If You Want to Write a Great Speech, Here’s How to Do It
Writing a speech isn’t all that different than writing for other mediums. You need to know your audience, the required length, and the purpose or topic. This is true whether your speech is for a business conference, a wedding, a school project, or any other scenario.
But there’s something about speech writing that’s especially nerve-wracking.
If you write and deliver a speech that doesn’t go over well, you’ll get feedback in real time. The people sitting in front of you could lose interest, start talking, doze off, or even wander out of the room. (Don’t worry, only audiences in movies throw tomatoes).
Of course, a poor speech is not the end of the world. You can give plenty of crummy speeches and live to tell the tale.
But we also know that a great speech is capable of changing the world. Or at least sparking an audience’s imagination, catapulting your business into success, earning an A+ on your assignment, or ensuring that the bride and groom are still friends with you after the wedding.
So if you’re feeling stressed over your impending speech writing duties, fret no more! Today we’re breaking down for you the step-by-step process of exactly how to write a great speech.
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1 Tips to write (and live) by
Let’s start with the 30,000 foot, big-picture view. These are the tenets that will guide you in your speech writing process (and pretty much anything else you want to write).
- Know the purpose: What are you trying to accomplish with your speech? Educate, inspire, entertain, argue a point? Your goals will dictate the tone and structure, and result in dramatically different speeches.
- Know your audience: Your speech should be tailored for your audience, both in terms of ideas and language. If you’re speaking at a sound healer convention, you won’t need to explain the concept of energetic blocks. And if you’re speaking to an octogenarians-only quilting circle, you probably shouldn’t drop as many F-bombs as you would with your local biker gang.
- Know the length: You don’t want to underwhelm or overwhelm your audience.Ten minutes may be too short for your keynote address, but it’s probably too long for your best man speech. Don’t leave things up to chance. Your writing process will be much easier if you keep your eye on your target length.
- Write, revise, practice, revise, practice…: MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech wasn’t written in a day. Give yourself the time you need to practice your material and work through multiple drafts. Don’t expect to nail everything on the first try.
2 The step-by-step process
Still feeling stressed over how to get started? Here’s how to write your speech from concept to completion.
Step 1: Outline your speech’s structure. What are the main ideas for each section?
Step 2: Flesh out the main ideas in your outline. Don’t worry about finding the perfect words. Just let your creativity flow and get it all out!
Step 3: Edit and polish what you’ve written until you have a cohesive first draft of your speech
Step 4: Practice, practice, practice. The more you practice your speech the more you’ll discover which sections need reworked, which transitions should be improved, and which sentences are hard to say. You’ll also find out how you’re doing on length.
Step 5: Update, practice, and revise your speech until it has a great flow and you feel it’s ready to accomplish its purpose.
3 The universal structure
Getting hung up on Step 1? Here’s a structure you can follow for any type of speech.
Introduction
Who are you, why are are you giving this speech, what is your main thesis?
The “who” and “why” can be longer or shorter depending on the context. For example, if you’re speaking at a wedding, you’ll want to explain your relationship to the bride and groom and why they mean so much to you. But if you’re presenting to your class at school, you may be able to head straight into your thesis.
If you’re presenting in a business or motivational setting, this is a crucial time to hook your audience’s attention and pique their curiosity. Typically someone else will have already introduced you and your accolades, so use this to your advantage and dive straight in.
“Hi everyone, it’s great to be here! As Kevin just said, I’ve been an urban beet farmer for 30 years, and a couple years back I got this absolutely crazy idea. What if…”
Main message
Idea 1, Idea 2, Idea 3…
The majority of your speech should be spent presenting your thesis and supporting material in a simple, organized way.
Whether you’re giving an inspirational talk or a business presentation, rambling is a sure-fire way to lose your audience’s attention. Don’t try to share absolutely everything you know on your topic, instead pick a few (two to five) key points to present to your audience.
Stick to one point at a time and finish the thought before you move on to the next. Build in clear, logical transitions from idea to idea.
Want to make your speech memorable? Studies have shown our brains are great at remember stories! As much as is appropriate, make your speech personal and include your own anecdotes and thoughts.
We’re also better at remembering big ideas if they’re condensed into a few memorable words, so do your best to sum up your thesis.
“I have a dream.”
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
“Make good art.”
What do you want your audience to walk out of the room remembering?
Wrap everything up and drive home your main idea, whether that’s through providing a few (one to three) key takeaways, or telling one last story that perfectly illustrates your point.
Here are some examples of how your outline might look
As a researcher presenting your findings…
Introduction: Explain the key problem or question of your research.
Main message: Describe the research process, then describe your three key findings.
Takeaway: Present your conclusions and their implications, then your next steps for moving forward.
As the maid of honor giving a speech at your best friend’s wedding…
Introduction: Explain who you are and how you met the bride.
Main message: Recount three funny and heartwarming stories about your decades-long friendship with her, plus your first impressions of the groom.
Takeaway: Wrap things up by expounding on how amazing the bride and groom’s love for each other is, how they’re meant to be together, and how you know their love will last a lifetime. …L’chaim!
What are your favorite tips for writing a great speech?
Here’s a tip: Grammarly’s Citation Generator ensures your essays have flawless citations and no plagiarism. Try it for citing speeches in Chicago , MLA , and APA styles.
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How to write a good speech in 7 steps
By: Susan Dugdale | Last modified: 09-11-2022
- 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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What’s a quick way to write a speech?
Speech writing doesn’t need to be a confused mess of ideas if you follow these simple Ginger speech writing tips. Look at your speech like taking a group of adventures up a mountain. Let’s investigate…
You’ve got your audience, your band of people going on a journey with you. You’re starting out by looking at the Himalayas, this glorious range of mountains; all the different speech topics you can get to. Then with your group you decide “Look. THIS is the mountain we’re going to climb today; this is the journey I’m going to take you on.”
Quick Speech Writing Tip 1 – Choose the journey
At the beginning of the speech set up your aim; where you want to take your audience .
At the beginning also, you want to make sure that they trust you as a speaker . They’re not going to follow you up a mountain if they don’t feel you’re fully equipped or fully credible to go on that journey, getting them there safely and quickly. Gain credibility and then you start on this journey with them.
Quick Speech Writing Tip 2 – Climb the mountain
As you begin think of the key moments as places to stop along the way, moments for the audience to catch their breath and to appreciate the view around them.
Remember you are experiencing this together and as you go up the mountain you might find that things are getting more exciting. Building in intensity you help your audience to continue to focus on the top of the mountain.
Quick Speech Writing Tip 3 – Hold their interest
There should be something there motivating your audience to keep going. Tell them the purpose, the “why I’m telling you this information” .
Create some drama, a “good versus evil” contrast . It could be the right solution versus the wrong solution and as you go up the mountain the stakes are raised.
Quick Speech Writing Tip 4 – Reach the summit
Each key moment, or resting place, becomes more important than the one before until you hit the climax. Then as we reach the summit the audience feels that they’ve learned something new and can see something beautiful as a result. You’ve all learned something together. You can all say “We’ve reached the top of the mountain and we can all be amazed at the work we’ve done together” .
Quick Speech Writing Tip 5 – Descend quickly
The descent is like a movie ending. Boy meets girl, loses girl, gets girl back in the big climax point of the movie. But more often than not there is just a little piece at the end where they tell you how the boy and girl dropped thousands on a wedding and had babies and didn’t have time for snuggling any more leading to another movie. (kidding. Sorta) It’s a little wrap up, a brief conclusion that gives everyone the feeling that you’ve “breathed out”, conquered the mountain, and are grateful to be down the other side… together. This is where you get to call your audience to action and at this point you’ll need to be powerful. You’ll need to push your key information outlined in your speech.
Your conclusion should look like this: Key information. A call to action. Stop talking. Your audience doesn’t need to walk all the way back down the mountain with you, they’ll lose energy. Instead, imagine you’ve chartered a helicopter to whiz everyone back down.
Follow these quick speech writing tips and you’ll be sure to impress!
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Grow » thrive, 7 steps to writing a great speech.
These seven steps will help you write a memorable and effective speech.
By: Jamie Johnson , Contributor
If you’re preparing for a presentation, the work really begins when you sit down to write your speech. A great speech will engage the audience and can lead to greater personal and professional success. Here are seven steps to writing an effective speech.
Know what your core message is
When preparing to write a speech, you want to start by thinking about the core message you want to share. Your core message should be a topic you’re knowledgeable and passionate about and one that’s relevant to your audience.
The topic should be delivered in a way that’s easy to understand and concise. Ideally, your audience should be able to explain what the speech was about in just one or two sentences.
Think about your audience
Next, you want to learn as much as possible about your audience because this will inform how you deliver the speech. The language you use and the examples you share will depend on the audience you’re speaking to.
As you learn more about your audience, you want to consider the circumstances that brought them together. Are they gathering for a business conference, or is it for a charity event? How big will the audience be, and how knowledgeable are they about the subject you’re speaking on?
[Read more: How to Give a Great Presentation ]
Do your research
The amount of research you complete will depend on how familiar you are with your topic. But even if it’s a topic you know inside and out, it’s a good idea to do at least some research. This will help you gather new information and come up with unique and fresh ideas.
The amount of research you complete will depend on how familiar you are with your topic. But even if it’s a topic you know inside and out, it’s a good idea to do at least some research.
Come up with an outline.
Now it’s time to organize your information and ideas into a detailed outline. Organizing your information will make it easier once it’s time to sit down and write the speech. Your outline should include three main parts:
- Introduction : The introduction sets the stage for the information you’ll be sharing. It’s a good idea to start with a story that will catch your audience’s attention. From there, you can outline what you’ll be sharing and the conclusion you’ll reach.
- Body : The body of your speech is where you’ll highlight the overarching points you’re trying to make. But be careful not to throw too much information at your audience — two to three main points are enough.
- Conclusion : During the conclusion, you’ll summarize your core message and what the audience should take away from the speech. Look for ways to end your speech on a strong note, so the audience understands why this topic matters and how they can take action.
Write a draft
Once you have an outline, you can begin drafting your speech. Don’t try to make your speech perfect during the drafting stage — just try to get your ideas on paper. You can come back to revise and improve your speech later.
Choose a presentation tool
If you’re speaking in a professional setting, you’ll likely want to compliment your speech with a presentation tool like PowerPoint. Using a slide deck is a great way to add a visual element to your speech that will further engage the audience. Using a template can make it easier to develop a well-designed slide deck.
[Read more: 6 Business Presentation Tools for Small Businesses ]
Practice and revise
Great speeches take time to write, so you should plan to practice and revise your speech as needed. You can practice your speech in front of a friend or family member, ask for their feedback, and then adjust your speech accordingly.
As you’re revising, focus on using conversational language and short sentences. Look for any areas that are too general or vague, and try to come up with specific examples that will back up your core message.
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How to Write a Speech: Top Tips
Table of Contents
9 engaging speech writing tips, what are the different speech types , how to find help writing a speech.
A great speech is impactful and engaging. It should eloquently and clearly express your ideas.
Whatever the topic, a good speech should showcase your authority on a topic and demonstrate excellent communication and leadership skills.
Many people don't know how to write a speech, so the process seems daunting. But there are a few best practices and tips that can make the writing process easier.
In this article, we’ll discuss some best practices to help you write an effective speech that engages and captures your audience.
Public speaking can be nerve-racking. However, having a well-written speech can decrease some of that anxiety.
Even if you’ve never written a speech before, there are still best practices you can follow.
An engaging speech should be clear, to the point, and follow a logical order. But how do you ensure your speech follows these criteria? Follow these nine engaging speech writing tips.
Know Your Audience
Analyze your target audience to improve the effectiveness of your speech because different audiences will have different expectations.
Consider your audience’s age, level of understanding, attitudes, and what they expect to take away from your speech, then tailor your message accordingly.
For example, if your audience members are teenagers, it’s unlikely that references to the ’70s will be effective.
Start With a Clear Purpose
Decide on the main point of your speech, and make sure all your content supports that point. Choose a topic that fits the following criteria:
A topic that is relevant to your audience
A topic you’re excited about
A topic you have reasonable knowledge about
Organize Your Ideas
Use a speech outline to organize your thoughts and ideas logically.
Identify the introduction, body, and conclusion of your speech to help you stay focused and make your speech easier to follow.
Use Strong, Clear Language
Choose your words carefully, and use simple language that is easy to understand. Avoid jargon or technical terms that your audience may not be familiar with.
Again, your word choice will depend on your audience. For example, you’ll want to steer clear of slang when speaking to an older, conservative crowd.
Use Transitions
Speech transitions are words and phrases that allow you to move smoothly from one point to another. Use transitional words and phrases like “besides” to help your audience follow your thought process and understand how your points are connected.
Add Variety to Speech
A speech that is monotonous or lacks variety may cause your audience to lose interest.
Including a variety of elements in your speech, such as anecdotes, examples, and visual aids, can help keep your audience engaged and interested.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice your speech out loud to ensure it flows well and you’re comfortable with the material. Read your speech in front of the mirror or before someone you trust to give you critical feedback. Note the points for improvement, and incorporate them into how you deliver your speech.
End With a Strong Conclusion
How would you like to leave your audience members: inspired, informed, or mesmerized? Aim to end your speech on a high note. Summarize your main points, and leave your audience with a memorable takeaway.
Edit and Revise
Proofread and revise your speech to ensure it’s well written and error free. Use a grammar checker, such as ProWritingAid, to correct any grammar issues. You’ll also get suggestions on how to improve your sentence structures and transitions.
How to Write a Good Speech Introduction
The introduction can make or break your speech. It’s where you grab your audience’s attention to keep them engaged and state the purpose of your speech.
An introduction also gives you the opportunity to establish your credibility. You should aim to give your audience a reason to listen to the rest of the speech rather than tuning out.
Here are some tips on how to create a positive first impression.
Start With a Hook
Begin your introduction with a hook that will grab your audience’s attention and make them want to listen. There are several options for a hook:
A statistic
A personal anecdote
Reference to a current or historical event
When thinking of an attention grabber, consider how appropriate and relevant it is to your audience and the purpose of the speech. For example, if you’re giving a speech to an older audience, you can make a historical reference that they can easily relate to.
Provide Context
Provide context by giving your audience some background information about the topic of your speech. This will help them understand the importance of what you are talking about and why they should care.
State Your Thesis
Clearly and concisely state the main point or purpose of your speech. Your thesis should be easy to follow and clearly outline the main argument and your stance. This will give your audience a clear understanding of what they can expect to learn from your presentation.
Preview Your Main Points
Give your audience a sense of the structure of your speech by briefly outlining the key points or arguments you will be making. They’ll know what to expect, and your speech will be easier to follow.
Keep It Short
Your introduction should be concise and to the point, so don’t spend too much time on it. It’s important to keep your speech brief, and avoid including unnecessary or unrelated information.
The goal is to engage and interest your audience, not bore them, so aim for a few well-chosen words rather than a lengthy introduction. Aim for your introduction to be about 10-15% of the total length of your speech.
A speech is just like any other piece of writing. You’ll need to identify your purpose, audience, and intention and then write accordingly. There are many types of speeches, and each type has its own expectations.
Let’s look at some of the most popular speeches and how to write them.
How to Write a Short Speech
Short speeches may be the most tedious to write because of how condensed and concise the information has to be. However, if you ever have to give a farewell, birthday tribute, or just a quick welcome, there are still some tips available to make your speech great.
Start by identifying your topic, title, and the purpose of your speech, which will set the foundation of your outline. Then, determine the main points of your speech; keep it short with two to three points. Remember, a short speech is typically less than ten minutes long, so keep your points concise and to the point.
Since you have limited time to make the most impact, incorporate powerful words or other engaging elements. For example, you could throw out a thought-provoking question or anecdote, which will grab your audience’s attention and keep them engaged.
Finally, once you’ve written your speech, review it for brevity and clarity.
Be confident about grammar
Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.
How to Write a Presentation Speech
A presentation speech is used to inform, persuade, explain, or demonstrate a particular topic.
