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How to write a good speech in 7 steps

By:  Susan Dugdale  

- an easily followed format for writing a great speech

Did you know writing a speech doesn't have be an anxious, nail biting experience?

Unsure? Don't be.

You may have lived with the idea you were never good with words for a long time. Or perhaps giving speeches at school brought you out in cold sweats.

However learning how to write a speech is relatively straight forward when you learn to write out loud.

And that's the journey I am offering to take you on: step by step.

To learn quickly, go slow

Take all the time you need. This speech format has 7 steps, each building on the next.

Walk, rather than run, your way through all of them. Don't be tempted to rush. Familiarize yourself with the ideas. Try them out.

I know there are well-advertised short cuts and promises of 'write a speech in 5 minutes'. However in reality they only truly work for somebody who already has the basic foundations of speech writing in place.

The foundation of good speech writing 

These steps are the backbone of sound speech preparation. Learn and follow them well at the outset and yes, given more experience and practice you could probably flick something together quickly. Like any skill, the more it's used, the easier it gets.

In the meantime...

Step 1: Begin with a speech overview or outline

Are you in a hurry? Without time to read a whole page? Grab ... The Quick How to Write a Speech Checklist And come back to get the details later.

• WHO you are writing your speech for (your target audience)
• WHY you are preparing this speech. What's the main purpose of your speech? Is it to inform or tell your audience about something? To teach them a new skill or demonstrate something? To persuade or to entertain? (See 4 types of speeches: informative, demonstrative, persuasive and special occasion or entertaining for more.) What do you want them to think, feel or do as a result of listening the speech?
• WHAT your speech is going to be about (its topic) - You'll want to have thought through your main points and have ranked them in order of importance. And have sorted the supporting research you need to make those points effectively.
• HOW much time you have for your speech eg. 3 minutes, 5 minutes... The amount of time you've been allocated dictates how much content you need. If you're unsure check this page: how many words per minute in a speech: a quick reference guide . You'll find estimates of the number of words required for 1 - 10 minute speeches by slow, medium and fast talkers.

Use an outline

The best way to make sure you deliver a perfect speech is to start by carefully completing a speech outline covering the essentials: WHO, WHY, WHAT and HOW.

Beginning to write without thinking your speech through is a bit like heading off on a journey not knowing why you're traveling or where you're going to end up. You can find yourself lost in a deep, dark, murky muddle of ideas very quickly!

Pulling together a speech overview or outline is a much safer option. It's the map you'll follow to get where you want to go.

Get a blank speech outline template to complete

Click the link to find out a whole lot more about preparing a speech outline . ☺ You'll also find a free printable blank speech outline template.  I recommend using it!

Understanding speech construction

Before you begin to write, using your completed outline as a guide, let's briefly look at what you're aiming to prepare.

• an opening or introduction
• the body where the bulk of the information is given
• and an ending (or summary).

Imagine your speech as a sandwich

If you think of a speech as a sandwich you'll get the idea.

The opening and ending are the slices of bread holding the filling (the major points or the body of your speech) together.

You can build yourself a simple sandwich with one filling (one big idea) or you could go gourmet and add up to three or, even five. The choice is yours.

But whatever you choose to serve, as a good cook, you need to consider who is going to eat it! And that's your audience.

So let's find out who they are before we do anything else. 

Step 2: Know who you are talking to

Understanding your audience.

Did you know a  good speech is never written from the speaker's point of view?  ( If you need to know more about why check out this page on  building rapport .)

Begin with the most important idea/point on your outline.

Consider HOW you can explain (show, tell) that to your audience in the most effective way for them to easily understand it.   

Writing from the audience's point of view

To help you write from an audience point of view, it's a good idea to identify either a real person or the type of person who is most likely to be listening to you.

Make sure you select someone who represents the "majority" of the people who will be in your audience. That is they are neither struggling to comprehend you at the bottom of your scale or light-years ahead at the top.

Now imagine they are sitting next to you eagerly waiting to hear what you're going to say. Give them a name, for example, Joe, to help make them real.

Ask yourself

• How do I need to tailor my information to meet Joe's needs? For example, do you tell personal stories to illustrate your main points? Absolutely! Yes. This is a very powerful technique. (Click storytelling in speeches to find out more.)
• What type or level of language is right for Joe as well as my topic? For example if I use jargon (activity, industry or profession specific vocabulary) will it be understood?

Step 3: Writing as you speak

Writing oral language.

Write down what you want to say about your first main point as if you were talking directly to Joe.

If it helps, say it all out loud before you write it down and/or record it.

Use the information below as a guide

(Click to download The Characteristics of Spoken Language  as a pdf.) 

You do not have to write absolutely everything you're going to say down * but you do need to write down, or outline, the sequence of ideas to ensure they are logical and easily followed.

Remember too, to explain or illustrate your point with examples from your research. 

( * Tip: If this is your first speech the safety net of having everything written down could be just what you need. It's easier to recover from a patch of jitters when you have a word by word manuscript than if you have either none, or a bare outline. Your call!)

Step 4: Checking tone and language

The focus of this step is re-working what you've done in Step 2 and 3.

You identified who you were talking to (Step 2) and in Step 3, wrote up your first main point.  Is it right? Have you made yourself clear?  Check it.

How well you complete this step depends on how well you understand the needs of the people who are going to listen to your speech.

Please do not assume because you know what you're talking about the person (Joe) you've chosen to represent your audience will too. Joe is not a mind-reader!

How to check what you've prepared

• Check the "tone" of your language . Is it right for the occasion, subject matter and your audience?
• Check the length of your sentences. You need short sentences. If they're too long or complicated you risk losing your listeners.

Check for jargon too. These are industry, activity or group exclusive words.

For instance take the phrase: authentic learning . This comes from teaching and refers to connecting lessons to the daily life of students. Authentic learning is learning that is relevant and meaningful for students. If you're not a teacher you may not understand the phrase.

The use of any vocabulary requiring insider knowledge needs to be thought through from the audience perspective. Jargon can close people out.

• Read what you've written out loud. If it flows naturally, in a logical manner, continue the process with your next main idea. If it doesn't, rework.

We use whole sentences and part ones, and we mix them up with asides or appeals e.g. "Did you get that? Of course you did. Right...Let's move it along. I was saying ..."

Click for more about the differences between spoken and written language .

And now repeat the process

Repeat this process for the remainder of your main ideas.

Because you've done the first one carefully, the rest should follow fairly easily.

Step 5: Use transitions

Providing links or transitions between main ideas.

Between each of your main ideas you need to provide a bridge or pathway for your audience. The clearer the pathway or bridge, the easier it is for them to make the transition from one idea to the next.

If your speech contains more than three main ideas and each is building on the last, then consider using a "catch-up" or summary as part of your transitions.

Is your speech being evaluated? Find out exactly what aspects you're being assessed on using this standard speech evaluation form

Link/transition examples

A link can be as simple as:

"We've explored one scenario for the ending of Block Buster 111, but let's consider another. This time..."

What follows this transition is the introduction of Main Idea Two.

Here's a summarizing link/transition example:

"We've ended Blockbuster 111 four ways so far. In the first, everybody died. In the second, everybody died BUT their ghosts remained to haunt the area. In the third, one villain died. His partner reformed and after a fight-out with the hero, they both strode off into the sunset, friends forever. In the fourth, the hero dies in a major battle but is reborn sometime in the future.

And now what about one more? What if nobody died? The fifth possibility..."

Go back through your main ideas checking the links. Remember Joe as you go. Try each transition or link out loud and really listen to yourself. Is it obvious? Easily followed?

Keep them if they are clear and concise.

For more about transitions (with examples) see Andrew Dlugan's excellent article, Speech Transitions: Magical words and Phrases .

Step 6: The end of your speech

The ideal ending is highly memorable . You want it to live on in the minds of your listeners long after your speech is finished. Often it combines a call to action with a summary of major points.

Example speech endings

Example 1: The desired outcome of a speech persuading people to vote for you in an upcoming election is that they get out there on voting day and do so. You can help that outcome along by calling them to register their support by signing a prepared pledge statement as they leave.

"We're agreed we want change. You can help us give it to you by signing this pledge statement as you leave. Be part of the change you want to see!

Example 2: The desired outcome is increased sales figures. The call to action is made urgent with the introduction of time specific incentives.

"You have three weeks from the time you leave this hall to make that dream family holiday in New Zealand yours. Can you do it? Will you do it? The kids will love it. Your wife will love it. Do it now!"

How to figure out the right call to action

A clue for working out what the most appropriate call to action might be, is to go back to your original purpose for giving the speech.

• Was it to motivate or inspire?
• Was it to persuade to a particular point of view?
• Was it to share specialist information?
• Was it to celebrate a person, a place, time or event?

Ask yourself what you want people to do as a result of having listened to your speech.

For more about ending speeches

Visit this page for more about how to end a speech effectively . You'll find two additional types of speech endings with examples.

Write and test

Write your ending and test it out loud. Try it out on a friend, or two. Is it good? Does it work?

Step 7: The introduction

Once you've got the filling (main ideas) the linking and the ending in place, it's time to focus on the introduction.

The introduction comes last as it's the most important part of your speech. This is the bit that either has people sitting up alert or slumped and waiting for you to end. It's the tone setter!

What makes a great speech opening?

Ideally you want an opening that makes listening to you the only thing the 'Joes' in the audience want to do.

You want them to forget they're hungry or that their chair is hard or that their bills need paying.

The way to do that is to capture their interest straight away. You do this with a "hook".

Hooks to catch your audience's attention

Hooks come in as many forms as there are speeches and audiences. Your task is work out what specific hook is needed to catch your audience.

Go back to the purpose. Why are you giving this speech?

Once you have your answer, consider your call to action. What do you want the audience to do, and, or take away, as a result of listening to you?

Next think about the imaginary or real person you wrote for when you were focusing on your main ideas.

Choosing the best hook

• Is it humor?
• Would shock tactics work?
• Is it a rhetorical question?
• Is it formality or informality?
• Is it an outline or overview of what you're going to cover, including the call to action?
• Or is it a mix of all these elements?

A hook example

Here's an example from a fictional political speech. The speaker is lobbying for votes. His audience are predominately workers whose future's are not secure.

"How's your imagination this morning? Good? (Pause for response from audience) Great, I'm glad. Because we're going to put it to work starting right now.

I want you to see your future. What does it look like? Are you happy? Is everything as you want it to be? No? Let's change that. We could do it. And we could do it today.

At the end of this speech you're going to be given the opportunity to change your world, for a better one ...

No, I'm not a magician. Or a simpleton with big ideas and precious little commonsense. I'm an ordinary man, just like you. And I have a plan to share!"

And then our speaker is off into his main points supported by examples. The end, which he has already foreshadowed in his opening, is the call to vote for him.

Prepare several hooks

Experiment with several openings until you've found the one that serves your audience, your subject matter and your purpose best.

For many more examples of speech openings go to: how to write a speech introduction . You'll find 12 of the very best ways to start a speech.

That completes the initial seven steps towards writing your speech. If you've followed them all the way through, congratulations, you now have the text of your speech!

Although you might have the words, you're still a couple of steps away from being ready to deliver them. Both of them are essential if you want the very best outcome possible. They are below. Please take them.

Step 8: Checking content and timing

This step pulls everything together.

Check once, check twice, check three times & then once more!

Go through your speech really carefully.

On the first read through check you've got your main points in their correct order with supporting material, plus an effective introduction and ending.

On the second read through check the linking passages or transitions making sure they are clear and easily followed.

On the third reading check your sentence structure, language use and tone.

Double, triple check the timing

Now go though once more.

This time read it aloud slowly and time yourself.

If it's too long for the time allowance you've been given make the necessary cuts.

Start by looking at your examples rather than the main ideas themselves. If you've used several examples to illustrate one principal idea, cut the least important out.

Also look to see if you've repeated yourself unnecessarily or, gone off track. If it's not relevant, cut it.

Repeat the process, condensing until your speech fits the required length, preferably coming in just under your time limit.

You can also find out how approximately long it will take you to say the words you have by using this very handy words to minutes converter . It's an excellent tool, one I frequently use. While it can't give you a precise time, it does provide a reasonable estimate.

Step 9: Rehearsing your speech

And NOW you are finished with writing the speech, and are ready for REHEARSAL .

Please don't be tempted to skip this step. It is not an extra thrown in for good measure. It's essential.

The "not-so-secret" secret of successful speeches combines good writing with practice, practice and then, practicing some more.

Go to how to practice public speaking and you'll find rehearsal techniques and suggestions to boost your speech delivery from ordinary to extraordinary.

The Quick How to Write a Speech Checklist

Before you begin writing you need:.

• Your speech OUTLINE with your main ideas ranked in the order you're going to present them. (If you haven't done one complete this 4 step sample speech outline . It will make the writing process much easier.)
• Your RESEARCH
• You also need to know WHO you're speaking to, the PURPOSE of the speech and HOW long you're speaking for

The basic format

• the body where you present your main ideas

Split your time allowance so that you spend approximately 70% on the body and 15% each on the introduction and ending.

How to write the speech

• Write your main ideas out incorporating your examples and research
• Link them together making sure each flows in a smooth, logical progression
• Write your ending, summarizing your main ideas briefly and end with a call for action
• Write your introduction considering the 'hook' you're going to use to get your audience listening
• An often quoted saying to explain the process is: Tell them what you're going to tell them (Introduction) Tell them (Body of your speech - the main ideas plus examples) Tell them what you told them (The ending)

TEST before presenting. Read aloud several times to check the flow of material, the suitability of language and the timing.

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Features of Effective Speech-Writing

For Danielle and all my wonderful fifth years, as requested. Should help you with your comprehension question “ Identify and comment on four features of effective speech writing “! Remember to

• Identify the technique – include quotes / examples
• Comment on the effect of this technique on you – how it makes you feel, what image it creates in your mind, what it makes you think, how it changes your perception and gives you a new way of looking at the issue.
• Welcome the audience
• Introduce yourself (unless you’re really really famous!)
• Use informal language & slang (depends on context / audience)
• Involve the audience (personal pronouns / ask questions / interactive)
• Mention celebrities & cartoon characters
• Include pauses & gestures
• Facts & statistics
• Varied sentence length
• Personal Anecdotes
• Strong opinions expressed – backed up with relevant and logical examples.
• Rhetorical Questions
• Repetition of key phrases (or plant and pay-off)
• Proper nouns
• Urgent references to time
• Emotive language / Sensationalism / Dramatics
• Vivid feckin imagery!
• Thank the audience at the end.

If you want a more detailed discussion of the general effect of individual techniques, look here but remember, when you discuss the effectiveness of a technique in a text, you MUST make your answer zoom in on how the technique works in this SPECIFIC EXAMPLE, not in general.

10 responses to “ Features of Effective Speech-Writing ”

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How to write a speech that your audience remembers

Whether in a work meeting or at an investor panel, you might give a speech at some point. And no matter how excited you are about the opportunity, the experience can be nerve-wracking . 

But feeling butterflies doesn’t mean you can’t give a great speech. With the proper preparation and a clear outline, apprehensive public speakers and natural wordsmiths alike can write and present a compelling message. Here’s how to write a good speech you’ll be proud to deliver.

What is good speech writing?

Good speech writing is the art of crafting words and ideas into a compelling, coherent, and memorable message that resonates with the audience. Here are some key elements of great speech writing:

• It begins with clearly understanding the speech's purpose and the audience it seeks to engage. 
• A well-written speech clearly conveys its central message, ensuring that the audience understands and retains the key points. 
• It is structured thoughtfully, with a captivating opening, a well-organized body, and a conclusion that reinforces the main message. 
• Good speech writing embraces the power of engaging content, weaving in stories, examples, and relatable anecdotes to connect with the audience on both intellectual and emotional levels. 

Ultimately, it is the combination of these elements, along with the authenticity and delivery of the speaker , that transforms words on a page into a powerful and impactful spoken narrative.

What makes a good speech?

A great speech includes several key qualities, but three fundamental elements make a speech truly effective:

Clarity and purpose

Remembering the audience, cohesive structure.

While other important factors make a speech a home run, these three elements are essential for writing an effective speech.

The main elements of a good speech

The main elements of a speech typically include:

• Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for your speech and grabs the audience's attention. It should include a hook or attention-grabbing opening, introduce the topic, and provide an overview of what will be covered.
• Opening/captivating statement: This is a strong statement that immediately engages the audience and creates curiosity about the speech topics.
• Thesis statement/central idea: The thesis statement or central idea is a concise statement that summarizes the main point or argument of your speech. It serves as a roadmap for the audience to understand what your speech is about.
• Body: The body of the speech is where you elaborate on your main points or arguments. Each point is typically supported by evidence, examples, statistics, or anecdotes. The body should be organized logically and coherently, with smooth transitions between the main points.
• Supporting evidence: This includes facts, data, research findings, expert opinions, or personal stories that support and strengthen your main points. Well-chosen and credible evidence enhances the persuasive power of your speech.
• Transitions: Transitions are phrases or statements that connect different parts of your speech, guiding the audience from one idea to the next. Effective transitions signal the shifts in topics or ideas and help maintain a smooth flow throughout the speech.
• Counterarguments and rebuttals (if applicable): If your speech involves addressing opposing viewpoints or counterarguments, you should acknowledge and address them. Presenting counterarguments makes your speech more persuasive and demonstrates critical thinking.
• Conclusion: The conclusion is the final part of your speech and should bring your message to a satisfying close. Summarize your main points, restate your thesis statement, and leave the audience with a memorable closing thought or call to action.
• Closing statement: This is the final statement that leaves a lasting impression and reinforces the main message of your speech. It can be a call to action, a thought-provoking question, a powerful quote, or a memorable anecdote.
• Delivery and presentation: How you deliver your speech is also an essential element to consider. Pay attention to your tone, body language, eye contact , voice modulation, and timing. Practice and rehearse your speech, and try using the 7-38-55 rule to ensure confident and effective delivery.

While the order and emphasis of these elements may vary depending on the type of speech and audience, these elements provide a framework for organizing and delivering a successful speech.

How to structure a good speech

You know what message you want to transmit, who you’re delivering it to, and even how you want to say it. But you need to know how to start, develop, and close a speech before writing it. 

Think of a speech like an essay. It should have an introduction, conclusion, and body sections in between. This places ideas in a logical order that the audience can better understand and follow them. Learning how to make a speech with an outline gives your storytelling the scaffolding it needs to get its point across.

Here’s a general speech structure to guide your writing process:

• Explanation 1
• Explanation 2
• Explanation 3

How to write a compelling speech opener

Some research shows that engaged audiences pay attention for only 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Other estimates are even lower, citing that people stop listening intently in fewer than 10 minutes . If you make a good first impression at the beginning of your speech, you have a better chance of interesting your audience through the middle when attention spans fade. 

Implementing the INTRO model can help grab and keep your audience’s attention as soon as you start speaking. This acronym stands for interest, need, timing, roadmap, and objectives, and it represents the key points you should hit in an opening. 

Here’s what to include for each of these points: 

• Interest : Introduce yourself or your topic concisely and speak with confidence . Write a compelling opening statement using relevant data or an anecdote that the audience can relate to.
• Needs : The audience is listening to you because they have something to learn. If you’re pitching a new app idea to a panel of investors, those potential partners want to discover more about your product and what they can earn from it. Read the room and gently remind them of the purpose of your speech. 
• Timing : When appropriate, let your audience know how long you’ll speak. This lets listeners set expectations and keep tabs on their own attention span. If a weary audience member knows you’ll talk for 40 minutes, they can better manage their energy as that time goes on. 
• Routemap : Give a brief overview of the three main points you’ll cover in your speech. If an audience member’s attention starts to drop off and they miss a few sentences, they can more easily get their bearings if they know the general outline of the presentation.
• Objectives : Tell the audience what you hope to achieve, encouraging them to listen to the end for the payout. 

