The principles for writing effective speeches are the same, whether for a personal speech at a wedding or a high-powered presentation by a politician or celebrity.
The Purposes of Speech Writing
A speech serves three main purposes:
- To inform
- To entertain
- To persuade
When writing out a speech, focus on one of these areas while including the others.
The Three Parts of a Speech
Like most written material, a speech consists of an introduction, a body and a conclusion. To begin with, it is helpful to write the three parts in note form.
Introducing a Speech
The introduction of a speech is crucial for gaining and keeping the attention of the audience. Here are some creative ways to write an interesting introduction:
- Tell a brief personal story that is related to the topic of the speech
- Use relevant statistics that will capture the audience’s attention
- Start with a thought-provoking or amusing quotation
- Pose a rhetorical question that will get the audience thinking
Writing the Body of a Speech
There are a variety of methods for putting together the body of a speech. All help to arrange the material into a logical easy-to-understand sequence:
- Chronological outline – the speech follows a time line
- Spatial outline – the speech is divided into geographical locations
- Problem- solution. A problem is explained or pointed out and a solution presented
Concluding a Speech
The conclusion of a speech should be written in such a way as to serve two purposes:
- Signal the end of the speech
- Summarize what has been said
A good conclusion will bring a satisfying end to a speech and leave thoughts in the minds of the audience. This can be done by linking the conclusion back to the introduction, issuing a challenge, or ending with a powerfully relevant quotation.
Choosing the Style of the Speech
Once the content is outlined, the writer needs to flesh it out into full sentences and paragraphs. The tone and style should be geared towards the audience. Consider factors such as age, academic ability, culture, affluence, gender and setting. Styles include the following:
- Serious
- Comic
- Academic
- Business
- Political
- Teaching
- Satirical
Pitfalls to Avoid when Writing a Speech
There are certain rules about speechmaking that should be adhered to so as not to lose the audience through bias or boredom:
- Avoid indirect language – don’t use statements such as I think or I feel
- Avoid modifiers such as really, but, because and although
- Avoid terms that could considered be sexist – use he and she interchangeably if possible
- Make sure the correct word is used. Be careful of those that are similar such as affect/effect
- Make sure the speech is grammatically correct
Once a speech is written, practise saying it out loud and underline sentences that need emphasis. Divide it into easy-to-see paragraphs and used coloured pens to highlight key areas. The best speech-makers often follow a written script closely, but make it sound as though they are talking from the heart.
 |