Presentation speeches are well structured and follow a logical flow. They have an introduction, body, and conclusion. Use transition words and phrases to help your speech flow smoothly and prevent it from appearing disjointed.
You can use ProWritingAid to organize your speech and make it even clearer. ProWritingAid’s transition report will show you whether you’re using transitions effectively in your speech.
How to Write a Debate Speech
A debate is a formal argument on a particular topic. Debate speeches are persuasive since the aim is to convince the audience to agree with a stance.
Like most other speeches, a debate speech also follows the introduction, body, conclusion outline. This format helps the audience follow the speaker’s point in a linear and logical way.
When writing your introduction, clarify your stance so it’s clear to the audience. Anyone reading or listening to your speech shouldn’t have any doubt about your position on the topic. Take some time to prepare a solid opener, which can be an interesting fact, a personal story, or even a powerful quote.
The introduction also gives you the opportunity to explain terms your audience will need to understand throughout the speech. You should also provide an overview of your main points, but don’t spend long divulging too much.
Each body paragraph should cover a main point, whether that’s a key idea or a main claim, and each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence. The topic sentence is an initial sentence that summarizes the idea being presented.
Your conclusion should be a simple and clear reiteration of the points you made in the thesis statement and body paragraphs. Add an attention-grabbing element to leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Remember to use strong and emotive language throughout your speech, which makes it more likely for your audience to feel emotionally connected to your stance.
Always use transition words and phrases to maintain a logical flow between your arguments. Finally, edit and proofread your work for any potential grammar, punctuation, or spelling mistakes.
How to Write an Elevator Speech
An elevator speech is a brief speech that’s used to pitch a product, service, expertise, or credentials.
You have 30–60 seconds to persuade someone to act how you’d like: the same time as a quick elevator ride.
An effective elevator speech should contain an introduction, a clear value proposition, and a strong conclusion.
Your introduction should be polite and clear. Briefly explain who you are, what you do, and what you are offering. For example, if you’re pitching your expertise, condense your background into two sentences. Include things that will make your audience remember you.
End your speech with what you want to achieve. What are you trying to accomplish with this speech? Perhaps it’s a job opportunity, a follow-up meeting, or an internship.
Once you’ve written your speech, be sure to revise it for brevity. Then practice and record yourself to ensure you don’t go over the time limit.
Writing a good speech takes time, but these tips are a good start to improving your speech-writing process. If you encounter writer’s block, look up popular speeches for inspiration. Ask someone you trust to give you feedback once you’ve written your speech.
Finally, while ProWritingAid can’t write your speech for you, it can help you write in a cohesive and logical manner. It highlights any grammar, spelling, and punctuation issues. It also shows you suggestions on how to improve your sentence structure, transition, pacing, and readability, so your next speech can be impactful and memorable.
Ashleigh Ferguson
Ashleigh Ferguson is a Copywriter on the ProWritingAid Team. With an affinity for learning new things, you can always count on her to know some random fact. She’s a self-proclaimed ‘Fix-it Felix’ and a newly minted ‘candle lady’.
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A short speech – create a 3 minute speech that rocks
I’m in the Charles Pearson Theatre at the University of Melbourne, watching 12 short speeches. It’s a 3 minute speech competition called the 3 minute Thesis .
These annual, 3 minute speech competitions challenge Ph.D and Masters students to effectively communicate 3-1/2 years’ of technical research into a short speech. Their task is to convey only the most important ideas and findings to a non-technical audience – and with only a single slide.
A short speech is a great test
As you’d imagine, it can be difficult to condense all that research and knowledge into a 3 minute speech, yet still convey all the pertinent information .
But that’s exactly why it’s such a great exercise for all speakers .
That’s because, in order to be effective, your ideas must be able to be communicated in the most brief, simple and clear manner possible. You need them to stick in the listener’s mind.
Not everyone is good at this skill – indeed, few people are. But you need to be if you want other to see the value of your ideas.
By the way, if you think giving a good 3 minute speech is hard, try doing one in just 5 words! That’s what they do at the Webby awards .
What did the winning speakers do right?
Despite giving a short speech on very different topics, there were some common practices I noticed about the winning speakers.
- They presented an exceptionally clear message .
- They included a “ top and tail ” element.
- They made use of metaphor and other verbal illustrations to simplify a complex idea.
- They spoke like they were having a conversation with their audience – not ‘giving a formal speech’.
The losing speakers, by contrast, were more forced. Some were so unnatural they seemed to be giving a pantomime a speech for an audience of children. The engagement of conversation was missing. We’ve talked before about the importance of an unforced, natural style .
How to create a short speech.
1. use a simple structure..
Start by clearly saying the ‘headline’ and key idea underpinning your speech in simple, everyday language, and follow with a simple structure supporting your main point. Here are some examples:
A: Headline and 3 supporting reasons:
With this approach, follow your “headline” statement with 3 simple supporting reasons. State each reason clearly, and explain how each one helps achieve or support the objective.
“We must change the way we work – for 3 important reasons:
- Thwack …,
- Kapow…,
- Whamm. “
B: Problem – solution:
This is a simple structure of only 2 parts. It’s an easy yet powerful way to capture people’s attention and interest when done well. But you’ll want to avoid the trap of rushing through the problem, and spending too much time on your brilliant solution.
If you really want to hook people, take some time to paint a vivid picture of the problem first. Your audience will then be clambering for a solution with both ears open.
C: Timeline:
In this type of short speech, you might cover:
- The history of the issue …
- The current situation …
- What might happen in the future …
- And the ramifications of agreeing (or disagreeing) with your main argument.
D: Metaphor/Top & Tail:
To “top and tail” simply means starting with a story/quote that hints at your message. At the end, you recall that story and link it to your message.
This short speech from a 3 minute speech competition makes excellent use of this approach.
Start your speech (“the top”) with a compelling metaphor to make a memorable point, and end the speech (“the tail”) with the same metaphor — but adjusted to show the benefit of adopting your central argument.
2: End with a memorable message:
Just as important as how you begin and structure your speech, is how you end it .
Consider the same techniques at the end of your speech. A metaphor that links back to your original premise, or finishing with a thought-provoking question, are two ways to burnish your speech in your listener’s mind.
These videos of the 1st and 2nd place winners of a 3 minute speech competition show how effective these closing techniques can be: 1st Place: Sara Ciesielski 2nd Place: Samantha Lichter
People worry that time limitations mean they have to ‘dumb down’ their valuable research — this is not the case!
A vivid message and a compelling short speech can become a window to the depth of your research, and give clarity to the value of your ideas.
A 3 minute speech gives you a huge amount of time to do this – if you use the time wisely and structure your speech to maximum effect.
Want to be a great speaker? Get the kindle ebook from amazon.com: What’s Your Message? Public Speaking with Twice the Impact, Using Half the Effort
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by Yen Cabag | 4 comments
Abraham Lincoln achieved so much as a leader of the United States, but what remains eternal in the public’s imagination are his famous words from his Gettysburg Address.
That’s just one example of the power of speech, and how it can be used as an effective tool for presenting ideas and influencing others.
Politicians use speeches to share their visions and goals; students practice delivering school lessons with them; businessmen give them to build up pep among their employees and associates; thought leaders use speeches in avenues like TedTalks and TedX to share their knowledge and insights.
While there are many speech writing services available on the Internet, it only takes a bit of time for you to learn to write your own speech and develop this priceless life skill!
What Makes a Great Speech?
So what makes a great speech?
Here are some of the common elements of great speeches from history:
- Clarity : Obviously, your speech is worthless if it can’t be clearly comprehended by your audience. The words should be easily understandable in order to be effective.
- Relevance : The message should match the season and needs of the audience, and the speaker should be confident in the need for that particular message.
- Brief, but complete : The best speeches don’t have to be long-winded; in fact, it takes more skill to include the same amount of information in a shorter length.
- Unbiased and unemotional : Although speeches may stir up the listeners’ emotions, the speaker needs to remain unbiased and not driven by emotion in order for the speech to have long-lasting effects.
- Audience involvement : Some of the best speeches include audience participation so that they can express their agreement with the content of the speech.
How Do You Write a Good Speech?
Before you can deliver a powerful message that stays with your listeners for a long time, you must write a well-structured speech that is clear, definite, brief, and complete.
Here are the steps you can follow if you’ve booked a speaking engagement or need to deliver an important presentation:
1. Decide on your main points.
A good rule of thumb is to have 3–5 main points; anything beyond that will be difficult for your listeners to remember.
Try to give your audience at least one key line or idea that they will surely remember. Sometimes you can do this intentionally; other times, you may not know what specific line your audience will hang onto.
One way to do this is to state your main points in memorable ways. The following are ways that you can do this:
- Use alliteration . For example, “Engage, Explore, Enjoy;” “Create, Connect, Collaborate, Commission.”
- Use contrast to highlight an important idea. For example, one line that everyone remembers about John F. Kennedy is from a speech he gave in 1961: “ Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country .”
- Make a short, memorable “quotable quote” for important points. Then, put ample emphasis around it by indicating space for you to pause or repeat the line. For example, in a conference on pioneering at Penang House of Prayer, one of the lines that the speaker Aaron Walsh shared was: “ Leadership is building the beautiful alternative .”
2. Outline your speech.
A good outline will help make sure you hit the most important points you want to make and don’t go off on rabbit trails. Here are a few examples of a speech outline:
Speech Outline Example 1: Basic Structure
Introduction : In the introduction, you can share a story relating to your topic, and then move on to give an overview of the main points you will be discussing.
Body : This is where you go into detail for each of your main ideas.
Conclusion : You wrap up your speech by summarizing the main points you have just finished elaborating. Then, you can close with a call-to-action or an answer to “What’s next?”
Speech Outline Example 2: Problem-Solution Structure
First Part: Describes the problem and why it is so bad
Second Part: Describes a possible solution or set of solutions
Third Part: Summarizes how the solutions will solve the problem
3. Write in the same tone as you speak.
One of the most important public speaking tips is to remember that you are writing something that you will be speaking out loud for people to hear.
Chances are, your speaking tone is less formal and more conversational than when you write an essay. Take this into consideration when you write your speech. Some tips include:
- Keep your sentences short. Imagine reading out loud an insanely long sentence of more than 30 words. You will either run out of breath, or lose your audience in the process.
- Be confident with contractions. Formal writing tends to shy away from contractions: “I’m” needs to become “I am.” But because this is an verbally-delivered piece, contractions make you sound more relatable, and it takes less time to deliver. This leaves you more room for great content.
- Remember that speaking isn’t tied to grammar as much as writing. When writing a speech, you don’t need to stick to strict grammar rules about writing in full sentences. People always say things like, “See?” “Gotcha,” and “Hope you like it.”
4. Give concrete examples.
Concrete examples, such as real stories and anecdotes, will resonate with your audience. Sharing personal stories not only makes your point more real to your audience, but it also makes you more relatable, and therefore trustworthy.
When you are thinking about which examples to include, consider using a mix of different types of stories: perhaps a funny anecdote or two, combined with a more thought-provoking personal tale can make a solid combination.
5. Prepare a strong opening.
The first few minutes of any speech are when the audience is most receptive. Make sure you grab their attention—and keep it!
How do you begin a speech?
Some of the most powerful ways to begin a speech are:
- Quotes:. The quote you choose will help set the tone for the rest of your speech.
- Jokes: A joke or an anecdote is a great way to break the ice when speaking in public, especially if you don’t personally know your audience.
- “What If” question s: Challenging your audience to think from the get-go is a great way to grab their attention.
- “Imagine…” : Similar to asking a “what if” question, getting your audience to imagine a vision of a good future, for example, will stir up their emotions and keep them interested in what you have to share.
- Statistics : Official statistics are a great way to present a problem, giving you a good foundation for a solution you might offer.
6. Practice out loud and cut unnecessary words.
After you write your speech, take time to practice reading it out loud.
You should do this for 2 main reasons:
- You’ll want to check how long it takes you to deliver your speech, so you can plan accordingly.
- You’ll want to practice using a natural, yet confident, speaking voice.
This is also the time to filter out unnecessary words. The best speechwriters believe that short and brief deliveries pack a better punch than long-winded speeches with many unnecessary rabbit trails.
You might also wish to recite your speech in front of a few friends or colleagues, or record yourself using a webcam of software like Zoom, so you can review your presentation and find areas for improvement.
Examples of Famous Speeches
Below are several examples of famous speeches from history.
John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Speech
In his inaugural speech, President John F. Kennedy delivers one of his most famous lines—”Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
MLK Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech
Above is an excerpt from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered in August of 1963.
How to Write a Speech
By following the 6 steps above, you’ll be well on your way to writing solid speeches that will stay with your listeners for years to come.
You can also study up on rhetorical skills that will make your speeches and your writing more effective, which will help you to connect with your audience on an even deeper level.
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- Public Speaking Tips: 10 Ways to Overcome Your Anxiety and Present with Confidence
- Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Speaking Engagements
- The Most Common Figures of Speech: Definitions, Examples, and How to Use Each
- Tone: How to Give Your Writing Attitude (Plus 101 Words to Describe an Author’s Tone)
Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.
I find this explanation so helpful, enlightening and educative. Thanks so much for the good work beloved. I so much cheer your nice effor, in presenting this insightful piece to us. It’s quite worthy to me, dear.
We’re so glad you enjoyed the post! :)
Thank you for explaining how your speech should contain 5 main points or less in order to keep it memorable. Ever since my brother decided that he wanted to open a business that sells office supplies, he has been trying to write a speech to welcome the new employees that he plans on hiring next month. Maybe he should consider finding a professional that can help put his speech together.
Hi Toby, Yes that sounds like a good idea for your brother’s new employees! He could hire a professional, but even something really simple could probably be just as effective, especially if he follows these tips :)
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How to Write a Speech in 30 Minutes
by Allison Shapira | May 23, 2016 | Writing Tips | 4 comments
There is no alternative to preparation. However, given time constraints, I’ve devised a system of helping you write a speech – when necessary – in 30 minutes .
Don’t have 30 minutes? Take one minute and think about the potential of your speech. If your speech is effective, could it change the behaviors of your employees, your volunteers, your neighbors? Could it have a direct, positive impact on the success of your business or nonprofit? On your reputation? If so, isn’t it worth it to spend 30 minutes on the speech instead of another meeting or phone call? Let your sense of purpose help you prioritize.
Here is my advice on how to write a speech when you only have 30 minutes.
- Find a quiet room, close the door, and turn off your digital devices. If you are writing on a computer, turn off email notifications . It’s important to give yourself a clear head to think. Personally, I start this process in the morning before I even check the day’s emails. Take 3 deep breaths before you begin, in order to focus your mind (See my article in the Harvard Business Review on breathing).
- Ask yourself the 3 Questions : Who is your audience? What is your goal? Why you? It’s essential that you know who will be in the room during your speech, what you want them to do as a result of hearing you speak, and why this subject is important to you. This strategic preparation will help you think of material to use in the speech itself.
- Think of one main message. What is the main message you want to get across? Which examples, data, and stories can you use to illustrate that message? Try to include both numbers and stories to make an impact on everyone in your audience.
- Draft your speech in bullet points, not word-for-word. With only 30 minutes to prepare, you don’t have time to write a script. Simply outline your main points – you’ll fill in the rest as you practice. Think about unique ways to engage your audience (see my blog post on the topic).
- Write out your first and last sentences. The first and last sentences are the most important parts of any speech (see my blog posts about unique ways to open and close your speech).
- Keep it simple. With limited time to prepare a speech, avoid using slides. You are better off focusing on the content of your speech rather than the design of your slides.
- Print out your bullet points in large font. It’s OK to bring notes with you to a speech. Print out the bullet points in large enough font, on single-sided paper, and write page numbers at the top.
At this point, your first draft of the speech is finished. Now, here are 3 ways to practice the speech.
- Read the speech out loud and time yourself . Make sure the language sounds like your own words as opposed to your organization’s jargon. Make sure you are keeping to the allotted time – we tend to underestimate the length of our speech until we read it out loud.