Writing the middle of a speech

The body of your speech is the most information-dense section. Facts, visual aids, PowerPoints — all this information meets an audience with a waning attention span. Sticking to the speech structure gives your message focus and keeps you from going off track, making everything you say as useful as possible.

Limit the middle of your speech to three points, and support them with no more than three explanations. Following this model organizes your thoughts and prevents you from offering more information than the audience can retain. 

Using this section of the speech to make your presentation interactive can add interest and engage your audience. Try including a video or demonstration to break the monotony. A quick poll or survey also keeps the audience on their toes. 

Wrapping the speech up

To you, restating your points at the end can feel repetitive and dull. You’ve practiced countless times and heard it all before. But repetition aids memory and learning , helping your audience retain what you’ve told them. Use your speech’s conclusion to summarize the main points with a few short sentences.

Try to end on a memorable note, like posing a motivational quote or a thoughtful question the audience can contemplate once they leave. In proposal or pitch-style speeches, consider landing on a call to action (CTA) that invites your audience to take the next step.

How to write a good speech

If public speaking gives you the jitters, you’re not alone. Roughly 80% of the population feels nervous before giving a speech, and another 10% percent experiences intense anxiety and sometimes even panic. 

The fear of failure can cause procrastination and can cause you to put off your speechwriting process until the last minute. Finding the right words takes time and preparation, and if you’re already feeling nervous, starting from a blank page might seem even harder.

But putting in the effort despite your stress is worth it. Presenting a speech you worked hard on fosters authenticity and connects you to the subject matter, which can help your audience understand your points better. Human connection is all about honesty and vulnerability, and if you want to connect to the people you’re speaking to, they should see that in you.

1. Identify your objectives and target audience

Before diving into the writing process, find healthy coping strategies to help you stop worrying . Then you can define your speech’s purpose, think about your target audience, and start identifying your objectives. Here are some questions to ask yourself and ground your thinking : 

• What purpose do I want my speech to achieve? 
• What would it mean to me if I achieved the speech’s purpose?
• What audience am I writing for? 
• What do I know about my audience? 
• What values do I want to transmit? 
• If the audience remembers one take-home message, what should it be? 
• What do I want my audience to feel, think, or do after I finish speaking? 
• What parts of my message could be confusing and require further explanation?

2. Know your audience

Understanding your audience is crucial for tailoring your speech effectively. Consider the demographics of your audience, their interests, and their expectations. For instance, if you're addressing a group of healthcare professionals, you'll want to use medical terminology and data that resonate with them. Conversely, if your audience is a group of young students, you'd adjust your content to be more relatable to their experiences and interests. 

3. Choose a clear message

Your message should be the central idea that you want your audience to take away from your speech. Let's say you're giving a speech on climate change. Your clear message might be something like, "Individual actions can make a significant impact on mitigating climate change." Throughout your speech, all your points and examples should support this central message, reinforcing it for your audience.

4. Structure your speech

Organizing your speech properly keeps your audience engaged and helps them follow your ideas. The introduction should grab your audience's attention and introduce the topic. For example, if you're discussing space exploration, you could start with a fascinating fact about a recent space mission. In the body, you'd present your main points logically, such as the history of space exploration, its scientific significance, and future prospects. Finally, in the conclusion, you'd summarize your key points and reiterate the importance of space exploration in advancing human knowledge.

5. Use engaging content for clarity

Engaging content includes stories, anecdotes, statistics, and examples that illustrate your main points. For instance, if you're giving a speech about the importance of reading, you might share a personal story about how a particular book changed your perspective. You could also include statistics on the benefits of reading, such as improved cognitive abilities and empathy.

6. Maintain clarity and simplicity

It's essential to communicate your ideas clearly. Avoid using overly technical jargon or complex language that might confuse your audience. For example, if you're discussing a medical breakthrough with a non-medical audience, explain complex terms in simple, understandable language.

7. Practice and rehearse

Practice is key to delivering a great speech. Rehearse multiple times to refine your delivery, timing, and tone. Consider using a mirror or recording yourself to observe your body language and gestures. For instance, if you're giving a motivational speech, practice your gestures and expressions to convey enthusiasm and confidence.

8. Consider nonverbal communication

Your body language, tone of voice, and gestures should align with your message . If you're delivering a speech on leadership, maintain strong eye contact to convey authority and connection with your audience. A steady pace and varied tone can also enhance your speech's impact.

9. Engage your audience

Engaging your audience keeps them interested and attentive. Encourage interaction by asking thought-provoking questions or sharing relatable anecdotes. If you're giving a speech on teamwork, ask the audience to recall a time when teamwork led to a successful outcome, fostering engagement and connection.

10. Prepare for Q&A

Anticipate potential questions or objections your audience might have and prepare concise, well-informed responses. If you're delivering a speech on a controversial topic, such as healthcare reform, be ready to address common concerns, like the impact on healthcare costs or access to services, during the Q&A session.

By following these steps and incorporating examples that align with your specific speech topic and purpose, you can craft and deliver a compelling and impactful speech that resonates with your audience.

Tools for writing a great speech

There are several helpful tools available for speechwriting, both technological and communication-related. Here are a few examples:

• Word processing software: Tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or other word processors provide a user-friendly environment for writing and editing speeches. They offer features like spell-checking, grammar correction, formatting options, and easy revision tracking.
• Presentation software: Software such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides is useful when creating visual aids to accompany your speech. These tools allow you to create engaging slideshows with text, images, charts, and videos to enhance your presentation.
• Speechwriting Templates: Online platforms or software offer pre-designed templates specifically for speechwriting. These templates provide guidance on structuring your speech and may include prompts for different sections like introductions, main points, and conclusions.
• Rhetorical devices and figures of speech: Rhetorical tools such as metaphors, similes, alliteration, and parallelism can add impact and persuasion to your speech. Resources like books, websites, or academic papers detailing various rhetorical devices can help you incorporate them effectively.
• Speechwriting apps: Mobile apps designed specifically for speechwriting can be helpful in organizing your thoughts, creating outlines, and composing a speech. These apps often provide features like voice recording, note-taking, and virtual prompts to keep you on track.
• Grammar and style checkers: Online tools or plugins like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor help improve the clarity and readability of your speech by checking for grammar, spelling, and style errors. They provide suggestions for sentence structure, word choice, and overall tone.
• Thesaurus and dictionary: Online or offline resources such as thesauruses and dictionaries help expand your vocabulary and find alternative words or phrases to express your ideas more effectively. They can also clarify meanings or provide context for unfamiliar terms.
• Online speechwriting communities: Joining online forums or communities focused on speechwriting can be beneficial for getting feedback, sharing ideas, and learning from experienced speechwriters. It's an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and improve your public speaking skills through collaboration.

Remember, while these tools can assist in the speechwriting process, it's essential to use them thoughtfully and adapt them to your specific needs and style. The most important aspect of speechwriting remains the creativity, authenticity, and connection with your audience that you bring to your speech.

5 tips for writing a speech

Behind every great speech is an excellent idea and a speaker who refined it. But a successful speech is about more than the initial words on the page, and there are a few more things you can do to help it land.

Here are five more tips for writing and practicing your speech:

1. Structure first, write second

If you start the writing process before organizing your thoughts, you may have to re-order, cut, and scrap the sentences you worked hard on. Save yourself some time by using a speech structure, like the one above, to order your talking points first. This can also help you identify unclear points or moments that disrupt your flow.

2. Do your homework

Data strengthens your argument with a scientific edge. Research your topic with an eye for attention-grabbing statistics, or look for findings you can use to support each point. If you’re pitching a product or service, pull information from company metrics that demonstrate past or potential successes. 

Audience members will likely have questions, so learn all talking points inside and out. If you tell investors that your product will provide 12% returns, for example, come prepared with projections that support that statement.

3. Sound like yourself

Memorable speakers have distinct voices. Think of Martin Luther King Jr’s urgent, inspiring timbre or Oprah’s empathetic, personal tone . Establish your voice — one that aligns with your personality and values — and stick with it. If you’re a motivational speaker, keep your tone upbeat to inspire your audience . If you’re the CEO of a startup, try sounding assured but approachable. 

4. Practice

As you practice a speech, you become more confident , gain a better handle on the material, and learn the outline so well that unexpected questions are less likely to trip you up. Practice in front of a colleague or friend for honest feedback about what you could change, and speak in front of the mirror to tweak your nonverbal communication and body language .

5. Remember to breathe

When you’re stressed, you breathe more rapidly . It can be challenging to talk normally when you can’t regulate your breath. Before your presentation, try some mindful breathing exercises so that when the day comes, you already have strategies that will calm you down and remain present . This can also help you control your voice and avoid speaking too quickly.

How to ghostwrite a great speech for someone else

Ghostwriting a speech requires a unique set of skills, as you're essentially writing a piece that will be delivered by someone else. Here are some tips on how to effectively ghostwrite a speech:

• Understand the speaker's voice and style : Begin by thoroughly understanding the speaker's personality, speaking style, and preferences. This includes their tone, humor, and any personal anecdotes they may want to include.
• Interview the speaker : Have a detailed conversation with the speaker to gather information about their speech's purpose, target audience, key messages, and any specific points they want to emphasize. Ask for personal stories or examples they may want to include.
• Research thoroughly : Research the topic to ensure you have a strong foundation of knowledge. This helps you craft a well-informed and credible speech.
• Create an outline : Develop a clear outline that includes the introduction, main points, supporting evidence, and a conclusion. Share this outline with the speaker for their input and approval.
• Write in the speaker's voice : While crafting the speech, maintain the speaker's voice and style. Use language and phrasing that feel natural to them. If they have a particular way of expressing ideas, incorporate that into the speech.
• Craft a captivating opening : Begin the speech with a compelling opening that grabs the audience's attention. This could be a relevant quote, an interesting fact, a personal anecdote, or a thought-provoking question.
• Organize content logically : Ensure the speech flows logically, with each point building on the previous one. Use transitions to guide the audience from one idea to the next smoothly.
• Incorporate engaging stories and examples : Include anecdotes, stories, and real-life examples that illustrate key points and make the speech relatable and memorable.
• Edit and revise : Edit the speech carefully for clarity, grammar, and coherence. Ensure the speech is the right length and aligns with the speaker's time constraints.
• Seek feedback : Share drafts of the speech with the speaker for their feedback and revisions. They may have specific changes or additions they'd like to make.
• Practice delivery : If possible, work with the speaker on their delivery. Practice the speech together, allowing the speaker to become familiar with the content and your writing style.
• Maintain confidentiality : As a ghostwriter, it's essential to respect the confidentiality and anonymity of the work. Do not disclose that you wrote the speech unless you have the speaker's permission to do so.
• Be flexible : Be open to making changes and revisions as per the speaker's preferences. Your goal is to make them look good and effectively convey their message.
• Meet deadlines : Stick to agreed-upon deadlines for drafts and revisions. Punctuality and reliability are essential in ghostwriting.
• Provide support : Support the speaker during their preparation and rehearsal process. This can include helping with cue cards, speech notes, or any other materials they need.

Remember that successful ghostwriting is about capturing the essence of the speaker while delivering a well-structured and engaging speech. Collaboration, communication, and adaptability are key to achieving this.

Give your best speech yet

Learn how to make a speech that’ll hold an audience’s attention by structuring your thoughts and practicing frequently. Put the effort into writing and preparing your content, and aim to improve your breathing, eye contact , and body language as you practice. The more you work on your speech, the more confident you’ll become.

The energy you invest in writing an effective speech will help your audience remember and connect to every concept. Remember: some life-changing philosophies have come from good speeches, so give your words a chance to resonate with others. You might even change their thinking.

Boost your speech skills

Enhance your public speaking with personalized coaching tailored to your needs

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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How to Write a Speech

Basic instructions & examples:.

• Writing Personal Letters
• Writing Business Letters

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A short guide for writing a speech.

Speech writing is a form of writing that lies between actually writing it and delivering it orally. Unlike most forms of writing, speeches aren’t meant to be read with the eyes but to be read aloud in front of an audience.

But speakers don’t just blabber useless words in front of their audience. They aim to motivate or to inspire the people they are talking to. So all in all, speeches are written to be heard and are meant to motivate people.But it takes skill to write a speech . Here are some ways in writing one:

The first thing you have to consider when writing a speech is time. How long is the speaker expected to deliver the speech? Time will dictate how long your speech will be.

• In connection with time, you should also make sure that the speech is long enough to deliver your message and short enough to keep people interested in what you have to say.
• Again, speeches are meant to be heard, not read in silence. So you must read your speech aloud while you’re editing it. Make sure the sentences aren’t too long which can leave your speaker gasping for air and that the words comfortably roll out of your tongue.
• A good speech should be able to connect with the audience. Therefore, they should be directly referred to in the speech by using words like ‘you’.
• The audience will not see the speech separated into paragraphs. You should therefore create good transitions , otherwise known as segues, to give people the sense of a shift of the topic.
• Bring your audience back to the main theme of your speech. With all the illustrations that the speaker shows to the audience, the listeners may lose sight of the reason why the speaker is talking in front of them. So summarize the speech at the end.

Writing Speeches

Quick links, keeping focus: the central point, main supporting points, introductions, conclusions.

Writing a speech consists of composing the central point or thesis, the main-point sentences, the introduction and conclusion, and planning effective oral style.

Since the organization of a speech is critical to the writing process, consult our organization page.

The central point is the message you attempt to communicate to your audience. Keeping focus on the central point is fundamental to speech writing.

Sometimes the central point is a thesis; sometimes the central point is a hypothesis. Sometimes, there is no stated thesis or hypothesis, but there is always a central idea and purpose that keeps you and your audience focused.

The Student Resources information on purpose is useful if you’re unsure about the central point.

For an additional resource related to writing for speeches, use The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , especially the “What’s your purpose?” section.

A thesis is a concise statement of your central point, normally included in the introduction and conclusion of a speech. However, your speech doesn’t have to be an argumentative to include a thesis statement.

A purpose statement is a clear statement about the objective you hope to accomplish. Whenever you write a speech, you have a purpose statement, although the purpose statement isn’t always explicitly stated—and it can get confused with a thesis statement. For help with the differences between a thesis and a purpose statement, we recommend “Thesis and Purpose Statements” by The Writing Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

If a thesis is necessary, the thesis section of the thesis section of the written rhetoric page may help as well.

There is no formula for success, but this video covers the essentials on speech thesis sentences.

The thesis is what you argue, and the main points are how you argue it. Because they’re so intertwined, you should carefully consider the main supporting points as you write your thesis. In other words, figure out what you intend to say before you try to capture it in a thesis.

Below are a few suggestions that experienced speech writers use when writing thesis statements:

• Use a declarative sentence; not a question.
• Use a complete sentence.
• General thesis : “We honor Elie Wiesel for his noble characteristics and his campaign against ethnic oppression.”
• Specific thesis : “We honor Elie Wiesel for his determination, consistency, and for his faithfulness to Yahweh throughout his life-long campaign against ethnic oppression.”
• General : Foreign policies in the Middle East.
• Focused : An analysis of the ways the United States has reacted to economic changes due to the oil industry in the Middle East.
• Example 1: If you’re speaking to elementary schoolers, it would be inappropriate to use graduate level vocabulary.
• Example 2: If you’re talking about architecture at an electrical engineering conference, use the thesis to connect the expected topic to the unexpected topic.

Here are a few high quality thesis examples (though possibly obscure topics):

• “The process the United States would go through to use a nuclear weapon can be broken down into two stages: the command from the president, and the official launch of the nuclear warhead by the crew.”
• “We honor Elie Wiesel for his determination, consistency, and for his faithfulness to Yahweh throughout his life-long campaign against ethnic oppression.”
• “Salvador Dali’s surrealist artwork can be identified through its focus on illogical scenes and exploration of the unconscious.”

For further direction, we recommend the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL) as an extra resource.

The main points support your thesis. The thesis is what you argue, the main points are how you argue it. Here are a few suggestions for writing main supporting point sentences:

• If any of your main points don’t argue in favor of the thesis, either the main point or the thesis needs to be changed.
• A main point should convey the purpose and focus of its respective section.
• Use declarative statements and complete sentences to announce main supporting points.
• Limit the number of main points for the audience’s sake. If you have more than four it will be hard for the audience to remember.

To reiterate, the main points of a speech are crafted as supporting evidence for the thesis .

If your thesis is: Typical characteristics of 1960’s Latin American fiction include non-linear narratives and magical elements.

The following would be satisfactory main point sentences:

• Magical elements often appear in 1960s Latin American fiction.
• Non-linear narratives characterize magical realism in 1960s Latin American fiction.

Additional resources related to main supporting points

• University of Hawai'i Maui Community College Speech Department : general guidelines related to main points and other supporting material.
• Calvin University—What Not to Do : a document about what not to do with speech main points.
• Lumen Learning : a variety of topics relating to main points, from how many should you have to how to highlight them as main points. Start about half way down the page at the “How Many Main Points?” section. While Lumen Learning also covers different ways to organize your main points, we recommend using our organization page first.

It will help you to prepare the introduction after preparing the main points. Just consider how challenging it is to introduce a speech if you don’t know what the main ideas of your speech are.

The introduction has two main purposes: to capture the audience’s attention and to state your thesis. Introductions also preview the speech so that the audience knows where it’s headed.

There are many ways to capture the audience’s attention: quotes, statistics, examples, a short story, a fascinating topic, a gracious mention of the event that brings you together, or even a question.

Once you have the audience’s attention, state your thesis. Stating your thesis will inform the audience of the speech’s direction and will focus their attention throughout the speech.

For tips regarding introductions, we recommend the Oral Communication Center, Hamilton College . The tips are short, helpful, and if applied, will improve your introductions.

Finally, it’s also critical throughout the introduction to establish your credibility. For this reason, your introduction should be well practiced and should allow you to communicate confidence. In addition, if you have any expertise on the subject material that you believe your audience needs to know, inform them without being snooty.

Conclusions are the final remarks your audience will hear, so they’re the part that’s most likely to be remembered. So make sure you take the time to craft a clear and memorable conclusion.

In general, a conclusion should restate your central point, though in a new way. This is important because in speeches the audience can’t reread your message; they simply have to rely on memory. Restating your central point—and, depending on what your professor wants, reviewing your main supporting points--will help your message to stick.

Another way to make your speech stick is to use the conclusion to reemphasize your purpose. For example, in a persuasive speech, call people to action. In other words, be blunt about what you want them to do. If you want them to vote, tell them how they can register. If you want them to pick up painting as a hobby, then show them where they can buy painting materials.

Try to make your conclusion memorable.

By this, we mean it’s important to carefully consider your final remark to make sure it concludes on a strong note that fits your purpose. Speakers often trail off in the end, undermining their earlier work.

As a foundational resource, we recommend the Oral Communication Center, Hamilton College .

Style refers to the way words, sentences, and groups of sentences create tone and personality.

How is speech writing different than writing a paper?

Though they share many principles (ex: the preference for active voice verbs), they have different principles of style: people perceive style differently when listening than when reading.

The differences arise because the formats are different: written word and spoken word. For an analysis of the key differences between spoken and written language, we recommend the Oral Communication Center, Hamilton College .

This handout by Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program contains fundamental public speaking tips. Luckily, it also contains an encompassing look at the basics of an eloquent oral style. Read the section titled “Writing for Speaking”; the list will be useful when creating sentences that sound better in oral rhetoric.

