Speaking
is one of the most powerful tools of mass communication and very
helpful in case one has to communicate with a large audience. A speech is prepared according to the audience and their language.
Speeches used
to be spontaneous but the modern day speeches are well planned and there
are speech writing tips that can make a lot of difference to the
quality of a speech. Public
speaking is about delivering the thoughts of the speakers to the
audience effectively.
A speech well written and prepared in advance can
help a person to face the audience with confidence.
Here are ten speech
writing tips to help out.
[1] Primary Objective:
A
speech writer should present and emphasis on the primary objective of
the speech. A speech written with too many ideas will divert the
intention of the speaker and confuse the audience.
Normally, focus on three or four ideas only and build your speech on these. Better to hit three strong points properly than to attempt to make ten but end up poorly tackling them.
Normally, focus on three or four ideas only and build your speech on these. Better to hit three strong points properly than to attempt to make ten but end up poorly tackling them.
[2] Speech Structure:
A
good speech should be written in a structured manner to present the
audience with the ideas in a 'query and solution' form. A speech can be
segregated into Opening, Body and Conclusion.
[3] Content:
A
good speech should have a good quality in the right quantity. An
excessive content written in an uninteresting manner will dilute the
idea of the speech and make the speech ineffective. Be prudent with your
write-up; make every sentence count. Avoid using too many words to
describe something you could quite easily describe with fewer words
without loss of meaning — unless you deliberately mean to do so for
reasons best known to you.
[4] Target Audience:
The
speech writer should consider the type of audience for whom the speech
is intended. The language of the speech or the medium should be easily
understandable and comfortable to the target audience. Depending on the
topic, you would not speak to teenagers and youths the way you’d speak
to parents or middle-aged people. Both groups could potentially interpret your message in very different ways.
[5] Facts:
A
good speech should have multiple numbers of facts to validate the
speech. Relevant facts related to the subject should be used in the
speech as without facts a speech, however good it may be, will be
invalid. Do not quote incorrect figures. One misquoted date, for example
can harm the authenticity of your presentation and ultimately harm your
own integrity and reputation. Always cross-check facts and figures
properly. Use reliable sources.
[6] Emotional Quotient:
A
good speech writer can add an emotional touch to the speech by using
personal stories, examples and even some metaphors. A human touch to the
problems is useful in presenting the speech.
Depending on the type of
speech and occasion, you might want to weigh the appropriateness of
emotion in the speech. Read this article on the four types of public speaking for more about this.
[7] Strong Opening and Closing:
A
strong opening will make an effective and strong impression and a good
closing a useful reminder. First impression is very effective as it has a
lasting impression on the audience. A good closing, with a strong call
to act, can help in reinforcing and imprinting the idea of the speech in
their memories.
[8] Written Handout:
A
printed handout with details of the speech can be provided to the
audience after the speech is over. A printed handout will be a written
reminder and will make the audience more receptive to the speaker. If
you plan to hand out printed scripts of your speech or presentation, it
is advisable you inform your audience before the speech. This will allow
focus on your presentation rather than struggling to jot down bits of
information from your presentation as you speak. This normally divides
audiences’ attention.
[9] Simple and Short Language:
A
good speech with short and simple words to express the idea without the
use of jargons will make it easier on the audience to grasp the idea. Simple words and simple language will make the speech much clearer to
the audience making it easier in retaining the speech.
Don’t try to be a
Soyinka or a Shakespeare. Why use a 15-syllable Latin word where a
2-syllable English word could do just fine? Don’t confuse your own
audience!
[10] Evaluate the Speech:
A
good speech can be improved by taping and listening to the speech,
before presenting it to the audience.
The writer can make improvements
in the speech with the feed backs to bring perfection. As the eminent poet Robert Frost observed:
"Half
the world is composed of people who have something to say and can't and
the other half who have nothing to say and keep on saying it." – Robert Frost. Speech
writing tips like these can help a speaker without creative writing
skills to still prepare a decent speech and, hopefully, eliminate much
of the shortcomings most speakers have in expressing their ideas
effectively.
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