- Practice and record yourself with your smart phone . It is so important to see how you look on camera before you stand in front of an audience. Think about your body language and your vocal tone – do your movements and tone match your words?
- Close your eyes. Envision yourself giving a powerful speech from start to finish. Picture the standing ovation at the end and let yourself feel that sense of accomplishment. Research shows that we remember visualizations in the same part of our brain as actual memories, so imagining a speech helps us feel like we’ve actually delivered it.
While I always recommend spending at least a week preparing your speech, reality sometimes dictates otherwise. In only 30 minutes, you can write a clear and concise speech. Spend a little more time on practice and delivery, and you will give a more confident, authentic, and impactful speech.
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I tweeted recently that every speaker needs a 3-minute and a 20-minute version of her speech. To that I would add that every speaker needs to know how to give a minute-long response, in answer to a question, for example, or for responding to the media.
So how do you all of these well? What are the pitfalls to avoid? It can be surprisingly hard to say something interesting in a very short time, and to avoid running on at the mouth and saying too much. What's the happy medium, and how do you think about it?
The minute speech is best handled as follows. Decide what you're going to say, take a deep breath, and then give the headline. "I don't think that mice should be allowed in the Vatican." Then go on to give up to 3 supporting reasons, depending on your thinking and the time allowed. Hygiene, worry about the destruction of precious manuscripts, and the eek factor during prayers. Finally, finish off with a repetition of the headline: "So that's why I think that mice should be banned from the Vatican."
When you've got more than 3 but less than 7 minutes, think in terms of problem-solution. If you have a great story to begin the problem section, then do so, but don't allow it to take over the problem section entirely. You need to spend half of your allotted time discussing the problem in as much detail as you can (which is not much). Heretical mice are running amok throughout the Vatican. This deplorable plague has led to illness, destruction of some of the Vatican's most precious artifacts, and the discomfort of many visitors and residents. ...About half way through your total time, switch to the solution and buttress that with as much logic and passion as you can muster. I recommend beginning with an excommunication, followed by mice traps, poison, and the playing of Barry Manilow recordings in the basement....
That's really all there is to it. Keep it simple. If you want to conclude by describing the benefits of your solution, then go ahead, in a sentence or two.
Repetition and simplicity will help you keep your remarks organized and under control, and will help your listeners follow you.
The same advice holds for the 20-minute version. You basically have to remove half of the detail that makes for a solid hour-long speech. And watch your stories, because they will loom much larger in a 20-minute précis of your speech than in the full version. You’ll need to shorten those too, without cutting the essential detail that enables your audience to make sense of the story.
A good way to prepare a 20-minute speech is to create the logical ‘spine’ of your full speech – the step-by-step logic of the speech that explains the thought structure, shorn of the detail. It should take the form of a series of declarative sentences. Then, once you’ve worked out the logic, add back in just enough detail to fill the allotted time.
You'll want to have these versions of your presentation on hand, ready to go, for times when your full speech is too long. If you're a professional speaker, it's part of the pro's arsenal to be ready to give the shorter versions in order to be prepped for any occasion.
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PUBLIC SPEAKING
How to write a killer best man speech (with templates).
A funny, heartfelt speech from the best man is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding. Here’s how to give a great toast (without embarrassing yourself).
Table of Contents
Quick answer: how to write a best man speech fast (with template), what to say in a best man speech (do’s and don’ts), how to write a best man speech for best friend or brother: easy step-by-step guide, #1 start with a theme, #2 create an outline, #3 nail the opening line , bonus tip: learn the art of stage presence, #4 background context, #5 tell the story , #6 take-home message, #7 end your speech with a heartfelt toast, #8 use a best man speech template, #9 practice your body language, #10 rehearse before the big day, key takeaways: express gratitude and sentimentality in 3-5 minutes.
A best man speech is the perfect way to send your brother or friend the best wishes in their marriage, but standing up in front of the crowd can be super nerve-wracking. If you’ve been invited to be the best man at a wedding but have no idea what to say in your speech, you’re not alone!
Over 75% of the population cites public speaking as one of their biggest fears. Thankfully, it’s a people skill that anyone can develop. A great event toast can be a game-changer and make you feel like a celebrity amongst the wedding guests.
Here’s how to overcome your public speaking anxiety and give a knockout best man speech that will incite laughter, smiles, or even sentimental tears.
A killer best man toast has a formula:
- Start with a funny or complimentary introduction
- Lead into a short story
- Add a dash of vulnerability
- End with genuine congratulations to the bride and groom.
You won’t want to wing the speech after you’ve had a few drinks when you feel strapped for time before the wedding. Instead, take just 30 minutes of planning and note-making to save you (and the bride & groom) the embarrassment of an excessively long or inappropriate ramble.
If you want to write a best man speech fast, follow this brief template for a great toast. Your toast should be roughly 3 to 5 minutes long. You can use numbered index cards to jot down the highlights of each section. Then, rehearse a few times in the mirror in the days leading up to the event.
The most straightforward speech outline includes seven main components:
- A great one-liner : This could be a funny joke, a compliment, or an inspirational quote about brotherhood or marriage. The first 15 seconds of the toast should capture the audience’s attention and leave them excited for more. Modify this:
“I’d like to begin by congratulating the groom for his superb taste in choosing the best man [chuckle].”
- Compliment the wedding : Build your respect with the guests by highlighting things you like about the wedding. For example, you can compliment the beauty of the venue, the delicious food, or the great choice of music. Modify this:
“All jokes aside, this is a beautiful wedding. The bride and groom look like a movie star couple together. And if you didn’t taste the cake, you are missing out!”
- Express gratitude : Say “thank you” to those who made the wedding possible and show appreciation to the groom for choosing you as his best man. Modify this:
“I am so grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Zimerman for hosting us here today, and thank you to the bride and groom for inviting me to be part of their special day.”
- Tell a story : Did you and the groom meet as kids on the baseball field? Were you there when he first met his bride? Did you share a funny experience in college that is appropriate to share? The “meat” of the speech will be a short story about your relationship with the groom. A great story sounds like this:
“When I first met Jeff, he was in a period of transition in life, like we all go through. He had just started a new job at my office in San Francisco, and we met because of our mutual addiction to double shot espressos (iced with a little cream) at 6 AM every morning from the corner coffee shop Bob’s Cup O’ Joe. When we both arrived at the office at the same time, 3 days in a row with eyes like this [widen eyes big], I knew we would be friends for life. A million espressos, meetings, and after-work beers later, I am so proud to call Jeff my best friend. When he told me about meeting a beautiful blonde named Anne at Bob’s Cup O’ Joe a few years later, I knew something would become of it. She even drank the same double shot espressos, iced with a little cream!”
- Admire the couple : Strengthen your bond with the newlyweds by expressing your support for their marriage. If you know a bit about the bride and groom’s relationship, list a few things you admire about their bond. You may emphasize how the bride has positively impacted the groom’s life or how they make a great team.
“Jeff and Anne are a perfect pair, and it seriously warms my heart to see a couple so amazingly in love. They compliment each other in every way and radiate joy when they are together.”
- Summarize your thoughts : Before you wrap up your speech, go back and highlight your key ideas. You can pre-write 2-3 crisp sentences summarizing your support of the couple’s marriage. Modify this:
“I wish I could say I predicted this day would come, but Jeff’s incredible character and charm won Anne over. I am so grateful to be friends with both of them and to join you all in this celebration.”
- Toast to the future : At the end of your speech, raise your glass for a toast to the couple’s love. Modify this:
“Please join me in raising our glasses to a lifetime of happiness and espressos for Jeff and Anne Allison!”
Here is an awesome example of a short and sweet 4-minute toast that left the crowd cracking up:
It’s best to memorize your speech, but there is no shame in bringing a few index cards in your pocket to reference if you get nervous. Don’t forget to prepare and rehearse in advance.
For a more in-depth speech, see our step-by-step guide below.
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A best man’s speech traditionally takes place at the wedding reception after the maid of honor gives her speech. The best man’s speech should be positive, respectful, and congratulatory. It can last 3 to 5 minutes and should focus on a central theme or story about the groom.
Remember, a best man speech is not the time to “wing it.” If you do that, there may come the point when everything suddenly goes silent, and a crowd of 50-100+ people is staring at you, waiting for what you’re going to say about the groom. You probably don’t want to end up with a cringing audience while telling a story about the groom’s previous relationships:
Instead, remember these key best man speech tips for a successful toast:
Here are a few examples of what you should say in a best man speech:
- How did you meet the groom?
- What is one of your favorite memories with him?
- How did the groom meet the bride? Were you there?
- What is special about the groom?
- What do you like most about him?
- What are his positive traits?
- Playful banter : You don’t want to be too corny and cheesy with your bro. Depending on your relationship with the groom and the culture of the wedding, you may want to throw in a little banter with your dude. For example, you might make a funny joke about how much the groom loves going out to eat:
You should also avoid some key topics in a best man speech.
Do not mention:
- The groom’s past relationships
- Sexual jokes
- Drugs, alcohol, or past mistakes
- Insecurities of the groom
- Financial or personal information
- Insults to the bride or the wedding guests
- Overly embarrassing stories
- Teasing the bride
- Anything that could potentially harm your friendship
Keep things positive and lighthearted. While a little witty banter or playful teasing can be fun (depending on your relationship with the groom), you should avoid insulting him or highlighting any major insecurities. The “playful” part of the speech is an excellent fun icebreaker, but it shouldn’t hurt anyone’s feelings or make them feel publicly embarrassed in front of their wedding guests.
If you’re ready to prepare something more in-depth than the quick ideas above, this step-by-step guide can help you write a thoughtful speech that the groom may remember forever. After all, being named the best man at your friend or brother’s wedding is a tremendous honor. But like any honor, it comes with some responsibilities. After you finish all your bachelor party and wedding duties, an epic best man speech can be like the fireworks at the show’s end.
Here are 5 simple steps to make it count:
Before you start writing and rehearsing your speech, it helps to decide on a theme for your talk. This will give a nice flow to the speech. A theme ensures that you stay on track to communicate your congratulations and appreciation to the groom.
What is the main message you want to get across? A few theme ideas include:
- Anecdotes : Best man toasts center around storytelling. This theme is the easiest way to stay on track because you are telling a simple story from beginning to end.
- Humor : Whether you’re naturally funny or working on your jokes , your speech is the perfect opportunity to get the audience laughing. Best man speeches are known for getting a little saucy, but you must be careful about offending the crowd or making crude jokes that might insult the bride and groom. If you want to tease the groom with some witty banter, it helps to make fun of yourself or reference an appropriate inside joke.
- Inspirational : Have you and the groom achieved an important business goal or accomplishment together? Do you have a shared role model or favorite motivational book you both read in college? This speech theme can leave the audience feeling inspired.
- Morality : Use your speech to highlight the great person the groom is. Perhaps you give examples of his integrity, trustworthiness, or generosity. You can emphasize how lucky you are to know the groom and how glad you are that he found a woman to spend his life with.
- Sentimentality : When humor and storytelling aren’t your fortes, it doesn’t hurt to get a little corny. Sentimental speeches require a level of emotional vulnerability, but they can leave a huge impact on the newlyweds and their attendees. Here is an excellent example of a sentimental-themed speech where the groom’s big brother brings him to tears with a story about their father’s last words:
You wouldn’t go on a road trip without a navigation system, so don’t go into your speech without a plan. The best toasts and speeches follow the same structure. Pull out a piece of paper and brainstorm some ideas using this format, then use the following steps to fill in the details:
- Hook/Opening statement : The opening statement should be a 1 to 3-line description about the groom. The first 7 seconds of the speech should hook the audience immediately. It warms them up to you and makes them want to pay attention to the amusing stories. You’ll find an abundance of opening-line ideas in the next section.
- Background context : Now comes the why of your speech. This is where the context of your relationship with the groom comes in. You can throw in some funny jokes and a few details about your experience with him. Use this intro to build up the anticipation for the story to come. Write down a few ideas of stories you can tell.
- Tell the story : Choose 1-3 short stories about the groom that is funny, slightly embarrassing, or interesting. Jot down a few of the sensory elements you want to reference, like the smelly locker room or the squeaking of tire wheels. Most stories follow a bell-curve pattern—they start with an intro, lead to rising action, peak with a capstone moment, then tie back to the beginning. Keep this in mind as you brainstorm and follow the story-planning steps below.
- Take-home message : After you get a good laugh or “awww” out of the audience, you’ll want to bring the story back to the beginning. What do you want them to remember about your speech and friendship with the groom?
- Thank the wedding party : Use a quick sentence to thank the wedding party and hosts. Express your genuine gratitude for being invited.
- Closing toast and congratulations : After wrapping up the story and thanking the wedding party, you should invite the audience to toast the bride and groom with you. For an extra cheery finale, act as if you are speaking on their behalf and include lots of well-wishes for the newlyweds.
Pro Tip : Before filling in your outline details, watch this video for an overview of how to give a memorable toast. Human behavior expert Vanessa Van Edwards explains the most common mistakes (don’t start with “I,” “me,” or “my”) and a few secrets to getting the audience to perk up in their seats.
Once you have your outline, it’s time to dig into the details. People decide their first impression of you within 7 seconds, so it’s extra important to nail the opening line of your speech. Best men use this opportunity to crack a joke, compliment the wedding, or set a sentimental tone for the speech.
Avoid making the first lines about you. No “me”, “I”, or “my”. Instead, start with a juicy or mysterious line about the groom, for example:
If you need a little inspiration, here are some hilarious and quirky best man speech opening lines:
- “Caring, loyal, honest, good-looking, and an all-around-great guy… OK, enough about me, onto the groom…!”
- “This is the perfect chance to tell you about [Groom] and how talented, special, smart, good-looking, and… sorry, man, I can’t read your handwriting here.”
- “I’d like to give a toast to the bride and groom.” [pull a piece of toasted bread from your pocket and give it to them]
- “[Groom’s name] is the kind of person you call when you lock yourself out of the dorm bathroom without any clothes on.”
- “The bride and groom asked me not to share embarrassing stories or crude jokes during my speech… so that’s it from me! Thanks for listening, everyone.”
- “I’d like to start by congratulating the groom for his excellent taste in choosing the best man.”
- “[Groom] had a tough time choosing his best man. First, he called his most handsome friend, but he said no. Then, he called his smartest friend, and he said no. Then, he called his most successful friend, who also said no. Then he called me, and I said, ‘Bro, I can’t say no to you four times.'”
- “What can I say about [Groom]? I guess I’ll start at the very beginning. He was born on [groom’s birthday]. Our parents were hoping for a girl, but I’ve always said… close enough.”
Here is a genuinely funny opening line from a best brother wedding speech:
Pro Tip : Don’t forget to pause for laughter. If it doesn’t come, you can chuckle at yourself and cue the audience that they are supposed to laugh by saying, “This is where you are supposed to laugh,” or joking, “Sound guy, can you please cue the laugh track?” Then, keep going with your speech.
Don’t worry. You need not be a jokester to give a great opening line. If you want to go the nostalgic or tearjerker route, be sure it is highly personalized and thoughtful. Here are some sentimental opening line ideas:
- “There are friends, and there is family, but friends also become family. This is so true for [Groom] and me. We’ve been best friends since we were X years old, and I’ve always considered him my brother.”
- “There’s an old Irish proverb that says a good friend is like a four-leaf clover—hard to find and lucky to have. I think that’s true. Good friends are hard to find, and I’m lucky to have called [Groom] my best friend for the last X years.”
- “I’ve heard that the best relationships come from the foundation of a deep friendship. Experts say that laughter, mutual respect, and enjoying each other’s company are the ingredients for a long-lasting, joyful marriage. After knowing [Groom] and [Bride] for X years, there is no doubt in my mind that they will make a great pair.”
