It is said that nothing scares more people than public speaking. Giving a speech can be a daunting prospect indeed, especially if you are not prepared. Of course, before giving a speech, you need to write it. Writing the speech is more than half the battle. On this web page, I will give you resources and advice on how to write a speech that will be effective and impactful.
Here are some tips on writing a speech:
- Pick a Topic. If you have your choice of topic, pick one you can feel passionate about. The more you care about the topic, the more sincere your speech will be.
- Research. This is a critical component of effective speechwriting that is often overlooked. You can't expect just to speak off the top of your head. You need to research your speech topic--get applicable statistics, stories, quotes, jokes, resources, etc. This will make your speech richer and fuller.
- Outline. Create a speech outline with 3-4 salient points (more if it's going to be a longer speech). Flesh out those points with your own words and the results of your research. Some people prefer simply to create the outline, then give the speech; some prefer to take it one step further and write out the speech word-for-word. Every person is different; you need to decide which way works best for you.
- Practice. Give your speech out loud. Time it. This is critical in the writing of the speech because you need to know how much to write. Also, in practicing the speech you may realize that certain parts you have written do not actually sound very good coming out of your mouth, and you need to rewrite. Practice to tedium, if you must.
To learn how to write and give better speeches, I highly recommend this book:
Writing Great Speeches: Professional Techniques You Can Use (Part of the Essence of Public Speaking Series). This book is written by an expert speechwriter whose eloquent voice leads readers through the difficult process of writing a great speech. In these pages a seasoned speechwriter reveals his trade secrets--from analyzing the needs of an audience to leaving them with a satisfying sense of closure--as he guides readers through the process of planning, writing, and honing an outstanding speech. Readers will discover effective ways to connect with an audience, explain concepts, and support ideas, learn how to time and cut a speech when necessary.