Basics of Speech Writing
Speech writing is the craft of preparing words meant to be spoken aloud and heard, which differs in important ways from writing meant to be read silently. A good speech is clear, well organized, and written for the ear.
Questions you may have include:
- How is speech writing different from other writing?
- What makes a good speech?
- Where do you start?
Writing for the ear
Listeners cannot reread a sentence they missed, so speeches use simpler sentences, repetition, and rhythm, and present ideas in an order that is easy to follow as it is heard. What looks fine on the page may not work aloud.
What makes a good speech
A good speech has a clear purpose, is aimed at a specific audience, and is built on a simple structure with a beginning, middle, and end. Above all, it carries one central message the audience can remember.
Where to start
Begin with that central message — the one thing you want the audience to take away — and build everything else around it.
Summary
Speech writing prepares words for the ear, favoring simple sentences, repetition, rhythm, and an easy-to-follow order. Good speeches have a clear purpose, a defined audience, a simple structure, and one central, memorable message to build around.