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.