Speech writing is a valuable skill that can help individuals communicate effectively in a variety of situations, from public speaking events to business presentations. Whether you are new to speech writing or looking to improve your existing skills, there are several key strategies you can use to become a better speech writer.
Identify Your Audience
The first step in writing a successful speech is to identify your audience. Who will be listening to your speech? What are their interests, beliefs, and values? Understanding your audience can help you tailor your speech to their needs and make it more engaging and relevant to them.
Develop a Clear Message
Once you have identified your audience, it is important to develop a clear message for your speech. What do you want to communicate to your audience? What is the main point you want to make? Your message should be concise, memorable, and relevant to your audience.
Use Stories and Examples
One of the most effective ways to engage your audience is to use stories and examples in your speech. Stories can help illustrate your message and make it more relatable to your audience. Examples can also help clarify complex ideas and provide concrete evidence to support your message.
Use Simple Language
When writing a speech, it is important to use simple, clear language. Avoid jargon, technical terms, and complex sentences that may confuse your audience. Use short sentences and simple words to convey your message in a way that is easy to understand.
Practice Your Delivery
Writing a great speech is only half the battle; delivering it effectively is just as important. Practice your delivery by reading your speech out loud, recording yourself, and listening to the playback. Pay attention to your tone of voice, pacing, and body language, and make adjustments as needed.
Feedback
Finally, get feedback on your speech from others. Ask friends, family members, or colleagues to listen to your speech and offer you helpful feedback.
Looking for help with writing your next speech, I've written for mayors, university management and sports people.. Get in touch!
Mark Westbrook - Speaking Coach and Speech Writer.