Speech Writing Secrets Revealed

The right words, delivered at the right time, can change the world. But a powerful statement depends on effective speech writing. Master speakers know the power of a strong message and appreciate the subtleties of great speech writing.

Speech writing is a skill that anyone can learn. All great writers follow a few fundamental guidelines to ensure a moving performance and a natural delivery. Here are some tips to make your speech writing successful.

Choose a subject that the speaker is familiar with and passionate about. Integrity cannot easily be faked. Effective speech writing depends on matching the message to the voice delivering it, and the right combination can make the difference between a dull presentation and an emotionally moving performance.

The tone of your speech writing should fit the person delivering the message. If the presenter is reserved, skip the jokes and use hard-hitting and surprising facts. For a light-hearted speaker, introduce some humor, but give leave room for improvisation. Great speech writing plays upon the strengths of the speaker.

Start strong, and hook the listeners early. If your speech writing does not grab their attention early, the speaker will have to work twice as hard to get through to them later.

Choose a moving story or metaphor to help get the message across in a powerful manner. Even an old, well-known story can be revamped and delivered with great impact, as long as it is relevant.

Focus your speech writing on the story of an individual. If the speech is for charity, your speech writing should discuss how one suffering person's life would be changed for the better by the generosity of the audience. If the presentation is a sales pitch, tell how a specific client benefited from what you are selling. The subject matter of your speech writing will become more real to your audience if you can put a face and a name to it.

Consider the audience that you are writing for. What pre-conceptions are they carrying? What will it take to win them over? Your speech writing should also consider individual personality types. Some listeners will respond to the emotional message of your speech, while others will need concrete facts. Make a strong pitch to both in your speech writing.

Avoid sensitive subjects, especially if a question and answer segment will follow the presentation. Instead, mention these sensitive issues to the speaker and brainstorm some appropriate responses in case the audience raises such questions. Your speech writing should include handling the hard issues. Be honest, but help the speaker re-frame these issues in a positive light.

Stick to the point. Great speech writing delivers a clear call to action that the audience will not forget. Use presentation software, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, to hammer that point home. Print handouts at your local Kinkos that carry your call to action, so the audience will see it later. Strong marketing should follow great speech writing.

Be flexible, and give the speaker a draft of your speech writing early on. Work with them to ensure that the delivery will be comfortable and effective. Great speech writing is ultimately about making the speaker look good. Use some note cards, such as those made by 3M, and offer to listen and critique if the speaker would like to practice.

Follow these tips and the effectiveness of your speech writing will improve dramatically.