Speech Writing

Speech writing is just like any other form of narrative writing. It’s the art of writing something you want to convey to your audience. However, the difference lies in the writing structure, techniques and some use of punctuation. Students need to keep in mind these small things while writing a speech. Speech writing is defined as the phenomenon by which a thought or a message is conveyed to an audience in a correct format and expression. The main purpose of a speech is fulfilled when one can inform, explain, or persuade others regarding the given topic.

Format of a Speech

Before starting, you should be well aware of the speech writing format. So here we present you the format in the easiest to understand way. This will answer your query about how to write a speech.

1. Introduction

The very first step is greeting the audience and introducing yourself. Give them a warm welcome. Give it your best shot at opening the speech, as this is when you connect with your audience the most.

2. Body

You should be well aware of all the aspects of the topic you will be speaking on. Make keywords and subheadings for the purpose of clarity. Elaborately explain the key points such that they are instilled in your audience’s mind.

3. Conclusion

Always try to leave your audience with something that they keep thinking about. If you encounter any such thought while writing the speech, keep it to the end. Wrap up things in the most interesting way and, most importantly, thank your audience for listening to you.  

Techniques for Writing a Speech

Whenever you are being asked to write a speech, the questions that arise in your mind are how to write a speech? What are the steps that will be followed to write an efficient speech? And many more!

Speech writing is a skill that can be learned or developed with persistence and patience. We have a few effective strategies that you can use for writing influential speeches.  

• Keep track of your Style and Language

Avoid using words or jargon that are difficult to understand. Make things easy for your audience. Use a language appropriate for them. Including real-life examples and quotes in your speech will have a great impact. When delivering a speech, the most appropriate way to draw your audience is by using proper nonverbal cues. For example- maintain your posture and stand straight without fidgeting, take a pause when needed, maintain eye contact, and use an even tone. 

• Make room for Questions

Always ask your audience open-ended questions. This is a useful way to enliven your speech. It not only helps your audience to remain focused but also keeps them engaged. Make sure that you are handy with a few questions beforehand. Also, ending your speech with a thought-provoking question will be a great idea. This will make your audience keep thinking about the question you left for them, and it is obvious that some points of your speech will also be engraved in their minds.

• Take Pauses when needed

The most effective way to impact a sentence is by taking a powerful pause. Divide your speech into short paragraphs, and make sure to take a pause whenever you finish a paragraph. Adjust the body of your speech writing format according to that. A pause doesn’t reflect that you forgot something or are nervous, rather take pauses in a way that reflects confidence and that you just ended a powerful sentence that needs to be thought about for a second or two. This will help your audience emphasise your key points. 

• Execute Dramatic Contrast

If you want to draw your audience into your speech and surprise them, you need to create a dramatic contrast. You can do this by placing two opposing viewpoints or ideas simultaneously. Also, variations in your volume while you place the two viewpoints will deeply impact the audience’s mind. 

Effective Tips for Speech Writing

A speech becomes powerful and worthy only if you can engrave some key points of it in the minds of your audience, the points that they still remember and pound upon even after the speech is over. So here are a few tips which you can follow to write and deliver impactful speeches:

• Understanding your audience is the very first step

• Before writing, you should know whether your purpose is to entertain, educate, or inspire your audience

• Including informal slags or words should be tailored according to your audience

• You would not want to hurt anyone’s sentiments, even unintentionally

• Make sure you time yourself after writing your speech because you would not want to overwhelm your audience by speaking for too long

• Ensure that you know how to write a speech

• There should be a proper beginning, end and the main body in your speech

• The first impression is the last impression

• Make sure to give it your best shot in the opening

• This is the time when your audience connects with you the most

Conclusion

The power of impactful, motivating, inspiring, and thought-provoking speech writing can never be overlooked. Powerful speeches leave an impact on people’s minds and have been an important tool to conquer nations. For ages, various leaders have been using their charismatic speeches to bewitch people worldwide. Vocalising your thoughts at random is not enough. You need to organise your thoughts, and read and re-read your speech, to make it perfect. You have to make sure that the words you include while writing a speech should carry immense weight and leave your audience in awe.