You may have asked everyone applying for work in your company if they were team players. Most applicants answer yes, and they expect to work in groups occasionally, but many employees look at team meetings as time away from their "real" work. They may cringe at the prospect of an inspiring speech that explains that "we're all in this together." To give an effective speech on teamwork, plan to surprise and engage listeners.

Emphasizing What's In It For Team Members

You know that teamwork will help your company, but listeners tend to be motivated by what will help them. Think of ways teamwork can help team members. For example, it can help to take the responsibility off of one person's shoulders. It can also lead to better work because more people have input into decisions. List all the benefits of teamwork for employees and make these the core of you speech.

Aspiring To Excellence

According to Kent State University, listeners will respond positively to the idea that they belong to an organization that excels. Think of ways you can point out what your company does best, and relate this excellence to the teamwork among employees. You can go a step further and give examples of excellent teamwork in the past that has contributed to the company's reputation as a stand-out business.

Explain Tangible Results To Be Achieved

Teams often talk the hours away without coming up with a plan of action to solve whatever problem they are working on. You will be more likely to inspire workers to fully participate in teamwork if you explain the tangible results they can achieve. Choose forthcoming projects and give details about what you want teams to provide. Some examples include the purchase of new software for tracking inventory, a budget for building a new warehouse, or a 10-percent reduction in expenses.

Build To A Climax From A Surprising Start

Once you know what you are going to talk about, you can craft your opening. This should surprise, amuse or engage your listeners with an interesting story. For example, you could begin, "I am going to make your jobs much easier today." Or you might try, "If you feel like you are working too hard, I have a way to get you some help." These openings work as teasers. Think of something that will make your listeners lean forward in their seats. The rest of your speech is based on notes you made about appealing to self-interest, seeking excellence, and working toward tangible results. Save your most appealing point for the end of the speech. As soon as you deliver your best piece of information, wrap it up and thank everyone for listening.