Speech Writing: How to Captivate an Audience
Writing a great speech is entirely different from writing a great essay. Essays are meant to be read slowly by the eyes. Speeches are meant to be heard once by the ear. If your speech reads like a term paper, you will put your audience to sleep.
1. Write for the Ear, Not the Eye
When drafting your speech in a text editor or notepad, use conversational language. You are not trying to sound overly academic. Strive for clarity above all else.
- Use shorter sentences: Long, winding sentences cause the speaker to run out of breath and the audience to lose the plot.
- Use contractions: Write "Don't" instead of "Do not." It's how people actually speak.
- Avoid jargon: Unless you are speaking to a highly technical niche audience, keep abbreviations and heavy industry terms to a minimum.
2. The "Hook" - Open With Impact
You have exactly 30 seconds to convince the audience that they shouldn't pull out their phones. Do not start with "Hello, my name is X and today I will be talking to you about Y."
Start with a Story: "I was 22 years old when I sat in the parking lot of my first job, wondering if I had just made the biggest mistake of my life."
Start with a Shocking Statistic: "By the time I finish this 10-minute speech, 300 new businesses will have failed."
Start with a Question: "Raise your hand if you have ever felt completely unprepared for a meeting."
3. The Rule of Three
Human beings are pattern-seeking animals. The number three is the smallest number required to create a pattern, and it makes ideas incredibly sticky. Utilize the Rule of Three throughout your speech.
- Structure: Give your speech exactly three main points. A fourth point will be forgotten.
- Phrasing: "Veni, vidi, vici" (I came, I saw, I conquered). "Blood, sweat, and tears." Grouping items in threes creates a satisfying rhythmic cadence.
4. Use Signposting
A reader can look back at a previous paragraph if they get lost. A listener cannot rewind your speech. You have to guide them explicitly using "Signposting."
Tell them where you are going: "There are three main reasons for this. First..."
Tell them when you are transitioning: "Now that we've looked at the problem, let's explore the solution."
Tell them when you are wrapping up: "In conclusion..." or "Let me leave you with this final thought."
5. The Teleprompter Format
When you format your final draft to print or read from a tablet, do not use a standard font size spanning the entire page. Break your lines where you naturally need to pause or breathe. Give your text large margins and use a big, readable font. Our Text Formatter can help you break down large block paragraphs into readable speaking lines.