How to Write the Perfect Speech Every Time
The key to giving a great speech is to actually write a great speech. All speech-related advice centers on our collective (and perfectly rational) fear of public speaking . What if I told you that giving a speech is much easier when you know it’s flawlessly and boldly written? Welcome to my TED Talk.
We’ve all listened to a few boring graduation speeches, or perhaps there were less than uplifting monologues at your company’s last town hall. Despite all the speakers who have made us doze off in our seats, writing a good speech is not as hard as it sounds.
I spoke with speechwriter Chandler Dean , director of West Wing Writers . If you’re trying to inspire some graduates, get promoted, and/or achieve world domination, here’s what you need to know to write the best speech for all your persuasion needs.
The Basics: All Good Speeches Follow the Same Formula
Dean shares the view that the vast majority of persuasive speeches follow one basic structure: Monroe’s Motivated Sequence . To create an effective speech, try following this five-step structure:
- Attention. Hook your audience.
- Problem. Imagine the problem you are going to solve.
- Solution. Suggest ways to solve the problem.
- Vision. Help the audience visualize your solution (more on this below).
- Call to action. End your speech by suggesting action to the audience.
The beauty of the Monroe Motivated Sequence is that you use it all the time without even realizing it. For example, Dean noted that I used it myself when I sent him a message asking for an interview. While this flow of persuasion probably comes naturally to you by now, the five steps are a useful checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything in your speech.
Tell something to your audience
Dean explains the old adage about telling people your main point three times: “Tell them what you’re going to say, say it, and then tell them what you just said.”
Dean explains that while this may make your speech seem repetitive on paper, keep in mind that this argument is for the ears, not the eyes. The reason this is so important is because in a live, oral environment, people cannot go back and reread the most important passages. You need to be a little redundant to help your audience organize and process what you want them to do. hear.
So, let me repeat: achieve your main goal not once, not twice, but three times.
Tips and tricks to take your speech to the next level
Dean offers these final reminders to make your speech as persuasive as possible.
Refer to the elephant in the room. If there’s anything out of the ordinary about the event you’re performing at, communicate it first and your audience will find you more attractive.
Write in chronological order. The information must be delivered to the audience in the order in which it happened, unless you are intentionally hiding details for effect.
Use visual metaphors. Find language that evokes some kind of visual impression, rather than abstract or theoretical terms. Dean cites Conan O’Brien’s 2000 Harvard alumni speech as an amusing example of using specificity to create a picture. This not only grabs your audience’s attention, but also ensures they remember what you’re saying.
Tailor your speech to the audience. Remember who your audience is and use the details to speak specifically to them. Eric Schnure , author of The Political Speechwriter’s Companion, refers to these moments as “hell,” for example: How the hell did they know that? “If you can find something specific that your specific audience finds interesting, that will go a long way in helping you please the crowd.
brevity. Use as few words as possible to get your point across. Made.
Finally: Is your speech long? Do what my editors do and cut out all adverbs . Fast!
If you want to see these tips in action, check out Dean ‘s close reading of his 8th grade graduation speech .
Follow Dean on Twitter @chandlerjdean .