How to Write the Perfect Speech

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By Althea DeBrule
User-Submitted Article

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Now that you have that coveted speaking engagement, it’s time to craft the perfect speech—one that will delight and thrill the audience as well as enhance your reputation and increase your credibility. Use these tips to write the ideal speech that will wow your audience.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Speaking Engagement
Speech Ideas
Computer
Word Processing Software
Paper & Pen

Step 1

Select a title that fits into the overall theme of the meeting or event. Most likely you will have 20 to 60 minutes on the agenda for your speech or presentation, so develop your speech to meet the audience’s needs.
Step 2

The beginning of your speech is the most important part. Since people in general are easily distracted, you should grab their attention by sharing a story, factoid, illustration or humorous anecdote to get them to continue to listen. Use a conversational and informal tone.
Step 3

The body of your speech should contain clear points that give the audience information which can be implemented in their own companies or acted upon personally. These points should be repeated in any handouts you distribute.
Step 4

End your speech by summarizing the key points and leaving the audience with a specific call to act on what they have heard.
Step 5

Leave some time for questions. When preparing your speech, leave 10 to 15 minutes for questions from the audience.
Step 6

Make sure you have handouts that can be reviewed as you speak or distributed at the end of your talk.
Step 7

Type your speech using double or triple spacing between lines. Indent the paragraphs. Use a large font (12-14 points), and consider “all caps” to help you find your place while speaking. As you type, speak out loud and visualize the audience’s positive response to your information.
Step 8

Practice your speech and become familiar with its key points. Under no circumstances should you plan to read your speech word for word; nor should you try to memorize it. Instead use notes.