New feature: Speech of the Fortnight [VIDEO]
My latest feature to give you the best in Public Speaking Advice
Welcome to 2026, speakers!
I’m kicking off the year with my new feature, Speech of the Fortnight!
I had originally envisioned “Speech of the Week.” It sounds better, it has assonance, it sounds good, and the internet loves it when something happens daily or weekly.
But we all know that life gets in the way, a lot, and I wanted to be realistic. Honestly, there may be a speech every week, but I like to keep my self-expectations realistic.
SO. Every 2 weeks or so (or more) I’ll post a reaction video where I react to a speech that caught my eyes and my ears and tell you:
What the speaker did well (and elements I recommend you rip off)
What I would’ve done differently or improved
Any other professional speaker thoughts I want to share.
First up: Canadian PM Mark Carney’s address to the World Economic Form at Davos - January, 2026. In his address, Carney calls for the “middle powers” of the world to come together and not follow the old international world order. (If you want a clear, quick take on what was in this speech, David French wrote about it in the New York Times last week - gift article here.)
Elements I loved:
Carney’s use of analogy and story (The “Green Grocer” story employed by Vačlav Havel decades ago.) He chose this story as an analog to what the “middle powers” are doing on the world stage right now.
Callbacks: He referred to prior references at least 3 times in his speech. (3 truly is a magic number.)
Alliteration and Assonance: Repetition of same sounds will catch your audience’s ear.
Calm confidence. (Hit “play” above to see what I mean.)
What I would’ve done differently:
FIRE! I know Carney cares about this, and he has a commanding presence. But I wanted to see the PASSION come out - especially in his call to action near the end. This is a huge moment! Why didn’t we see that in his voice and body?
Join me again in a few weeks for another Speech of the Fortnight!
About The Author
Hi! I’m Marianna. I’m a keynote speaker and executive speaking coach. I absolutely love speaking to audiences, and I have the savvy and skills to make public speaking easier for my clients. I help with everything from preparation to managing anxiety and nerves to speaking with strength and confidence. I’m available for Keynotes and Breakouts at National Sales Meetings and other corporate meetings. To learn more, Get in touch.