Speeches in front of classes, events, or work presentations are scary. However, you can increase your confidence by writing an effective speech first. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can write a speech that can inform, persuade, motivate, or entertain. Give yourself plenty of time to compose your speech and practice several times for best results.
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Method 1 of 2: Writing Effective Speeches
Step 1. Study the topic
If you're writing an informative or persuasive speech, make sure you've done thorough research. Research results will make you more credible and convincing. Look to scholarly sources, such as books, academic journals, newspaper articles, and government websites to find information and support your claim.
For speeches in front of the class, ask the teacher for details, such as the number and types of acceptable sources
Step 2. Create an outline that includes the main arguments and points
Organizing ideas and research into an outline is a great way to check for completeness and flow before starting to write. In general, a speech should have an introduction, five main points with supporting evidence (such as statistics, quotes, examples, and anecdotes), and a conclusion. Use a numeric or bullet point structure.
If you are writing an informative or persuasive speech, plan to organize the speech with a problem and solution structure. Begin the speech by talking about the problem, then explain how to solve the problem in the second half of the speech
Tip: Remember that you can always change the outline later or while writing. Include any information that seems relevant now, with the preparation that you may have to correct it later.
Step 3. Choose an opening that catches the attention of the audience
Opening words are probably the most important part of a speech because that's when the audience decides whether or not to continue listening. Depending on the topic and purpose of the speech itself, you can start with something funny, sad, scary, or surprising.
- For example, if you're writing a motivational speech about weight loss, say, "Five years ago, I couldn't take the stairs without having to stop halfway to breathe."
- If you want to persuade your audience to use less fuel, you might say, "Fuel-intensive vehicles are one of the causes of global warming that threatens to destroy our planet."
Step 4. Connect the topic to the larger problem to provide background information
The audience may not immediately understand the relevance of the topic if it is not explained. This is very important because if the topic is perceived as irrelevant by the audience, they may not pay much attention to it. Think about the big theme and the appropriateness of your topic. Why should the audience care about the topic?
For example, if you are giving a speech to raise funds for Alzheimer's research, provide information about how many people have Alzheimer's and how the disease affects families. You can do this by presenting a combination of statistics and anecdotes
Tip:
Write an introduction less than the length of a regular paragraph or one double-spaced page. This is so that you don't spend a lot of time on context and background before getting to the point.
Step 5. State all the main points in a logical order
After introducing the topic and providing context, get to the point of the speech. State each point clearly and provide additional information, evidence, facts, and statistics for explanation. Dedicate one paragraph to each point.
For example, in a speech to end animal testing for cosmetics, you might start by pointing out that animal testing is cruel, then explain that it's not necessary, and then provide an alternative so that animal testing seems old-fashioned
Step 6. Introduce a new topic and summarize the material that has been presented
Another way to help your audience understand your point is to provide a 1 or 2 sentence summary before moving on to a new topic, then summarize the material again in 1 or 2 sentences after it's explained. Choose simple words so that your points are easy to understand.
For example, if you want to discuss the concept of delayed onset muscle soreness, give the outline first, then explain the details and how they relate to your point, then end the section with a summary of the main points
Step 7. Insert transitions to guide the audience
Transitions will smooth the flow of speech and help the audience see the connection points. You may not notice the transitions when reading or writing, but if you don't include them, your writing will seem awkward. Make sure you've included transitions throughout the speech. Some of the transition words and phrases that can be used are:
- Then
- Next
- Previously
- After that
- First of all
- Second
- At that time
- Next week
Step 8. End the speech with a call to action
Near the end of the speech, the audience is hooked on your topic and ready to act. Encourage audiences to seek more information and take part in problem solving by telling them what they can do. In this section, you can provide resources and directions on how to participate.
- For example, if you describe the effects of global warming on the polar bear population, end your speech with information about a non-profit organization working to protect the environment and the polar bear population.
- If you're talking about struggling with weight loss, say that your audience can start their program right now, and provide tips and resources that have worked for you.
Method 2 of 2: Make Speeches More Captivating
Step 1. Choose short and simple words and sentences
The use of heavy terms when simple words are able to convey the same meaning may confuse the audience. Long and complex sentences will also obscure points. Choose plain language for most of the speech content. Use complex words or phrases only when there is no other way to express the idea.
- For example, instead of saying, “Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is the pinnacle of human existence because it allows you to achieve physical excellence that boosts self-confidence and gives you a sense of satisfaction”, you might want to choose something as simple as this, “A healthy weight allows you to do a lot of things. physically, and overall makes you happier and happier.”
- Remember that sentence structure variety is also important. You can enter long sentences once or twice per page for added variety. However, don't overdo it.
Step 2. Choose the use of nouns over pronouns for clarity
Using pronouns occasionally is fine, especially to avoid repeating words over and over again. However, using too many pronouns can make it difficult for your audience to follow your argument and what you're talking about. Choose the right nouns (names of places, people, and things) whenever possible and avoid redundant pronouns. Here are examples of pronouns:
- This
- He
- He
- They
- We
- Our
- It
Step 3. Repeat the word or phrase several times during the speech
Repetition is a powerful element in speech. Excessive repetition in other writings is annoying, but in speech it can crystallize arguments and keep the audience interested.
- For example, if you are giving a speech to a group of salespeople who are trying to increase sales of a new product called “Synergy”, you could repeat a simple phrase that creates that effect, such as “Tell your customers about Synergy”, or say “Synergy” several times along the way. speech to remind the audience about the product.
- If you're writing a motivational speech about how running can help with emotional problems, you can repeat the phrase "run" in your speech to emphasize the idea, such as "Run to forget the pain."
Step 4. Limit statistics and citations so the audience doesn't get confused
You might think that presenting lots of statistics and expert quotes will make an argument more convincing, but the effect is quite the opposite. Limit to 1 or 2 statistics or quotes for each point, and choose the ones that are really appropriate and supportive.
- For example, if you're speaking about reindeer mating patterns, 2 numbers indicating a decline in the deer population will have more impact than telling a period ranging up to 50 years. Describing complex statistics about deer populations may not be interesting, and even confuse the audience.
- Choose quotes that are easy to understand and explain each quote you use to support your argument. Choose citations that use plain language, and no more than 2 lines on the page.
Step 5. Maintain a good tone throughout the speech
The tone of voice is decisive. There is a tone of serious, cheerful, humorous, or urgent. The choice of words and the manner in which they are delivered will affect the tone of the speech.
For example, when describing your love of food in a motivational speech about becoming a chef, you could include a joke like this, “I always wanted to be a chef, even as a child, when I learned that donuts are made by humans, not falling from the sky.”
Step 6. Provide visual aids if allowed
PowerPoint presentations are not a must for a good speech, but they can help your audience remember, especially if the speech contains some complex points. You can also use slides to provide visual representations, such as pictures, charts, and quotes.
Don't rely on slides. You still have to deliver the speech in an interesting way. Slides are just to back up your words
Step 7. Practice and look for weak points that can be improved
After the speech has been written, read it several times and look for areas that can be strengthened. If your speech is time constrained, work out its duration as you practice.
Read the speech aloud while reviewing it. This is to determine if your words are natural and find odd parts that can be cut, smoothed, or explained
Tip: Ask friends or family to listen to your speech and provide feedback.
