Steps in Speech Writing

Steps in Speech Writing

1. Select the topic. There are three factors to consider in topic selection: speaker’s interests and resources, listener’s expectations and readiness, and considerations of time and space.

a. Speaker’s Interests and Resources

·         Choose a topic you are interested in.

·         Choose a topic you know and can learn more about.

b. Listener’s Expectations and Readiness

·         Choose a topic the listeners can grasp and understand

·         Choose a topic your listeners will be interested in.

c. Considerations of Time and Space

·         Choose a topic that can be handled in the allotted time.

·         Choose a topic that is appropriate for the size and layout of the space in which you will speak

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2. Scan the audience. Consider your type of audience: their age, gender, educational background, and the like.

3. Determine the purpose of the speech (e.g., to inform, to argue, to persuade, to entertain, and to inspire)

4. Organize and outline the speech. Know the three major parts of speech: introduction, body and conclusion.

            a. Introduction

                        The introduction sets the tone of the entire speech. It should be brief and to-the-point. The following may be used in introduction openers:

·         A thought-provoking rhetorical question

·         An amazing example

·         A stirring example

·         A quotation or funny remark

·         A controversial statement

·         A compelling anecdote nobody knows

·         A definition often expert

b. Body

            The body contains the bulk of information in your speech and needs to be clearly organized. Without clear organization the audience will probably forget your information, main points, and perhaps even your thesis. Some simple strategies will help you create a clear, memorable speech. The following are the four key issues used in organizing a speech: main ideas, organizational patterns, connective devices, and references to outside reach.

c. Conclusion

            While the conclusion should be brief and tight, it has a few specific tasks to accomplish.

·         Re-assert/Reinforce the thesis

·         Review the main points

·         Close effectively

5. Gather supporting materials. Supporting materials are forms of evidence that develop or strengthen each of the points to be made in the speech.

            After deciding on the pattern of arrangement of details that best suits the topic, the speaker is ready to gather various supporting materials. They may be taken from personal experiences, library resources, observations, interviews, and print and broadcast media.

6. Write the speech based on your outline.

7. Deliver the speech well.

Language

            Language can help the speakers build a speech in a more effective style. These are the three important features of language that one must consider before he speaks.

1. Accurate and clear language

            The choice of words must be closely related to the intended meaning of the speaker. In short, the speaker should be specific to convey his message in a precise manner.

            Use concrete language rather that abstract. The more concrete the terminology the speaker uses, the clearer the message will be.

            Mature language should be used. It is more proper to use adult words rather than juvenile wordings.

            A speaker should avoid repetition of words, too much adjectives, outdated words, and odd or peculiar words. He should be careful in choosing universally accepted terminologies. Likewise, he must follow the rules of grammar, such as subject-verb agreement, verb tenses and negations.

2. Colorful and varied language

Create visual images in the minds of your audience by painting a picture of what you are trying to say. This will help you express your ideas effectively.

            Through the use of appropriate adjectives, ideas are made clear, and the speaker avoids being repetitious.

3. Creativity

            Creativity adds colour and variety to your speech. It allows widens up your vocabulary since it allows you to develop your speech material through the use of figurative and suggestive language. Moreover, it adds attention and humour to your speech thus, helping you avoid being monotonous.

Style

            There are various styles in public speaking:

1. Formal and Informal

            In every aspect of speech preparation and delivery, speakers must first analyse the occasion where they will speak and the kind of audience they are going to face. By knowing these things, they will know when to use the formal and informal styles of speaking.

            Formal style of speaking demands a high level of correctness. In meanings, words are ore national than regional. On the other hand, informal style of speaking uses slang and colloquial terms.

2. Oral and Written

The oral style is used when speakers enforce their messages as if listeners are reading them. A good speech writer uses spoken English rather than written.

            On the other hand, the written style is used in manuscript speeches. Mostly, quotes are given directly and are repeated exactly the way they were written.

3. Factors of attention

            These are closely related to the psychological factors of attention of the audience. The audience is considered responsive if they are attentive to the speaker.

4. Language Style

            This is used to create a speech in an effective style. Speakers can benefit from the wide array of words that language can offer. In this way, they can have their speeches delivered in a creative manner.

Audio-Visual Aids

Audio-visual aids enable the speaker to clarify and elaborate the verbal material of the speech. Drawings can be utilized using chalkboards of flipcharts. Models or mock-ups are very useful substitutes when speakers cannot use the real objects because of impracticality. Charts, diagrams, and posters, too, will also show vivid illustrations of the verbal material of the speech. Lastly, electric or electronics visual aids such as movie sides or videos are useful aids.

Thea Jill Roxas

Redar Rojo