01
Find
Choose the themes that speak to you.
Choose cards that share a thread. You might connect a family memory, a community tradition, and something you hope to change. There is no perfect combination.
A PRACTICAL GUIDE
From a spark to a speech.
Start small. Stay curious. Give yourself permission to revise.
02
Reflect
Discover the stories only you can tell.
For each card, ask: What happened? Why does it matter? What could an audience take from it? Notes and unfinished sentences are welcome.
03
Express
Give your ideas a clear shape.
Decide who you are speaking to and what you want them to leave with. Open with a concrete moment, develop a few connected ideas, and close with an invitation or insight.
04
Develop
Make your message your own.
Read your words aloud. Shorten sentences that trip you up. Add pauses. The rehearsal timer measures your practice; the word-count estimate is only a rough guide.
AN ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE
One memory.
Three connected themes.
A fictional speaker wants to talk about how a neighborhood meal created a sense of belonging.
This example shows a structure, not words to copy into your talk.
OPEN WITH A MOMENT
Describe arriving at the meal: the sounds, the people, the dish that caught your attention.
CONNECT YOUR IDEAS
Explore what the recipe preserved, who passed it on, and how the gathering welcomed someone new.
LEAVE AN INVITATION
Invite listeners to think of one tradition they could share to help someone feel included.
A few helpful answers.
How long should my talk be?
Choose a length that fits your audience and occasion. A useful starting exercise is a 3–5 minute talk. The editor estimates time at 130 words per minute, but reading aloud gives you a better measure.
Do I need to be an experienced speaker?
No. Begin with one moment or idea you care about. Write notes first, organize them, then practice out loud. You can return to any step.
Can I change my cards later?
Yes. Revisit Find in your studio. You can choose between three and five cards. Notes for a removed card remain in your draft and return if you choose it again.
Will FRED Talks write my speech?
No. Prompts and examples are fixed guidance. You write every reflection, outline section, and speech. The outline-and-notes button brings across your existing words, including reflection and planning notes. It adds simple note labels for editing. If a speech already exists, you can add missing material without replacing your edits or repeating text already included.
How are my drafts saved?
Signed-in drafts save to your account. A browser copy also helps recover recent changes. Guest drafts stay on this device. The editor always tells you the save status, and you can download a JSON backup.
How do I get a PDF?
In Develop, use Print / save PDF. Your browser’s print dialog lets you choose Save as PDF. You can also download a plain-text speech or an editable draft backup.
MAKE SPACE FOR YOUR VOICE