30 p.m. to 1:35 p.m. | Chamber chairperson returns to introduce Alicia Martinez
1:35 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. | Alicia Martinez speaks on behalf of Game Changers
1:45 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. | Alicia Martinez takes questions
1:50 p.m. to 1:55 p.m. | President Neal Smatresk returns to thank guests and dismiss the luncheon
Speech Script
Hello, everyone! (SMILE, WAVE) Lunch is great, isn’t it? (OPEN HAND GESTURE) (PAUSE FOR AUDIENCE RESPONSE) Excellent! I want to thank you all for taking the time out of your busy schedules to be here today. My name is Alicia Martinez, and I’m speaking to you all on behalf of Game Changers, a Frisco-based non-profit focused on youth sports safety awareness and education. Now, don’t worry– (PLAYFUL TONE) you’re not locking in for a monologue on stress fractures or concussions. (SLIDE ONE) I’m actually here to share with you all some ways to connect with and inspire the children in our community.
Something you should know about me, and what ultimately led me to serve at Game Changers, is that I am a mother. (EYE CONTACT) My son, Cooper, is approaching his high school graduation this year. And, as I’m sure many of you empty-nesters could guess, I’m not taking it all that well (PAUSE FOR LAUGHTER). But, I’ve watched him grow and I’ve prepared him for the real world the best way I know how. And, throughout his life and my time at Game Changers around many young athletes, I’ve observed the complexities that lie within our kids’ minds. They are curious. They are smart. They are wildly talented and creative and capable— of amazing, amazing things.
George Orwell once said, (SLIDE TWO) “Every generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.” This statement holds two truths and one great lesson we can all learn.
(BEGIN MOVING STAGE LEFT) Could I get a show of hands— How many here are also a parent? (PAUSE FOR AUDIENCE RESPONSE, PAUSE WALKING) Awesome! Now, take a moment and think about your child’s current dreams. What was their most recent answer to every parent’s favorite question– “What do you want to be when you grow up?” (STOP WALKING) You’ve likely heard answers like: (PLAYFUL TONE) Astronaut! Firefighter! A vet! (BEGIN MOVING STAGE RIGHT) Or, maybe your child is like mine and is already making college plans, constantly debating his many options. Even if you aren’t a parent, think back to your own childhood. (STOP WALKING) What goals did you set? What dreams did you have?
As adults, we sometimes get caught up in the glory of our own journey. Without even realizing it, we are quick to label our kids as “attention-seeking” or “needy.” We can be blinded by the path we paved for them because we know just how hard we worked to pave it. And, this is what Orwell was referring to at the end of his quote— “And wiser than the one that comes after it.”
When we reach the top, we don’t want to come down. We’ve proven ourselves and will continue to prove ourselves despite who comes after us. And, while that line of thinking seems like a natural human response, it can also cause serious rifts between generations. Generations meant to work together to move our community forward as a whole.
(BEGIN MOVING CENTER STAGE) I’m guilty of this myself, as I’m sure many of you successful adults can relate. And, while we should remain proud of our success stories, humility is a virtue. With regard to the youth in our lives, it’s particularly important to adopt a more understanding and compassion mindset. Try viewing them as “connection-seeking” instead. Young minds are eager to learn, especially from adults who are eager to teach. (STOP WALKING AT CENTER STAGE)
(SLIDE THREE) Even if you aren’t a parent, the needs of our local youth should still matter to you. According to the U-S Census Bureau’s 2019 estimates, almost one-fourth of Denton county’s total population is made up of individuals under the age of 18. Now, try to consider the number of parents and grandparents who are tied to these children. So, even if you aren’t caring after a child yourself, a significant amount of your community is. The needs of our local children directly affect the members of your organization, (PAUSE) your audience, (PAUSE) your partners.
So, as leaders in this market, you must prioritize the wellbeing and development of our community’s youth so that these families – your neighbors, friends and consumers – feel seen and heard.
(BRIEF PAUSE) (BEGIN MOVING STAGE RIGHT) I’m going to ask you all to think back to your own youth. Think of your inspirations, your coaches, the adults you looked up to. (STOP WALKING) Now, try to settle on one really formative role model you had, and join me in some reflection.
First, I would love it if we would all close our eyes and try to envision our younger selves. Take yourself back to elementary school or your first day of t-ball practice. (EMPHASIZE TONE) Find that early-edition version of yourself, far before any thoughts of your current career or success.
