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How to write a speech that get the message across
Posted by speaker at 12 September, 2009, 7:32 pm
An effective and powerful speech is one half of your personality and delivery and one half of your content and word choice. If you are oozing with charm you might get away with just humor at the beginning. You might even generate thunderous applause from your loyal listeners halfway. However, the only way you can make sure that your words lingers long after you have left the podium is to say something that cuts to the core and actually matters.
First, your speech should have a thesis statement, or a theme. This means you must be able to summarize message in a single sentence. For example, if it is about environmental change, what is it about the environment that needs to be addressed?
A good thesis statement would be, "Everyone should stop using plastic bags to reduce the risks of global warming."
In short, while there are many ways to promote change, your speech should have a central topic if you want your audience to understand and be moved.
Second, choose the best possible words to get your message across. A speech built only on flowery words will definitely bore your audience. Keep it concise, simple, and direct to the point.
Remember - your listeners also have other things to do with their time, so you owe it to them to deliver a speech that makes every single second count. Using figures of speech and rhetoric is effective, but only at the right moments. Injecting metaphors and quotes at every sentence will only make you look pretentious and desperate.
Finally, being familiar with your audience is the best way to know what type of speech you will deliver. The comprehension level, attention span, and interest of a room full of science professors is different from a crowd of, say, high school students. You must tailor your speech to your listeners, without losing grip of your message.
The best speeches of the world are not those that are written too intellectually, but those crafted with the simplest words and the best intentions. Keep this in mind always.
