How to Write a Speech – Academizers

Many scenarios in life may necessitate one to make a speech, whether a formal or informal event. Some of the occasions you may be required to write a speech are: a graduation, promotion, wedding, retirement party, a birthday, an anniversary, etc.

However, sometimes you just do not have an event but your school needs you write one. Writing scholarly speeches is easy when you know what are the features of a speech, the do’s and the don’ts of writing one. If you want to know how to write a speech, then you are where you should be.

How do I write a speech? Here are the step to writing a speech

Think about the topic you write about. If you have not been assigned a topic, brainstorm some ideas.
Consider the people that will be listening to your speech. If it is your instructor you are writing to, you will need to assume he or she is the general audience. Make sure the language is appropriate for the listeners and that it offers valuable information and key takeaways.
You speech topic will most times have conflicting opinions from different factions. Make sure you are aware of all of them whether you agree with them or not. Talk about those issues briefly in your speech, that is how to write a perfect speech.
Data will be key if you want to sound convincing and knowledgeable. Find relevant data to support your points.
When you have all you need, it is time to make an introduction to your speech. Here you will be expected to inform listeners what they will be expecting to hear from you, how much time they will be listening to you, and whether you will be open to questions afterwards. Your audience needs a strong and exciting introduction to your speech so that they can be glued to what you have to say.
Write a conclusion. Here you must remember to thank the audience for their time.

What to consider when deciding a speech topic?

When picking a topic for a speech, consider:

Whether you are passionate about the topic,
You have enough knowledge about the topic,
You are updated with the current trends and issues around your speech topic.

If a topic is not ‘favorable’ to you, forgetting the key arguments and terms to use will be inevitable. When you have an option to choose a topic, go for what you are really good at and confident about.

Some topics are very controversial and you will want to avoid them altogether. Examples include, creation and evolution stories, religious debates, gay marriages, etc. But when you are assigned to write on them, in some disciplines such as philosophy, you have no choice other than to oblige. If you care about your academic success, knowing how to write a speech is very crucial.

Key factors to consider when writing a speech

When offering your arguments, every paragraph should have a major point and then supporting details and evidence afterwards. Adhere to this structure throughout your speech.
Mention some interesting and general facts that may grab the attention of your audience. Choose what they are most likely interested in and incorporate it into your introduction.
Practice the speech if you are going to make an actual delivery. Have people listen to you and give you their opinions. Use the feedback they give you to improve the general quality of your speech, and the delivery of the speech.
Be creative in your ideas and stay on the topic without digressing.
Be tolerant to the people that may have different opinions about you.
Be brief so that you do not lose the attention of your listeners.

Dos and Don’ts

Dos

Engage your audience by talking directly to them. Use second person pronouns.
Be convincing.
Respond to questions after your speech.
End your speech with the strongest point. It is your introduction and ending of your speech that will be most memorable.
Do not use real-life experiences that have affected your audience.
Writing in a conversational tone, not an English composition.
Rehearse the speech over and over again so that you are comfortable with it

Don’ts

Do not promise to be brief and talk for ages!
Avoid highly sensitive and debatable topics for your society.
Do not make speculations and offer them as truths.
Do not offer several main points, three should suffice.
Include basic information in your speech.
Avoid too much accessories such as handouts and graphics. You may want to avoid them altogether.
Don’t try to memorize your speech. Keep your speech in a natural tone

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a speech

Using repetitive ideas to prove a point
Using slang in an attempt to connect with your audience.
Delivery a lengthy speech.
Don’t be too formal even if a speech is for scholarly purpose. Throw in some hints of humor.
Prepare you speech in advance to avoid common mistakes.

Well, now you have all the speech writing tips and rules you could ever need. In this speech writing guide, I have offered you ways to make your introduction and conclusions better. I have also given you tips on what to avoid and what to adhere to. All the best in writing your speech.