People tell us that they don’t know how to begin or what to include when they need to write a speech. Speech writing can be much easier when you know what’s needed for an effective speech. There isn’t one formula that will fit each speech writing project, but the following tips will give you ideas on what to do the next time you need to write a speech to be given in a business or professional environment.

Speech Writing Tip Number 1 — Create a Clear and Simple Message

Before you begin your speech writing project, define your message and stick to it. Don’t try to make too many points during your speech. Attempting to cover too much ground in a short time will confuse your audience. If you are speaking for ten minutes, for example, you will have enough time to convey one message. Summarise this message in one sentence and keep it in front of you while writing your speech.

Speech Writing Tip Number 2 – Know Your Audience and Write for Them

The type of audience you’re addressing will determine what you say and how you say it. For example, if writing your speech on a technical subject, you will have to define your terms and explain more if the audience members are not experts in the field. If they know the subject, you won’t have to explain the concepts. If you have both groups in the audience, you might say something like, “For those of you who don’t know…”, then explain it to them. Sometimes you won’t know the level of understanding of your listeners, so you will need to ask questions and adjust your speech accordingly.

Speech Writing Tip Number 3 — Write the Way You Usually Speak

A speech should not be written like an article, essay or report. For example, most people use contractions (I’ll, we’ll, can’t, he’s, we’re, it’s) when they speak — so write your speech this way. This applies to the types of terms you use. Instead of however, write but. In place of therefore, write so. Copywriters call this conversational tone, and it’s important to maintain this tone in your speech writing.

Speech Writing Tip Number 4 — Create A Connection with Your Audience

If you’re speaking to an unfamiliar group, develop ways to connect with them. If you were speaking to a community group, for example, you would want to find out who they are, what they do and what they believe. Then use this knowledge to create a connection between the group and you or your message. For example, you could mention how the group’s values are similar to those of your organisation. It will help if the group you are addressing has a website or other background information.

Once when we were writing a speech for a business that was sponsoring an arts organisation, we were finding it challenging to connect to the two organisations. After doing some research, we found that both organisations had been established in the same year. This commonality helped to connect the speaker to the audience at the beginning of the speech.

Speech Writing Tip Number 5 – Use Stories to Make Your Point

From early childhood we develop an appreciation for stories and the ideas they communicate. When you use stories in your speech writing, you are conveying your message in an entertaining and memorable way. For example, a CEO speaking about the need for change at his organisation can tell a story about a company that wasn’t able to change and failed as a result. On the positive side, the business leader could tell a story about a business that succeeded because it was able to change. Plenty of resource material is available if you are willing to spend some time researching. Personal stories are often the best if they are relevant to what you are speaking about, so it’s a good idea to write down the interesting stories you hear or experience.

Courtesy: Nerd Words

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