Speech Writing Tips
Start with a gripping opening - the first twenty seconds are vitally important. If your speech starts off dull, and then progressively gets more exciting, your audience will not be as captivated as if you begin strongly. If your subject matter allows it, open with a funny joke. If it is more serious, such as a speech about a famous historical figure, ask a thought-provoking question as an opening statement. Try to grab the attention of your audience.
When your opening statement is made, pause for a moment. Silence is a good tool for getting your audience to pay attention. Once you are sure they are listening, explain clearly what you are going to talk about.
After explaining the subject matter, again pause briefly and then ask a few rhetorical questions. This arouses curiosity and establishes a bond with your audience.
Make sure to write in where the pauses will occur in your speech.
Include facts, stories, quotations, analogies, etc. Within reason, keep it a guessing game (i.e. don’t make your speech too predictable). Make it fun; the tone should be more suited to a dinner conversation than a novel. Don’t make it too formal as this will possibly alienate your audience, making them feel they are being lectured at rather than spoken to.
As you near the conclusion of your speech, wind it down a little to prepare them for the ending. The final few seconds of your speech should be as exciting as the opening statements. According to the psychological theory of primacy and recency, audiences tend to remember the opening and closing of speeches the most. Leave your audience with something to think about, and make sure that your conclusion corresponds to the overall tone of the speech.
Whatever you do, don’t bore your audience!
When your opening statement is made, pause for a moment. Silence is a good tool for getting your audience to pay attention. Once you are sure they are listening, explain clearly what you are going to talk about.
After explaining the subject matter, again pause briefly and then ask a few rhetorical questions. This arouses curiosity and establishes a bond with your audience.
Make sure to write in where the pauses will occur in your speech.
Include facts, stories, quotations, analogies, etc. Within reason, keep it a guessing game (i.e. don’t make your speech too predictable). Make it fun; the tone should be more suited to a dinner conversation than a novel. Don’t make it too formal as this will possibly alienate your audience, making them feel they are being lectured at rather than spoken to.
As you near the conclusion of your speech, wind it down a little to prepare them for the ending. The final few seconds of your speech should be as exciting as the opening statements. According to the psychological theory of primacy and recency, audiences tend to remember the opening and closing of speeches the most. Leave your audience with something to think about, and make sure that your conclusion corresponds to the overall tone of the speech.
Whatever you do, don’t bore your audience!