How to Write an Effective Speech

Effective speakers are only as good as their speech is. Think of speeches that changed history. Abe Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" and Martin Luthur King Jr's "I Have A Dream" were all speeches that were delivered effectively because the speaker had a passion about the subject. Even though your speech may not go down in history, here you will learn how to get your point across to the audience members.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Streamline subject matter. When writing a speech, you must narrow the subject field. An effective speech should be to the point and streamlined. A speech that is not streamlined will be too vague and vast for the audience to be affected by your words.

2. Create an outline. In effort to keep you on track, write an outline highlighting the main points of your speech as well as the subtopics of each point. Write down a complete sentence or two about your main points. Transfer notes and certain phrases on to note cards.

3. Be passionate. No matter what the subject matter, present it with passion. Choose strong, illustrative words to drive the passion to the listeners. Deliver the words with enthusiasm.

4. Refrain from using catch phrases. When using phrases and over-used sayings, the speech tends to sound pre-fabricated and rehearsed. A speech should flow conversationally.

5. Keep it short. A prolonged and drawn-out speech will eventually bore the audience. Keep the main points short and to the point. An effective speech can be done in less than 10 minutes, depending on how much time you have been allotted.

Tips & Warnings

• Write outline on to note cards. Keep them in order to refer back to them throughout the speech.
• Ad lib when needed.
• Do not read the speech verbatim.