The following stylistic choices are particularly helpful with the spoken word :

• Brevity. Be as brief as possible. This article by Judith Kilborn (The Write Place, St. Cloud State University) provides a few ways to reduce wordiness.
• Prefer shorter sentences to longer ones. Long sentences are harder to follow.
• First person pronouns are widely accepted in speeches.
• Repetition helps the audience remember (ex: think of the repetition in King’s “I Have a Dream.” In a paper the audience can go back and reread; they can’t do that when listening to a speech, so repetition helps the audience connect ideas and follow the argument.
• The audience doesn’t have a dictionary with them; use words that are more tuned for the vernacular ear.
• Make sure you can pronounce every word you plan on using.
• Use transitions or “ signposts ” to announce, signal, and recap. This allows the audience to know where you’re and what to expect.
• Abstract : There are several possible outcomes that this decision can lead to.
• Concrete : Our choice to intervene in the Middle East can lead to destabilized elections, political turmoil, and religious conflict.
• Dry sentence : A family member was hit by an animal.
• Descriptive sentence : Grandma got run over by a reindeer.
• The use of contractions is generally preferred in public speaking; contractions are more conversational, which tends to be preferred in public speaking. Say these two sentences aloud and you’ll agree: “I do not think that is a good idea” or “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
• Parallelism and alliteration create rhythm in a speech; use them wisely.
• Use inclusive language .

For further style advice, though not specifically for the spoken word, use our written style resource.

For further direction, please stop in the Rhetoric Center.

Additional resources and tips related to oral style

• Stand up, Speak out (University of Michigan Libraries) : An extensive and comprehensive resource on effective oral communication. Pay particular attention to the following sections: “Imagery,” “Rhythm,” “Parallelism,” “Alliteration,” and “Assonance.”
• Oral Communication Center, Hamilton College : A list of phrases to avoid for various reasons in oral rhetoric.
• Oral Communication Center, Hamilton College : A list of characteristics that help make every speech successful. Warning: the article uses language to make it sound like a checklist for an A on every speech; this is not the case. However, the list is helpful nonetheless.
• Oxford Dictionaries Blog, Avoid cliches : Evoking images for an audience helps them to understand and remember your speech, but using a cliché allows the audience to listen without visualizing. A creative example of effective imagery was when on the campaign trail Bill Clinton said “I will be with you until the last dog dies.”
• Contrast, figures of speech, examples, and triads : How Winston Churchill spoke.

In the speech “Bridges should be beautiful,” Ian Firth demonstrates an awareness of oral style. For starters, his sentences are short and easy to follow. His opening is the perfect example, “The world needs bridges.”

Look at the following excerpt from Firth’s speech:

“In this case, this is in Peru. This is using grass which grows locally and is woven into ropes to build these bridges. And do you know they rebuild this every year? Because of course grass is not a durable material. So this bridge is unchanged since Inca times.”

This could’ve very well been two or three sentences in a written text, but Firth uses five short sentences. This makes him easy to follow. However, it’s not perfect. The phrase “In this case, this is in Peru,” could be shortened to simply “This is in Peru.”

At the same time, he limits the speech to three main points: bridges should be functional, safe, and beautiful. This ensures the audience won’t get lost.

Firth carefully chooses his words. He uses descriptive language to paint pictures for the audience: “Or sometimes up in the mountains, people would build these suspension bridges, often across some dizzy canyon, using a vine .” He also uses alliteration in an effective manner: “Or Robert Maillart's Salginatobel Bridge in the mountains in Switzerland —absolutely sublime .”

And he is able to easily pronounce the words he uses, even foreign phrases like “Pont Du Gard.”

Since Firth is an engineer who has designed bridges for years, this speech could’ve used highly technical language, but Firth used the vernacular to adapt to his more general audience. On occasion, when technical language was inevitable, Firth swiftly defined the technical terms.

In addition, Firth uses first person pronouns (“I firmly believe”). This makes him more conversational and personable.

This next example, a Boise State University commencement address, is more of a mixed result than Firth’s speech: it embodies both good and bad oral style.

Let’s start with what Tiara Thompson does well. In the beginning, she uses descriptive language that invokes images. The following are examples: “As my fingers fly over the keys,” and “spacebar still blinking.” She also uses parallelism, as you can clearly hear around 3:25.

However, the style can be improved (amongst other aspects of speech writing).

Towards the end of the speech, she uses more abstract language and seldomly gives examples. The speech would’ve been more effective if she kept using descriptive language and if more examples were used towards the end. Her language becomes vague and abstract when she thanks the teachers for their hard work, not recognizing any one of them individually. As an alternative, consider: how much more effective would it have been if she gave an example of a teacher working hard and afterhours to help her succeed on an assignment ? After that example, she could’ve generalized it to include all the teachers at her college.

In addition, the language she uses at the end of the speech gradually becomes more and more clichéd. For example, at 5:08, she says, “make this moment last” and “we are so fortunate to be where we are.” Clichés make imagery harder, as we mentioned in the oral style section.

Though not necessarily related to oral style, this speech focuses on the speaker more than the average commencement. If she focused on something else, her audience would’ve been able to connect with her more. (What works better: a political speech with a politician rambling on about themself or one where the politician identifies with problems larger than themselves, such as a Detroit congressperson sympathizing with the victims of the Flint water crisis?)

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Speech Writing and Types of Speeches

• July 28, 2023

Table of Contents:

Introduction, what is speech writing, different kinds of speech writing, entertaining speech,  informative speech, demonstrative speech, persuasive speech, debate speech, essential elements and detailed insights.

Many important things in human history can be traced to that well-written and well-delivered speech. As long as they are well thought out, speeches can move countries or touch hearts. This is why we should all try to get good at making and speech writing.

But “speech” is often too broad and general of a word. That’s why in this blog post, we will look at what speech writing is and the different kinds of speeches.

Speech writing is the art of writing a clear, concise, and easy-to-understand speech. For more insights into effective writing, explore 8 Tips for Writing Short Film Scripts That Connect. It is a way to communicate your ideas to an audience in a persuasive, informative, or entertaining way.

When writing a speech, it is important to consider the purpose of the speech, the audience, and the topic. The speech should be tailored to the audience’s needs and interests. It should also be well-organized and easy to follow.

Many different types of speeches can be written, including informative, persuasive, and entertaining speeches. Discover more about the art of narrative in Fiction vs. Non-Fiction . Each type of speech has its purpose and should be written accordingly.

Even though the main goal of a speech is to get the point across, we can still divide them into 4 main types: entertaining, informing, demonstrating, debating and persuading.

Although you don’t need to always write a speech yourself, you can hire a ghostwriter or a speech writing services provider to do it for you. But even then, you must know these different types of speeches to understand what you are delivering better.

Entertaining speeches are fun and funny speeches that make people laugh. They are often used at special events, like weddings, awards ceremonies, and birthday parties. For more on creating memorable events.

Entertaining speeches use humor, stories, and personal experiences to entertain the audience, much like the engaging tales found in Most Prestigious Book Awards . They are usually less formal than other types of speeches and often use slang and informal language.

Some examples of entertaining speeches include:

• The acceptance speech at an awards ceremony
• The principal gave the speech at a school assembly

Entertaining speeches can be a great way to break the ice at a party or to make people feel more comfortable. They can also be a way to share personal stories and connect with the audience personally.

Informative speeches are used to teach people about something. They differ from persuasive speeches because they do not try to convince people. They want people to believe or do something, but they simply provide information.

You have often seen your teachers give these types of speeches in schools. Often, they are used in businesses and other organizations as They can be about any topic, like how to improve your branding and publicity or sales, etc.

But they are usually about something new (like a change in numbers in business), (innovative processes) or unfamiliar.

You must research and gather information about your topic to write an informative speech, and for guidance on gathering and organizing your thoughts, consider How to Write a Personal Statement . You also need to organize your information in a way that is easy for the audience to understand.

When you give an informative speech, it is important to be clear and concise. You should avoid jargon or technical terms the audience may not understand. You should also use visuals, such as charts and graphs, to help illustrate your points.

Here are some examples of informative speeches:

• A teacher giving a lecture on the solar system
• A doctor giving a presentation on a new medical treatment
• A business leader giving a speech about the company’s new product

Informative speeches can be a great way to share information and knowledge. They can also be a way to help people learn new things and to expand their understanding of the world.

A demonstrative speech is a speech that teaches people how to do something. For more on teaching and explaining complex ideas, check out How to Write Non-Fiction Book . It differs from an informative speech because it provides information and shows people how to do something.

Demonstrative speeches often use visuals, such as props or demonstrations, to help the audience understand the process. They can also be very interactive, with the speaker asking the audience to participate in the demonstration.

Some examples of demonstrative speeches include:

• A cooking class where the instructor shows the audience how to make a dish.
• A workshop on how to change a tire.
• A speech by a software engineer who demonstrates how to use a new piece of software.

Demonstrative speeches can be a great way to teach people new skills. They can also be a lot of fun, and they can help people to learn in a more hands-on way.

Have you ever listened to a TED talk and felt like you must do everything to succeed or change or life today? Well, then, you must be aware of this type of speech.

Persuasive speeches are used to convince people to believe or do something. They are different from other types of speech writings because they are trying to change the audience’s mind.

Persuasive speeches can be either logical or emotional. Logical persuasive speeches use facts and evidence to show the audience why the speaker’s point of view is correct.

Emotional persuasive speeches use stories, humor, or other emotional appeals to get the audience to feel a certain way.

Some examples of persuasive speeches include:

• A political speech
• A commercial advertisement

Persuasive speeches can be very effective but can also be very difficult to write. The speaker needs to understand the audience’s point of view and then use logic or emotion to change their mind.

This is a different kind of speech writing not used by anyone or everyone.

Debate speeches are similar to persuasive speeches. These speeches are not for publicity, but evidence and logic are used to support a claim. However, debate speeches are different in not convincing the audience to agree with the speaker’s point of view. Instead, they try to justify the speaker’s stance on a particular issue.

Debate speeches are often improvised because it is impossible to anticipate all of the arguments that the other debaters might make. For honing such skills, Comedy Writing Services can offer unique perspectives and techniques. This makes debate speeches a great way to develop critical thinking skills and public speaking skills.

Many types of speech writings can be given, each with its purpose. The most common types of speech writing are informative, demonstrative, persuasive, and debate speeches.

Speech writing and giving can be a challenging but rewarding experiences. Following these tips, you can write effective speeches to inform, entertain, and persuade your audience.

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Five Tips For Writing the Best Speech in English

Writing a speech or presentation is quite a difficult task for a person for the first time, if you have not made any speech or presentation before, this topic covers five tips for writing the best speech in English on an academic or professional subject. It should be useful for anyone who wants to know how to speak in public, class or conference. These steps are introduced here:

1. Select a speech topic

How to write a good speech or presentation, initially you need to choose a good and interesting topic. Choose what you like, what is your hobby, what is your passion, what do you like to talk about. When you are interested in the topic and the audience will also feel your enthusiasm and feel your excitement. Also, you can choose a different topic that no one heard about before, a topic which is a perfect fit between you and your audience.

2. Create a speech outline

Once you choose the topic, initially your topic needs a structure, you have to properly make a plan for your speech where to start or what to say first, second, third so on and how to conclude, all you need is a proper structure because without a structure your audience will either wonder what your core message is or they will lose interest in you entirely.

3. Write the speech

Write your speech as like you talk, remember that you’re writing a speech, not an essay. People hear the speech, not read it. The more conversational you can make it sounds the better. So try these tips

• Use short sentences. It’s better to write two simple sentences than one long, complicated sentence.
• Use contractions. Say “I’m” instead of “I am” “we’re” instead of “we are.”
• Don’t use big words that you wouldn’t use when talking to someone.
• You don’t have to follow all the rules of written English grammar. People don’t always talk in complete sentences with verbs and nouns. So try to write as people talk.
• Always read your speech aloud while you’re writing it. You’ll hear right away if you sound like a book or a real person talking!
• After you’ve written the first draft of your speech, go back and look for words you can cut. Cutting words in the speech can make your points more clear.

4. Use cue card

When you have written your speech, now this is time to wrap up your speech, to wrap up your speech you need a cue card. What is a cue card? Literally cue card is a large card that someone holds beside a television camera so that a television presenter can read the words they have to say, but for giving speech you have to write your main points or keywords on cue card so that you remember the contents, don’t take the main page with yourself and read it to the audience, remember that you are talking to the audience meanwhile giving presentation or speech not reading them, reading from the paper will put bad impact, you will not attract the attention of audience and moreover lose the interest of the audience.

5. Practice and prepare in advance for speech.

Great speakers seem natural when they speak, almost as though they are speaking the words for the first time. Nothing could be more wrong. Rehearsing your speech makes you a master of the content. In addition, proper preparation prevents presentation predicaments! Speech preparation is the most important element to a successful presentation, and also the best way to reduce nervousness and combat fear.

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How to Write a Speech to Engage your Audience

February 19, 2021 - Dom Barnard

In order to write a speech, you need to think about your audience, the required length, and the purpose or topic. This is true whether you are writing a wedding speech, conference presentation, investor pitch, or any other type of speech.

Being a great speech writer can help you get a promotion, motivate people, sell a business idea, persuade others and much more – it’s an essential skill in the modern world. In this article, we cover key tips for writing a speech.

Initial planning – Why? Who? What?

You should invest time strategically considering the speech. This will help you decide on the key message and content about your topic. Here are some points to consider.

• What do I want to achieve?
• When I achieve this, what will that do for me?
• Why am I speaking?
• What is the purpose of this speech?
• Who are the audience and who do they represent?
• Who do I represent?
• What do I know about them? (culture, language, level of expertise)
• How much influence do they have?
• What is the main message and key points?
• What specific action is implied?
• What level of information should I include?
• What is important to them?

Popular speech structure

You need to catch the audience attention early, very early (see section below). Deliver a memorable beginning, a clear middle and structured ending.

Popular speech structure:

• Explanation 1
• Explanation 2
• Explanation 3

Secondary Point (Optional: supports main)

Tertiary Point (Optional: supports secondary and main)

Attention span of your audience

Research shows that attention span is greatest at the beginning of a speech, reduces considerably during the middle of your speech and picks up again towards the end when your audience know you about to finish.

Don’t try to put too many ideas into your speech. Research shows that people remember very little from speeches, so just give them one or two ideas to hang onto.

These two articles explain audience attention span in more detail, and how to write a speech to extend it:

• How many minutes is the audience’s attention span?
• What to do when you’re losing your audience

Speech introduction

Make sure your opening few seconds are memorable as this is when your audience will make up their minds about you. Use a bold sentence to grab their attention, works best with numbers reinforcing your point.

An example sentence might be – “After this speech, I’m confident 50% of you will go out and buy a VR headset.” Follow these tips on how to write a speech intro:

Remember the INTRO model

This is more focused on presentations but sections can be applied broadly to other general speeches.

1. Interest

You: Introduce yourself confidently and clearly Audience: Why should I listen to you?

You: Remind the audience the reasons for this speech Audience: What’s in it for me?

You: State length of speech at beginning, “Over the next 15 minutes” Audience: How long until I can get a coffee?

4. Routemap

You: State the main points, “Today I’m going to cover 4 main points” Audience: Which sections of the speech are important to me?

5. Objectives

You: Clearly state the objective, “By the end of this speech, I would like to…” Audience: So that’s what you want from me today…

Example: Great speech opening

This speech opening is by Jamie Oliver, giving a TED talk on teaching every child about food.

Sadly, in the next 18 minutes when I do our chat, four Americans that are alive will be dead through the food that they eat. My name’s Jamie Oliver. I’m 34 years old. I’m from Essex in England and for the last seven years I’ve worked fairly tirelessly to save lives in my own way. I’m not a doctor; I’m a chef, I don’t have expensive equipment or medicine. I use information, education. I profoundly believe that the power of food has a primal place in our homes that binds us to the best bits of life. We have an awful, awful reality right now. America, you’re at the top of your game. This is one of the most unhealthy countries in the world.

How not to open your speech

Avoid the following opening comments:

• “ Apologies, I’m a little nervous about speaking ” – no need to make the audience aware of this, it will make them focus on how nervous you are instead of what you are saying
• “ I’ve got the graveyard shift ” – you are telling people not to expect much
• “ I’m what stands between you and lunch ” – even if people weren’t thinking it, after this comment, all they are thinking of is when will you finish so they can eat
• “ We are running late, so I’ll do my best to explain… ” – instead of this, state how long your speech will take so that people know when they will be leaving

Middle of the speech

The body of your speech is where the majority of the information is. The audience has been introduced to the subject and reasons for the speech. Now you need to present your arguments and examples, data, illustrations backing up your key message.

How to write a speech body can be difficult, the best way to build this section is to write down three points you are trying to convey in your speech, your main, secondary and tertiary points. Then write down three descriptions clarifying each of these points. The descriptions should be simple, memorable and meaningful.

The middle of your speech is where the audience start losing attention. Keep this in mind and ensure your message is clear. Use images, jokes and rhetoric questions to keep the audience engaged.

Don’t overwhelm your audience with many points. It is much more valuable to make a small number of points well, than to have too many points which aren’t made satisfactorily.

Obama and his speeches

Obama’s speeches are well prepared with a focus on powerful words “A change is brought about because ordinary people do extraordinary things“. His speeches use simple language and quotes from famous speeches his listeners can relate to.

For additional trademark Obama techniques, check out  How Barack Obama prepares his speeches.

How to end a speech

Similar to the opening, your closing statements should be impactful, re-stating the key message of your speech. We advise learning your ending few lines word for word. The ending is an opportunity to:

• Leave the audience with a lasting impression of your speech
• Summarise the main points
• Provide further ideas and discussion points for the audience to take away with them
• Thank the audience for taking the time to listen

Methods to end your speech

Quotation Close  – use a famous quote to get the audience’s attention and create a link to your speech.

Bookend Close  – refer back to an opening statement and repeat it or add a few extra words to elaborate on it.

Open Question  – ask the audience a provocative question or a call to action to perform some task on the back of your speech.

For additional tips on how to write a speech, in particular how to close your speech, read:

• 5 great ways to end a speech
• 10 ways to end your speech with a bang
• Presentations: language expert – signposting

Ideas for ending a speech

• Key message
• Refer to opening impact statement
• Objectives met
• Call to action
• End on an Up

Step-by-step process for writing a speech

Here’s how to write your speech from concept to completion.

• Outline your speech’s structure. What are the main ideas for each section?
• Write out the main ideas in your outline. Don’t worry about making it perfect – just write as much of it down as you can
• Edit and polish what you’ve written until you have a good first draft of your speech
• Now you need to practice and  memorize your speech . The more you practice, the more you’ll figure out which sections need changing. You’ll also get an idea of length and if you need to extend / shorten it.
• Update your speech, practice some more, and revise your speech until it has a great flow and you feel comfortable with it.

Classic speech transcripts

One of the best ways for learning how to write a speech is reading other well written ones. Here are a list of famous speeches to read and learn from:

• Bill Gates TED Talk Transcript from 2015: Warns of Pandemics, Epidemics
• Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg Commencement Speech at Harvard 2014
• Ronald Reagan Memorial Day Speech Transcript 1984
• I Have Been to the Mountaintop Speech Transcript – Martin Luther King Jr.

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

“How To” Speech Topics, Ideas & Examples

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

Want to speak in front of an audience but are terrified of freezing or being boring? I know the feeling. If you’ve ever had to give a “how-to” speech, you know that it can be incredibly intimidating. It also entails coming up with how-to speech ideas and creative examples.

After all, how will they finish listening if the audience isn’t hooked by what you’re saying right away? To help ease your worries (and inspire those ideas!), here’s everything you need on “how-to” speeches: topics, samples & potential pitfalls — so read ahead!