- “In Good Will Hunting , Robin Williams said, ‘It doesn’t matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect as long as they are perfect for each other.” Anyone who has seen [Groom] and [Bride] together can agree that this is true for them. I haven’t seen a perfect pair, and I’m happy to be part of this celebration of their love.”
To learn more about the best speech openers, use this guide on How to Start a Speech: The Best (and Worst) Speech Openers . Some top tips include:
- Avoid starting with a lackluster nicety like “thanks for having me.”
- Don’t mention your nervousness.
- Avoid mentioning technical difficulties like the microphone or saying, “Can you hear me?”
Did you know that public speaking is actually a skill? Many people struggle with stage anxiety because they feel they ‘missed the memo’ on public speaking or they are lacking because they do not have a natural stage presence. Not true!
Stage presence and public speaking are skills you need to be taught—very few people have them naturally.
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Now that you’ve grabbed the audience’s attention, it’s time to give them a little background on why you are giving a speech in the first place. This is another sneak peek at some details you’ll cover in the speech.
The whole point of this part is to tell them how you know the groom—but it isn’t about you. You’ll often hear wedding speeches that start with a drab, “I met the groom in college” or, “My name is ___, and I’m the best man.” You can do better than that! Try saying:
- “The groom was the first friend I made on the high school football team. I had no idea we would become roommates in a bachelor pad throughout college.”
- “As little kids, the groom and I were known to be a dangerous duo in the neighborhood. He always carried the eggs and toilet paper, then instructed me where to throw them. But you can guess who always took the blame for his antics….”
- “The groom and I have been friends and business partners for X years, and as you’ll hear shortly, he is the main reason I broke my arm during the last office basketball game. But first, I want to tell you a less embarrassing story….”
Pro Tip : Focus on the groom, and don’t make it about you. One of the biggest mistakes people make during wedding speeches is talking too much about themselves. Your speech shouldn’t discuss where you’re from, what you think, or how you ended up at the party. The best man’s speech is a time to focus on the groom and his bride.
After your punchy opening line and background info, it’s time to tell the perfect story about the groom. Depending on the length of your speech and the details of your story, some best man speeches cover 1 to 3 short stories.
Reference back to the memories you wrote when brainstorming. Pick a story that includes the most of these captivating elements:
- A little bit of embarrassment : Whether it’s you, the groom, or a mutual friend, it helps to poke some fun at someone in the story. If you fear being offensive, the best person to joke about is yourself.
- Audience member references : You can get major bonus points if you bring wedding guests into the storytelling moment. You might say, “Mom, you might want to close your ears on this one!” or, “Brian, we’re talking about you!”
- Sensory details : What did the scenery look like? What were the prominent smells, sounds, and tastes at the moment? A great story should make the audience feel like they were with you. Don’t forget to mention the frigid cold lake you jumped into or the outrageously spicy food that left you both panting and crying for water.
- A final punch line : Ideally, the best story ends with a shocking moment or funny line. It should leave the audience laughing, crying, surprised, or even gasping. For example, in an epic adventure story about you and the groom on a hunting trip, you may end with, “Just as the shark was about to bite the line, Joe reeled in the massive bluefin and yelled, ‘I think we’re gonna need a bigger boat!’”
Pro Tip : If you have to ask, “Is this appropriate?” it probably isn’t. Some stories are better for late-night beers than they are for weddings. Avoid telling stories related to sexual topics, drugs, alcohol, illegal activities, or anything you wouldn’t want grandma to hear.
When the story finishes, you’ve hopefully elicited some laughter or maybe some tears. All jokes aside, there is a reason you were the best man, and you are probably a significant person to the groom. This is a great time to emphasize the best qualities of the groom and why you’re so happy for his new love.
Here is an excellent example of tying together the opening and closing lines with a heartfelt message about finding the perfect soul mate:
We’ve all heard “let’s raise a glass to [Bride] and [Groom]” before. You can do better than that! The final toast is like the fireworks at the end of your best man speech. Instead of something mediocre, invite the audience to join you in a genuine, thoughtful congratulations. Examples include:
- “Please join me in raising our glasses to the beautiful bride and handsome groom. May your lives together be long, healthy, and happy. We love you so much and are excited for you. Cheers!”
- “Lift your glasses to thank Mr. and Mrs. [Bride’s Parents] for hosting this beautiful wedding. Let us all toast to the perfect union of the bride and groom. We wish you a bright and beautiful future. Cheers!”
- “Here’s to the past, for all you’ve learned. Here’s to the present for this beautiful moment we all share. Here’s to the future for all you’ve got to look forward to. Cheers to the happy couple!”
Pro Tip : Make your toast inclusive and communal, so the audience feels like they’re cheering for the couple with you. Use words like “we”, “lets”, and “us”. This congratulation invites them to join as if you are speaking on their behalf.
A template makes things simple if you’re still feeling uneasy about writing your best man speech. You can take the structure of an example speech and incorporate your ideas and stories to make it your own.
Best man speech example for a best friend :
“Tonight, you’ll learn why the groom was destined to marry [Bride]. The year was 2002, and we were all in a bar with friends on New Year’s Eve in New York City. Snow was falling outside, and we were sipping champagne, waiting for the big ball to drop. Seemingly out of nowhere, a woman with a red dress entered the room, and everything seemed to stop. All the bachelors in our group were captivated, but only [Groom] had the guts to walk up to her. Rumor has it that his first opening line was ‘
Everyone talks about a woman’s glow when she’s falling in love, but I swear that [Groom] was smiling from ear to ear from the second they met. We could hardly get him to stop talking about her by the following week. We’d be watching football and drinking beers only to have [Bride’s] name brought up every 5 minutes.
Fast forward 3 years, and we’ve all seen how much [Bride] has positively impacted his life. When he came to me to tell me he was proposing, my only response was, ‘ Finally, dude !’
There’s something extra special about these two. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. They love and respect each other so much. [Bride] was the one for [Groom] from the second they locked eyes in that hazy NYC bar. We are all so happy to be here for your big day. Let’s raise our glasses to the beautiful bride and groom! Cheers!”
Another Best man speech example for a best friend :
“The groom was the first friend I made on the high school basketball team. He wasn’t very good [pause for laughter]. I was the tallest player and obviously had the best free throw, but I was majorly lacking in the ladies department. Thankfully, [Groom] took me under his wing and showed me how to be a true gentleman. That includes opening doors for women and carrying their bags instead of just running in with my own. What would I have done without you, man?
Even though he was no good at basketball, [Groom] always had his head on his shoulders. He’s a respectful, intelligent, and relatively clean-cut guy. All joking aside, it’s no surprise that he ended up with a woman as intelligent and beautiful as [Bride]. You both deserve a lifetime of love, happiness, and success together. Please raise your glasses and join me in congratulating the bride and groom! We love you!”
Public speaking isn’t only about what you say but how you carry yourself. Your body language can drastically affect your confidence, your delivery, and how the audience perceives you. Use these body language hacks to take your speech to the next level:
- Signal “friend” : Smile and show your open palms to send the message that you are the audience’s friend. This makes people feel more comfortable with your presence and more likely to listen.
- Stand up straight : When you look confident, you also feel more confident. Check your posture if your voice is a little shaky before the speech. Roll back your shoulders and tuck your shoulder blades down towards your back. Slightly lift your chest and chin as you speak.
- Make eye contact: Throughout the speech, you should change your eye contact with different audience members. As you mention specific compliments or thanks, make eye contact with the bride, groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, and the bride’s father.
- Genuinely smile : Smiling may seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget when you feel so focused on a perfect delivery. At the same time, you don’t want to look like you’re fake smiling throughout the speech. Use these 9 Simple Tips to Smile Better (in any situation!)
- Use your hands : It’s easy to let your nerves get the best of you and feel like a “deer in the headlights.” Instead of tucking your hands in your pockets, widen your stance and take up space. Use your hands and gestures while you talk to show that you are comfortable and happy during the speech.
Want more tips? Here are 17 Body Language Presentation Cues to Use in Your Next Speech .
Experts say you should rehearse a speech 10 times before performing it. Research also shows that people who mentally prepare themselves before a speech by imagining it going well are more likely to perform fluently and easily. So before you get in front of an audience, be sure you’ve gone over your speech at least 10 times, either in your head or out loud. Better yet, practice in the mirror, on camera, or in front of a trusted friend.
It also helps to review the gist of the speech with the groom (without giving away any secret details) to make sure it’s alright with him. A few weeks before the wedding, you may pull him aside and ask, “Hey man, is it OK if I tell the story about ____ in my best man speech? I think it’ll get some good laughs.”
Although this example is long, this best man very clearly rehearsed his speech for a near-perfect performance without any notes:
Ultimately, a best man speech is an opportunity to make your best bro look good in front of all his friends and family. Your speech should demonstrate how much you value your brotherhood or friendship. At the same time, you can enjoy 5 minutes of wedding fame without making things all about you. A great toast can make you a memorable celebrity at the wedding and have people laughing at your
Before jumping up at the reception and speaking off the cuff, remember to:
- Outline and plan your speech ahead of time. Use notecards if needed.
- Focus on the groom and his bride. Don’t go on and on about yourself.
- Nail the opening line with a funny joke, quote, or teaser that leads into a great story.
- Avoid inappropriate or cringey topics that could embarrass the groom.
- Express gratitude to the groom and wedding hosts.
Giving a toast or speech is an essential social skill that can make you one of the most likable people in a room. If you want to learn more about the art of giving showstopping toasts, read this guide on How to Give an Awesome Toast: Advanced Strategies for Speeches .
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- Informative speech does not rely on emotions to motivate the audience, but emotions are highly applicable in persuasive speeches.
- In an informative speech, the speaker acts as a teacher, while in persuasive speeches, the speaker is the leader.
No matter the type of speech you are writing, you must identify the purpose and maintain the focus. For informative speeches, you should remain objective and unbiased and present facts only. In a persuasive speech , you aim to persuade the audience to agree with your opinion. Use our speech generator to craft speech in any category.
Our words to time tool will help you estimate the time it will take to deliver your speech.
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How to Write an Effective Manuscript Speech in 5 Steps
If your public speaking course requires you to give a manuscript speech, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. How do you put together a speech that’s effective and engaging? Not to worry – with a few simple steps, you’ll be prepared to pull off a manuscript speech that’s both impactful and polished. In this post, we’ll walk through the 5 steps you need to follow to craft an effective manuscript speech that’ll leave your audience impressed. So let’s get started!
Quick Overview of Key Question
A manuscript speech involves writing down your entire speech word-for-word and memorizing it before delivering it. To begin, start by writing down your introduction , main points, and conclusion. Once you have written your speech, practice reading it out loud to get used to the phrasing and memorize each part .
Preparing a Manuscript Speech
When preparing for your manuscript speech, it is essential to consider both the content of your speech and the format in which you will deliver the speech. It is important to identify any key points or topics that you would like to cover in order to ensure that your manuscript is properly organized and succinct. Additionally, when selecting the style of delivery, be sure to choose one that best fits with your specific message and goals . One style of delivery includes utilizing a conversational tone in order to engage with your audience and help foster an interactive environment . When using this delivery style, be sure to use clear and concise language as well as humor and anecdotes throughout your speech . In addition, select a pacing that allows for flexibility with audience responses without detracting from the overall structure or flow of your text. Alternatively, another style of delivery involves reading directly from the manuscript without deviating from the text. This method works best when coupled with visual aids or props that support the information being relayed. Additionally, it is important to remember to practice reading the manuscript aloud several times prior to its delivery in order to ensure quality content and an acceptable rate of speed. No matter which delivery style you decide upon, careful preparation and rehearsal are essential components of delivering an effective manuscript speech. After deciding on a style of delivery and organizing the content of your speech accordingly, you can move on to formatting your document correctly in order to ensure a professional presentation during its delivery.
Document Format and Outline Structure
Before you dive into the content research and development stages of crafting your manuscript speech, it is important to consider the structure that your specific delivery will take. The format of your document can be varied depending on preferences and requirements, but always remember to keep it consistent throughout. When formatting your document, choose a universal style such as APA or MLA that may be easily recognisable to readers and familiar to most academics. Not only should this ensure your work meets some basic standards, but it will also make sure any information sources are appropriately cited for future reference. Additionally, you should provide visibility for headings to break up topics when needed, whilst keeping the language succinct and easy to understand. Creating an outline is integral in effectively structuring both a written piece of work and delivering a speech from paper. Use a hierarchical system of divisional points starting with a central concept, followed by additional details divided into sub sections where necessary and ending with a conclusion. This overview will act as a roadmap during the writing process—keeping track of ideas, identifying gaps in the presentation structure, and helping ensure clarity when presenting your points live on stage. It may be best practice to include a few statements or questions at the end of each key point to challenge thought in your audience and keep them engaged in the conversation. This could prompt new ideas or encourage defined discussion or debate amongst viewers. Depending on the topic itself, introducing two sides of an argument can allow an all-encompassing view point from which all members of an audience can draw their conclusions from majority opinion. Once you’ve established a full document format and outlined its corresponding structure for delivery, you’re ready for the next step: carefully developing comprehensive content along with appropriate ideas behind each sentence, word choice, and syntax used in every phrase. With these vital pieces in place, you are one step closer to creating an effective manuscript speech!
Content, Ideas and Language
The content, ideas, and language you use in your manuscript speech should be tailored to the audience you are addressing. It is important to consider the scope of the audience’s knowledge, level of interest in the topic and any special needs or cultural sensitivities. The most obvious way of doing this is by understanding who will be listening to the speech. You can also research the subject matter thoroughly to ensure you have a well-rounded perspective on the issue and that your opinion is well-informed.
While incorporating facts and personal experiences can help make any point stronger, ensure all ideas included in the speech have a relevancy to the main argument. Finally, avoid using difficult words or jargons as they may detract from any points being made. In terms of language, it’s recommended to use an active voice and write plainly while maintaining interesting visuals. This will help keep listeners engaged and make it easy for them to understand what’s being said. Additionally, focus on using appropriate vocabulary that will sound classy and create a good impression on your audience. Use simpler terms instead of long-winded ones, as regularly as possible, so that your message integrates easier with listeners. Now that you’ve considered content ideas and language for your manuscript speech, it’s time to go forward with writing and practicing it.
Writing and Practicing a Manuscript Speech
When writing a manuscript speech, it’s important to choose a central topic and clearly define the message you want to convey. Start by doing some research to ensure that your facts are accurate and up-to-date. Take notes and begin to organize your points into a logical flow. Once the first draft of your speech is complete, read it over multiple times, checking for grammar and typos. Also consider ways to effectively utilize visuals, such as photos or diagrams, as props within your speech if they will add value to your content. It is essential to practice delivering your speech using the manuscript long before you stand in front of an audience. Time yourself during practice sessions so that you can get comfortable staying within the parameters provided for the speech. Achieving a perfect blend of speaking out loud and reading word-by-word from the script is a vague area that speakers must strike a balance between in order to engage their audience without appearing overly rehearsed or overly off-the-cuff. Finally, look for opportunities to get feedback on your manuscript speech as you progress through writing and practicing it. Ask family members or friends who are familiar with public speaking for their input, or join an organization like Toastmasters International – an organization dedicated to improving public speaking skills – for more constructive criticism from experienced professionals. Crafting a powerful story should be the next step in preparing for an effective manuscript speech. Rather than delivering cold data points, use storytelling techniques to illustrate your point: Describe how others felt when faced with a challenge, what strategies they used to overcome it, and how their lives changed as a result. Telling stories makes data memorable, entertaining and inspiring – all qualities which should be considered when writing an engaging manuscript speech.
