Speech Writing

THE 4 P's - PLAN, PREPARE, PRACTICE AND PRESENT YOUR SPEECH
PLANNING YOUR SPEECH

1. THE PURPOSE OF THE SPEECH:
· Decide what you wish to speak about
· Decide what is the primary purpose of the speech.
Do you wish to:
(a) instruct and inform
(b) convince, persuade, influence or motivate, or
(c) amuse and entertain
· What are you trying to achieve
· What are the objectives of your speech

PREPARING YOUR SPEECH
2. THEME:
· In one sentence, write down the object of your speech. This sentence will become the
criterion against which all material is be judged whether to be included or not.
· If there are a number of points to be dealt with, establish a theme, a central idea or concept
which gives unity, direction and coherence to the presentation as a whole.
· List the main points to be covered and arrange them in a logical sequence.
Your speech should be structured into 3 distinct parts - Opening, Body and Conclusion

3. OPENING or INTRODUCTION:

· The introduction is most important as your audience will accept your message in the first 30 -
90 seconds, or they will switch off and ignore the rest of the speech.
· In the introduction you (a) introduce the theme (b) set the scene (c) establish a direction (d)
gain the attention of the audience and get them involved.
· The introduction should be short, positive, easy to handle, generate interest and expectancy
and you must feel comfortable with it. It should create a vivid image and possibly an image
that the audience can identify with.
· DO NOT repeat the title, read the introduction, apologize, explain, complain or make
excuses.
· Ideas for an attention gaining opening:
· Use a question related to audience need.
· Pay a sincere compliment
· Use a quotation. This reinforces your opinion. Remember to state the author.

4. BODY:

· The body should flow naturally from the introduction and lead the audience to the conclusion
you wish to accept.
· Be sure to stick to your theme.
· DO NOT try to cover too much ground - three or four main points are sufficient.
· Use stories, anecdotes, examples to keep the audience interested.
· Pause after each major point, example or illustration for effect and to allow the audience to
consider your point.
· Remember the audience likes to be entertained as well as informed, convinced or motivated.
Try to include some humour, if appropriate to the topic.

5. CONCLUSION:

· The conclusion should re-state the essential message. Keep it short and simple
· Memorize the conclusion and the opening.
· Refer back to the points in the introduction to round off the speech. The conclusion should
always link back to the opening.
· DO NOT introduce any new information to round off the speech.
DO NOT just fade off.
· DO NOT thank the audience at the end of the speech.

PRESENT YOUR SPEECH

Rely on the fundamentals:
· Own your subject
· Feel positive about your speech
Make positive first impression:
· Establish eye contact
· Confident body language
· Be relaxed and well groomed
Build rapport with your audience:
· Be sincere and be yourself
· Say "we" not "you"
· Talk in terms of your audience's interests
· Involve your audience
Hold the attention of the audience:
· Be enthusiastic
· Use vivid words
· Express yourself clearly and concisely
· Have an upbeat voice
Close your presentation to make a favorable and lasting impression.