Writing a How-to Speech

The speaker needs to consider several important factors when preparing to give a how-to speech. The how-to speech should identify the problem that needs to be resolved, explain how the problem can be fixed with a step-by-step approach, and list any potential obstacles the audience may face.

It is also important for speakers to choose how-to speech topics that are of interest or relevance to their target audience. This will ensure maximum engagement and retention throughout the speech.

How-to Speech Ideas That Are Funny

When it comes to funny “how-to” speeches, the possibilities are endless! Whether talking about how to make a perfect paper airplane or how to be the life of the party, humor can enhance your presentation and help keep your audience engaged.

Try using puns, silly props, or even anecdotes that provide insight into the process while still making people laugh. The goal is to not only impart valuable knowledge but also entertain your listener.

With some creativity, you can develop a humorous speech that achieves a comedic effect and explains its topic.

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Interesting How-to Topics

When asked to present a speech, many people immediately search for the most interesting ideas for a how-to speech. From tidying up after the biggest mess to baking a delicious cake, speeches about how to do something can be informative and entertaining.

While it may seem challenging to come up with fresh ideas, an infinite number of topics could be used. Some great suggestions include teaching viewers how to create a simple budget plan , explaining plant-based diets and their benefits, explaining how to instruct others effectively, or even how to ace an interview.

No matter what topic you go with, remember that the important thing is to be passionate and provide audiences with detailed instructions. When done correctly, choosing an interesting “how-to” topic for your speech will surely have your audience applauding in no time!

Choosing a Demonstration Speech Topic

Choosing a demonstration speech topic may seem daunting, but it can be simple and enjoyable with the right guidance. Identifying the topics appropriate for a demonstration speech is the first step in navigating this process.

Demonstration topics should be grounded in facts and provide pertinent knowledge about your expertise or interest. They should also focus on something that can be demonstrated in a tangible way, such as making a craft or performing an experiment.

• Your Interests

Choosing engaging good how-to speech topics based on one’s interests can be daunting yet rewarding. Taking the time to reflect on potential topics and thinking carefully about what topics truly interest you is fundamental to assembling a captivating presentation.

As such, it is paramount to begin by reflecting upon your hobbies and leisure activity ideas that you find most intriguing, as well as any activities or tasks you feel passionate about sharing with others.

Additionally, curating ideas from other media sources, such as newspaper articles or magazines, helps provide further insight into new and novel subjects or angles that can motivate your research process.

Only through this deliberate effort to understand our interests and apply them creatively towards developing a worthwhile “how-to” speech topic can we find the contentment of presenting a presentation with which listeners will engage.

• Who the Speech Is For

Choosing a “how-to” speech topic is critical in delivering an effective presentation. When selecting your topic, it’s important to keep the audience in mind.

Decide who your speech is for and make sure it is relevant to their interests. Select something specific that can benefit them or be beneficial in a general sense. Choose something the audience wants to learn about and that you are comfortable presenting. This will ensure your presentation skills are on display, as well as your knowledge about the topic.

Ensure your topic has enough depth for you to use additional research as support. This will strengthen the content of your presentation and demonstrate personal effort.

Ultimately, with careful consideration of who your speech is addressed to, you can craft a “how-to” topic that adds value both for yourself and your audience.

• The Setting of the Speech

Choosing a “how-to” speech topic based on the setting of the speech is an important step in preparing for an effective presentation.

It is essential to consider the purpose of the speech, the audience’s interests and needs, and any limitations or restrictions that may be present to construct an appropriate topic and choose relevant information to include.

Anticipating questions or topics of interest related to the audience is helpful when selecting a relevant topic.

• The Time You’ve Got to Prepare the Speech

Deciding on a “how-to” speech topic can be daunting. But the task becomes much more manageable, considering how much time you have to prepare for the presentation. Start by narrowing down the possibilities based on how much time you have.

If you have more time to prepare, opt for something more challenging. If you have only a short amount of time, choose a simpler topic.

Once you have determined the complexity level and estimated preparation time, consider your interests to find a topic that is both engaging to yourself and hopefully your audience.

As with any speech or presentation, researching and practicing before the actual event will greatly benefit your delivery and engagement with your audience.

Although finalizing a speech topic for a “how-to” presentation can be stressful, understanding constraints and utilizing interests will help make this process easier.

• The Time You’ve Got to Give the Speech

When selecting a “how-to” speech topic, the amount of time you have to give the presentation should be considered. It is wise to carefully analyze the time frame constraints of the assignment and assess which topics can be thoroughly explored in the allocated duration.

Attempting to cover too much material within a limited timeframe may lead to rushed communication and limit your opportunity to expand on the subject matter. Instead, select a focus that allows space for further discussion but remains concise enough to explore properly within your allotted time.

It is also advantageous to choose a topic that naturally interests you. This will heighten enthusiasm and engagement throughout your presentation, thus helping create an impactful delivery. Doing so will ensure you stay on track and avoid exceeding the assigned timeframe.

• The Guidelines for Assessment

When choosing a “how-to” speech topic, it is important to ensure that the topic meets all of the guidelines for assessment. It is a good idea to consider current and relevant topics, informative, interesting, and new, demonstrating the speaker’s understanding of their subject matter.

Choosing a topic with an appropriate difficulty level can help ensure that your speech will be comprehensive and engaging for your audience.

Demonstrative Speech Topics

Selecting topics for speeches comes down to choosing something you both know and can present effectively. As you brainstorm possible show-and-tell ideas, narrow the topics until you arrive at one that is interesting to you and your audience and fulfills all criteria needed for an effective demonstration presentation.

Once you’ve chosen a successful topic, preparing the speech will become much simpler, allowing you to demonstrate confidently and successfully.

Here are some easy demonstrative speech ideas for how-to.

Animals/Pets

Giving a speech to educate an audience about how to care for animals/pets can be an enriching experience.

It is important to research and thoroughly understand the topic to provide the audience with accurate and applicable information. This will entail researching different animal species and their specific characteristics, needs, and behaviors.

Moreover, ample time must be allocated for preparation so all aspects of proper pet-keeping can be explained clearly and confidently.

Topics ideas could range from a persuasive speech on how to pick the best breed to an informative speech on pet health. 

Gardens/Yards

Talking about creating and maintaining a garden or a yard requires proper preparation to ensure that the information relayed is accurate and beneficial. Researching various gardening elements beforehand will provide a strong base for discerning audiences to build on.

Be sure to present topics such as plant selection, design ideas, pest prevention, watering methods, and other environmental factors in an organized fashion that is easy for your listeners to follow.

Offering clear instructions throughout the speech with examples showing the steps in action can help ensure that your audience walks away feeling confident about their newly acquired knowledge.

Topics could cover how to identify poisonous plants, how to get rid of garden pests, how to make an indoor herb garden, and even how to make garden art. 

To give an effective “how-to” speech about crafts, the speaker should start by introducing themselves and properly framing the topic. They should provide a brief overview of what the audience will learn in their presentation and then begin with the most basic information, slowly building up to more complex concepts.

Crafting often has visual aid speech topics. At every stage of presenting, visuals should be provided for illustration. Visuals could range from diagrams or step-by-step photographs showing how a craft is made to video or actual physical models.

Once all of this information has been presented, the speaker should summarize the key points covered and allow time for questions from the audience before concluding their presentation.

Games/Sports

Giving a “how-to” speech about games/sports is an excellent way to share knowledge and teach important concepts. It requires the speaker to do comprehensive research and prepare in advance.

To give an effective “how-to” speech, start by introducing the game/sport accurately and make sure to tailor the presentation for your specific audience. Additionally, focus on one topic at a time, explain each step with vivid examples, and use visuals like charts or diagrams if possible.

Once you have covered all steps necessary for playing the game/sport, end the speech concisely and provide resources that can be used after the presentation.

Topics here could range from how to perfect your golf swing to even how to teach basketball.

Food And More

Delivering a successful “how-to” speech about food and drinks requires careful preparation. First, it is important to do research on the topic so that you have an understanding of the background information.

Once this has been accomplished, the next step should be to focus on a specific field within the topic and craft your presentation around this selected focus. Be sure to collect illustrations, charts, or photographs relevant to your chosen material, as these visual elements can make all the difference in bringing your words to life.

How to Structure a How-to Speech

Structuring a “how-to” speech can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Firstly, you should brainstorm the steps needed to accomplish your desired outcome with as much detail as possible. Secondly, organize the steps in chronological order.

This will give the rhythm of your speech a natural flow. Then, begin by introducing yourself and the topic by providing background information on why it is important.

Following completion of the step-by-step instructions, summarize what was just explained and explain why it matters in general terms. Finally, address any foreseeable issues and offer solutions to avoid them.

How-to Speech Template

A “how-to” speech template is an effective method to prepare a speech. This is especially useful when speaking on topics that may be largely unfamiliar to the audience, as it provides a straightforward structure for organizing the material.

The basic format of this type of speech involves:

• Introducing the topic.
• Describing the purpose and benefits of knowing more about it.
• Decomposing the subject matter into easily digestible sections.
• Concluding with a summary and reflection on what has been covered.

Additionally, including visual aids and personal anecdotes can further add interest and clarity to speeches, helping ensure everyone remains engaged throughout the presentation. Use this blank demonstration speech outline to craft your own any time!

To Sum It Up

Giving a great how-to speech is mostly about choosing the right topic. As how-to speeches often require visuals such as PowerPoint slides and handouts, these should be reviewed pre-speech to guarantee smooth delivery during the presentation itself. Speaking confidently and clearly while allowing time for questions and feedback is also essential in delivering an effective how-to speech.

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Prolific Living

17 Effective Tips on Speech Writing and Delivery

May 17, 2011 by Farnoosh Brock

“There are only two types of speakers in the world, the nervous and the liar. ” – Mark Twain

So there, you have it, there’s no point lying about it: I am nervous. The good news is that my nervousness pales in comparison to my excitement. I am determined to share my message and my stories in the most unforgettable, useful and effective way with my audience on the morning of Thursday, May 26 th .  This much I know.

One day, you will have a chance to speak to a group of people. I urge you not to turn it down even if you are terrified of public speaking. Read what I wrote on the Irrational Fear of Public Speaking last year and think about what an incredible opportunity it would be for exposure and spreading of your message. Say yes to the opportunity!

After countless hours refining the process of speech writing and practicing, I feel compelled to share the highlights with you. Here are my 17 effective tips on speech writing and preparation:

• Know Your Main Motive for Speaking : Why are you speaking? There is always one compelling reason above all others. It’s best to know that in advance. Do you want to share a message? Do you want to influence opinion? Do you want to solve a problem? Do you want name and brand recognition? Do you want to practice your public speaking skills? Lock in on your main motive, be honest with yourself and then align the rest of your speech to it.
• Understand the Requirements and the Audience: This comes from the venue where you will be speaking. If it is a conference, the organizers will provide this information for you. You need to know who is in your audience, what are their interests and desires, and to what type of messaging they best respond. Also, find out the length of the speech, any information about the audience, the preferred methods of delivery (if any) and make sure that your delivery style and your message will be welcomed and well received.
• Decide on Your Overall Message: Your audience will walk away with this. It has to be crystal clear. There should be no doubt at the end of your speech about your overall message and if the audience forgets everything else you said, if they remember this overarching message, you will have done your job well.
• Record Your Ideas: Now that you know your core message for the speech, you can start building the speech. The easiest way to start this is to record your flow of ideas, stories, and thoughts into your Smart Phone or a small audio recorder when you are on the go. Start this preparation phase of your speech at least 3-4 weeks prior to your date. Then transcribe your recording on a word document in no particular order. Now you have some content.
• Create the Speech Outline: The speech outline is the bare bones of your speech; it is the body without the clothes or was that too naughty? You know what I mean. It is the foundation of your speech, the high-level components of the speech. How is the talk going to go? Go over it in your mind. It could go something like this: You open with a great story, then you could inject some humor, maybe a delayed introduction, then you state the main objective, and next you impart your experience as it relates to the core message for building some credibility with your listeners, and then you move on to cover the main sections that support your overall message, then you finish with a powerful closing. This is just an example and you can vary it up as you please. This would also be a good time to gather some quick feedback. Does the general layout of your outline make sense to a close friend or a peer?
• Write the Speech Sections: Now you create the heart of your speech and put the details of each section in your outline above. These are the knowledge, expertise, belief and ideas that compel you to talk on this topic. It does not have to be perfect just yet – it will likely change many times – but you do need to make sure your content in each section is relevant to your core message, that it supports your overall purpose and goal of the speech, and that the order in which you present the ideas is logical and intuitive to your audience. Always, always remember to put yourself in your listener’s shoes. Assume they know little about the topic and consider you the expert who will give them the most in the shortest amount of time.

• Build Good Stuff into Your Speech: So how do you write the actual content? You can use a powerful combination of strong points, supporting material, proof and evidence if need be, personal experience, stories, quotes, social proof and humor (preferably, the self-deprecating kind!). When you vary up the content of the speech in this way, it actually makes it easier to memorize and remember. This is of course just the content that you build into the speech; that’s just half the story. The other half is in the effective delivery. Keep reading.
• Review Your Speech: By now you have your outline, which is all dressed up (see, I was going to put on clothes eventually!), with all the sections and details and ideally, a visual map. Now, you review it over and over and again and again. You read it to yourself, read it out loud, read the high level sections first to know the order then read the whole thing and make sure it flows and does not go dull or weak half way in the middle. If it does, re-write the weak section.
• Determine Your Delivery Style: Your style is unique to you and that is a major bonus you bring to the table as a speaker. Define your style both in terms of delivering the speech and in your use of visual aid and presentation slides. For instance, I chose to go without PowerPoint slides for Blogworld because I believe Power Point and all its logistics limit me as a speaker and take away from my full focus and attention on the audience. Your style may very well include slides or creative visual aid. Define your style and stay loyal to it. You want to leave a lasting impression on your audience with your style.
• Practice Your Speech: I would say to think of your speech in chunks at first. Maybe divide it into 3 or 4 main chunks. Practice each chunk separately. Feel confident about it. Time it and make sure that it fits within your speech requirements. Do this several times. Build confidence and practice over the course of at least 2 weeks to really gain mastery of your speech, especially if the speech is over 30 minutes long.
• Record Yourself on Audio and Listen: You may be self-conscious, or shy or have a grand excuse not to record your own voice. Too bad! I urge you to set those feelings aside, deal with them later, and just record yourself as you recite your speech on your favorite recorder and then listen to yourself. See what you like and what you do not like. Repeat until you feel good about the overall message
• Record Yourself on Video and Watch: When you are ready to record yourself on video, make sure to get dressed up, and pretend this is the event. In fact, create a mental stage, stick to the size of your stage and decide exactly where your imaginary audience is sitting. Then give the speech and watch yourself on video later. Make sure you like how you come across. Watch your gestures and your eye contact and your pacing. Exude confidence. Practice a lot.
• Memorize Your Opening and Ending: This may sound radical but it comes from years of Toastmasters training: Memorize your opening and your ending, if need be, word for word, pause for pause. When you captivate your audience with a great opening, you have their attention for a while. Furthermore, you have a chance to redeem yourself at the very end with a killer closing if you have stumbled or lost them along the way. And if you haven’t, you can still use a great closing. Everyone can. So just memorize these two puppies. No questions asked. You’ll thank me about this one someday!
• Give the Speech to Family or Friends: Preferably, I recommend giving the speech at a Toastmasters club if you belong to one and if the length is sufficient to meet with your club standards. If not, as a family member or a friend to sit through the whole speech and pretend that you are indeed at the event and they are indeed your audience. It does not matter how badly you mess up. It is show time and there is no restarting. Go through it and recover and push through. If you take your rehearsals as seriously as this, the speech will be fun when you are up on the stage.
• Prepare Your Slides or Speaker Notes: If you are preparing slides, I beg you to not go the corporate route and cram it with text or images. In fact, guess who killed Power Point for me? Yep! Corporate America again! Anyway just put 2 or maximum 3 thoughts on one slide. Remember your audience is not there to read but to listen. Since I am going without slides, I will have speaking notes with me. I don’t care for note cards so instead, I am using just standard printed paper with large font outlining the high level sections to cue me in as to what is next. Be sure to practice with the same notes and slides before the big day.
• Choose a Mantra: A mantra in yoga is a thought, a notion, a good phrase that you repeat over and over to yourself until you believe it. It is natural to be nervous before the speech but you need a grand reason to push through. What is your compelling reason to deliver a smashing speech? Repeat it to yourself. Maybe it is to show that you can do it or that your message can have a chance to be heart. Repeat the words over and over. Chase away those seeds of doubt and those drops of nervous sweat and worry. Fill your mind with positive thoughts and self-confidence. If you have practiced and prepared, you are ready.

So as I continue to decide how to decorate my new home office, I prepare for this greatest speech that I intend to give in New York next week. Perhaps, I will get to see you on May 26 th , 11:30am Thursday but if not, send me your good vibes and energy. I know you’ll be there with me one way or another.

Well, I have a lot more tips but this post has gone on long enough. If you want more on speech writing and delivery, book me for a session . I’ll help you write your greatest speech yet. Because that’s exactly what I plan to deliver next week, my greatest speech yet!

Gosh, I’m exhausted. Your turn now! I’d love to hear if you have given speeches in public before and what tips you can dispense on effective speech writing and delivery?

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• December 15, 2021
• By Homework Help Global

How to Write a Speech For Any Occasion in 8 Simple Steps

For a lot of students, just seeing the word “speech” in your assignment instructions is enough to set off that anxiety, especially if you aren’t very comfortable with public speaking. However, if you have a really good speech, public speaking is a lot easier.

When it comes to writing a good speech, learning the right way to do it can be a big game changer for your confidence in both your writing skills and your public speaking skills. Standing in front of your audience with that perfect speech in your hands makes a world of difference, and even if you don’t really believe that right now, when you’re done with our advice you will.

This blog will give you the tools and knowledge to learn how to write a speech that hits the right audience no matter what you need the speech for. We’ll walk you through every step so you can be confident that you’re going to ace that assignment and present with pride.

Why is it Important to Learn How to Write a Speech?

In the professional world, being able to write an effective speech is an important skill for a variety of different types of job positions. Politicians and public figures are required to make speeches regularly, some jobs require higher-ups to make speeches to the public (such as a police chief) and certain types of industries often present awards where recipients are expected to deliver an acceptance speech. You may also be required to give presentations or proposals at work, which you’d need to write a speech for as well.

Outside of the professional world, you might encounter plenty of times in your life where you’ll need to deliver a speech. Wedding toasts, acceptance speeches, eulogies, and even pep talks are all possibilities in your future, and speech writing skills come in very handy for those scenarios. In fact, there’s a chance you may have landed on this page when Googling “how to write a speech” for one of these reasons and not just for school.

No matter the reason you have to give a speech, the advice in this article is sound and applicable to every type of speech you need to write. So, let’s get right down to business and dive into every detail you need to know.

Famous Speeches That Will Inspire You to Write the Perfect Speech

To begin your journey into speech writing, it’s worth taking a look at some iconic speeches that have made a strong mark on the world. These speeches have stood the test of time and are still relevant today because they were written effectively and checked all the boxes we’ll outline in this guide. Now, they serve as examples of the power of persuasion and good writing.

Here is a selection of five famous speeches that are now known as some of the best speeches in history. Read them, study them, and make note of how they resonate with you.

