Writing a speech

My latest project for a client is to write some speeches for people to deliver at an upcoming event, so I thought I'd throw some tips out here. Most people obviously don't have anyone to write them speeches, they have to do their own thing if they are obligated to introduce someone, or outline a program, or give an award at an event. Here are some ideas if this is you.

1. First of all, actually do write yourself a speech. Don't expect to get up there and improvise. I know a lot of people do this and it turns out okay, but I think it's so much better if you put some thought into it and make some notes, even if your speech is only a few minutes long. Which brings me to my next point, which I actually think is the most important of all....

2. Stick to your time limitations! This is part of the reason for writing a speech and speaking from your script or notes, that way you won't accidentally ramble. But whatever you have to do to stay within the time allotted, please please please, if you want people to enjoy your speech and your event, do it. Don't run over even a little, because if every part of the event runs over just a little it seriously adds up. And don't think that you're just so darned fascinating everyone wants you to go on longer. I mean, maybe you are fascinating, but still, people can only pay attention for so long anyhow so better to leave them wanting more than less, right? Remember, even if 3 minutes seems like forever when you first start deciding what to say, it's actually not very long at all and you probably will not estimate the time correctly when you're actually up there speaking. Practice and time yourself. Everyone will be glad you did.

3. Have a purpose to your speech and make sure that you fulfill that purpose. Your purpose may be to introduce a person. Just do that, don't try to do add in other things unless they relate to that person you are introducing and the reason they are being introduced. Make sure that every part of your speech relates to that purpose, whatever it is. Don't try to make it do too much.

4. Use concise, direct language. Don't add a lot of filler. Especially watch out for any of the bad habits that all of us have, like adding "um" or "like" or whatever it may be. This is another good reason for writing your speech out and speaking from notes. Everyone has some verbal tics, but all you have to do is be aware of yours, and plan ways to overcome them.

5. Try to tell a story, especially if you are making a speech concerning a particular individual or a program of your organization. I think many speakers fall into the trap of just listing things--statistics of people helped by the organization, or honors received by the person they're introducing. You may feel obligated to list some of those things, but get that part over quickly and instead tell a story that exemplifies those statistics or honors. You can say that over 1000 women were helped out of homelessness by your org last year, but it says more to tell one woman's story. You can talk about a donor's generosity to several of your programs, but it means more to tell that she began giving to charities because her mother taught her to put 10 cents out of every dollar allowance aside for UNICEF when she was six.

6. Finally, when your speech is perfectly written, practice practice practice. Even if you're an experienced speaker, it will help you stick to your time limit, include everything you need to say, and you will do it all with the greatest of ease and grace.