How to Write a Candidate's Speech

Public speaking can seem less daunting when your speech is well-written.

One of the most important elements of any campaign, whether it's for your club presidency or the president of the United States, is speeches. Indeed, professional speechwriter James Snyder explains that "the need for an excellent, resounding, [and] memorable core speech remains for every candidate, no matter what political office is being sought." Whether you're running for the student council or you're a professional politician seeking a local, state or national office, preparing well-developed speeches should be one of your top priorities.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Notepad
• Word processor

Instructions

Brainstorm

1. Write down the biggest reasons why you're running for office in a notepad. Think of the personal reasons or motivations you have for seeking the position, then create an enthusiastic and honest rationale in one sentence.

2. Write a central message or theme for your speech based on your rationale. This theme needs to define what your speech is going to be about.

3. Create a list of issues around your central message or theme. You should identify three to five issues in detail that relate to your audience and allow you to connect with them on a personal level. For each issue, write a brief yet well-developed plan that you believe will solve the issue.

Write The Speech

1. Plan the speech using your brainstorming notes. List the content you want in your introduction and conclusion, and sort the issues you want to address in the body in chronological order.

2. Write the introduction of the speech. Because you will have been brought to the stage by someone who will have said your name and the office for which you're running, there's no reason to repeat those things...but go right into information like your credentials and background, including the experience that makes you the best candidate. Include your rationale and central message where appropriate.

3. Write the body of the speech. Identify each issue you brainstormed and how you would correct the problem in detail. You should explain the problem briefly and spend more time explaining what approach you would employ to solve it. Voters appreciate candor and they also appreciate specifics; they don't appreciate false or vague promises.

4. Write the conclusion of the speech. Briefly wrap up your speech by reminding your audience about your central message, thanking them for their time, and telling them that you want to serve them. "I'd appreciate your support on (date of election)" is a good way to end.

5. Review your speech and edit it. Read it and correct any errors you find. Read it aloud almost as if rehearsing it in front of others and correct any awkward wording.

Tips & Warnings

• You may have your own agenda when it comes to deciding on speech topics, but don't forget to demonstrate your knowledge of voters' concerns by making sure to include issues that are "hot buttons" for them. Be aware of their grievances and include your solutions to those that stand out most in your speech.

• Always write to be heard. Essay and other forms of writing require that you write to be read, but a speech requires that you write to be heard. Use contractions and simple language to get your point across in the most efficient way possible.

References

• The Heartland Institute: Writing A Great Campaign Speech
• Great Speech Writing: Speech Tips For Parliamentary Candidates