Abraham Lincoln’s “ Gettysburg Address ”: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 1863

Widely considered one of the best speeches of all time, Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” was delivered during the Civil War in 1863 and contained only 275 words. However, in just a few minutes, Lincoln had the attention of everyone in the audience and left a mark on history. He wasn’t even the only speaker that day, but his words resonated farther than anyone else at the time. You’ve probably even heard the famous opening lines before: “F our score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth, on this continent, a new nation… ”

Queen Elizabeth I’s “Spanish Armada” Speech: Tilbury, Essex, 1588

In 1588, Queen Elizabeth I stood in front of her troops in England dressed in battle armor as they prepared for the incoming Spanish Armada invasion and delivered her “Spanish Armada” speech to inspire them. It was iconic not only for the content of the speech, but the impact this speech had. At the time, it was very rare for a woman to be in any position of power, let alone present herself infront of her troops in armor as an authoritative force. Just take a look at this quote: “ I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm .” It was persuasive, powerful, and effective.

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech: Washington, D.C., 1963

Delivered in 1963 during the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “ I Have a Dream ” speech is arguably one of the most famous speeches of all time. Its use of repetition, emotional appeal, and call to action have been referenced hundreds of times to this day, even over 50 years later. We probably don’t even need to quote his famous line because you likely already know it, but here it is to remind you: “ I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character .”

Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” Speech: Fulton, Missouri, 1946

While it wasn’t his only iconic speech, Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech (also known as “The Sinews of Peace”) is one of his most well known. He delivered it in 1946, in the middle of the aftermath of World War II, to stress the need to establish peace between the Allies and the Soviet Union. This speech is also responsible for coining the term Iron Curtain, which was a defining term during the Cold War era. Here’s that famous line: “ From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the Continent. ”

John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address: Washington, D.C., 1961

In 1961, John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the 35th president of the United States, and delivered his iconic Inaugural Address to a massive crowd outside the Capitol. As one of the most iconic speeches in modern history, his use of rhetoric and emotional appeal helped cement his position as a charismatic new leader who won over the hearts of people around the world. This speech is most well known for its iconic call to action: “ And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what can do for your country .”

Rhetoric and The Power of Persuasion

If you read the famous speeches listed above, you’ll notice a few common elements within them that made them so effective when they were delivered. The most common element is their use of rhetoric to harness the power of persuasive writing.

Rhetoric is most commonly known as the art of persuasion. It’s a language technique used to appeal to an audience and influence them, but it can also be used to inform an audience of something and convince them to believe it. Rhetoric is actually one of the three ancient arts of discourse (also known as the trivium), with the other two being grammar and logic.

At its core, rhetoric is about writing and delivering your speech in a way that connects and appeals to the specific demographic of your audience. There are three core rhetorical techniques of appeal:

1. Pathos: The appeal to emotion

2. Logos: The appeal to logic

3. Ethos: The appeal to ethics

It’s up to you how you want to appeal to your audience and listeners, but the topic you’re covering and the purpose of your speech will dictate how you do so. Most speeches utilize a combination of the three to cover all their bases. For example, if you’re making a persuasive speech on why everyone should stop eating meat, you could use pathos and ethos to talk about animal cruelty and logos to talk about the potential benefits there could be.

To learn more about rhetoric and how you can use it as a persuasive tool, read our blog on how to write an argumentative essay .

The Core Elements of an Effective Speech

No matter what you’re doing, every effective speech has a core set of common elements that make it so powerful. Each speech should always include these in order to get the highest grade possible and have the most powerful impact on the audience.

The core elements of a good speech are:

● Simple, direct sentences that are easy to follow

● A persuasive call to action

● Rhetoric and persuasive language

● An attention-grabbing speech introduction

● A clear take-away message

● An appropriate tone that matches your topic and message

● Descriptive language and diction

● Smooth speech delivery and pace

How to Write a Speech: 8 Steps You Should Follow

Every student who wants to learn how to write a speech the most effective way should follow a core 8-step process. This process is the easiest way to write a speech that works really well for your specific audience.

We’ll expand on each of these 8 steps in the next sections, but here is a list of the steps so you can follow them carefully.

1. Choose your topic

2. Gather your information

3. Write an outline

4. Structure your points

5. Write a great introduction

6. End with a call to action

7. Practice your speech

8. Make any edits or revisions

1. Choose a Great Topic

Narrowing down a good topic to use for your speech can also be tricky. You want to choose something that will actually interest your audience, but it also needs to be relevant for your assignment. It should also be something that you care about or are at least interested in, because the more passionate you are about the topic the more engaging and effective your speech will be.

If you’re writing an informative speech, the good news is that most topics will work as long as you can find enough research. Since you don’t really need to take a stand one way or another, your biggest challenge will be figuring out how to present your information in an engaging, interesting way. With a persuasive speech, the best topics are those that have two sides to an issue, like a debate topic.

Depending on your class, you may not get a choice on speech topics. When you’re stuck with something you don’t care about, you have to be able to find a way to make yourself care. Do some Google research and see if there’s a sub-issue or subtopic that interests you.

For some inspiration, check out our list of 200 informative speech topics and 100 persuasive speech topics you can use or build on for your assignment.

2. Figure Out What You Need to Know First

Before you start to write your points and outline, you need to make some decisions. Information gathering is an important step in any writing process, but when what you’re writing is entirely dependent on a few key elements, you want to make sure you’ve made the right decisions first.

There are three key things you need to know before you write any speech:

1. Audience

Each of these things plays an important role in an effective speech because they will guide how you write it. You need to know who you’re talking to, why you’re talking to them, and how long you’re talking to them for before you can even start planning and outlining your speech. Otherwise, if you go in blind or just wing it, you probably won’t get your point across in the way you really intend to.

Know Your Audience

The entire point of a speech is to connect with your audience and deliver your message in a way that they can absorb. To do that, you need to understand who your audience is and how they think.

For example, an audience full of CEOs of Fortune 500 companies is very different from an audience full of elementary school teachers. If you’re a politician trying to secure the vote of both audiences, your CEO audience isn’t going to care about budgeting the education system, while the elementary school teachers aren’t going to care about corporate taxes. Talking about something your audience doesn’t care about is the worst thing you can do to hold their attention.

To fully understand your audience, answer the 5 Ws:

● Who is your audience? In other words, who are you going to be speaking to? This will determine what type of language and diction you’ll use when it’s time to begin writing.

● What does your audience already know? How familiar are they going to be with the subject matter? This will dictate how much background information you’ll need to provide.

● Where will you be presenting your speech? Understanding how you’ll present the speech gives you a better feel for what kind of environment you’re working with. For example, presenting a speech in a big open conference room is a completely different feeling than presenting a speech in a small seminar room.

● When will you present your speech? Are you going first, or will you be able to listen to a few of your classmates’ speeches beforehand? Sometimes you don’t know this information ahead of time, but if you do it can be helpful in the writing process. For example, if you’re going last, you have to consider the fact that your audience has already listened to many other speeches and will have a harder time focusing on you – so make sure it’s interesting and catchy.

● Why are you presenting your speech? We’ll go over the purpose of your speech next, but it’s important to know what your intention is when you’re narrowing down your audience so you can decide on a good call to action.

Determine Your Purpose

The purpose or intention of your speech determines how you’ll write it. Are you giving this speech in order to provide information to your audience, like during a presentation? Maybe you have to make an argumentative or persuasive speech to convince your audience to think a certain way.

All of those speech purposes mentioned above will dictate how you write and present your speech. Based on the purpose of the speech, you’ll know what kind of language to use and what type of rhetoric will work best.

For example, if you’re presenting a persuasive speech about a topic you are very passionate about and want everyone to support your cause, you’re going to present it in a different way than you would an informative speech. You’ll likely want to use emotional language that tugs on your audiences’ heartstrings, whereas in an informative speech you’d probably want to take more of a logical, fact-based approach.

Know the Length of Your Speech

It might seem kind of straightforward, just like an essay assignment when you have a certain word count to hit. But the thing about speeches is that your length has a more important role to play than just a word count.

For starters, the length of your speech determines how long the speech will be in terms of time. When you don’t have a set timeline to work with, you have to make a decision based on the context. A best man speech for a wedding, for example, should only be a few minutes while a speech for a presentation that’s worth 30% of your grade might be as long as 10 or 15 minutes.

The more time you have to fill with your speech will guide your writing. Holding an audience’s attention for 15 minutes is a lot harder than holding it for just a few minutes. This is especially important for a persuasive speech, where you’re relying on your audience staying interested because you want them to support your perspective.

While you’re writing your speech, stop and recite it every so often and time yourself. This will help keep you on track and let you know if you need to cut anything or narrow down your sentences any further.

3. How do You Start Writing a Speech?: Writing The Outline

You should always start by creating an outline first. An effective speech relies heavily on its structure. Your audience isn’t reading what you write down; they’re listening to you say it out loud. If you start going on tangents or jumping around between points, it’s going to be really hard for your listeners to connect the dots and follow what you’re saying.

To begin your outline, write out the main points you want to make about your topic. Make sure you write them out in an order that’s easy to follow, since your audience will be listening along. Give yourself space in the outline for your introduction, each main point and supporting explanations, and the conclusion. Look it over to be sure that it makes sense in this particular order.

Once you have your outline written and your points in order, it will be very easy to write the rest of your speech and make sure that everything stays organized and flows well. All you really need to do at that point is fill in the gaps and connect your points.

4. Organize Your Sentence Structure and Flow

Speech structure is extremely important. Each point should be presented one at a time so that your audience doesn’t have any trouble following along and staying on track.

Try to keep your speech to three main points if you can. Your audience doesn’t need every single small detail about your topic, and they certainly won’t remember that much either. Once you decide on those three main points in your outline, you can use them to connect the dots in your writing and tie them together smoothly.

Here are some ways to make sure your speech structure is ideal for your listeners:

● Sentences should transition smoothly from one idea to another. Pull from our list of transition words for some extra help on this.

● Talk about one point at a time. Jumping from one point to another makes it difficult for your audience to follow along as it’s easy for them to lose track and become confused.

● Use short, direct sentences as much as possible. Long, complex sentences work in formal essays, but aren’t as easy on the ears as they are on the eyes.

● Go for a narrative structure as if you’re telling a story. When you tell a story, you start at the beginning and work to the end in a narrative order. You don’t jump around from piece to piece and expect your listener to follow along. Write your speech the same way.

5. Write an Attention-Grabbing Speech Introduction

Your speech introduction is extremely important. In fact, its significance might be on par with the actual content of the speech itself. This is the part of your speech where you’ll have the most of your audience’s attention. If you don’t do enough here to keep that attention, the rest of your speech won’t land.

There are 3 main parts to a speech introduction:

1. The opening hook

2. Purpose and context

3. Transition into the speech body

Every good speech needs to begin with a great opening line or hook . If you don’t hook your audience and grab their attention right away, you’re in for a really difficult presentation. As we mentioned before, your audience isn’t reading an essay and doesn’t have anything to follow along with, so they’re listening to you by ear. When you start boring them, you’ll lose their attention fast.

Next, your speech introduction should outline your purpose. It can be a little more direct than you’d write in an essay. For example, a sentence like, “I am speaking to you today about something very important – our precious ecosystem” is not acceptable in an essay but is a great line in your speech introduction. If your audience isn’t really familiar with your topic, this is also where you’ll add some background information to give them context.

Spend a good amount of time working on the beginning of your speech. We included the introduction as the fourth step in the process, but you can also choose to write it first if you come up with something earlier on. It’s often a lot easier to write your speech introduction after you’ve written everything else because you have a solid idea of what you’re talking about in the body of the speech.

If you need more help writing your introduction, check out our blog here . We go over tips and tricks for writing a good essay introduction, which can also be used for your speech introduction!

6. Nail Your Call to Action

A call to action is the part of a piece of content that tells the audience what type of action you want them to take. In marketing, this is usually the button that says something along the lines of “buy now,” “subscribe now,” or “get a free quote.” These types of calls to action are often more direct and straightforward because they are trying to get you to make a conversion. In your speech, your call to action is a little more subtle than that but should always be there if you’re writing a persuasive speech.

Think about what it is you want your audience to take away from your speech. Are you trying to convince them to do something, like eat less meat or support a certain cause? Maybe you just want your audience to be informed on a topic. Either way, it should be clear and in line with your purpose.

So, where does your call to action go? Your call to action should ideally be located in your speech introduction and again in your conclusion. A good way to think about this is to consider your call to action as the equivalent of your thesis statement in an essay or paper. It’s the statement you’re going to make in the beginning to tell your audience what you’re going to be talking about, and then a reminder at the end of what you want them to do. Make sure it’s something that counts.

8. Practice Makes Perfect

It’s extremely important that you practice saying your speech out loud as much as you can. During the writing process, practicing your speech will help give you an idea of what it sounds like out loud instead of just written on paper. Sometimes things don’t sound that great when you actually hear them, so this gives you a chance to change things up if you need to.

Practicing your speech is also a great way to work on your speech delivery. The more you recite your speech, the easier it will be to remember. In turn, the better you remember your speech, the more confident you will be when you present it. You can even work out a few cool movements to make during certain parts of the speech for emphasis and flare.

9. Edit and Revise

Editing and revising should be your final step in any type of writing assignment you need to complete, and a speech is no different. No matter what you write, you should never turn in your first draft as is without looking it over at least two or three times.

Have someone else look over your speech or listen to you present it to them. It’s a lot more difficult to revise your own work because you wrote it, so you’re not always able to identify your own mistakes. It doesn’t have to be someone from your class or within the field you’re studying. All you need is a fresh set of eyes on your speech so they can identify any issues or mistakes that might have gone under your radar.

If this speech is worth a big portion of your grade, it might be worth it for you to have a professional editing service take a look at your work. This way, a professional can let you know which parts of your speech are working and which could be improved, and they can even offer you some extra pointers along the way.

Extra Tips For a Perfect Speech

As you start to write down your speech, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind.

● Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself. In fact, repetition is a great way to reinforce your speech and ensure that your audience remembers the key takeaways you’re presenting. Just don’t overdo it and repeat everything you say.

● Add your own flare. Most speeches are delivered in the first person, which is a great opportunity to be a little more creative. This is also a great way to express yourself in a way that stands out from everyone else speaking that day.

● Include stories or anecdotes if you can. This can be a great way to relate to your audience and keep their attention longer, while making your speech more interesting overall.

● Don’t over-share. You only have a certain amount of time to present your speech, so don’t try to stuff it with every possible detail you can think of about your topic.

● Get the tone right. If you’re presenting a persuasive speech about something you’re passionate about, show it. Be enthusiastic, interesting, and exciting when you need to be. If your speech is more serious, adjust your tone accordingly to make sure your point hits home.

Post-Writing: Tips to Help You Improve Your Public Speaking and Speech Delivery

Once you’ve learned how to write a speech and put pen to paper, your job isn’t quite done yet. You’ll need to work on your speech delivery and practice your presentation.

For some people, the thought of learning how to write a speech is terrifying solely because it means that at some point in the near future, you’re going to have to actually deliver one. Public speaking is a major source of stress and anxiety for a lot of students. You could write the most amazing speech you’ve ever heard in your life, but if you get up there in front of your audience and your hands start to get clammy and you start choking on your words, it’s going to fall short of making any impact.

Here are some extra tips that will help you get over your fear of public speaking and ace any presentation or speech:

● Practice with friends or family. We already mentioned how important practicing your speech is; it’s equally as important to practice in front of an audience to get comfortable with public speaking. Start out with an audience of friends, roommates, or family to work your way up and have them give you constructive feedback.

● Be prepared. The more prepared you are, the less nervous you’ll be when you walk up to that podium. Bring cue cards with you in case you forget a line or two and make a list of possible questions your audience might ask after your presentation so you’re ready for them.

● Work on your body language. This is a great way to keep your audience engaged and make sure that you don’t feel stiff and uncomfortable while you’re talking.

● Reduce your anxiety before the speech. There are many ways to do this. Get a little exercise in the morning of to release endorphins that help you de-stress, get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and memorize as much as possible as early as you can.

Check out our blog on how to improve your public speaking for even more tips and guidance on speech delivery, presentations, and more. With our help, you’ll wonder why you were ever afraid of public speaking in the first place.

The Real Secret to Learning How to Write a Speech: Use A Professional Writing Team

If you’re still a little nervous about writing your speech, you always have other options. In fact, you don’t even have to write your own speech at all: our team of academic writers already know how to write a speech and are happy to handle all of the work for you.

Think of us like your own personal team of speech writers right there in your back pocket. We can’t get up and present your speech for you, but we can write you a powerful, effective speech that will give you the confidence you need to get up there and present. You can also use our services to have one of our professionals look over your speech for you and give you some helpful constructive feedback to make it even better.

To ace your next speech, order it from our professional team with our easy online ordering form , or get a free custom quote from our operations team now.

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The em dash (—) can function like a comma, a colon, or parenthesis. Like commas and parentheses, em dashes set off extra information, such as examples, explanatory or descriptive phrases, or supplemental facts. Like a colon, an em dash introduces a clause that explains or expands upon something that precedes it.

The Em Dash Indicates a New Direction

• An em dash can mark an abrupt change or break in the structure of a sentence.

Mabel the Cat was delighted with the assortment of pastries the new bakery featured, but Harry the Dog—he felt otherwise.

• An em dash can indicate interrupted speech or a speaker’s confusion or hesitation.

“Of course you have a point,” Mabel murmured. “That is—I suppose it is concerning.”

The Em Dash as Comma or Parenthesis

• Em dashes are used in place of commas or parentheses to emphasize or draw attention to parenthetical or amplifying material. In this particular task, em dashes occupy a kind of middle ground among the three: when commas do the job, the material is most closely related to what’s around it, and when parentheses do the job, the material is most distantly related to what’s around it; when dashes do the job the material is somewhere in the middle.

And the wide range of its hours of operation—6 a.m. to 6 p.m.—certainly showed concern for customers’ manifold circumstances.

• Dashes set off or introduce defining phrases and lists.

A regular selection of three kinds of croissants—plain, almond, and chocolate—was heartening, both Mabel and Harry agreed.

• An em dash is often used in place of a colon or semicolon to link clauses, especially when the clause that follows the dash explains, summarizes, or expands upon the preceding clause in a somewhat dramatic way.

Harry would never forget the Tuesday that Mabel called him from the bakery, her voice brimming with excitement—the bakery had added cheese Danishes to its selection.

• An em dash or pair of dashes often sets off illustrative or amplifying material introduced by such phrases as for example , namely , and that is , when the break in continuity is greater than that shown by a comma, or when the dash would clarify the sentence structure better than a comma.

The bakery was truly phenomenal. Although they did miss the mark somewhat with the pineapple upside-down cake Mabel ordered—that is, the cake had clearly been baked right-side up.

• An em dash may introduce a summary statement that follows a series of words or phrases.

Chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, snickerdoodle, both macarons and macaroons—the panoply of cookie varieties was impressive as well.

• A dash often precedes the name of an author or source at the end of a quoted passage—such as an epigraph, extract, or book or film blurb—that is not part of the main text. The attribution may appear immediately after the quotation or on the next line.

“One cannot underestimate the effect a good bakery can have on a person’s well-being.” —Mabel the Cat, The Websterburg Reporter

The Em Dash in the Company of Other Punctuation Marks

• If an em dash appears at a point where a comma could also appear, the comma is omitted.

Within its first year, Mabel and Harry had sampled all of the bakery’s offerings—all 62 items—and had also decided that the exercise was worth repeating.

• When a pair of em dashes sets off material ending with an exclamation point or a question mark, the mark is placed inside the dashes.

Mabel tried, despite her dolefulness—for how could she be otherwise?—to bake her own bread but each loaf that emerged from her oven tasted vaguely of tears.

