How to Write a Good Public Speech

Organization is key to writing a good speech.

Speaking in public can be a nerve-wracking experience for many people. Preparation is the key to taking the edge off public speaking and having a good speech will give you extra confidence. Good speeches are logical, well-organized and easy to follow. With enough practice, you will find that writing good speeches can become almost second-nature.

Instructions

1. Start your introduction by thanking your audience for inviting you. If you have not been introduced formally, or are not already known by your audience, identify yourself and provide your credentials. Describe the reason why you are there, and briefly tell the audience what you will be talking about.

2. State the main point of your speech. This is your proposition or argument, the one important thing you want the audience to remember from this speech. Write your proposition clearly, using short words and short sentences.

3. Provide supporting arguments for your main point. Use concrete examples when possible. Consider possible opposing arguments, and refute them here. Provide as many supporting points as you need, or as many as time allows.

4. Conclude your speech by restating your main point. Repetition is key to making an audience remember a speech.

5. Edit your work for grammar as well as conversational style. Read the speech aloud to make sure it is easy to deliver and within your time constraints. Make changes to your speech accordingly, and repeat the steps as necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Write the speech as you would speak. Don't use words you wouldn't ordinarily use when talking just to sound impressive. It will lose the audience and hurt your credibility.

References

• Teacher.Scholastic: Writing with writers: Speechwriting