How to write a speech. Easy to understand steps.

Writing a speech is no easy thing. Being able to write a successful speech is a great talent.
Of course, not everyone is born with the ability to write a great speech just like that.
This easy to understand step by step information will get you writing a great speech in no time!

Firstly, you have to establish:

* WHO the speech is for


* WHAT the speech is about - main points in order of importance


* HOW long it will be

Construction

A speech consists of three simple parts

* an opening or introduction
*the body, where most of the information is given
* and an ending

Think about what your most important points are. These are your main points. It's important to have more than one main point, so you have a variety of things to talk about.

So with this in mind, lets prepare the body of your speech.

Step One

Make sure you begin with your most important point.
Maybe start with a joke, or an anecdote to get everyone listening and interested.

Think of your target audience, and the best way to get your point across

Remember, not all of your audience will be hanging on your every word. You have to make sure your speaking in a way that will appeal to a majority (or all) of your audience.

Step Two

Now that you've written your main points in order of importance, it's time to record yourself reading your points out loud. This will help you to pin-point the parts that are lacking, and the parts that are too dominant.

*Remember. You don't have to write everything your going to say just yet. This is just to make sure you have your main ideas ready and sequenced.

Step Three

Check the tone of your language. Is it going to appeal to a majority of your audience? Or are you using long complicated words.


* Check the length of your sentences. If they're too long or complicated you risk losing your listeners.


* Have you chosen words everybody will understand?
If you use too many long words, you will risk losing the attention of your audience.


* Read what you've written out loud. If it flows naturally, go on to your next point. If not, read it aloud and rework it to suit you.

* Remember you are writing 'oral language'. You are writing as if you were explaining, telling or showing something to someone. It doesn't have to be perfect sentences. We don't talk like that. We use whole sentences. Try reading it aloud to family members or friends, and see how they rate it.

Repeat Steps One, Two & Three for the remainder of your main ideas.
Because you've done the first block carefully, the rest should come fairly easily.

Step Four: Linking or Transitions

Next, you have to learn to link your ideas. This will make your speech flow nicely, and keep your listeners attentive.

A link can be as simple as:

'You have to remember that white cats are more likely to stain their fur than other cats. This leads me to my next animal... What follows is the introduction of Main Idea Two.

Go back through each of your main ideas, and link them as best as possible. If one of your ideas isn't linking to the next, try re-arranging your points.

Step Five: The Ending

The ending is what your audience will remember the best. You want it to stick in your audience minds. The ending usually consists of a call for action, and a summary of your major points.

The desired outcome for a speech is for your audience to leave and agree with your opinions.

Ask yourself what you want people to do as a result of having listened to your speech.

* Was it to motivate or inspire?


* Was it to persuade to a particular point of view?


* Was it to share specialist information?


* Was it to celebrate a person, a place, time or event?


Write your ending and test it out loud.

Step Six: The Introduction
Once you have your main ideas and your ending, It's time to write the introduction. The introduction is one of the most important parts to a speech. You have to start a speech by exciting your audience and making them want to listen to what you have to say.

A great way to start your speech is by asking the audience some questions. This keeps them involved.

Example:
'How many of you eat toast for breakfast?....' A question gets the audience thinking.

Go back to the purpose. Why are you giving this speech? Once you have your answer, consider your call to action. What do you want the audience to do as a result of listening to you?
Ask yourself, if I were him/her what would appeal?

* Is it humor?


* Would shock tactics work?


* Is it formality or informality?


* Is it an outline of what you're going to cover, including the call to action?


* Or is it a mix of all these elements?

I recommend writing two or more introductions, and fitting the best one with your main points and ending.

Your speech is nearly finished! Just one more step..

Step Seven: Checking

Read through your speech three or four times.

Read it aloud, and read it to friends or family members.
This will help to pick out any spelling or punctuation mistakes.

This is a very important part to writing a succesful speech.

Your done!
So get on out there! You have all you need to write the perfect speech. Good luck, and Have fun!