Crafting a Powerful Story
A powerful story is one of the most important elements of a successful manuscript speech. It is the main ingredient to make your speech memorable to the audience and help it stand out from all the other speeches. When crafting a story, there are a few things you should consider: 1) Choose an Appropriate Topic: The topic of your story should be appropriate for the type of speech you will be giving. If you are giving a motivational speech , for example, ensure your story has an uplifting message or theme that listeners can take away from it. Additionally, avoid topics that are too controversial so as not to offend any members of the audience. 2) Relay Your Experience: You could also use your own experience to create powerful stories in your manuscript speech. This gives listeners an authentic perspective of the topic and makes them feel connected to you and your message. Besides personal experiences, you may also draw stories from current events and movies/books which listeners can relate to depending on their age group. 3) Be Animated: As you deliver your story, be sure to convey emotions with proper tone and gestures in order to keep the audience engaged and increase its resonance. Using props and visual aids can also complement the delivery of your story by making it more experiential for listeners. Finally, before moving on to writing the rest of the manuscript speech, ensure that you have developed a powerful story that captures the hearts of those who hear it. With a great story to start off with, listeners will become more invested in what is about to come next in this speech – some tips for delivery!
Key Points to Remember
Writing a powerful story is essential to creating a successful manuscript speech. When selecting topics and stories, it’s important to consider the type of speech, the message, and making sure it’s appropriate and isn’t offensive. Drawing from personal experience and current events can enhance the audience’s connection with the topic, while being animated with tone and gestures will make it more engaging. Visual aids and props can complement this as well. Introducing a great story will draw people to your speech and help them get invested in what comes next.
Tips for Delivery of a Manuscript Speech
Delivering a manuscript speech effectively is essential for making sure your message gets across to your audience. While it may seem daunting, by following a few simple tips, you can ensure that you present your speech in the most professional manner possible. Before you start delivering your speech, be sure to practice it several times in advance. This will help you become comfortable with your words so that they don’t come out stilted while presenting. It is also important to emphasize vocal variety by changing the tone and intensity of your voice to keep the audience’s focus; boring monotone voices are often difficult to listen to. Remember to slow down or speed up depending on the importance of what you’re saying; never read word-for-word from your script – instead, aim for an engaging, conversational delivery. When delivering a manuscript speech, hand gestures can prove particularly useful for emphasizing key points. You can use arm movements and body language to convey the emotions behind your words without them feeling forced or unnatural. Again, practice helps here as well; make yourself aware of your posture and make subtle adjustments throughout until you feel comfortable speaking while moving around confidently on stage. Eye contact is another key element of effective presentation . Make sure to look into the eyes of every member of your audience at least once during your presentation – this will help them feel like they are interacting with you directly and make them more receptive to your ideas. Feel free to break away from traditional powerpoint slides if they aren’t necessary – take advantage of the natural lighting in the room and navigate through the visible space instead. Finally, remember that how you conclude the speech is just as important as how you began it, so aim for a powerful ending that leaves those listening with a lasting impression of what was discussed and learned throughout your presentation. With these tips for delivery in mind, you’re almost ready to leave a lasting impression on your audience – something we’ll discuss further in the next section!
Making a Lasting Impression with Your Audience
When you first create your manuscript speech, it is of utmost importance to consider your audience. Each part of the speech must be tailored to the people who will be listening. If a speaker can connect with an audience and make an emotional impact, the work that went into crafting the document will pay off. Using a conversational tone, humor, storytelling, and analogies can help keep the audience engaged during your speech. These techniques give the listener something to connect with and remember after the presentation is over. However, be sure to balance any humorous anecdotes or stories with a professional demeanor as not to lose credibility with your audience. Considering each part of the message and its potential impression on the listeners can also help guide you in tailoring a manuscript speech. When introducing yourself, try to use language that connects with the background of your peers; focus on wanting to help others with what you have learned or experienced so they feel like you are truly talking directly to them. Conclude by summing up important points in an inspirational way and leave listeners motivated and determined to apply the advice given in their own lives. Through this manner of “closing out” an effective speech, the audience can carry away meaningful information that will stay with them long after you finish speaking. Now that you understand how essential it is for speakers to make a lasting impression on their audiences, let us move onto learning how to confidently handle questions from your listeners as part of your presentation.
How to Handle Questions from Your Audience
When writing a manuscript speech, there are certain things you should consider when handling questions from your audience. This is an essential part of giving a successful talk to a group of people. The best way to handle questions is to take notes and make sure you can answer them directly after the speech is completed. It is important to be prepared with responses to any potential questions that may arise during your presentation. This will show your audience that you have taken the time and effort towards understanding their concerns and addressing them accordingly.
Additionally, it is also beneficial to anticipate possible areas of criticism or disagreement among members of your audience, as this allows you to provide evidence or offer an alternate route for them to consider when questioning the points made in your presentation. It is also important to remain courteous and professional when answering questions, even if someone challenges your views or speaks unkindly about your topic. It is always best practice to remain composed and ensure everyone in the room feels respected. Furthermore, having an open discussion with your audience following a well-prepared manuscript speech can add value by expanding on topics outlined. It also presents an opportunity for further clarifications and understanding beyond just getting out the message. This can be done by asking the participants what they thought of the presentation, what points they found most interesting, and other general feedback they might offer. If handled correctly, these moments can be used as learning opportunities for both yourself and others. Ultimately, handling questions from your audience confidently and gracefully is an important component of delivering a successful manuscript speech. By taking the time to prepare a response tailored towards each inquiry, even if it involves debate, you show respect towards those who took their time out of their day to attend your talk.
Additionally, it presents an opportunity to expand on topics covered while allowing meaningful dialogue between participants. With that said, it’s now time turn our focus onto crafting an effective conclusion for our manuscripts speeches – one which can bring our ideas full circle and leave our audience with memorable words!
Conclusion and Overall Manuscript Speech Strategy
The conclusion of any speech is an important part of the process and should not be taken lightly. Regardless of the structure or content of the speech, the conclusion can help drive home the points you have made throughout your speech. It also serves to leave a lasting impression on the listener. The conclusion should not be too long or drawn-out, but it should be meaningful and relevant to your topic and overall message. When writing your conclusion, consider recapping some of the key points made in the body of your speech. This will help to reinforce those ideas that you want to stick with the listener most. Additionally, make sure to emphasize how what has been addressed in your speech translates into real-world solutions or recommendations. This can help ensure that you have conveyed an actionable and tangible impact with your speech. One way to approach crafting an effective manuscript for a speech is to take note of the overall theme or objective that you wish to convey. From there, think about how best to organize your information into manageable sections, ensuring that each one accurately reflects your main points from both a visual and verbal standpoint. Consider what visuals or other tools could be used to further illustrate or clarify any complex concepts brought up in the main body of your speech. Finally, be sure to craft an appropriate conclusion that brings together all of these points into a cohesive whole, leaving your listeners with powerful words that underscore the importance and significance of what you have said. Overall, successful manuscript speeches depend on clear and deliberate preparation. Spending time outlining, writing, and editing your speech will ensure that you are able to effectively communicate its message within a set timeframe and leave a lasting impact on those who heard it. By following this process carefully, you can craft manuscripts that will inform and inspire audiences while driving home key talking points effectively every time.
Frequently Asked Questions and Their Answers
What are the benefits of giving a manuscript speech.
Giving a manuscript speech has many benefits. First, it allows the speaker to deliver a well-researched and thought-out message that is generally consistent each time. Since the speaker has prepared their speech in advance, they can use rehearsals to perfect their delivery and make sure their message is clear and concise.
Additionally, having a manuscript allows the speaker the freedom to focus on engaging the audience instead of trying to remember what to say next. Having a written script also helps remove the fear of forgetting important points or getting sidetracked on tangents during the presentation. Finally, with a manuscript, it’s possible to easily modify content from performance to performance as needed. This can help ensure that every version of the speech remains as relevant, meaningful, and effective as possible for each audience.
How does one prepare a manuscript speech?
Preparing a manuscript speech requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are the five steps to help you write a successful manuscript speech: 1. Research: Take the time to do your research and gather all the facts you need. This should be done well in advance so that you can prepare your speech carefully. 2. Outline: Lay out an outline of the major points you want to make in your speech and make sure each point builds logically on the one preceding it. 3. Draft: Once you have an outline, begin to flesh it out into a first draft of your manuscript speech. Be sure to include transitions between key points as well as fleshing out any examples or anecdotes that may help illustrate your points. 4. Edit: Once you have a first draft, edit it down multiple times. This isn’t where detailed editing comes in; this is more about making sure all the big picture elements work logically together, ensuring smooth transitions between ideas, and ensuring your words are chosen precisely to best convey their meaning. 5. Practice: The last step is perhaps the most important – practice! Rehearse your manuscript speech until you know it like the back of your hand, so that when it’s time for delivery, you can be confident of success.
What are some tips for delivering a successful manuscript speech?
1. Prepare in advance: Draft a script and practice it several times before delivering it. This will allow you to be comfortable with your material and avoid any awkward pauses when you are presenting your speech. 2. Speak clearly: Make sure that you speak loudly and clearly enough for everyone in the room to hear you. It is also important to enunciate your words properly so that your message can easily be understood by your audience. 3. Engage with the audience: Use eye contact when addressing your audience, ask questions and wait for responses, and pause to allow people time to mull over your points. These techniques help to ensure that everyone is engaged and interested in what you are saying. 4. Create visual aids: Create slides or other visuals that augment the material in your manuscript speech. This can help to keep the audience focused on what they are hearing as well as providing a reference point for them after your speech is finished. 5. Rehearse: Rehearse the delivery of your manuscript speech at least once prior to giving it so that you feel confident about how it will sound when presented in front of an audience. Identify any areas where improvements may be needed and focus on perfecting them before delivering the speech.
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How to Write a Great Speech for Public Speaking in 7 Steps
Do you have to give a speech publicly any time soon? If so, you need to know how to write a good public speaking speech.
A speech given live has other significant differences from an online presentation:
- With a live speech you need to think about establishing a positive relationship with the audience while you do your speech writing.
- Your physical presence (your appearance, posture, etc.) makes a difference with a public speech.
- You need to work in breaks for your audience and a question and answer session.
In this tutorial, we'll provide you with seven basic guidelines for writing a speech that work well with live audiences.
So that you can see how these guidelines might apply to your situation, I'll apply each step to a sample public speaking scenario that I'll provide. We'll touch on some of the basics of speech writing. Finally, I'll share extra resources that can help you learn how to write a good speech.
The Best Source for PowerPoint Templates (With Unlimited Use)
Before we dive into how to make a speech, let's look at a powerful tool that can help you design your presentation.
Envato Elements is a great place to find PowerPoint templates to use with your speech. These ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">presentation templates are professionally designed to impress.
Envato Elements is an excellent value because you ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">get unlimited access to digital elements once you become a subscriber. Envato Elements has more than just ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">presentation templates . You get:
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To become a subscriber, just sign up and pay a low monthly fee.
Sample Public Speaking Scenario
Here's a possible public speaking scenario:
You've just opened a small web design business in your town, and you join the town Chamber of Commerce. As a result, you're invited to give a short, five-minute presentation at the next Chamber of Commerce meeting.
Coming up with a public speaking speech for the scenario described above could be a challenge if you've never written or given a public speech before. Fortunately, there are some speech-writing steps that you can use that'll make speech writing easier.
Let's use this example and walk through the steps for writing a speech.
7 Steps for Writing a Speech
The steps for writing a speech for public speaking are like the steps for writing a presentation in general. But at each stage of the writing process, you need to keep your audience in mind:
1. Research Your Audience
Whenever you do any type of writing you need to consider who you're trying to reach with your writing. Speech writing is no different. The more you know about your target audience, the more effective your writing will be.
In the example above, you know that your audience is going to be the other members of the Chamber of Commerce. They're likely to be small business owners just like you are.
What to Do After You Research Your Audience:
Once you've defined your audience, you can gear your speech towards them. To do this, ask yourself questions like:
- What does this audience need?
- What problem can I solve for them?
- Is there anything else I need to consider about my listeners?
In the example we're using for this tutorial, most small businesses in your town fit one of the following three situations:
- They've got a website that works well.
- They've got a website, but the design is outdated or doesn't work well.
- They don't have a website.
2. Select a Topic
In this example your topic is already given. You've been invited to introduce your business. But you also know that the speech is going to be fairly short--only five minutes long.
While it's always a good idea to keep a speech focused, this is especially important for a short speech.
If I were writing the public speaking speech for the scenario we're working with, I'd narrow the topic down like this:
- Create a list of the strengths of my business.
- Compare the list of business strengths to the problems I observed with the other members' websites in the previous step.
- Focus my presentation on the areas where my business strengths meet weaknesses (needs) of other Chamber of Commerce members.
Let's say that I noticed that quite a few members of the chamber have websites that use outdated fonts, and the sites aren't mobile-friendly. Instead of listing everything my web design business could possibly do, I'd focus my short speech on those areas where I observed a need.
You can use a similar process to narrow the topic down any time you need to write a speech.
Avoid the temptation of trying to cover too much information. Most people are so overwhelmed by the sheer amount of new data they receive each day that they can't keep up with it all. Your listeners are more likely to remember your public speaking speech if it's tightly focused on one or two points.
3. Research Your Topic
In the example we've been going over, you probably don't need to do a lot of research. And you've already narrowed your topic down.
But some public speaking situations may require that that you cover a topic that you're less familiar with. For more detailed speech writing tips on how to study your subject (and other public speaking tips), review the tutorial:
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4. Write Your Speech
Once you've completed the steps above, you're ready to write your speech. Here are some basic speech writing tips:
- Begin with an outline . To create a speech your audience will remember, you've got to be organized. An outline is one of the best ways to organize your thoughts.
- Use a conversational tone . Write your speech the way you would normally talk. Work in some small talk or humor, if appropriate.
- Use the speaker notes . Typically, speaker notes aren't seen by the audience. So, this is a good place to put reminders to yourself.
- Be specific . It's better to give examples or statistics to support a point than it is to make a vague statement.
- Use short sentences . It's likely you're not going to give your speech word for word anyway. Shorter sentences are easier to remember.
In this example scenario for the short speech we're preparing for the Chamber of Commerce, your outline could look something like this:
- Introduction . Give your name and the name of your business. (Show title slide of website home page with URL)
- Type of Business . Describe what you do in a sentence or two. (Show slide with bulleted list)
- Give example of a recent web design project . Emphasize areas that you know the other businesses need. (Show slides with examples)
- Conclusion. Let the audience know that you'd be happy to help with their web design needs. Offer to talk to anyone who's interested after the meeting. (Show closing slide that includes contact information)
- Give out handouts . Many presentation software packages allow you to print out your speech as a handout. For a networking-type presentation like the one in our example, this can be a good idea since it gives your listeners something to take with them that's got your contact information on it.
That simple speech format should be enough for the short speech in our example. If you find it's too short when you practice, you can always add more slides with examples.
If you've been asked to give a short speech, you can change the speech format above to fit your needs. If you're giving a longer speech, be sure to plan for audience breaks and question and answer sessions as you write.
5. Select a Presentation Tool
For most presentations, you'll want to use a professional presentation tool such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, or a similar package. A presentation tool allows you to add visual interest to your public speaking speech. Many of them allow you to add video or audio to further engage your audience.
If you don't already have a presentation tool, these tutorials can help you find the right one for your needs:
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Once you've chosen a presentation tool, you're ready to choose a template for your presentation.
6. Select a Template and Finish
A presentation template controls the look and feel of your presentation. A good template design can make the difference between a memorable public speech with eye-catching graphics and a dull, forgettable talk.
You could design your own presentation template from scratch. But, if you've never designed a presentation template before, the result might look less than professional. And it could take a long time to get a good template. Plus, hiring a designer to create an original presentation template can be pricey.
A smart shortcut for most small business owners is to invest in a professional presentation template. They can customize it to fit with their branding and marketing materials. If you choose this option, you'll save time and money. Plus, with a professional presentation template you get a proven result.
You can find some great-looking presentation templates at ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">Envato Elements or ga-analytics#sendMarketClickEvent">GraphicRiver . To browse through some example templates, look at these articles:
Even a short speech like the one we've been using as an example in this tutorial could benefit from a good tutorial. If you've never used a template before, these PowerPoint tutorials can help:
7. How to Make a Public Speech
Now that you've completed all the steps above, you're ready to give your speech. Before you give your speech publicly, though, there are a few things you should remember:
- Don't read your speech . If you can, memorize your speech. If you can't, it's okay to use note cards or even your outline--but don't read those either. Just refer to them if you get stuck.
