Speechwriting Tips

Part 1

Speechwriting Tips, Part 2 

Speechwriting Basics

Making a speech scares almost everyone. Writing the speech you're going to make can be even more daunting.

If you don't consider yourself an expert at speech writing or speech making, but find yourself faced with the prospect of making a speech soon, here are some tips.

1. Start with the end in mind

Yes, Stephen Covey said the same thing in his book "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." It also applies to speech writing and speech making. What's the goal of your speech? Is it an informative speech? A persuasive speech. Will you try to entertain the audience with a funny speech?

 Ask yourself "What do I want to accomplish with this speech?" Then build your content from there.

2. Have a beginning, middle and an end

This is taught on day one in every public speaking class everywhere on earth. Truly an "oldie but a goodie" when it comes to giving speech writing and speech making. It not only makes your information more comprehensible for your audience, it forces you organize your thoughts as you're preparing your presentation.

3. Don't throw too much information at the audience

Unless you're accomplished at speech writing, or a bona fide professional speaker who knows how to hold an audience's attention for an hour or longer, keep your speech down to around 20 minutes. You may have lots of wonderful information you just can't wait to share, but remember: the brain will retain only what the backside can endure. Almost everyone's attention starts drifting at around 15 minutes, and generally, that's when you should start closing down your speech.

4. Know Your Audience

What do they want to get out of your speech? It's always a good idea to learn the names of several people who will attend your presentation, and pre-interview them as you're preparing your presentation. Ask them what issues are most important to the people who will be in the audience, and what they'd like to take away from your presentation. For additional detail, click on knowing your audience.

5. Use the Internet for research.

You can go online and easily find news stories about trends in the audience's industry and other cutting edge information. Make use of the search boxes many newspapers like USA Today now offer in their online editions. Check "news search engines" like Google News, Yahoo, and Topix. You can sign up for RSS feeds that deliver the latest information on almost anything directly to your desktop.

Looking for more speechwriting help?

There are also some terrific consultants and coaches who offer speech writing tips and instruction.

Tom Antion is a one of the best known and highly respected professional speakers and presentation skills trainers in the world. Visit his Speaker's Shop for a wealth of instructional books, free articles on making a speech, CDs, DVDs, and much more. Click here to go to Tom Antion's Speaker's Shop.

Tom also offers an email newsletter called "Great Speaking," which offers tips and tools for both speakers at all experience levels.

Click on Speechwriting and Public Speaking to visit Tom's home page.

Download a 28 page PDF report about making a dazzling presentation, written by one of the most successful public speakers in America? Click on Get Applause Now.