• Dashes are used inside parentheses, and vice versa, to indicate parenthetical material within parenthetical material. The second dash is omitted if it would immediately precede the closing parenthesis; a closing parenthesis is never omitted.

The bakery’s reputation for scrumptious goods (ambrosial, even—each item was surely fit for gods) spread far and wide.

Em dash vs en dash

• Remembering that the em dash is the length of a capital M, it will surprise no one that the so-called “en dash” is the approximate length of a capital N, –. The en dash is the least loved of all; it’s not easily rendered by the average keyboard user (one has to select it as a special character, whereas the em dash can be conjured with two hyphens), so it’s mostly encountered in typeset material. (A hyphen does its job in other text.) It is most often used between numbers, dates, or other notations to signify “(up) to and including.”

The bakery will be closed August 1–August 31. The bakery is open 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. The exceedingly complex recipe spans pages 128–34. Mabel and Harry lived elsewhere 2007–2019.

Note that one does not need words like from and between in these cases. The phrase “open 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.” can be read as “open between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.” or as “open from 6:00 a.m. to/until 6:00 p.m.”

• If you want to be official about things, use the en dash to replace a hyphen in compound adjectives when at least one of the elements is a two-word compound.

the post–Cold War era

The thinking is that using a hyphen here, as in “the post-Cold War era,” risks the suggestion that post attaches only to Cold . It’s unlikely, though, that a reader would truly be confused.

• The en dash replaces the word to between capitalized names, and is used to indicate linkages such as boundaries, treaties, and oppositions.

a Boston–Washington train the pie–cake divide

• A two-em dash, ——, is used to indicate missing letters in a word and, less frequently, to indicate a missing word.

The butter-stained and crumb-embedded note was attributed to a Ms. M—— of Websterburg.

• A three-em dash, ———, indicates that a word has been left out or that an unknown word or figure is to be supplied.

Years later it was revealed that the Websterburg bakers had once had a bakery in ———, a city to the south. But the water quality there was prohibitive to the creating of decent bagels.

While we said above that the em dash, also called the “common dash,” is the most common of the true dashes, hyphens show up more frequently in text. They have a variety of uses.

• Hyphens are used to link elements in compound words .

a baker-owner

• In some words, a hyphen separates a prefix, suffix, or medial element from the rest of the word.

Websterburg’s pre-bakery days a bread-like scone jack-o'-lantern sugar cookies

• As we noted above, a hyphen often does the job of an en dash between numbers and dates, providing the meaning "(up) to and including."

pages 128-34 the years 2007-2019

• A hyphen marks an end-of-line division of a word.

Mabel and Harry don’t like to linger on their memories of Webster- burg’s pre-bakery days.

• A hyphen divides letters or syllables to give the effect of stuttering, sobbing, or halting speech.

"M-m-mabel, the cheese Danish is divine!”

• Hyphens indicate a word spelled out letter by letter.

Let’s not even talk about August, when the bakery is c-l-o-s-e-d.

The em dash is sometimes considered a less formal equivalent of the colon and parenthesis, but in truth it’s used in all kinds of writing, including the most formal—the choice of which mark to use is really a matter of personal preference.

Spacing around an em dash varies. Most newspapers insert a space before and after the dash, and many popular magazines do the same, but most books and journals omit spacing, closing whatever comes before and after the em dash right up next to it. This website prefers the latter, its style requiring the closely held em dash in running text.

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A Simple Guide to Writing a Memorable Speech [Infographic]

Updated: April 20, 2017

Published: March 31, 2016

You know what an "average" speech looks like. You've seen tens, maybe hundreds of them in your lifetime. Chances are, you've given a few of them yourself. They're good, and they're useful, but they're not awe-inspiring.

You might also know what an amazing speech looks like -- one that's engrossing, captivating, and inspires action. These speeches grab your attention from the very beginning and imprint us with something memorable by the end. Sometimes, they feel like magic.

While a lot of credit should go to a person's oratory skills, there are  elements of great, memorable speeches we can bring into our own practice.

Want to create a truly memorable, persuasive speech of your own? Check out the infographic below from PapersMaster to learn the elements of a great topic, how to structure your speech to achieve the best response, how to construct the body to support your claim, how to prepare to give your speech, and tips for a successful delivery. (For more detailed public speaking tips, read this blog post on the science of a great TED talk .)

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Unlock the secrets to crafting exceptional how-to speeches with our step-by-step guide! Discover proven techniques to capture your audience’s attention, simplify complex ideas, and deliver engaging how-to speeches that leave a lasting impact. Your journey to mastering how to write a how-to speech starts here.

Imagine you’re standing in front of a room full of people. The spotlight is on you, and all eyes are fixed. You have something important to share that could change lives or make a difference. But as you open your mouth, the words come out jumbled, the message unclear. Your audience begins to drift away, their attention slipping through your fingers like sand.

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? That moment of public speaking anxiety, where the fear of failing to convey our message cripples us. But fear not, because in this post, we’re diving headfirst into the art of crafting a ‘how to’ speech that grabs your audience by the ears and leaves them hanging on to your every word.

Remember that your ‘how-to’ speech isn’t solely about yourself; it’s about aiding your audience. By customizing your subject to their interests and requirements, you can capture their undivided attention, much like when you delight them with their preferred cake at a gathering.

But how do you master this art? How do you transform your jumbled thoughts into a compelling speech? Fear not, because that’s exactly what we’re here to explore. In the following sections, we’ll break it down into simple, actionable steps so you can confidently step into the spotlight and deliver a ‘how to’ speech that leaves a mark.

Table of Contents

Understanding the basics of writing a how-to-speech

Consider the finer details of giving a ‘how-to’ speech. Think of it as if you were teaching a buddy the art of crafting an impeccable cup of coffee. You’d share the necessary components, lay out the procedures, and perhaps give expert suggestions to elevate the experience. Essentially, that’s the essence of a how-to speech.

A how-to speech is like your guide to doing something. It’s when you break down a process or a task into easy-to-follow steps so someone else can learn and do it, too. It’s all about teaching, sharing knowledge, and clarifying things.

How-to speeches help you share your expertise, pass on wisdom, and help others learn something new. Think about it – you’ve got skills and knowledge that others want, and a ‘how to’ speech is your chance to give it away.

Imagine showing your classmates how to solve a tricky math problem or guiding your colleagues through a complicated software setup. Your ‘how to’ speech can make complex stuff seem like a breeze. Plus, it’s not just about knowledge transfer; it’s about making a connection with your audience.

In simple terms, a how-to speech is your toolkit for sharing what you know and making life easier for others. It’s like being the hero who helps everyone conquer their challenges, one step at a time. So, get ready to unlock the secrets of crafting a ‘how to’ speech that shines!

Importance of clear communication while writing how-to-speeches

Clear communication makes all the difference. Imagine you’re trying to learn how to make a delicious sandwich, and your friend starts telling you to “spread the thing on that thing and add some stuff.” Confusing, right? You want specifics! That’s where clear communication comes in.

In learning how to write a how-to speech, being crystal clear matters big time. Your audience relies on your words to understand what to do. Think of it as being a GPS for their journey. If you give vague directions, they might get lost. But if you’re precise and clear, they’ll reach their destination with a smile.

Simplify the complex

Avoiding misunderstandings.

Sometimes, you’re explaining stuff that’s a bit complex, like rocket science (well, not really, but you get the point). Clear communication breaks down these complexities into bite-sized pieces. It takes the “I have no idea what you’re talking about” and turns it into “Oh, that makes sense!”

When you’re clear, you minimize the chances of misunderstandings. Nobody wants to end up with a sandwich when they are trying to bake a cake, right?

Whether you’re guiding someone through changing a tire, cooking a fancy meal, or even explaining how to use a new app, being clear is your superpower. It’s what separates a great ‘how to’ speech from a confusing one.

Clear your throat, speak confidently, and ensure your audience knows exactly what to do next. Your ‘how to’ speech is their guidebook to success!

How do you choose the right topic for your how-to speech?

Let’s talk about picking the perfect topic for your how-to speech. Think of it like choosing the flavor of ice cream you want to eat – it should be something you love and know a lot about.

Identify your expertise and passion

Connecting with your audience, brainstorm ideas.

• Analyze the audiences’ interests and needs

Select a relevant and engaging topic

First things first, what are you good at? What are you passionate about? Your how-to speech topic should be in your wheelhouse. If you’re a cooking whiz, maybe it’s “How to Whip Up a Gourmet Dinner in 30 Minutes.” If you’re a tech genius, it could be “How to Master Smartphone Photography.”

Why’s this Important? Well, imagine trying to explain something you know nothing about. It’d be like trying to teach someone to swim when you can’t even doggy paddle. Not fun, right? But when you choose a topic you’re passionate about, it shines through in your speech. Your enthusiasm is contagious, and your audience will feel it.

Your audience matters, too. Picking a topic that resonates with them is like serving their favourite ice cream flavour – it makes them happy. So, if you’re talking to a group of budding chefs, your cooking-related speech will hit the spot.

Sit down with a pen and paper and brainstorm. List all the things you’re good at, all the things you love doing, and all the things your audience might want to learn. Then, find the sweet spot where your expertise, passion, and interests meet.

Remember, your ‘how to’ speech topic is like the star of the show. So, choose wisely, and you’ll be on your way to delivering a speech that teaches, inspires, and engages your audience.

Analyze the audience’s interests and needs

Alright, now that you’ve figured out what you’re good at and what you love, it’s time to shift the spotlight onto your audience. Think of it like planning a surprise party – you need to know what your guests like.

Why audience matters: Your audience is like the VIPs at your party. They’re the ones you’re speaking to, teaching, and helping. So, understanding what they’re into and what they need is crucial.

What they are interested in: Picture yourself in their shoes. What would grab your attention? What topics would make you sit up and say, “Tell me more!” For example, if you’re speaking to a group of DIY enthusiasts, they might be eager to learn “How to Build Your Dream Treehouse.”

What they need: Now, think about their challenges and questions. What problems are they trying to solve? What knowledge are they hungry for? Your speech should serve up solutions and answers. If your audience struggles with time management, “How to Supercharge Your Productivity” could be the way to go.

Ask and listen: Don’t be shy to ask your audience directly. Connect with them on social media, send out surveys, or have a chat if you can. It’s like sending out party invites and asking, “What kind of cake do you like?” Their responses will guide you in choosing the perfect ‘how to’ speech topic.

Remember that your ‘how-to’ speech isn’t solely about yourself; it’s about aiding your audience. By customizing your subject to align with their interests and requirements, you can capture their undivided attention, much like when you delight them with their preferred cake at a gathering. So, put on your detective hat, uncover their preferences, and get ready to wow your audience!

Now that you know your stuff and understand your audience’s wishes let’s talk about hitting the bullseye with your how-to speech topic. It’s like picking the juiciest fruit from the tree – you want something ripe and ready to savor.

Stay relevant: Think about what’s going on right now. Are there trends or hot topics in your field? Staying current can make your ‘how to’ speech more appealing. For instance, if you’re into fitness, a topic like “How to Crush Your Home Workout Routine” during a pandemic could be spot on.

Solve a problem: Your topic should be a solution to a problem your audience faces. Imagine they’re all trying to figure out how to create a stunning garden. Bingo! You could dive into “How to Cultivate a Lush Garden Paradise.”

Be passionate: Passion is contagious. If you’re excited about your topic, your audience will catch that enthusiasm. When you talk about something you love, it shows, and it draws people in.

Think about impact: Consider the impact your speech could have. Will it help your audience in a significant way? Will it inspire them to take action or learn something new? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.

Engage the senses: Engaging topics often touch on the senses – sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. If you can make your audience visualize, feel, or even taste the outcome of your ‘how to’ speech, they’ll be hooked.

Remember, your topic is the first thing your audience hears. It’s like the opening scene of a blockbuster movie. Choose wisely, and you’ll set the stage for a captivating ‘how to’ speech that leaves your audience eager to learn and hungry for more.

Research and content development for your how-to speech

Think of this part like being a detective, hunting down the best clues to solve a case. In our case, the case is crafting an awesome how-to speech.

Why research matters

Find trustworthy sources, cross-check information, stay organized.

Why should you bother with research? It’s like building a strong foundation for a house. You want your speech to be rock-solid, and that starts with credible info.

Not all information is created equal. You want to look for sources that are reliable, like books, articles from respected publications, or experts in the field. Think of it as asking a trustworthy friend for advice.

Sometimes, info can be a bit iffy. It’s like hearing a rumour from a friend’s friend. To be sure, cross-check what you find. If multiple sources say the same thing, you’re on the right track.

Just like a detective with a notepad, jot down important details, stats, or examples. This will be your treasure chest of information when you craft your speech.

Keep all your research neatly organized. It’s like having your detective files in order. This way, you can easily find what you need when you’re putting your speech together.

Remember, your audience trusts you to give them accurate info. So, be the Sherlock Holmes of research, and you’ll have the facts and knowledge to make your ‘how to’ speech shine.

Organizing your how-to speech structure

Now that you’ve gathered your detective-style research, it’s time to put everything in order. Think of this like building a house – you need a strong frame to hold everything together.

Why structure matters

Start with the basics, introduction, transitions.

A well-organized speech is like a clear road map. It helps your audience follow along and understand your message without getting lost.

Begin by deciding how you want to organize your speech. It could be chronological, problem-solution, or even a compare-and-contrast approach. Choose the one that best fits your topic.

Just like a grand entrance to a fancy party, your introduction sets the stage. Tell your audience what you’re going to talk about and why it’s important. A little teaser to grab their attention.

Now, let’s dive into crafting an introduction that’s like a magnetic force, pulling your audience into your ‘how to’ speech. Think of it as the opening scene of a blockbuster movie – it needs to be intriguing.

Why introduction matters: Your intro is the first impression. It’s like a firm handshake when you meet someone new. You want to grab your audience’s attention right from the start.

Hook ‘em in: Start with a bang – a captivating story, a surprising fact, or a thought-provoking question. Make your audience think, “I need to hear more!”

Preview your message: After the hook, give them a sneak peek of what’s coming. It’s like a movie trailer that teases the best parts. Let your audience know what they’ll learn or gain from your speech.

Keep It short and sweet: Don’t drag it out. Your intro is the appetizer, not the main course. Aim for around 10-15% of your total speech time.

Remember, your introduction is your audience’s first taste of what’s to come. Make it deliciously intriguing, and they’ll be hungry for more of your ‘how to’ speech goodness.

This is the meaty part of your speech, where you explain everything. If you’re doing a step-by-step ‘how to’ speech, each step gets its own section. Make sure it flows logically from one to the next. Now, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get into the juicy part – crafting the meat of your ‘how to’ speech. Think of this as building a staircase, one step at a time.

Why the body matters: This is where the real magic happens. The body of your speech is where you lay out all the steps, details, and information that your audience needs to learn or accomplish something.

Step-by-step: Just like a recipe in a cookbook, break down your topic into easy-to-follow steps. Imagine you’re teaching someone how to bake cookies. Each step, from gathering ingredients to setting the oven temperature, gets its moment.

Explain clearly: Use clear language and simple sentences. Pretend you’re explaining to a friend who’s never done it before. Be patient and thorough.

Visualize: Paint a mental picture for your audience. Help them see each step in their mind’s eye. It’s like a GPS guiding them on their journey.

Examples and tips: Add real-life examples and helpful tips along the way. It’s like seasoning your dish to perfection – it makes it even more delicious.

By the end of your speech, your audience should feel like they’ve taken a journey and learned something valuable. So, dive into the step-by-step instructions, and make sure you leave no stone unturned in teaching them your ‘how to.’

Think of this as your big finale, like fireworks at the end of a show. Summarize what you covered, restate why it’s essential, and leave your audience with a memorable ending. It’s like a parting gift of wisdom.

Now, let’s wrap things up in style with a memorable conclusion. Think of it as the grand finale of a fireworks show – it’s the lasting impression you leave on your audience.

Why conclusion matters: Your conclusion isn’t just a polite goodbye; it’s a chance to drive your message home. It’s like the closing scene of a movie that leaves you thinking.

Summarize key points: Recap the main points you’ve covered in your speech. It’s like highlighting the key takeaways from a book. Remind your audience of what they’ve learned.

Reiterate the importance: Explain once again why your topic is essential or how it can benefit your audience. Reinforce the “why” behind your ‘how to’ speech.

End on a high note: Finish with a strong and memorable statement. It’s like the punchline of a joke – leave your audience with something to ponder or act upon.

Thank your audience: Show gratitude for their time and attention. It’s like saying thanks to your guests at the end of a fantastic party.

Your conclusion should be like the cherry on top of a delicious sundae – it completes the experience and leaves a sweet taste in your audience’s mind. So, craft a conclusion that lingers in their thoughts long after your ‘how to’ speech is over.

Just like road signs, transitions help your audience move smoothly from one point to another. Use phrases like “Next, we’ll move on to…” or “Now that we’ve covered that, let’s talk about…”

Visuals (if needed)

If your ‘how to’ speech benefits from visuals, like diagrams or photos, include them in the appropriate spots. They’re like illustrations in a recipe book – they make things clearer.

By organizing your speech thoughtfully, you make it easier for your audience to follow along and understand your message. It’s like giving them a clear path to your knowledge. So, build that strong frame, and your ‘how to’ speech will stand tall and strong.

The art of writing: How to write a how-to speech

Let’s talk about writing – the heart of your how-to speech. Imagine you’re writing a letter to a friend. You want it to be clear and to the point, right? Well, that’s how you should write your speech, too.

Clear language

Cut the fluff, organization is key, avoid jargon.

Use simple words and sentences. Don’t try to impress with big words; aim to be understood. Imagine you’re explaining it to a 12-year-old.

Like trimming a bonsai tree, and cutting unnecessary words and details. Be ruthless. Keep only what’s essential to your message.

Arrange your ideas logically. Think of it as putting puzzle pieces together. Each piece fits just right, creating a complete picture.

Steer clear of fancy terms and acronyms that your audience might not know. It’s like speaking in a secret code – not cool.

Read your writing out loud. If it sounds confusing or clunky, chances are it needs some tweaking.

Clear and concise writing is like a well-tuned engine in your ‘how to’ speech. It keeps things running smoothly and ensures your audience gets the message without a hitch. So, follow these tips, and your words will flow like a clear stream, making your ‘how to’ speech shine.

Importance of using effective language and tone in how-to speeches

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of your writing. Think of it like choosing the right outfit for a special occasion – your language and tone should match the setting.

Effective language

Tone matters, engage your audience, stay positive.

Your words are like tools in a toolbox. Use them wisely. Be clear and precise. Avoid vague or confusing phrases. It’s like giving someone clear directions rather than pointing in a general direction.

Your tone sets the mood. It’s like the soundtrack to a movie. If you’re explaining a serious topic, keep it formal. If it’s a fun and casual subject, feel free to be more relaxed. Match your tone to your audience’s expectations.

Use relatable examples and stories. Make your audience feel like you’re speaking directly to them. It’s like having a friendly chat over a cup of coffee.

Positivity is contagious. If you’re excited and passionate about your topic, it’ll show in your words. Your enthusiasm can inspire and engage your audience.

Effective language and tone are like the secret sauce of your ‘how to’ speech. They make your words more engaging, relatable, and memorable. So, choose your words thoughtfully, and your audience will be hanging on to every sentence you say.

Avoid jargon and technical terms

It’s a good idea to avoid confusing jargon and technical terms in your writing. Think of it like having a conversation with your grandma – you would prefer not to use words she doesn’t understand.

Speak plainly

Clarify complex concepts, think about your audience, be the translator.

Imagine explaining your topic to someone who’s new to it. Use everyday words and phrases. Skip the jargon that might leave your audience scratching their heads.