- Practice . Practice helps you get more comfortable with your speech. It'll also help you determine how your speech fits into the time slot you've been allotted.
- Do use visual aids . Of course, your presentation template adds a visual element to your public speech. But if other visual aids work with your presentation, they can be helpful as well.
- Dress comfortably, but professionally . The key is to fit in. If you're not sure how others at your meeting will be dressed, contact the organizer and ask.
- Speak and stand naturally . It's normal to be a little nervous but try to act as naturally as you can. Even if you make a mistake, keep going. Your audience probably won't even notice.
- Be enthusiastic . Excitement is contagious. If you're excited about your topic, your audience will likely be excited too.
In the example we're using in this tutorial (and with many public speaking opportunities), it's important not to disappear at the end of the meeting. Stick around and be prepared to interact individually with members of the audience. Have answers to questions anyone might have about your speech. And be sure to bring a stack of business cards to pass out.
5 Quick Tips to Make a Good Speech Great (& More Memorable)
After reading about the basics, here are some more tips on how to write a great speech really stand out:
1. Have a Strong Opening
Start your speech with a strong opening by presenting surprising facts or statistics. You could even start with a funny story or grand idea.
Another way to start your speech is to open with a question to spark your audience’s curiosity. If you engage your audience early in your speech, they're more likely to pay attention throughout your speech.
2. Connect With Your Audience
You want a speech that'll be memorable. One way to make your speech memorable is to connect with your audience. Using metaphors and analogies help your audience to connect and remember. For example, people use one writing tool to put the speech's theme in a 15-20 word short poem or memorable paragraph, then build your speech around it.
3. Have a Clear Structure
When writing your speech, have a clear path and a destination. Otherwise, you could have a disorganized speech. Messy speeches are unprofessional and forgettable. While writing your speech, leave out unnecessary information. Too many unnecessary details can cause people to lose focus.
4. Repeat Important Information
A key to writing memorable speeches is to repeat key phrases, words, and themes. When writing your speech, always bring your points back to your main point or theme. Repetition helps people remember your speech and drives home the topic of your speech.
5. Have a Strong Closing
Since the last thing that your audience listened to what your closing, they'll remember your closing the most. So, if your closing is forgettable, it can make your speech forgettable. So, recap your speech and repeat essential facts that you want the audience to remember in your closing.
Five PowerPoint Presentation Templates (From Envato Elements - For 2022)
If you’re writing a speech for a presentation, save time by using a premium presentation template:
1. ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">Toetiec PowerPoint Presentation
Toetic PowerPoint Presentation has 90 unique slides and 1800 total slides that you can easily add your information onto. There are ten light and dark versions that come with this template. Also included in this template are vector icons, elements, and maps.
2. ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">Suflen Multipurpose Presentation
Suflen Multipurpose Presentation template has a professional design that can work for any presentation topic. This template comes with over 450 total slides. With this template, you've got five color themes to choose from. Also, this template comes with illustrations, graphics, and picture placeholders.
3. ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">Virtually PowerPoint
Virtually PowerPoint template is a modern and minimal style presentation template. This template comes with over 50 slides. You can use this template for any presentation theme.
4. ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">Amarish PowerPoint Template
Amarish PowerPoint Template comes with five color themes that allow you to choose the color you want. This template is another multipurpose template that can work for any purpose. Also, this template comes with over 150 total slides and infographics, illustrations, and graphics.
5. ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">Qubica PowerPoint Template
Qubica PowerPoint Template comes with over 150 total slides and five premade color themes. Easily add images into your presentation template by dragging the image of your choice into the picture placeholder. Everything in this template is entirely editable.
Learn More About How to Write a Great Speech
Here are some other tutorials that provide more information on giving a speech:
Learn More About Making Great Presentations
Download The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations eBook now for FREE with a subscription to the Tuts+ Business Newsletter. Get your ideas formed into a powerful presentation that'll move your audience!
Make Your Next Speech Your Best Ever!
You've just learned how to write a good public speaking speech. You've been given a sample speech format and plenty of other speech writing tips and resources on how to write a good speech. You've seen ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">some templates that'll really make a PowerPoint stand out.
Now, it's up to you to write the best speech for your needs. Good luck!
Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Sarah Joy . Sarah is a freelance instructor for Envato Tuts+.
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How to Write a Speech
Last Updated: November 10, 2022 References Approved
This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 22 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 2,933,193 times.
Giving an original speech for a class, event, or work presentation can be nerve-wracking. However, writing an effective speech can help to bolster your confidence. With careful planning and an eye for detail, you can write a speech that will inform, persuade, motivate, or entertain! Give yourself plenty of time to craft your speech and practice it several times for best results.
Sample Speeches
Drafting an Effective Speech
- If you are writing a speech for a class, make sure to check with your teacher to get details about the number and acceptable types of sources.
- If you are writing an informative or persuasive speech, then plan to arrange your speech with a problem and solution structure. Start the speech by talking about what is wrong, then explain how to fix the problem in the second half of your speech. [4] X Research source
Tip : Keep in mind that you can always refine your outline later or as you draft your speech. Include all of the information that seems relevant now with the expectation that you will likely need to pare it down later.
- For example, if you are writing a motivational speech about weight loss, then you might say something like, “Five years ago, I could not walk up a flight of stairs without needing to take a break halfway up.”
- If you hope to persuade audience members to reduce their use of fossil fuels, then you might start off by saying, “Gas-powered vehicles are the reason why global warming is threatening to destroy our planet.”
- For example, if you are giving a speech on increasing funding for Alzheimer’s research, it would be helpful to provide information on how common Alzheimer’s disease is and how it affects families. You could accomplish this with a combination of a statistic and an anecdote.
Tip: Keep your introduction less than 1 paragraph or 1 double-spaced page long. This will help to ensure that you do not spend too much time on the context and background before getting to the meat of your topic. [7] X Research source
- For example, in a speech about ending animal testing for cosmetics, you might start with a point about how animal testing is cruel, then explain that it is unnecessary, and then talk about the alternatives to animal testing that make it obsolete.
- For example, if you are about to cover the concept of delayed onset muscle soreness (also known as DOMS), then explain what it is in a nutshell first, then go into more detail about it and how it relates to your point, then end that section of your speech with a brief summary of the main point you are trying to make.
- In that moment
- The following week
- For example, if you have just described the effects of global warming on the polar bear population, conclude your speech by telling your audience about non-profit organizations that are working to protect the environment and the polar bear population.
- If you have just shared your weight loss story to motivate your audience, tell them what they can do to start their own weight loss journey and share resources that you found helpful.
Making Your Speech More Engaging
- For example, instead of saying, “Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight is the pinnacle of human existence because it enables you to accomplish physical feats that boost your confidence and give you a sense of accomplishment,” say, “A healthy body weight allows you to do more physically, and this may make you happier overall.”
- Keep in mind that it is also important to vary your sentence structure. You can include a longer sentence once or twice per page to add variety to your speech. Just avoid using lots of long sentences in your speech. [15] X Research source
- For example, if you are giving a speech for a group of sales associates who are trying to increase sales of a new product called “Synergy,” then you might repeat a simple phrase to that effect, such as “Tell your customers about Synergy,” or you could simply say, “Synergy” a few times during your speech to remind your audience of this product.
- If you are writing a motivational speech about how running can help people to overcome emotional hurdles, then you might repeat a phrase in your speech to emphasize this idea, such as, “Run through the pain.”
- For example, if you are giving a speech about moose mating patterns, 2 numbers that show the decline in the moose population over a 50 year period may be a striking addition to your speech. However, sharing a complex set of moose population statistics would be less compelling and possibly even confusing to your audience.
- Choose quotes that are easy to follow and make sure that you explain how each quote you use supports to your argument. Try to stick with quotes that use simple language and take up no more than 2 lines on your page.
- For example, when describing your love of food in a motivational speech about becoming a chef, you might decide to include a joke and say something like, “I always wanted to become a chef, ever since I was a little kid and I discovered that people actually make donuts and they don’t just randomly fall from the sky.”
- Avoid relying on the slides to make the speech for you. You will still need to deliver your speech in an engaging manner. Only use the slides as a complement to your words.
- Make sure to read your speech out loud when you review it! This will help you to determine if it sounds natural and if there are any awkward sections that you can cut, smooth out, or explain more clearly. [22] X Research source
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- ↑ http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/speech/tips.htm
- ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
- ↑ https://www.write-out-loud.com/howtowritespeech.html
- ↑ https://www.academicwritingsuccess.com/7-sensational-essay-hooks/
- ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/speeches/
- ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-introductions
- ↑ https://pac.org/content/speechwriting-101-writing-effective-speech
About This Article
To write a speech, start off with an attention-grabbing statement, like "Before I begin my speech, I have something important to say." Once you've gotten everyone's attention, move on to your strongest argument or point first since that's what audiences will remember the most. Use transitions throughout your speech, like "This brings us back to the bigger picture," so the audience doesn't get lost. To conclude your speech, restate the key points and leave your audience with a question or something to think about. To learn how to edit your first draft, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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How to write a speech
Did you know?
The longest speech ever recorded in the UK Parliament was delivered in the House of Commons in 1828 and lasted for six hours!
Introduction to how to write a speech
Speeches are a powerful way of expressing your ideas to others.
When writing a speech, you need to think carefully about how you structure it to make sure it is easy for listeners to follow.
In order for it to be engaging, you need to consider the language you use, ensuring that you target your audience and their interests. In fact, there are a range of language techniques that can help to make your speech even more powerful.
Video on how to write a speech
What is a speech.
A speech is a formal talk given to an audience. It has an aim and purpose – often to either inform and/or persuade, although it’s important to remember that some have other intentions too, eg to entertain.
Speeches are used in many different contexts. A bride or groom may give a speech at their wedding. A politician or activist may give a speech to inform others of the need for change, and persuade them of the right way to bring it about. A manager may need to give a speech to their employees or bosses. A speech may even be given when you leave school to reflect upon your time in education and inspire others to look to the future.
Speeches are not necessarily something we do every day, but speech writing is a useful skill to have.
What is the most common purpose of a speech?
a) To inform and/or persuade b) To entertain and/or amuse c) To advise and/or describe
Answer: a) To inform and/or persuade
Famous speeches
Throughout history, speeches have had a massive impact on social change and political decisions. Famous speeches that are credited as having helped change the world include:
‘I Have a Dream’ by Martin Luther King Jr in 1963. It was given as part of the USA Civil Rights movement in order to help bring about racial equality.
‘We shall fight on the beaches’ by Winston Churchill in 1940. It was a speech delivered to MPs in the UK House of Commons, encouraging the nation to rise to the challenges of World War Two and not to give up hope of victory.
‘I am prepared to die’ by Nelson Mandela in 1964, given as part of the fight to end apartheid and bring about a free and equal society for both black and white people in South Africa.
‘Freedom or Death’ by Emmeline Pankhurst in 1913 was a speech given as part of the fight for women’s right to vote.
In more recent times, we have seen a number of celebrities give speeches on a range of social, political and environmental issues. For instance:
Emma Watson’s ‘HeForShe’ speech given at the United Nations Headquarters as part of the UN campaign to end global gender inequality.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s speech on climate change at the opening of the 2014 UN Climate Summit.
There are also wide ranging TED Talks that are now available on almost any topic imaginable that have gone on to inform, persuade and inspire others around the world.
What issues do you think speeches most commonly given about?
a) Personal and family issues b) Social and political issues c) Financial issues
Answer: b) Social and political issues.
How to structure a speech
The opening.
Start with an opening that hooks your audience before making the overall topic of your speech clear. Get their attention and prepare them to focus on the words that will follow. For example, you could use:
- A powerful image: ‘Imagine a huge clock - the slow, steady tick filling this room. Counting away the seconds and minutes we have left to act.’
- A shocking or surprising fact: ‘Recently, I found out that up to one million species of plants and animals are threatened with extinction at this very moment.’
- A rhetorical question: ‘Who wouldn't want to be a millionaire?’
Think carefully about how you want your audience to feel. A shocking fact may work well for some topics or audiences but a powerful image, for instance, may be more appropriate for others.
The main body of your speech
Having a simple structure to the main part of your speech is important to help the audience follow your points and ideas. Think about which points are more important and focus on reinforcing them. It is a good idea to put the most important points near the beginning of the speech, making sure they are in a logical order. Include the most important supporting examples and facts, but don’t overload the speech with too much detail.
Which sentence is the 'hook' in this paragraph?
Did you know that women make up more than two-thirds of the world's 796 million illiterate people? This means that the majority of the women in the world still cannot read or write to a functioning level. As a consequence of this, many women can only get low-paying jobs (if they are employed at all), meaning that, globally, there are a higher percentage of women who are suffering from poverty and starvation.
The rhetorical question 'Did you know that women make up more than two-thirds of the world's 796 million illiterate people?' is the hook in this paragraph. It asks the reader or listener a question that gets them thinking and wanting to know more.
Engaging language techniques
Think carefully about your audience . Choose language that will engage your specific listeners. A speech to a group of teenagers may use very different language compared to a speech given to a group of local politicians.
Think about the purpose of your speech. Are you hoping to persuade, inform, advise, entertain or argue? Many speeches will have more than one purpose. Ensure that you remain focussed on the purpose(s) you are trying to achieve.
There are a number of language techniques and rhetorical devices which can be used to keep listeners engaged during a speech and make points memorable. For example:
- Tricolon (also known as Rule of Three or Triples): Three words or phrases in a row within a sentence to emphasise a positive or negative point.
- Hyperbole : Exaggerated statements or claims for emphasis.
- Emotive language : Words and phrases deliberately and intentionally used to make your reader feel certain emotions (eg sadness, worry, urgency etc).
- Expert quote : A quotation taken from an expert in the topic about which you are speaking and which supports the point you are making, giving it more authority.
- Imperative : A command or direct instruction.
- Rhetorical question : A question asked for effect without the expectation of an answer.
- Repetition : A key word or phrase said more than once in order to reinforce a point.
- Statistic : A set of figures or a percentage used to demonstrate a point, giving it more authority.
Powerful conclusions
It can be useful to include phrases directed at the audience that highlight you’re ending the speech:
- ‘I hope these ideas I’ve shared today will fill your thoughts on the way home. It is important that we…’
- ‘My final message to you is…’
‘In conclusion, it is clear that…’
Or you may want to finish your speech with a powerful image, question or memorable idea:
- ‘You hold our fragile future in your hands – don’t break it.’
- ‘Do we really want to be responsible for the destruction of our environment?’
‘When all is said and done, will you have said more than you have done?’
And finally…
Don’t forget to thank your audience for giving you their time!
- ‘Thank you all for listening today.’
Which part of the following paragraph that clearly signals this is the ending of the speech to the audience?
The point of no return regarding climate change is just around the corner. It is time for us to act before it is too late. As you leave here today, leave with at least one idea regarding how you can cut your carbon emissions and put it into practice. You can make a difference. Together, we can be the difference.
Answer: As you leave here today, leave with at least one idea regarding how you can cut your carbon emissions and put it into practice.
An effective speech takes careful planning. Even the most powerful politicians who seem to be speaking spontaneously may have spent a lot of time preparing what to say. What you say, the order in which you say it, and the techniques you use to get your points across will all add impact to your speech.
Focus on what you want the audience to know and how you want them to feel at the end of the speech.
Test your knowledge
Non-fiction writing, formal v informal writing, how to build an argument.
How to write a formal letter
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How to explain the Silicon Valley Bank failure without needlessly creating panic
Plus, why the bank is important beyond its customers, how to explain the fdic, a promising breakthrough in bone cancer treatment, and more..
Federal officials spent the weekend trying to calm fears around the sudden closure on Friday of Silicon Valley Bank that could cause another round of destabilization. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. announced emergency measures that would protect bank customers big and small as another bank, the third in a week, closed over the weekend.