Now, take a moment to talk with your younger self. Recall what needs you had, what guidance you looked for. (PAUSE) Now, as adult-you, try to recognize the needs and guidance you did not seek or maybe even realize were necessary at the time. What challenges did you face when you first entered adulthood? What questions did you have?
Think back to that role model of yours now. What made that individual stand out to you? What characteristics did they have? What lessons did they teach you? Why are they the one who comes to mind when asked to recall a role model? (PAUSE FOR AUDIENCE REFLECTION)
(BEGIN MOVING CENTER STAGE) Alright, feel free to open your eyes. I appreciate you all joining me in that exercise, and there are a few things I hope you take away from it. (STOP WALKING) The first is that we are all learning as we go. It may have been an uncomfortable experience for you to revisit your younger thoughts. That is because now, with time, growth and life experience, we realize how many pieces to a larger puzzle were missing. We recognize just how little we understood about ourselves, our relationships and many other aspects of life.
(PAUSE) The second point I hope you take away is the significance of a role model in a child’s life. We are all born with no knowledge of how this world works. It’s the job of competent adults to help our children develop into healthy members of society. As leaders of this community, WE should be those competent adults.
(MOVE UPSTAGE) When you think back to your youth, there were probably some lessons your role models missed. There were unanswered questions, uncertain scenarios and circumstances that left you to learn your own way. (EYE CONTACT) And this is not their fault. Like I said, we’re all just learning as we go. However, (OPEN RIGHT HAND) knowing what lessons would have been useful to us and (OPEN LEFT HAND) acknowledging the inevitable shortcomings of those who raised us can help shape (GESTURE TOWARD SELF) our generation into some amazing leaders.
(MOVE STAGE RIGHT) We sometimes forget that the children among us won’t stay children forever. They’ll eventually grow into our peers and colleagues; functioning members of society, just like you and me. They’ll be our professional athletes, our reporters, our politicians and leaders. They will soon hold as much influence over the community as we do. They will grow up. And, whether or not anyone chooses to inspire them, guide them or mentor them– these generations will meet us at the top just as we did with our predecessors.
(MOVE CENTER STAGE) With this in mind, I challenge you all to strive past the examples set by (EMPHASIZE) our role models and apply a more forward-thinking approach to reaching our kids. Let’s use our experiences to craft an even better one for the next generations. (SLIDE FOUR)
This isn’t hard, either. Small adjustments to our thinking can make a world of difference for these kids. Most children have already accepted that they’re just a kid living in an adult world. To our kids, (PLACE HAND ON CHEST) we are the ones calling the shots. (OPEN ARM FROM CHEST) We are the ones with authority and decision-making power and money and transportation. It’s easy for our kids to look at themselves as just another one of our possessions or earnings because they see the world where the only voice acknowledged is the adult voice.
Let’s change that.
(MOVE STAGE LEFT) Let’s start by accepting our truths. There is a lot of success here in this room today, but none of us are perfect. We need to be open to learning from our kids, hearing their ideas. Once you start accepting that (STOP WALKING) – though you’re a successful adult – you can gain knowledge and learn lessons from our children, your entire outlook on their role in society might change. They are the most powerful, unharnessed tool to advance our community. Once we accept that, we can begin making meaningful connections.
The next step is to go out and start making those connections. What ways can you or your organization start making these connections? Partner with local public schools. Sponsor a youth sports team. Participate in family-friendly community events. Host events for the families of your associates. Think about what you or your organization is passionate about, and find opportunities to share that passion with the children of our community.
Once you’re in the door and have established that connection, this is where you begin to inspire. This is where those formative, life-changing relationships are made. This is where lessons are learned and taught, experiences exchanged and collaboration begins. Here is where you want to get.
Let’s make more room for the children among us in this “adult world.” You each have the power to make a difference in this community for our kids. To make room for them at the table. To make their voices heard. To respond to their needs. Our children will grow up more secure in their capabilities than we ever were, and the community as a whole will reap the benefits of it.
(SLIDE FIVE) I really appreciate the opportunity to speak with you all today. We at Game Changers love our roles as advocates for youth sports safety. But, we love our kids even more and want to see them thrive in this world we’ve built for them. Feel free to come speak with me after or reach out to me anytime for more ideas on how you can incorporate your organization with our local youth. You can also visit the Game Changers website at w-w-w dot game changers dot com for more information on our organization.
