How to Write and Give a Speech

1. Assess your audience and tailor your message accordingly

"Communication is a two-way street. Speakers shouldn't talk 'at' audiences. Speakers need to talk 'with' audiences."

Know your audience. Before writing your speech, gather information about your audience's demographics, interests, and expectations. Consider factors such as:

• Age range and gender distribution
• Educational and professional backgrounds
• Cultural and political orientations
• Familiarity with your subject matter
• Attitudes towards you and your organization

Tailor your content. Once you understand your audience, adapt your message to resonate with them:

• Choose examples and anecdotes that relate to their experiences
• Address their specific concerns and interests
• Use language and terminology they can understand
• Adjust your tone and style to match their expectations

2. Structure your speech with a clear beginning, middle, and end

"Tell them what you're going to tell them. Tell them. Tell them what you've told them."

Craft a compelling opening. The first 30 seconds are crucial for capturing your audience's attention. Consider starting with:

• A surprising statistic or fact
• A thought-provoking question
• A relevant personal anecdote
• A powerful quote

Organize the body. Choose a logical structure for your main points, such as:

• Chronological order
• Problem-solution approach
• Cause and effect
• Geographical order

Use clear transitions between sections to guide your audience through your argument.

End with impact. Your conclusion should reinforce your main message and leave a lasting impression. Consider:

• Summarizing your key points
• Offering a call to action
• Ending with a memorable quote or personal reflection

3. Simplify your language and use powerful rhetorical devices

"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler."

Use plain language. Avoid jargon, complex terminology, and unnecessarily long words. Aim for:

• Short, simple sentences
• Active voice
• Concrete rather than abstract terms
• Familiar analogies and metaphors

Employ rhetorical devices. Enhance your speech with techniques that make it more memorable and persuasive:

• Repetition: Reinforce key points
• Triads: Group ideas in threes for impact
• Alliteration: Use repeated sounds for emphasis
• Rhetorical questions: Engage the audience's thinking
• Vivid imagery: Paint pictures with words

Be concise. Cut ruthlessly, removing any information that doesn't directly support your main message. Remember: In speeches, less is often more.

4. Practice and rehearse to perfect your delivery

"It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech."

Start early. Begin preparing your speech well in advance, allowing time for multiple revisions and practice sessions.

Rehearse aloud. Practice delivering your speech out loud, ideally in conditions similar to the actual event:

• Stand up and use a lectern if possible
• Time yourself to ensure you're within the allotted time
• Record yourself to identify areas for improvement

Seek feedback. Ask colleagues, friends, or a speech coach to listen to your rehearsal and provide constructive criticism on:

• Content clarity and organization
• Delivery style and pacing
• Body language and gestures
• Handling of visual aids or props

Refine and repeat. Use the feedback to make improvements, then practice again until you feel confident and natural in your delivery.

5. Engage your audience with eye contact and body language

"Good eye contact will do more to help your delivery than anything else."

Make genuine eye contact. Look directly at individuals in the audience, holding eye contact for a few seconds before moving on. This builds trust and connection.

Use expressive body language. Your nonverbal communication is as important as your words:

• Stand tall with good posture
• Use natural, purposeful gestures to emphasize points
• Let your facial expressions match your message
• Move purposefully if appropriate for your venue

Project energy and enthusiasm. Your audience will mirror your energy level, so show genuine passion for your topic through your voice and demeanor.

6. Handle Q&A sessions and difficult situations with poise

"There aren't any embarrassing questions—just embarrassing answers."

Prepare for questions. Anticipate potential questions and practice your responses. Have key statistics and supporting information ready.

Listen carefully. Make sure you understand the question before responding. Rephrase if necessary to clarify.

Stay calm and professional. When faced with challenging questions or hecklers:

• Remain composed and respectful
• Acknowledge the questioner's concern
• Redirect to your main points when appropriate
• Avoid getting defensive or argumentative

Be honest. If you don't know an answer, say so. Offer to follow up with the information later.

7. Leverage media and technology to amplify your message

"With technology that allows anyone to easily record you (and with the prospect that someone most likely will), a presentation on a given date in a given city takes on a timeless, global quality."

Use visual aids judiciously. When appropriate, enhance your speech with:

• Clear, simple PowerPoint slides
• Relevant images or charts
• Short video clips
• Physical props or demonstrations

Ensure all visual elements support rather than distract from your message.

Engage on social media. Before and after your speech:

• Share teasers or key points on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter
• Offer to provide additional resources or answer questions online
• Encourage attendees to share their takeaways using a specific hashtag

Consider recording. If appropriate, record your speech for wider distribution:

• Post highlights on your website or YouTube channel
• Create a podcast episode from the audio
• Share key moments on social media

8. Adapt your speech for international and diverse audiences

"If I want to sell you something, then I speak in your language. Aber wenn Sie mir 'was verkaufen wollen, dann sollen Sie meine Sprache können."

Research cultural norms. When speaking to international audiences, be aware of:

• Appropriate gestures and body language
• Humor that translates across cultures
• Local customs and etiquette

Use clear, simple language. Avoid idioms, slang, or cultural references that may not be understood globally.

Work with interpreters. If using translation services:

• Speak slowly and clearly
• Provide your script in advance
• Use short, simple sentences
• Avoid jokes or wordplay that may not translate well

Show respect. Demonstrate your appreciation for the host culture by:

• Learning a few key phrases in the local language
• Acknowledging local customs or holidays
• Referring to local examples or case studies when possible

9. Work effectively with speechwriters and speakers bureaus

"Very few senior executives have the time to write their own speeches."

Choose the right speechwriter. When hiring a speechwriter, look for:

• Relevant experience in your industry
• Ability to capture your voice and style
• Strong research and interviewing skills
• Flexibility to work within your process

Collaborate closely. To get the best results:

• Provide clear briefings on the speech's purpose and audience
• Share personal anecdotes and perspectives
• Review drafts carefully and provide specific feedback
• Allow time for revisions and refinement

Leverage speakers bureaus. If your organization has a speakers bureau:

• Ensure speakers receive proper training and support
• Develop a range of topics and presentations
• Track performance and gather audience feedback
• Recognize and reward effective speakers

10. Overcome nervousness and project confidence on stage

"Nervousness is simply energy. If you channel that energy, you can turn it into a positive force."

Prepare thoroughly. The best antidote to nervousness is thorough preparation:

• Know your material inside and out
• Rehearse until you feel comfortable
• Familiarize yourself with the venue in advance

Use relaxation techniques. Before speaking, try:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Positive visualization

Focus on your message. Instead of worrying about yourself, concentrate on the value you're providing to your audience.

Start strong. Build confidence by:

• Memorizing your opening lines
• Making eye contact with friendly faces in the audience
• Speaking slightly slower than normal at first

Remember, some nervousness is natural and can actually enhance your performance by keeping you alert and energized.

Last updated: October 20, 2024