How to Write a Great Speech
Rajni Sheth
January 09, 2008
It is quite surprising that the greatest speeches that have gone down in history have been very simple, devoid of the poetic verses, inspirational quotes or even slogans! A great speech has always struck an emotional chord with the audience. No preparation has gone into it nor has any planning gone into it.
But, there are some speeches that seriously require meticulous planning if they were to succeed in making an impact. These are the speeches that are critical for taking a stand or making a leader hold on to his position. Credible facts backed by statistics are only are one part of the winning process. The other part lies in making right contact with the audience, understanding their mood. At times a speech may have to be altered while speaking gauzing the reaction it is creating. For the rest the writer does his job.
Speech writers have an important job, especially with election campaigns for politicians. They have to deliver simple examples and need to be politically aware of the situation. Many speakers may not be good orators but the writing of the speech writer is profound enough to hold the audience. Any speech can hit a chord when it motivates the listeners. Smile and get them to interact and always make a short speech to have a greater impact.
Some valuable tips for great speeches:
1. One-liner that will attract attention, make the listeners smile and focus on the speech. (PS. This does not apply to eulogies or condolence meets)
2. An efficient speaker will not refer to notes blatantly. If the occasion demands he will shed tears to emotionally involve the group. Wedding toasts are full of tears.
3. The speech should inspire the spectators to act. If occasion demands, the speech should be a war cry which will shake people out of their slumber. Even if it is a regular, boring board meeting, it should be able to stimulate the members.
4. Be self confident. Write your own speeches if you are a speaker. You will remember well.
5. At the end of the speech do not drift away. Ask the audience if they have any questions. No one will remember the entire speech but encourage them to interact.
6. An experienced speaker is bound to distribute copies of his speech (if necessary).
A good speech writer is able to write for any experienced or occasional speaker. As a writer he should be able to understand the above points that will be needed to stimulate the audience. A literary speech will do well only at literary events. For other speeches, hardcore conversational communication skills are required.
Have typed copies for the speaker and make sure there is enough time to prepare the speech. Sometimes in barely half an hour a speech has to be written. That’s where the challenge lies for the writer to effectively communicate and win. As mentioned earlier a great speech comes from the heart and reaches the other hearts who are listening.
More on Speeches and Communication skills.
But, there are some speeches that seriously require meticulous planning if they were to succeed in making an impact. These are the speeches that are critical for taking a stand or making a leader hold on to his position. Credible facts backed by statistics are only are one part of the winning process. The other part lies in making right contact with the audience, understanding their mood. At times a speech may have to be altered while speaking gauzing the reaction it is creating. For the rest the writer does his job.
Speech writers have an important job, especially with election campaigns for politicians. They have to deliver simple examples and need to be politically aware of the situation. Many speakers may not be good orators but the writing of the speech writer is profound enough to hold the audience. Any speech can hit a chord when it motivates the listeners. Smile and get them to interact and always make a short speech to have a greater impact.
Some valuable tips for great speeches:
1. One-liner that will attract attention, make the listeners smile and focus on the speech. (PS. This does not apply to eulogies or condolence meets)
2. An efficient speaker will not refer to notes blatantly. If the occasion demands he will shed tears to emotionally involve the group. Wedding toasts are full of tears.
3. The speech should inspire the spectators to act. If occasion demands, the speech should be a war cry which will shake people out of their slumber. Even if it is a regular, boring board meeting, it should be able to stimulate the members.
4. Be self confident. Write your own speeches if you are a speaker. You will remember well.
5. At the end of the speech do not drift away. Ask the audience if they have any questions. No one will remember the entire speech but encourage them to interact.
6. An experienced speaker is bound to distribute copies of his speech (if necessary).
A good speech writer is able to write for any experienced or occasional speaker. As a writer he should be able to understand the above points that will be needed to stimulate the audience. A literary speech will do well only at literary events. For other speeches, hardcore conversational communication skills are required.
Have typed copies for the speaker and make sure there is enough time to prepare the speech. Sometimes in barely half an hour a speech has to be written. That’s where the challenge lies for the writer to effectively communicate and win. As mentioned earlier a great speech comes from the heart and reaches the other hearts who are listening.
More on Speeches and Communication skills.