On Sunday, New York regulators shut down Signature Bank , best known as a bank that law firms used to park escrow funds for clients. The New York Times said the bank was hit hard Friday by customers pulling funds. Bank officials told the Times they thought things had settled down on Sunday, but regulators moved in.
Signature also was a big player in the cryptocurrency world, second only to Silvergate, which also announced it would liquidate last week.
In an attempt to calm jitters and prevent a panicked rush to withdraw money, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced late Sunday that the FDIC would back all deposits, whether they are covered under the $250,000 cap or not. And, the secretary added, taxpayers would not pay the cost. Instead, the cost would be paid by banks through “special assessments.” The Treasury Department and the FDIC posted :
After receiving a recommendation from the boards of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Federal Reserve, Treasury Secretary Yellen, after consultation with the President, approved actions to enable the FDIC to complete its resolutions of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in a manner that fully protects all depositors, both insured and uninsured. These actions will reduce stress across the financial system, support financial stability and minimize any impact on businesses, households, taxpayers, and the broader economy.
Yellen said Sunday that the government would not bail out Silicon Valley Bank. Yellen told CBS News, “Let me be clear that during the financial crisis, there were investors and owners of systemic large banks that were bailed out, and we’re certainly not looking.”
Today will also provide insight into whether the problems at Silicon Valley Bank are wider than that fairly small institution, which ranked 16th in size in the U.S. banking industry. Silicon Valley also had international branches that could scare depositors outside of the U.S., including in China, Denmark, Germany and India.
On Sunday, Shalanda Young, the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, told CNN that the banking system in the U.S. is healthy and more resilient now than in the 2008 banking crisis. She said, “It has a better foundation than before the (2008) financial crisis. That’s largely due to the reforms put in place.”
To give you an idea of what happened last week, Axios calculates , “Silicon Valley Bank’s customers withdrew $42 billion from their accounts on Thursday. That’s $4.2 billion an hour, or more than $1 million per second for ten hours straight.”
Silicon Valley Bank is and was especially important to tech sector startups. If those businesses fear they could lose their assets, they could continue the bank run and withdraw their accounts and cause more problems.
This is the first U.S. bank failure since 2020. In some ways, it can trace its problems to the fact that Silicon Valley Bank got much of its business from the tech sector, which has been reeling in recent months. But as small as Silicon Valley Bank is compared to giants like Bank of America, Citigroup and JP Morgan Chase, all of those stocks took a beating on the news of the Silicon Valley Bank failure.
Unlike the 2008 banking crisis, which was mainly the result of risky loans made to people who bought overpriced houses, it appears that this banking failure (at least at Silicon Valley Bank) is linked to rising interest rates. The Federal Reserve has been raising interest rates since early 2022 and plans to send them higher. People saw that they could earn risk-free income by buying treasuries, which had higher interest rates thanks to the Federal Reserve, and the bank had to find a way to raise the cash to cover those withdrawals. The quickest way to do that is to sell portions of a bank’s loan portfolio. When you liquidate quickly, you take a loss.
Business Insider’s Matthew Fox reports :
The bank’s collapse was a byproduct of the Federal Reserve’s hiking of interest rates by 1,700% in less than a year. Once risk-free Treasurys started generating more attractive returns (5%) than what SVB was offering, people started withdrawing their money, and the bank needed a quick way to pay them.
(The United States Treasury offers five types of Treasury marketable securities: Treasury Bills, Treasury Notes, Treasury Bonds, Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities and Floating Rate Notes.)
The bank had to sell its loan portfolio at a massive loss. Fox does a terrific job explaining how the collapse unfolded :
Back in 2020 and 2021, tech startups were buzzing with sky-high valuations, stock prices were soaring to record highs on an almost weekly basis, and everyone was flush with cash thanks to trillions of dollars of stimulus from the government. In this environment, Silicon Valley Bank, which had become the go-to bank for start-ups, thrived. Its deposits more than tripled from $62 billion at the end of 2019 to $189 billion at the end of 2021. After receiving more than $120 billion in deposits in a relatively short period of time, SVB had to put that money to work, and it’s loan book wasn’t big enough to absorb the massive influx in cash. So, SVB did a normal thing for a bank — just under terms that ended up working against it. It purchased US Treasury bonds and mortgage backed securities. Fast forward to March 16, 2022 when the Fed embarked on its first interest rate hike. Since then, interest rates have soared from 0.25% to 4.50% today. Suddenly, SVB’s portfolio of long-term bonds, which yielded an average of just 1.6%, were a lot less attractive than a 2-year US Treasury Note that offered nearly triple that yield. Bond prices plunged, creating billions of dollars in paper losses for SVB. Ongoing pressure on tech valuations and a closed IPO market led to falling deposits at the bank. That spurred SVB to sell $21 billion of bonds at a loss of $1.8 billion, all in an effort to shore up its liquidity but which essentially led to a run on the bank.
Why is Silicon Valley Bank important beyond its customers?
The New York Times explains that this bank has been a lifeblood for the tech industry and some of the big players in it:
The fall of Silicon Valley Bank was especially troubling because it was the self-described “financial partner of the innovation economy.” The bank, founded in 1983 and based in Santa Clara, Calif., was deeply entangled in the tech ecosystem, providing banking services to nearly half of all venture-backed technology and life-science companies in the United States, according to its website. Silicon Valley Bank was also a bank to more than 2,500 venture capital firms, including Lightspeed, Bain Capital and Insight Partners. It managed the personal wealth of many tech executives and was a stalwart sponsor of Silicon Valley tech conferences, parties, dinners and media outlets. The bank was a “systemically important financial institution” whose services were “immensely enabling for start-ups,” said Matt Ocko, an investor at the venture capital firm DCVC.
Explain the FDIC
In times of uncertainty, it is a great public service for journalists to explain the basics of the financial system and the safeguards in place to protect people’s money.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp . traces its history to the Banking Act of 1933, after the Great Depression caused a panicked run on banks. The FDIC says, since 1934, “no depositor has lost a single penny of insured funds due to bank failure.” Read what President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said back in 1933 when the panic began. It was a chilling address and nothing like a small bank in California closing — as long as it remains just one banking company.
The FDIC does not protect 401(k) retirement funds that are not invested in bank products. For instance, the FDIC would not protect losses in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, insurance products and crypto assets. If a brokerage that managed your funds went out of business, you might get help from the Securities Investor Protection Corporation , but when you invest in stocks and such, you could lose (and gain) money. SIPC explains its function this way :
If a firm closes, SIPC protects the securities and cash in a customer’s brokerage account up to $500,000. The $500,000 protection includes up to $250,000 protection for cash in the account. SIPC protects customers if: The brokerage firm is a SIPC member. The customer has securities at the brokerage firm. The customer has cash at the brokerage firm on deposit in connection with the purchase or sale of a security. SIPC protection is only available if the brokerage firm fails and SIPC steps in. SIPC does NOT protect: Investments if the firm is not a SIPC member. Market loss. Promises of investment performance. Commodities or futures contracts except under certain conditions. SIPC does not protect market losses because market losses are a normal part of the ups and downs of the risk-oriented world of investing. Instead, in a liquidation, SIPC replaces the missing stock and other securities when it is possible to do so.
The best advice is to be sure your broker is SIPC insured. Here is a list of 3,500 insured members . One of the most infamous SIPC cases involved Bernie Madoff. That case so far has distributed more than $14 billion .
When you put money in an FDIC-insured bank product, it is protected up to $250,000. You could, of course, have multiple accounts, including a savings account, a CD account and a trust. Each is insured up to $250,000. A husband and wife could each have accounts.
What is an ‘atmospheric river?’
We have had some wild weather phases in the last few months, haven’t we? Remember the bomb cyclone? Now the West Coast is experiencing flooding from an “atmospheric river.” Simply put, an atmospheric river is like a fire hose that drenches a particular region. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says :
Atmospheric rivers are relatively long, narrow regions in the atmosphere – like rivers in the sky – that transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics. These columns of vapor move with the weather, carrying an amount of water vapor roughly equivalent to the average flow of water at the mouth of the Mississippi River. When the atmospheric rivers make landfall, they often release this water vapor in the form of rain or snow.
Not all atmospheric rivers cause damage; most are weak systems that often provide beneficial rain or snow that is crucial to the water supply. Atmospheric rivers are a key feature in the global water cycle and are closely tied to both water supply and flood risks — particularly in the western United States.
How to write an Oscar thank-you speech
Axios examined the text from 1,800 Oscar winner speeches and found the No. 1 word used in acceptance speeches is “academy” (49%). Beyond that, a third of the winners mentioned the word “film” (35%), and one in four said the word “honor” (28%).
“Family” got 393 mentions, “mother” was mentioned 161 times, “children” were mentioned 129 times and “father” 126 times. Directors were mentioned a lot more often than producers or agents.
How about some good news about cancer therapy?
The word “breakthrough” gets overused in the medical world but this may actually be a breakthrough of sorts. British researchers say they have developed a drug that works against all of the main types of primary bone cancer. This kind of cancer mainly affects children. Researchers say this could be the impost important discovery in the field of bone cancer therapy in more than four decades.
The drug is called CADD522 and it blocks a gene that helps to spread cancer in a human’s bones. So far, the drug has been used in mice that were implanted with human bone cancer, so it has a ways to go before it can be called a cure in humans. But researchers are really encouraged.
The University of East Anglia, where the drug experiments were conducted, said:
The breakthrough drug increases survival rates by 50 per cent without the need for surgery or chemotherapy. And unlike chemotherapy, it doesn’t cause toxic side effects like hair loss, tiredness and sickness. Lead researcher Dr Darrell Green , from UEA’s Norwich Medical School , was inspired to study childhood bone cancer after his best friend died from the disease as a teenager. Dr Green said: “Primary bone cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the bones. It’s the third most common solid childhood cancer, after brain and kidney, with around 52,000 new cases every year worldwide. “It can rapidly spread to other parts of the body, and this is the most problematic aspect of this type of cancer. Once the cancer has spread, it becomes very difficult to treat with curative intent.
Right now, cancer that starts in the bones has about a 42% survival rate.
- BBC coverage
- News release from East Anglia , where the research was carried out
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Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Writing > Are there nine parts of speech?
Are there nine parts of speech?
Even though we use English every day, grammar rules can still be tricky to navigate. When you learned about the parts of speech in English class, you may have been taught that there were only eight of them. However, some people believe that there are actually nine parts of speech in the English language. So how many parts of speech are there, and what are they?
So, how many parts of speech are there?
It’s hard to say how many parts of speech exist, because not all grammar experts agree on the same number. According to the Chicago Manual of Style , the exact number is still up for debate. And while many grammar style guides agree that there are eight parts of speech, they don’t exactly all agree on which ones make the cut.
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A quick overview on the general parts of speech
There are seven parts of speech that are generally not up for debate—nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, conjunctions, and prepositions. The passage below contains each of these parts of speech:
Mary knew she was excited to see him, but she wasn’t completely sure about her feelings.
- “Mary” and “feelings” are both nouns , which classify a person, place, or thing. In this case, “Mary” is a person, and “feelings” are things.
- “Knew”, “was”, and “see” are all verbs , which means they are actions or a state of being.
- “She”, “him”, and “her” are all pronouns , which are words that replace a noun in certain situations. “She” and “her” are used to describe Mary, and “him” is used to describe the man that Mary is about to see.
- “Excited” and “sure” are both adjectives , which are words that describe a noun or pronoun. In this case, the two adjectives describe how Mary feels.
- “Completely” is an adverb , which is used to emphasize a verb or adjective. Most adverbs, like this one, end in -ly. The adverb here is emphasizing the adjective “sure”.
- “But” is a conjunction , which brings two complete sentences together. “Mary knew she was excited” and “She wasn’t completely sure about her feelings yet” both make sense on their own but would make more sense in the same sentence. “But” is the chain that links these two sentences together to form a more complete idea.
- “About” is a preposition , which works with a noun or pronoun to modify other words. Prepositions are used to introduce objects or to indicate timing and direction. In this sentence, “about” works with “her” (which indicates Mary) to describe “feelings”.
What are the parts of speech that are usually up for debate?
Aside from the seven parts of speech mentioned above, the two parts of speech that aren’t always included in grammar style guides are articles and interjections. There are three words that make up articles—”a,” “an,” and “the.” Articles usually come before a noun to help readers understand which noun is being described. The main reason why articles aren’t always their own part of speech is because some people believe that they fall in the same category as adjectives, since both types of words are used to describe nouns.
Interjections are emotive words and phrases such as “Wow!” and “Oops.” Used to emphasize emotions or reactions, they can make your writing more interesting. A lot of onomatopoeias, or words associated with sound effects, can function as interjections as well. Most interjections are informal and cannot be included in formal writing . Interjections are not always considered as a part of speech because they are often not included in the sentence it is describing and can be separated into its own sentence.
So, are there nine parts of speech in total?
With so many differing opinions on the matter, what you classify as a part of speech is pretty much up to your discretion. If you include articles and interjections in the mix, then there’s nine parts of speech in total. But if you think either of them shouldn’t count as parts of speech, then there’s only seven. As long as you’re writing clear sentences by using each word correctly, then it doesn’t matter what’s what. Find more writing tips to help you improve your skills.
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How to Write a Speech: Step-by-Step Guide
Writing a speech is very similar to writing essays or some paper. You need to examine those who will listen to you, define the excellent length, identify your purpose, and choose the topic. It can apply to any speech, whether you need it for college purposes, conferences, or business meetings. However, there is something fundamental about speeches. We know some famous speakers’ speeches changed the flow of history. The power of the word used correctly can change things, inspire, provoke, and many other positive things. When you present your speech, you can get the feedback right away. During your talk you may see people losing interest, there are talks, somebody is playing on the phone, and it means something goes wrong. If your oration fails, it is unpleasant, but it is not the end of the world. It means there are things you can improve to perform better next time. If you need help with this task – here it is. This guide is for those who feel scared of writing a speech. Hesitate no more! Follow our tips , and you will improve in your struggle. First of all, you need to make sure you have enough time to write an effective speech. A sufficient amount of time and attention to details will let you produce a statement that will transmit your main ideas, persuade people, and inspire.
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Drafting an Effective Speech
Any type of writing would begin with making a draft. It gives you an idea of what your speech looks like, what kind of information you already included, and what is there to add, the volume, etc.
1. Research Your Topic Well
So, you will be writing a speech on any given topic. Whatever it is, you need to gather as much information about it as possible to study all the aspects and be able to operate facts. If this is an academic speech, you will probably need to keep specific requirements. It is better to ask your teacher about those.
2. Make an Outline that Includes Your Main Argument and Points
If you believe that speeches do not need outlines, you are wrong. Producing a good draft helps a lot in writing winning speeches. It is a starting point in the process. Generally, your speech will consist of:
- Introduction part;
- 4-6 key points which you will need to support with persuasive evidence;
- Ending or Conclusion.
If it is an informative or persuasive text you are composing, you might also add a problem and its solution points. An outline is not something constant. If you come up with a better idea, you are free to change it to improve our speech.
3. Choose a Hook to Grab the Audience’s Attention
What you must do is remember about a good starting line as it is something that will guarantee our audience’s attention throughout the rest of the speech. Depending on the topic and purpose, you can begin with:
- Something funny;
- Something shocking;
- Something frightening.
Remember to design a good thesis. It is the first serious information the people will hear, so it must be precise and linked to the topic of your speech.
4. Connect Your Topic to a More Significant Issue to Give Background Information
No matter the topic you are talking about, you have to explain the relevance of your theme to your listener. It may seem natural to you, but it is not always like that for people. If they don’t see the relevance, they lose interest quickly. Expand the narrow topic to the broader one to make yourself clear. Example. You are talking about the effects of global warming on humans. You need to start by explaining what it is, its possible reasons and signs. And then, proceed to the narrow topic.