If you need to delve into something complex, break it down into bite-sized pieces. It’s like explaining a recipe step by step, making it easy to follow.

Consider who you’re talking to. If it’s a group of experts, some technical terms might be okay. But if it’s a diverse audience, keep it simple and inclusive.

Your role is to be the bridge between your knowledge and your audience’s understanding. Translate the complex into the comprehensible.

Remember, clear and straightforward language makes your ‘how to’ speech accessible to everyone. It’s like opening the door to your knowledge and inviting everyone inside. So, steer clear of the jargon jungle, and your audience will thank you for it.

Engaging your audience with your how-to speech

Imagine you’re the storyteller around a campfire – your audience should be hooked from the start.

Why stories matter

Personal anecdotes, real-life examples, emotionally engage, paint vivid pictures.

Stories are like magic spells that capture your audience’s attention and imagination. They make your speech relatable and memorable.

Share personal experiences related to your topic. It’s like saying, “Hey, I’ve been there too.” It creates a connection between you and your audience.

Sprinkle your speech with real-life examples. It’s like showing them the ropes through concrete situations. People love relatable stories they can learn from.

Use stories to evoke emotions. Whether it’s laughter, surprise, or empathy, emotions make your speech unforgettable. It’s like seasoning your speech to taste.

Help your audience visualize what you’re saying. It’s like turning your speech into a mental movie. Use descriptive language and paint a picture with your words.

Remember, your audience doesn’t just want information; they want to be entertained and inspired. Stories, examples, and anecdotes are your tools for doing just that. So, weave them into your how-to speech, and watch your audience hang onto your every word, just like they would with a gripping tale.

The importance of visual aids, if applicable in your how-to speeches

Alright, let’s dive into a crucial aspect of engaging your audience – the use of visual aids. It’s like adding illustrations to a storybook; they enhance the experience and understanding.

• Why visual aids matter

Clarify complex ideas

Engage visual learners, enhance engagement, remember to keep it simple, why visual aids matter  .

Visuals, like charts, graphs, images, or slides, can take your ‘how to’ speech to the next level. They provide a visual roadmap and reinforce your message.

If your topic has intricate details, visuals simplify the understanding process. It’s like a map guiding you through a maze – it makes things much clearer.

People absorb information differently. Some are visual learners who grasp concepts better with images. Visual aids cater to their needs and make your speech inclusive.

Visuals can grab and hold your audience’s attention. They add variety to your speech and prevent it from becoming monotonous.

Don’t go overboard with visuals. Less is often more. Use them when they truly enhance your message but avoid overwhelming your audience.

Incorporating visual aids, when appropriate, can be a game-changer. They add an extra layer of engagement and understanding to your ‘how to’ speech. So, think about how visuals can complement your message, and if they fit, use them wisely to elevate your speech to the next level of impact and engagement.

Techniques for audience interaction and engagement in how-to speeches

Now, let’s uncover some techniques to keep your audience engaged throughout your ‘how to’ speech. Think of it as hosting a lively dinner party – you want your guests to participate and enjoy themselves.

Why engagement matters

• Ask questions

Use rhetorical questions

Poll your audience, tell relatable stories, pause for thought.

An engaged audience is like a team ready for action. They’re more likely to absorb your message, stay interested, and remember what you say.

Ask Questions

Interact by asking questions. It’s like a friendly chat where you genuinely want to know your audience’s thoughts. Encourage them to participate.

These are questions you don’t expect answers to. They make your audience think. For example, “Have you ever wondered…?”

If you have a large audience, use technology to create polls or surveys. It’s like involving everyone in a group decision – it makes them feel heard.

Share stories or examples that your audience can relate to. It’s like saying, “Hey, this could be you!” People connect with stories.

Sometimes, silence is golden. Pause after making a point. It gives your audience a moment to process and reflect.

Engaging your audience is a bit like a dance – you lead, but you also let them take the floor.

These techniques create a dynamic atmosphere where everyone is involved, making your ‘how to’ speech not just informative but also enjoyable. So, sprinkle these tricks into your speech, and watch your audience become active participants in their learning journey.

Rehearsing and refining your speech

We are at the stage where you need to practice and refine your how-to speech. Think of it as rehearsing for a big performance – the more you practice, the smoother it gets.

Why practice matters

Practice alone, record yourself, time yourself, practice in front of a mirror, get feedback.

Practice is like sharpening a tool before using it. It helps you become confident, reduces nervousness, and ensures you deliver a polished speech.

Start by rehearsing on your own. It’s like a solo dress rehearsal. Go through your speech, making sure you remember each step and detail.

Record your practice sessions on your phone or camera. It’s like watching a playback of a sports match to see where you can improve.

Keep an eye on the clock. Your speech should fit within the allocated time. Being too long or too short can disrupt the flow.

This helps you work on your body language and facial expressions. It’s like fine-tuning your performance for an audience.

Share your speech with a friend or family member and ask for their honest feedback. They can point out areas where you can improve.

Feedback is your secret weapon. It’s like having a coach on your side, helping you become better with each practice. So, don’t skip this crucial step. Practice and feedback will turn your how-to speech into a flawless performance that leaves your audience impressed and informed.

Tips for improving your how-to speech delivery and timing

You should remember it’s not just about what you say but how you say it that counts.

Work on your pacing

Use pauses for emphasis, vary your voice.

• Practice in front of the mirror

Seek honest feedback

Rehearse your speech multiple times. It’s like learning the steps of a dance routine until they become second nature.

Pay attention to your speech’s speed. Don’t rush through it like a racecar or drag it out like a turtle. Find a comfortable pace that your audience can follow.

Pauses are like punctuation in your speech. They give your audience time to digest what you’ve said and emphasize important points.

Don’t be a monotone robot. Use changes in pitch, tone, and volume to keep your audience engaged. It’s like playing different musical notes to create a melody.

Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself

This helps you work on your body language and gestures, ensuring they complement your words.

Share your speech with someone you trust and ask for their input. They can provide valuable insights on your delivery.

Improving your delivery and timing is like adding the icing on the cake. It makes your ‘how to’ speech not just informative but also engaging and enjoyable to listen to.

Finalizing your how-to speech

Now, it’s time to put the finishing touches on your how-to speech. Think of it as fine-tuning a musical instrument before a concert – you want everything to be just right.

Why editing matters

Check for clarity, verify facts, cut the clutter, ensuring your speech flows smoothly.

Editing is like the chef’s final taste test; it ensures your speech is clear, accurate, and free from errors.

Start by reading your speech aloud. It’s like checking for any off-key notes in a song. If something sounds off, revise it.

Make sure your sentences are clear and easy to understand. It’s like removing any tangled threads from a tapestry.

Double-check your facts and information. It’s like making sure all the pieces of a puzzle fit perfectly.

Eliminate any unnecessary words or details. It’s like trimming the excess fat from a steak; it makes your speech lean and mean.

Hunt for spelling and grammar mistakes. It’s like picking up typos and grammatical hiccups. They can be distracting.

Editing and proofreading are like adding the final coat of paint to a masterpiece. They make your ‘how to’ speech shine and ensure your audience gets the best experience.

Don’t rush this step. Take your time, and when you’re done, you’ll have a speech that’s not just informative but also polished to perfection.

Now, let’s focus on making sure your ‘how to’ speech flows like a serene river, with each idea seamlessly connecting to the next. Think of it like a well-choreographed dance; a smooth flow keeps your audience engaged and makes your speech easy to follow.

Transitions are key: Use transition words like “first,” “next,” “then,” and “finally” to guide your audience from one step to another. It’s like giving them a roadmap for your speech.

Logical progression: Arrange your ideas logically. Start with the basics and build up to more complex concepts. It’s like constructing a sturdy building; you need a strong foundation before adding the upper floors.

Repetition with a purpose: Repeat key points for emphasis, but don’t overdo it. It’s like a catchy chorus in a song; it sticks in your mind without becoming annoying.

Keep it consistent: Maintain a consistent tone and style throughout your speech. It’s like sticking to the same music genre in an album; it creates a harmonious experience.

Practice the flow: When you practice, pay attention to how smoothly your speech flows. Make adjustments as needed to ensure it feels natural.

A smooth flow is like the secret ingredient that turns a collection of words into a captivating ‘how to’ speech. It helps your audience navigate through your content effortlessly, making it an enjoyable learning journey. So, take the time to fine-tune your speech’s flow, and you’ll have your audience nodding along in agreement from start to finish.

1. How to get into speech writing?

Getting started with speech writing is as simple as picking up a pen or sitting at your computer. Begin by choosing a topic you’re passionate about or knowledgeable in. Then, outline the key points you want to cover and start writing your speech. Practice delivering it, seek feedback, and keep refining your skills.

2. How can I improve my speech writing?

Improvement comes with practice. Read and study great speeches, learn from them, and apply those lessons to your own work. Pay attention to clarity, engagement, and flow. Seek feedback from others, and don’t be afraid to edit and proofread rigorously.

The more you write and refine, the better you’ll become. Keep honing your skills, and soon, you’ll master the art of ‘how to’ speechwriting.

3. How to write a maid of honor speech

Writing a maid of honor speech is a special task. Start with a warm welcome and introduce yourself. Share memorable moments with the bride, like how you met or funny anecdotes. Add some compliments for the bride. Highlight her qualities, and express your happiness for her.

Talk about the groom and their relationship, mentioning what makes them a great couple. Offer some advice, well wishes, or a quote to inspire the couple. Raise your glass and propose a toast to the newlyweds. Rehearse your speech to feel confident.

Remember, it’s about celebrating love and friendship, so be heartfelt and sincere.

4. How to write a speech about someone you admire

Writing a speech about someone you admire is a wonderful way to honor them. Here’s a straightforward approach:

Begin by introducing the person and explaining why you admire them. Share how you know them and any personal experiences that highlight their admirable qualities. Talk about the specific qualities or actions that make them admirable.

Provide anecdotes or stories that illustrate these qualities. Explain how this person’s actions or qualities have made a positive impact on you or others. Sum up your admiration and express your gratitude or well wishes.

The purpose of the speech is to celebrate the person’s greatness and share why they inspire you. Speak from the heart, and your speech will convey your admiration beautifully.

5. How to write a remembrance speech

Writing a remembrance speech can be emotionally challenging, but it’s a beautiful way to honour someone’s memory. Here’s a simple guide:

Start off by mentioning the person you’re remembering and your relationship with them. Share personal memories or stories that reflect the person’s life, character, and impact. Express your feelings, whether it’s grief, gratitude, or admiration.

Discuss the person’s admirable qualities, achievements, and contributions. Conclude with a heartfelt message, offering comfort, inspiration, or a call to remember their legacy.

Remember to speak from the heart and be sincere. A remembrance speech is a way to keep their memory alive and provide solace to those who mourn.

6. How to write a welcome speech for an event

Crafting a welcoming speech for an event is like opening the door to a friendly gathering. Here’s how to do it:

Greet with a warm welcome to the attendees. Make them feel valued and appreciated. Give a brief overview of the event, its purpose, and what attendees can expect. Recognize any special guests or dignitaries in the audience.

Thank everyone for their presence and any contributions that made the event possible. Share your enthusiasm and set a positive tone for the event. Encourage attendees to connect with each other and participate in the event. Conclude with best wishes for a successful and enjoyable event.

A welcome speech is like a friendly handshake, creating a warm atmosphere for your event. Keep it sincere, concise, and filled with hospitality to make attendees feel right at home.

Congratulations on completing your journey in ‘how to’ speechwriting! This skill involves simplifying complex ideas using plain language and engaging techniques like stories and visuals. Practice boosts confidence; seek feedback and prepare to conquer stage fright. Ensure a seamless flow in your speech and edit meticulously.

Now, apply your knowledge by crafting your how-to speech and refining it with practice and feedback. Mastering this art is invaluable, whether you’re teaching, inspiring, or informing. Your words can make a lasting impact. Keep honing your craft, and your speeches will educate, captivate, and inspire your audience.

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How to write a speech

• James Haynes
• October 6, 2022

Table of Contents

Introduction.

So you want to learn how to write a speech. Maybe it’s for a speech for work, or maybe it’s for a school project. You know that professional speakers don’t just make stuff up. They don’t write a few thoughts on a notecard and then shoot from the hip for an entire presentation. They take the time to write and carefully craft their material. And you’re ready to do that! You have an idea of what you want to speak about, but how do you actually create your talk? How do you give a speech? And what makes a talk “good”?

In this post, you can read answers to all of those questions. You’ll learn tips to go through the process to create a great speech from idea to completion. And you’ll learn how to write and give an inspiring speech. Ready to learn more? Read on!

Before you start to write your speech

A speech is simply a talk meant to get your audience to learn, understand or do something. 

The best speakers on the planet only have one or two talks they do and those talks are insanely good. Start by developing just one, really amazing talk that resonates deeply with your intended audience. The best marketing for your speaking business is a great talk, so it is worth it to put in the hours for this part. Yes, even if your first speaking gig is a free talk at a community center.

Keep in mind: Your audience is always going to be asking two questions: “so what?” and “now what?” So what means, what does this have to do with me? Now what is what you want the audience to do as a result of your talk. Give them action steps to implement what you taught them. If they hear you speak but literally don’t do anything differently, what’s the point?

Giving a speech is almost like mapping for a road trip. If you are going to go on a road trip, it’s easier to have a paper map or Google Maps to tell you where you’re going. But if you just get in the car and you start driving, and people are in the car asking you where we’re going, you’re in trouble! But by organizing and structuring your talk, you can lead the audience to your conclusions. And you can effectively answer those two questions: “so what?” and “now what?”

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Want to learn how to write a speech? Read on for 3 steps to make it unforgettable:

1. Begin with the end in mind and tell a story

Have you ever been left at the end of a speech wondering, “What was the point of this talk?” Don’t do that to your audience. When creating your talk, determine the destination that you want to take them to. Once you pick a point, then you can work backwards and reverse engineer how to get your audience to that place.

The best way to do the point of your talk is to find where your audience’s needs converge with your passions. Think about what problems you like to solve and what topics you want to talk about and look out into the world. Who is asking for solutions to those problems? Become the expert on that audience and commit yourself to meeting their needs. (for more on finding your big idea, check out this episode of The Speaker Lab podcast)

Okay, so now you have your topic, the idea you want to communicate. Now what? One of the best ways to create a memorable, relatable talk is by integrating first-person stories . You don’t have to have lost a limb or scaled Mount Everest. Keep an eye out in your everyday life for little moments that can contribute to your message. Write them down and integrate them into your talk. As you get more speaking gigs, you will very quickly learn which stories are a hit and which are total flops…which is all part of the process!

Humans relate to stories. We connect to stories. Funny stories. Sad stories. Inspirational stories. We love stories. So tell them. Lots of them. Stories will keep your audience engaged and are also easier for you to memorize. Telling stories that you lived and experienced generally makes the story better for you and the audience. For the audience, they can often times find themselves in your story. For you as the speaker, it’s much easier (and more powerful) to tell a story that you lived versus one you read in a book.

2. Write out your speech from beginning to end

As Grant Baldwin discusses in this video on preparing your talk , you want to write out your talk to have a basic structure: beginning, middle, and end.

In the beginning, you’re going to want to introduce the problem that your talk is going to solve and ultimately start to capture the audience’s attention. One thing that’s important to remember is there’s a difference between an audience that wants to be there and an audience that has to be there. When you get on stage, you want to be able to answer for the audience: Who are you? Why should I pay attention? Why does this matter? What am I supposed to do with this information? Can I trust you? You want to give the audience a reason to engage with you and where you’re going with the speech.

The next part of the process is the main body. This is where you will provide the solution to the problem or elaborate on the idea you’ve presented, and then share the action items that transform the audience. These action items should be specific, tangible, actionable, and realistic. You want to give something that the audience can leave with knowing exactly what to do now. So you want to make it specific, tangible, actionable, and realistic – not something that’s just vague or squishy, but something that they can actually understand.

The last part of the process is the closing. The purpose of the closing is to transition the audience to your main call to action. Remember, your audience is always asking themselves two questions: “So what?” and “Now what?” And this is where your closing comes in. Your closing is so important because the audience will remember what they learned and heard from you in the final minutes of your talk.

3. Structure your speech

Types of structures for writing your speech.

Another step Baldwin recommended on our podcast on creating your talk is to break your talk into sections beyond the beginning, middle, and end.  As you internalize your talk’s message, you can break the talk into sections that you either deliver in order or out of order.

But regardless of how you break it up, you should determine what the point of each section is. It may be to tell a story to illustrate some key thoughts. Practicing that section could include practicing telling the story aloud, delivering the punchline, and transitioning out of that story into the next point that you’re trying to make. This will make it easier to memorize your speech.

Each section should stack on to what you’ve already learned. So once you learn paragraph one, then you can practice paragraph two. Then you can go back and practice one and two together – again, everyone has their own technique, but oftentimes out loud is best! (Another tactic here is to record yourself and listen back to help you to not only learn the material, but to also help decide if the material works.)

Sequential structures

One method Grant Baldwin discusses in our podcast on how to write your speech is to use different types of structures. For example, a sequential structure for memorizing your talk can take the main themes you want to speak about and put them in a sequential form, so that it’s easier to remember the order. Grant gives the example of a talk he gave for college audiences called “Life is a Highway,” where he talked about an imaginary road trip. 

As Baldwin said, the way the talk was structured was to talk in the beginning about the past, and where the audience has been, then talk about the future, where they’re going, and to end by talking about where they are, right now. “It needs to almost happen in this certain sequence,” Baldwin said, “which also makes it easier for you to memorize because they need to go in this specific order.”

When you use this structure, you can deliver your speech in any order, Unlike a singer, whose audience may know all the lyrics to the song she sings, if a speaker goes out of order, it may be impossible for the audience to notice – after all, they don’t have a script!

Modular structures

Another type of structure you can use to write your speech is a modular structure. This allows you to go in order, but it also allows you to jump around. This could be especially helpful if you’ve got a couple of main thoughts or ideas and they don’t necessarily have to go in a certain order. You can kind of mix and match them around, similar to how a band at a concert can switch songs around in their setlist.

Baldwin gives the example of topics he covered in a book talk for high school students, answering questions such as, should I go to college? how do I pay for college? What classes do I take? What do I major in? Job interviews, resumes, internships, credit cards, budgets, taxes, etc.

Similar to the sequential structure, it may be helpful for you to think of the content as telling a story, so that you don’t leave anything out. If you have five key themes, for example, that you’d like to cover, they could be five elements of a story you would like to tell. Remember: stories will keep your audience engaged and also make it easier for you to write your speech.

By following these steps, you can set yourself up for success. Many external variables help make a speech go well. Beyond working these steps before giving a speech, you should try to put as many of those variables in your favor as possible. Don’t stay up late the night before at a reception. Don’t eat a massive pasta bowl before you go on stage. Try to avoid speaking during a slot when most of the audience will be distracted. If all the variables are stacked against you but you crush your talk, it can still come across as “meh” to the audience.

Keep in mind: Speaking is like playing jazz – you don’t have to give a talk the same way every time. You can improvise and mix it up sometimes, and you don’t need to plan out every hand gesture or movement or exact line you’ll use. Some of that is fine, but also be present enough with the audience that you can play jazz when the moment calls for it.

If you have a dream to inspire others with your message, you’ve probably considered taking your passion to the stage. Becoming a speaker might sound like a charmed life in many ways. And while it does take hard work, it totally is. 

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In the meantime, here are a few rapid fire FAQs about speeches. Happy speaking!

How much money can you make as a professional speaker?

The runway to a successful business is often slow. But many professional speakers make 6+ figures a year within a couple years of starting their speaking business!

