speech writing tips

We have all heard the at least one of the great speeches of history. This includes the inspiring, call to action speeches such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have A Dream, John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address, and William Wilberforce’s abolition speech. In addition, we have heard those speeches that consoled us and built us up through terrible times. Just look at Ronald Reagan’s address to a grieving nation after the space shuttle Challenger exploded as crowds looked on. Speeches build people up and tear walls down, they comfort us in hard times, and they strike change in a society that needs a drastic makeover. How are these speeches made you ask? What should you consider when preparing one yourself? Here are a few ideas to get your brain juices flowing.   What Type of Speech Are You Writing?   When writing your speech, you need to consider what type you will be giving. Do you want to persuade the masses to your wild idea? Or do you want to explain what your company does or what makes up your company’s product? According to Education.com, there are four main types of speeches: Informative speeches are filled with, well, information! If you want to discuss your business and tell customers what you provide, this is a great form of speech to use. They are solely for information and a perfect opportunity to state facts and figures of your company. Do your research! It will be obvious to listeners if you have not fully researched your topic. The best method is to choose something you really like or already know quite a bit about. You want to come across as actually knowing your stuff. Always make sure you stay on topic and do not meander through stories or examples. Demonstrative speeches are oral explanations of how something works. You can show how something works or how to do something while giving the speech. This is a great type to do when discussing art techniques and computer programs. It is also very helpful when learning about new technology. We do not just need to know what it does, but we need to know how to use it since many people learn by observing. Persuasive Speeches: Is there something you feel absolutely passionate about? Then persuasive speeches are for you. With this type, you are able to give your opinion on a wide variety of subjects. Their purpose is to sway people to your side. You may have great words written, but you need to feel the conviction of your topic. A big part of a persuasive speech is your body language. Special Occasion Speeches, according to Education.com, include giving the best man or maid of honor speech at a wedding, giving introductions to other speakers, or doing the eulogy at a funeral. These forms are open styles. Always make sure to keep in mind the reason for this type of public speaking. Do not bring up negative thoughts or ideas while giving a wedding speech. Eulogies also focus more on the positives and the good aspects of the individual’s life. Know what friends or family are expecting from you in these situations as you write your words. Another special occasion speech is the dreaded, but needed, company presentation. These are common in the workplace. Remember to prepare for this just as much as any other speech you have given or will give.   How to Make Your Speech Memorable   Now, “What’s it going to be then, eh?” asks Anthony Burgess’s main antagonist in A Clockwork Orange. Have you decided on the type of speech you will be giving? Good! Time to start writing. Deciding on the type and topic can be one of the easier tasks. Now you need to know what makes a memorable, YouTube worthy speech. Typical tips about how to outline and open a speech, etc. are all over the internet, making it tedious to sift through all that information. When writing that memorable speech, there are a few tips to think about and do. These are: Work hard Look the part Get creative Be smart Control that body   (1) Work Hard. This should not need an explanation. Memorable speeches are outstanding because the writer worked hard. He or she researched the material, spent hours working on outline after outline, writing and deleting segments, and spent time practicing. As the adage says, “practice makes perfect!” The more your practice, the more you will come across as knowledgeable on your topic. Do not just practice on your words, practice your arm movements, facial expression, or walking back and forth.   (2) Look the Part. If you are marching on the edge of doom, leading an army to almost certain death, you want to be in full battle armor, with an awesome sword and possibly windswept hair. You do not want to be caught in some frilly get-up; what solider would take you seriously? This also goes for non-edge of doom speech making. Going in dressed for the occasion will set the right tone for your public speaking event.   (3) Get Creative. Be fun with your speech! From personal experience, people absolutely love when you get creative. This is a great way to engage with your audience. Ways to get creative include: Using props Stories and analogies Demonstrations Props are excellent ways to involve your audience and keep them engaged with your topic. Andrew Dlugan suggests doing something interactive with your props like passing them around or inviting the audience for a closer look after your talk. Take the topic of Cosplaying for example. Giving a speech on Cosplay should have all the general Cosplaying aspects. Bring the costumes, various accessories needed, and perhaps come dressed in Cosplay yourself. Make it engaging and fun. Props are great visual aids for audience members and give a glimpse into your mind. Stories and analogies help make your speech memorable, according to QuickandDirtyTips.com. If you want a specific point to impact … Read more