5. Address Each of Your Main Points in a Logical Order
When the topic is clear to the audience, proceed to make your points. Let them be clear and support each of them by any additional information – facts, statistics, and evidence. You should approximately make each point one paragraph long.
6. Introduce New Topics and Summarize the Material You Have Already Covered
To give your audience a better idea of what you talk about, give them some additional information before you start a new topic. And make sure you make a summary after each explanation. Let this information to be plain and clear.
7. Include Transitions to Guide Your Audience through Your Speech
Transitions are something that will help to make your projection smooth and logically linked. We do not even notice them in our speech in our everyday life, but if they are excluded, we will sound strange. Below you will find some of the most commonly used transitions:
8. Conclude Your Speech with a Call-to-Action. End Strong
Of course, your speech should have a purpose. It’s not just blah-blah with a bunch of people. You should build it in such a way to provoke people for some action. It is what you are ending should aim at. In this part, you need to do our best to inspire and encourage people for more operation, more research, and more involvement in solving the problem.
Example. If you were talking about the effect of global warming on humans, provide information about an organization working on those problems and trying to eliminate the impact.
Making Your Speech More Engaging
So, you are almost done with your speech, and it seems perfect for you. Now try to look at it from your audience. Use the tips below to make your speech more interesting.
9. Keep Your Words and Sentences Short and Simple
If you are writing something for the audience, you should remember one rule – the simpler, the better. Avoid long, complex sentences, even if they sound to you more convincing. In this way, you may just puzzle the listener and kills their interest in your speech. Use simple words and shorter sentences.
10. Favor Nouns over Pronouns for Clarity
Pronounce is good to make your speech diverse. However, too many of them may not be in our favor. It is best to use nouns not to confuse the listener. But, if there is no way to avoid using pronouns, here are some you can use with no problem:
11. Repeat a Word or Phrase a Few Times during Your Speech
You don’t have to turn into a parrot to repeat the same words a hundred times. But you can choose a phrase or two to repeat several times during your speech for a better effect on the audience. This way, you will emphasize your arguments and keep the interest of your listeners.
12. Limit Statistics and Quotes to Avoid Overwhelming Your Audience
Your audience will not like if you stuff your speech with tons of citation or statistics. It will sound too dull. If you still want to add some of them to your text, make sure you selected the most relevant. And limit them to one per each point.
13. Maintain an Appropriate Tone throughout Your Speech
Remember that the tone, or else call it mood if your speech should be approximately the same during the entire performance. Whether you want to be funny or serious, you should strive to be like that all the time.
14. Provide Visual Aids if You are Allowed
For some topics, especially difficult ones, having a supportive visual presentation can be a good idea. It will allow your audience to follow you easily and see the main aspects of your speech. Listeners’ attention will be focused on you and your announcement. The presentation can include pictures, charts, tables, quotes, etc.
15. Include Theatrics
An excellent method to keep your audience engaged is using theatrics. It is some visual experiment you can do with our audience if it is relevant to our topic. You can ask your listeners to do something right on the spot using some items you prepare in advance. If there is an example or explanation you feel might be unclear, it is best to show or act it.
Practice and Check for Weak Spots that You Can Improve
We recommend leaving your speech aside for a day or two once it is finished. Rest your mind from it, and then return with a fresh look. You will quickly see if there is anything you need to improve, maybe shorter or prolong, add some formation, etc. Ask a family member or a friend to listen to your performance. Let it be a little rehearsal before the big speech. Practice as much as you need to make your production great.
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Writing a Short Best Man’s Speech: Our Complete Guide
Are you a bit nervous about giving your best man speech? Don’t worry! Keep it short, sweet and simple with these great short best man speeches.
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Being asked to be your best mate’s best man is a total honour, but since one of the main best man duties is to give a best man’s speech , you might still be feeling a little nervous about the whole thing.
The best man speech is one of the most highly anticipated of the day, and not only does it need to be funny, it needs to be engaging and that little bit sentimental.
Despite that, it doesn’t have to be super long, so if you’re feeling apprehensive it’s probably a good idea to write a short best man’s speech, keeping it sweet and simple. Who wants to listen to the best man drone on for hours, anyway?!
With our top tips, structure ideas and real life examples, what your speech lacks in length it’ll make up for in memorability and wit (and since you’ll be following on from the father of the bride speech and groom speech , that’s important). After all, size isn’t everything, is it?
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get reading, writing and practicing.
READ MORE: Wedding Speech Order Explained
Short Best Man Speech Structure
Hoping to deliver a blinding short best man’s speech, but not sure what structure to follow? Break your speech into these three sections…
1) Introduce Yourself
Image: Jordanna Marston Photography
If you’re giving a short best man’s speech, you’ve got all the more reason to really start things off in style.
Not everyone in the room will have the pleasure of knowing who you are, so it’s best to start off with a quick introduction, including a mention of how you know the groom. Are you best friends? Did you meet at school or university? Are you brothers? Get that part out of the way.
You could even make a joke about how you don’t like public speaking and you’re going to keep things short in this section of the speech. It’ll stop the other guests from expecting something lengthy.
- “Good evening, ladies and gentleman. I’m the best man, and I think I got this role by default as Jack doesn’t really have any other friends. I didn’t really want to do it, hence why my speech will be so short, but I thought it might be the only chance I’ll get to have a meal and some drinks paid for by Jack. I didn’t risk turning it down.”
- “Hi, I’m Tom, and it’s time for me to deliver the speech I scribbled down an hour before the ceremony started.”
- “Hi, I’m the best man, and I’d like to start by saying what an emotional day today has been. Even the cake is in tiers!”
READ MORE: 21 Funny Introductions for the Best Man’s Speech
2) Crack Some Jokes
Image: Photography by Alelphos
If you’re delivering a short best man’s speech, you can pretty much go straight into cracking some jokes after the introduction.
Being the best man is a green card to make the other guests laugh at the groom’s expense… and let’s be honest, he knows what’s coming. He’s been nervously awaiting your speech all day, wracking his brains to figure out what you could be about to share. Don’t miss this chance to have a bit of fun.
Take a look at a few of our favourite jokes below, or check out our extensive list of the (genuinely) funniest best man jokes around . We promise, they’re not all cringey.
If you can link your joke to the fact that your speech is so short, then even better… just remember not to make jokes at your best friend’s new wife or husband’s expense. That is strictly off limits!
- “Going by tradition, the best man is supposed to carry out a character assassination, but because I have such immense respect for this man, I’m afraid I just can’t do that. I mean, for me to mention the time he streaked across the high school stage in the school play would be mortifying.”
- “If you can’t hear me at the back, the silence from the people at the front should reassure you that you’re not missing out on anything. I’m not very good at this whole public speaking thing, so I’ll be keeping it brief anyway. The one thing I would like say is, Joe, how lucky you are. You’ll leave today with a wife who is warm, loving and caring. And Jane, you’re lucky too. You’ll leave here today having gained a lovely dress and a wonderful bouquet of flowers.”
- “Mike, my best advice to you would be to remember that marriage is not just an eight letter word. It is an entire sentence… although you’d probably get much less for murder!”
READ MORE: 9 Tips for Delivering an Amazing Wedding Speech
3) Congratulate the Happy Couple
By the time you’ve told a few jokes, you’ll probably be pretty keen to wrap your speech up and sit back down (anyone else suffering from a serious case of dry mouth?).
With that in mind, now is the perfect point to congratulate the happy couple, tell the groom’s new wife or husband how wonderful they look and send them your well wishes for their life together. It’s as easy as that!
- “I can speak for everyone in this room when I say we all wish you all the happiness you deserve. We are so glad that you have found one another, and this day is a reminder that the best is yet to come. To the happy couple!”
- “I’ve known John and Katherine for 8 years and I can honestly say they are perfect for one another. They were both fantastic when they met, and now as a team, they will be even better together as they embark on a new adventure as man and wife. John and Katherine, I toast you and wish you both peace, health and happiness.”
- “Sarah – I know that Dan loves you very much… because he spent a long time writing this speech for me. Congratulations to the both of you!”
READ MORE: Here Are All the Best Man Duties You Need to Know About
Short Best Man Speech Examples
We might not recommend copying these word for word, but they’re sure to give you a little bit of inspiration.
Funny Short Best Man Speech
Image: Laura May Photography
“Good evening, everyone! Let’s raise our glasses and toast to the newlyweds. Don’t worry, your arms won’t get tired, because my speech is going to be like a mini-skirt: long enough to cover the essentials but short enough to capture your attention.
In my extensive research to find out how to deliver a great best man speech, I learned that I am expected to sing the praises of the groom and tell you what a wonderful guy he is. Unfortunately, I am neither a good singer nor a good liar, so that’s why I decided to keep my speech brief.
Joe, thank you for being such a stable force in my life, a great friend and a great drinking buddy. Lauren, I think we can all agree that you’re stunning this evening, and you deserve a great husband. Joe, thank goodness you snapped her up before she found one. All joking aside, I’m honoured to be here today. I love you both ad wish you many happy years of marriage. Cheers!”
READ MORE: 21 Ways to End Your Best Man Speech
Sentimental Short Best Man Speech
Image: Sally Rawlins Photography
“Evening, everyone! I am Brad. You may not know me, but Sam and I go way back – to University, in fact. We’ve been mischief makers together since the beginning.
Despite our best efforts, today has gone off without a hitch. A special thanks to everyone who made today possible!
Sam is one hell of a guy; I knew that on the first day we met. There he was, already in our halls, doing his best to find himself a girl on campus. And he had only been there a few hours! Really, his pursuits in this avenue were largely less than successful.
That was, until, he met Maddie. And thank goodness for that. The most beautiful woman definitely won. She looks stunning today, as do the bridesmaids.
Sam and Maddie, I’d like to offer you a bit of advice today as you start this new journey together. Sam, always treat Maddie like the Queen that she is. Maddie, always remember that Sam loves you and could not do without you. Seriously, I have seen him without you and it was a mess.
I wish you all the best. You are both near and dear to me, and your life together is sure to be a fantastic new chapter. Now, if you’d all like the join me as we raise a toast to the happy couple. To Sam and Maddie.”
Extra Short Best Man Speech
Image: Sacha Miller Photography
“Graham and James. Every great relationship starts with rings. In the beginning, the phone would ring and the just the thought of speaking to one another was exciting. Your love grew and so did your commitment to each other.
The engagement ring soon came after. There were no doubts… your love was true.
The engagement ring has now turned into a wedding ring and we are all here today to celebrate your marriage.
Now of course… the suffer-ring begins. (Smile and raise your glass). Peace and happiness to the happy couple!”
READ MORE: Read These Real-Life Best Man Speech Examples!
7 Top Tips for Your Best Man Speech
- Play on your relationship as much as possible! Are you brothers? Are you best friends? However you know the best man, weave anecdotes about your relationship into the speech wherever possible.
- Speak slowly and pause for laughter. Always.
- Use cue cards if you’re feeling a bit nervous and practice repeatedly.
- If anyone has sent messages but cannot be there on the day, read them.
- Avoid too many in-jokes that the guests won’t understand… it’ll only leave them confused.
- Keep it clean – being best man might be a green card to give the groom a bit of stick, but don’t take it too far. His grandparents are listening.
- Be sensible with your Dutch courage. Save the shots for after your speech has been delivered.
READ MORE: Groomsmen Gift Ideas for Every Budget
Now you know what you’re going to say, make sure you read our guide on how to overcome wedding speech nerves to ensure you pull it off perfectly! We wish you the best of luck.
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Here's how to write your speech from concept to completion. Step 1: Outline your speech's structure. What are the main ideas for each section? Step 2: Flesh out the main ideas in your outline. Don't worry about finding the perfect words. Just let your creativity flow and get it all out!
The basic format for writing a speech is simple. It consists of three parts: 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.
Quick Speech Writing Tip 1 - Choose the journey At the beginning of the speech set up your aim; where you want to take your audience. At the beginning also, you want to make sure that they trust you as a speaker.
Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for the information you'll be sharing. It's a good idea to start with a story that will catch your audience's attention. From there, you can outline what you'll be sharing and the conclusion you'll reach. Body: The body of your speech is where you'll highlight the overarching points you ...
Use a speech outline to organize your thoughts and ideas logically. Identify the introduction, body, and conclusion of your speech to help you stay focused and make your speech easier to follow. Use Strong, Clear Language Choose your words carefully, and use simple language that is easy to understand.
Use a simple structure. Start by clearly saying the 'headline' and key idea underpinning your speech in simple, everyday language, and follow with a simple structure supporting your main point. Here are some examples: A: Headline and 3 supporting reasons: With this approach, follow your "headline" statement with 3 simple supporting reasons.
Here are the steps you can follow if you've booked a speaking engagement or need to deliver an important presentation: 1. Decide on your main points. A good rule of thumb is to have 3-5 main points; anything beyond that will be difficult for your listeners to remember.
Find a quiet room, close the door, and turn off your digital devices. If you are writing on a computer, turn off email notifications. It's important to give yourself a clear head to think. Personally, I start this process in the morning before I even check the day's emails.
The minute speech is best handled as follows. Decide what you're going to say, take a deep breath, and then give the headline. "I don't think that mice should be allowed in the Vatican." Then go...
Check your posture if your voice is a little shaky before the speech. Roll back your shoulders and tuck your shoulder blades down towards your back. Slightly lift your chest and chin as you speak. Make eye contact: Throughout the speech, you should change your eye contact with different audience members.
Your speech should be easy for the audience to comprehend and understand. So, avoid complex terms and pick the right delivery style. Avoid bias. Your speech should be objective. Avoid being over-emotional, base your opinions on facts, and avoid biased opinions. It should be relevant.
A manuscript speech involves writing down your entire speech word-for-word and memorizing it before delivering it. To begin, start by writing down your introduction, main points, and conclusion. Once you have written your speech, practice reading it out loud to get used to the phrasing and memorize each part. Preparing a Manuscript Speech
2. Include a hook, thesis, and road map of your speech in the introduction. It's common to begin a speech with an attention-grabbing device, such as an anecdote, rhetorical question, or quote. [8] After getting the audience's attention, state your thesis, then preview the points your speech will cover.
Greeting the Audience. 1. Welcome the audience using serious language for a formal occasion. Pick an appropriate greeting such as, "Good evening ladies and gentlemen." Then welcome the audience to the event using a phrase such as, "It is my pleasure to welcome everyone to our beautiful venue tonight."
For example, people use one writing tool to put the speech's theme in a 15-20 word short poem or memorable paragraph, then build your speech around it. 3. Have a Clear Structure. When your speech has a clear structure to it your speech becomes more memorable. When writing your speech, have a clear path and a destination.
2. Build your outline. Create an outline that highlights each section of your speech. Think about which talking points your audience wants to learn about. The outline can be a way to formulate your thoughts in an order that allows the speech to flow and smoothly transition from one topic to the next.
In general, a speech should include an introduction, 5 main points with supporting evidence (such as statistics, quotes, examples, and anecdotes), and a conclusion. Use a numbered structure or simply outline your speech using bullet points. [3]
How to structure a speech The opening Start with an opening that hooks your audience before making the overall topic of your speech clear. Get their attention and prepare them to focus on the...
How to write an Oscar thank-you speech. Axios examined the text from 1,800 Oscar winner speeches and found the No. 1 word used in acceptance speeches is "academy" (49%). Beyond that, a third ...
Test your writing with Editor's free grammar checker. Learn More. A quick overview on the general parts of speech. There are seven parts of speech that are generally not up for debate—nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, conjunctions, and prepositions. The passage below contains each of these parts of speech:
Use the tips below to make your speech more interesting. 9. Keep Your Words and Sentences Short and Simple If you are writing something for the audience, you should remember one rule - the simpler, the better. Avoid long, complex sentences, even if they sound to you more convincing.
1) Introduce Yourself. If you're giving a short best man's speech, you've got all the more reason to really start things off in style. Not everyone in the room will have the pleasure of knowing who you are, so it's best to start off with a quick introduction, including a mention of how you know the groom.