How to write a speech to get your message across

To write a speech that is effective and powerful, you should take into account that the 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 actually matters.

First, to write a speech you need a thesis statement, or a theme. This means you must be able to summarize your 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.”

There are many ways to promote change. But if you want your audience to understand and be moved by your message, you need to find a central topic before you write your speech.

Second, choose the best possible words to get your message across. If you use only flowery words you write a speech that will definitely bore your audience. Keep it concise, simple, and direct to the point. And remember – your listeners also have other things to do with their time, so you owe it to them to write a speech that makes every single second count.

Of course, using figures of speech and rhetoric is effective, but only at the right moments. And 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 write. The comprehension level, attention span, and interest of a room full of science professors is different from a crowd of 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.

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