What degree you need to become a professional speaker?

It does not matter! You can have no degree or a PhD in whatever field you like and still be a great speaker.

Can anyone become a professional speaker?

Absolutely.

How long does it take to become a professional speaker?

This may vary quite a bit, primarily based on your state in life.

• Last Updated: February 29, 2024

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Pics Show Nikki Haley Writing 'Finish Them' on Artillery Shell in Israel?

A snopes reader asked in an email, "i cannot believe this is real but it is just so hard to be sure anymore.", jordan liles, published may 30, 2024.

About this rating

Following Hamas' deadly attack in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Haley repeatedly mentioned the words "finish them" alongside specific references to Hamas militants and Iran.

The protracted, often bloody Israeli-Palestinian conflict exploded into a hot war on Oct. 7, 2023, when the militant Palestinian group Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel and Israel retaliated by bombarding the Gaza Strip. More than 20,000 people, the vast majority of them Palestinians, were reportedly killed during the first two months of the war alone. The violence is driven by mutual hostilities and territorial ambitions dating back more than a century. The internet has become an unofficial front in that war and is rife with misinformation, which Snopes is dedicated to countering with facts and context. You can help. Read the latest fact checks. Submit questionable claims. Become a Snopes Member to support our work. We welcome your participation and feedback .

In May 2024, Snopes received messages from readers asking about photos supposedly showing former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley signing a bomb during a recent trip to Israel. The Tel Aviv-based TV channel i24News described the purpose of the former Republican presidential candidate's travel as "a diplomatic and humanitarian visit."

One reader's email read, "Did Nikki Haley sign a bomb? The photo shows 'Finish Them! America Loves Israel. Always, Nikki Haley.' I cannot believe this is real but it is just so hard to be sure anymore." Another reader asked, "Wondering if an image and story of Nikki Haley signing a bomb in Israel is authentic. The photo and caption claim she signed 'Finish Them America (heart) Israel Always.'" Several   users on X also shared   the rumor .

It's true photos show Haley signed at least one artillery shell while in Israel. The signing occurred on or around May 27 during her visit to sites targeted in Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack. Her message, with a heart to symbolize the word "loves," read:

Finish Them! America [Loves] Israel Always, Nikki Haley

Social Media Photos

Two elements of evidence established this true rating. First, former Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon posted photos on  Facebook and Instagram showing Haley signing the shell.

Haley then shared some of Danon's posted photos to her own Facebook and Instagram pages, including in her Instagram Stories.

In one of Danon's photos posted to Instagram Stories, he wrote in Hebrew, "Finish them! This is what my friend, the former ambassador, Nikki Haley wrote today about a shell during a visit to an artillery post on the northern border. The time has come to change the equation - the residents of Tire and Sidon will evacuate, the residents of the north will return. The IDF can win!"

The second element of evidence we reviewed originated from the Islamic Republic News Agency. The IRNA published a  second, similar picture of the same signed shell on its website and posted the photo on X.

Haley's Past Mentions of 'Finish Them'

Following Hamas' attack in Israel on Oct. 7, Haley mentioned the words "finish them" several times as a specific reference to Hamas militants and Iran.

For example, in an Oct. 7 interview on Fox News, Haley said:

America can never be so arrogant to think we don't need friends. Just like we needed them on 9/11. That's why Ukraine needs us when Russia's doing this. That's why Israel needs us when Hamas and Iran are doing this. And I'll say this to Prime Minister Netanyahu: Finish them. Finish them. Hamas did this. You know Iran's behind it. Finish them. They should have hell to pay for what they've just done.

Two days later, on Oct. 9, Haley used the words "finish them" in both the caption and image of an Instagram post . The post read, "At least 9 Americans have been killed in Hamas' war against Israel. This is personal. Hamas terrorists don't distinguish between Israelis & Americans, between grandmothers & soldiers. They are blood thirsty murderers who chant 'death to Israel, death to America.' Finish them."

Additionally,  C-SPAN and the  Iowa Capital Dispatch reported Haley said she spoke the two words during an October 2023 phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

We contacted Haley via a private message on Instagram to ask about the meaning behind her message but did not receive a response.

For further reading, we previously reported  when U.S. President Joe Biden's campaign falsely claimed Haley said the 9/11 terrorist attacks happened on Sept. 10, 2001.

"Danny Danon." Instagram , https://www.instagram.com/danny.danon/.

"'Finish Them,' Republican Presidential Candidate Nikki Haley Said Monday When Asked How the U.S. Should Handle Iran after the Hamas Terrorist Attacks against Israel. 'They Are Only Going to Try and Kill Us and Kill Israelis. We've Got to Put an End to This,' the Former U.N. Ambassador Said during a Campaign Stop in Ida Grove, Iowa." TikTok , C-SPAN, 11 Oct. 2023, https://www.tiktok.com/@cspanofficial/video/7288719961651186990?lang=en.

Fortinsky, Sarah. "Haley Reiterates Support for Israel on Memorial Day Visit."  The Hill , 27 May 2024, https://thehill.com/policy/international/4688130-haley-israel-visit-reiterates-support/.

@IrnaEnglish. "Nikki Haley Signs Israeli Bombs." X , 28 May 2024, https://x.com/IrnaEnglish/status/1795535988972040555.

Journalist ID: 1852. "Nikki Haley Signs Israeli Bombs." IRNA English , 28 May 2024, https://en.irna.ir/news/85492835/Nikki-Haley-signs-Israeli-bombs.

Liles, Jordan. "Nikki Haley Said 9/11 Happened on Sept. 10?" Snopes , 14 Feb. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/haley-911-sept-10/.

"Nikki Haley." Instagram , https://www.instagram.com/nikkihaley/.

---. "Nikki Haley to Netanyahu: 'Finish Them' (FULL Interview)." YouTube , Fox News, 7 Oct. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLe4j9Koxjw.

"Nikki Haley Arrives in Israel for Diplomatic and Humanitarian Visit." i24News , 26 May 2024, https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/diplomacy/artc-nikki-haley-arrives-in-israel-for-diplomatic-and-humanitarian-visit.

Opsahl, Robin. "Nikki Haley Says She Would Support Israel, Strengthen U.S. Military as President." Iowa Capital Dispatch , 20 Oct. 2023, https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/10/20/nikki-haley-says-she-would-support-israel-strengthen-u-s-military-as-president/.

By Jordan Liles

Jordan Liles is a Senior Reporter who has been with Snopes since 2016.

Article Tags

Against D-Day Backdrop, Biden Puts Democracy at Center of Anti-Trump Pitch

C RICQUEVILLE-EN-BESSIN, France—President Biden used the spot where U.S. forces helped turn the tide of World War II to drive home what has become the core argument for his re-election effort: He will preserve democratic freedoms, as American troops did here 80 years ago, while Donald Trump will undermine them.

“American democracy asks the hardest of things: to believe that we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves. So democracy begins with each of us,” Biden said from a cliff overlooking Omaha beach. “It begins when one person decides there’s something more important than themselves.”

Biden delivered his address Friday standing on a German bunker at Pointe du Hoc, where U.S. Army rangers scaled 100-foot cliffs to take out German artillery that otherwise would have been used on Allied forces landing on Normandy beaches on D-Day. The speech echoed one made by former President Ronald Reagan from the same location on the 40th anniversary of the Allied invasion.

Biden drew parallels between that moment and what the U.S. is facing on the world stage today, arguing that the forces that sought to vanquish Hitler would also oppose Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said: “These rangers put mission and country above themselves. Does anyone believe they would exact any less from every American today?”

He didn’t name Trump, who Biden argues poses a threat to U.S. democracy, but he called for the defense of democracy at home, saying “I refuse to believe, I simply refuse to believe that America’s greatness is a thing of the past.”

At home and abroad, Biden has been leaning into a broad pitch centered on democratic principles. It highlights the need to confront autocrats and preserve institutions such as a fair judicial system, diplomatic alliances, the rule of law and freedoms such as abortion rights.

Biden has centered those themes since the start of his presidency, but his tone—and target—have become sharper as his rematch draws closer with Trump, the former president and presumptive Republican nominee. He has pointed to Trump’s false claims about widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election and comments that he would govern like a dictator on the first day of his presidency.

In the aftermath of Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts for falsifying records to cover up hush money paid to a porn star, Democrats think Biden can draw a strong contrast with Trump and motivate voters who might be frustrated on some policy issues. Biden has criticized Trump for his attacks on the judicial system, and he made a point of calling Trump a “convicted felon” at a recent fundraiser.

Trump and his supporters have sought to turn the issue on Biden by accusing him of weaponizing the justice system against his opponent. “We’ve become a banana republic,” Trump said in an interview Wednesday with Fox News.

Democrats think their emphasis on democracy in the closing months of 2022 played an important role in the party performing better than expected in the midterm elections. It is unclear, however, if voters, who in surveys cite the economy and immigration as leading issues, will be swayed by Biden’s message again.

In a Wall Street Journal poll of seven presidential battleground states taken in March, some 6% of voters listed democracy as the most important issue to them in selecting a candidate, compared with 30% who cited the economy or inflation. Among voters who hadn’t firmly committed to either Trump or Biden, only 1% cited democracy as the top issue. The president narrowly trails Trump in most swing-state polls.

But polling on democracy is complicated, said Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster who worked for Biden’s 2020 campaign. Many voters view it as a vague issue when asked in surveys, but they connect with it when they hear Biden talk more about it, she said.

“It under-polls because it’s not how people visualize the issue—they visualize it as January 6th, abortion rights, voting rights,” Lake said. She added that Biden’s speech Friday could motivate certain segments of voters, especially older women, who might have had fathers who fought in World War II.

Surveys also show that many voters are wary of the actions broadly tied to the issue of democracy that Trump has said he might take. About 55% in a February WSJ survey of voters nationally said they oppose pardoning people convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot—which Trump has said he would do for a “large portion” of people convicted of federal offenses—and 40% approved of possible pardons.

Other polls have found the public concerned about a president trying to accrue too much power. About half of voters said it would be a bad development if a president took action on important policy matters without waiting for Congress or the courts, an AP-NORC survey found in March.

Ashley Aylward of the research firm HIT Strategies said its data shows that Biden’s democracy message translates differently to voters based on their age. It doesn’t poll as well with Gen Z voters—those born in 1997 or after—who tend to distrust institutions, as it does for older Americans who are more reliable voters. “These voters are hyper aware of what is at risk right now and react strongly to this type of rhetoric and call to action,” she said.

Throughout his trip this week to France, Biden invoked the Allies’ victory in World War II to call for strengthening democracies when two wars have divided Americans and threatened trans-Atlantic relations.

Ahead of his speech, Biden met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris and announced $225 million in a new tranche of military aid for Ukraine. “You are the bulwark against the aggression that’s taking place,” he said, speaking softly. “We have an obligation to be there.”

Biden said aid would go toward reconstructing the electric grid, but reporters were later told it would be used for the usual munitions, including air defenses that could also help defend the electric grid.

The president has tried to rally allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine for the last two years, but cracks over strategy have emerged. French President Emmanuel Macron has refused to rule out the possibility of sending troops into Ukraine and has been trying to form a coalition of allies willing to train Ukrainians on the ground. Biden is also at odds with many European leaders over his continued support for Israel in the Gaza war.

Biden, who ran for president in 2020 on “restoring the soul of the nation,” has said he is motivated by the need to protect democracy. He has discussed the threats to democracy with historians at the White House, and confronting the clash between democracies and autocracies has underpinned his foreign policy agenda.

“I think Joe Biden believes this is Joe Biden’s purpose, and so that’s why Biden talks about this,” said Brad Todd, a GOP strategist. “This is a campaign mistake.”

Todd said he doesn’t think Democrats’ broad framing of democracy is a message voters are looking for this year, though he acknowledged it helped Democrats in 2022.

“Usually when you are a president running for re-election, you campaign on why you deserve re-election, and the absence of that from Biden tells you why he’s in the jam he’s in,” he said.

Aaron Zitner contributed to this article.

Write to Tarini Parti at [email protected]

5 Tips on How to Write a Speech Essay

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When figuring out how to write a speech, the essay form can offer a good foundation for the process. Just like essays, all speeches have three main sections: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.

However, unlike essays, speeches must be written to be heard as opposed to being read. You need to write a speech in a way that keeps the attention of an audience and helps paint a mental image at the same time. This means that your speech should contain some color, drama, or humor . It should have “flair.” Make your speech memorable by using attention-grabbing anecdotes and examples.

Determine the Type of Speech You're Writing

Since there are different types of speeches, your attention-grabbing techniques should fit the speech type.

Informative  and instructional  speeches inform your audience about a topic, event, or area of knowledge. This can be a how-to on podcasting for teens or a historical report on the Underground Railroad. It also can relate to health and beauty, such as "How to Shape Perfect Eyebrows," or hobby-related, such as "Make a Great Bag Out of Old Clothing."​

Persuasive  speeches attempt to convince or  persuade  the audience to join one side of an argument. You might write a speech about a life choice, such as, "Abstinence Can Save Your Life," or getting involved in the community, such as "The Benefits of Volunteering."

Entertaining  speeches entertain your audience, and topics may not practical. Your speech topic could be something like, "Life Is Like a Dirty Dorm," or "Can Potato Peels Predict the Future?"

Special occasion  speeches entertain or inform your audience, like graduation speeches and toasts at celebrations.

Explore the different types of speeches and decide what speech type fits your assignment.

Craft a Creative Speech Introduction

Thoughtco.com / Grace Fleming

The introduction of the informative speech should contain an attention-grabber, followed by a statement about your topic. It should end with a strong transition into your body section.

As an example, consider a template for an informative speech called "African-American Heroines." The length of your speech will depend on the amount of time you have been allotted to speak.

The red section of the speech in the graphic provides the attention-grabber. It makes audience members think about what life would be like without civil rights. The last sentence states directly the purpose of the speech and leads into the speech body, which provides more details.

Determine the Flow of the Body of the Speech

Thoughtco.com / Grace Fleming

The body of your speech can be organized in a number of ways, depending on your topic. Suggested organization patterns include:

• Chronological: Provides the order of events in time;
• Spatial: Gives an overview of physical arrangement or design;
• Topical: Presents information one subject at a time;
• Causal: Shows cause-and-effect pattern.

The speech pattern illustrated in the image in this slide is topical. The body is divided into sections that address different people (different topics). Speeches typically include three sections (topics) in the body. This speech would continue with a third section about Susie King Taylor.

Writing a Memorable Speech Conclusion

The conclusion of your speech should restate the main points you covered in your speech and end with a memorable statement. In the sample in this graphic, the red section restates the overall message you wanted to convey: that the three women you've mentioned had strength and courage, despite the odds they faced.

The quote is an attention-grabber since it is written in colorful language. The blue section ties the entire speech together with a small twist.

Address These Key Objectives

Whatever type of speech you decide to write, find ways to make your words memorable. Those elements include:

• Clever quotes
• Amusing stories   with a purpose
• Meaningful transitions
• A good ending

The structure of how to write your speech is just the start. You'll also need to finesse the speech a bit. Start by paying attention to your audience and their interests. Write the words you'll speak with passion and enthusiasm, but you also want your listeners to share that enthusiasm. When writing your attention-grabbing statements, make sure you are writing what will get their attention, not just yours.

Study Famous Speeches

Gain inspiration from others' speeches. Read famous speeches and look at the way they are constructed. Find things that stand out and figure out what makes it interesting. Oftentimes, speechwriters use rhetorical devices to make certain points easy to remember and to emphasize them. 

Get to the Point Quickly

Remember to begin and end your speech with something that will gain and hold the attention of your audience. If you spend too much time getting into your speech, people will zone out or start checking their phones. If you get them interested immediately, they will be more likely to stick with you until the end.

Keep It Conversational

How you deliver the speech is also important. When you  give the speech , think about the tone you should use, and be sure to write the speech in the same flow that you'd use in conversations. A great way to check this flow is to practice reading it out loud. If you stumble while reading or it feels monotone, look for ways to jazz up the words and improve the flow. 

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Speechwriting 101: Writing an Effective Speech

Whether you are a communications pro or a human resources executive, the time will come when you will need to write a speech for yourself or someone else.  when that time comes, your career may depend on your success..

J. Lyman MacInnis, a corporate coach,  Toronto Star  columnist, accounting executive and author of  “ The Elements of Great Public Speaking ,”  has seen careers stalled – even damaged – by a failure to communicate messages effectively before groups of people. On the flip side, solid speechwriting skills can help launch and sustain a successful career.  What you need are forethought and methodical preparation.

Know Your Audience

Learn as much as possible about the audience and the event.  This will help you target the insights, experience or knowledge you have that this group wants or needs:

• Why has the audience been brought together?
• What do the members of the audience have in common?
• How big an audience will it be?
• What do they know, and what do they need to know?
• Do they expect discussion about a specific subject and, if so, what?
• What is the audience’s attitude and knowledge about the subject of your talk?
• What is their attitude toward you as the speaker?
• Why are they interested in your topic?

Choose Your Core Message

If the core message is on target, you can do other things wrong. But if the message is wrong, it doesn’t matter what you put around it.  To write the most effective speech, you should have significant knowledge about your topic, sincerely care about it and be eager to talk about it.  Focus on a message that is relevant to the target audience, and remember: an audience wants opinion. If you offer too little substance, your audience will label you a lightweight.  If you offer too many ideas, you make it difficult for them to know what’s important to you.

Research and Organize

Research until you drop.  This is where you pick up the information, connect the ideas and arrive at the insights that make your talk fresh.  You’ll have an easier time if you gather far more information than you need.  Arrange your research and notes into general categories and leave space between them. Then go back and rearrange. Fit related pieces together like a puzzle.

Develop Structure to Deliver Your Message

First, consider whether your goal is to inform, persuade, motivate or entertain.  Then outline your speech and fill in the details:

• Introduction – The early minutes of a talk are important to establish your credibility and likeability.  Personal anecdotes often work well to get things started.  This is also where you’ll outline your main points.
• Body – Get to the issues you’re there to address, limiting them to five points at most.  Then bolster those few points with illustrations, evidence and anecdotes.  Be passionate: your conviction can be as persuasive as the appeal of your ideas.
• Conclusion – Wrap up with feeling as well as fact. End with something upbeat that will inspire your listeners.

You want to leave the audience exhilarated, not drained. In our fast-paced age, 20-25 minutes is about as long as anyone will listen attentively to a speech. As you write and edit your speech, the general rule is to allow about 90 seconds for every double-spaced page of copy.

Spice it Up

Once you have the basic structure of your speech, it’s time to add variety and interest.  Giving an audience exactly what it expects is like passing out sleeping pills. Remember that a speech is more like conversation than formal writing.  Its phrasing is loose – but without the extremes of slang, the incomplete thoughts, the interruptions that flavor everyday speech.

• Give it rhythm. A good speech has pacing.
• Vary the sentence structure. Use short sentences. Use occasional long ones to keep the audience alert. Fragments are fine if used sparingly and for emphasis.
• Use the active voice and avoid passive sentences. Active forms of speech make your sentences more powerful.
• Repeat key words and points. Besides helping your audience remember something, repetition builds greater awareness of central points or the main theme.
• Ask rhetorical questions in a way that attracts your listeners’ attention.
• Personal experiences and anecdotes help bolster your points and help you connect with the audience.
• Use quotes. Good quotes work on several levels, forcing the audience to think. Make sure quotes are clearly attributed and said by someone your audience will probably recognize.

Be sure to use all of these devices sparingly in your speeches. If overused, the speech becomes exaggerated. Used with care, they will work well to move the speech along and help you deliver your message in an interesting, compelling way.

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