What does a speechwriter do?

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What is a Speechwriter?

A speechwriter specializes in creating speeches for clients, usually for politicians, executives, or public figures. The primary responsibility of a speechwriter is to craft a compelling message that effectively communicates the speaker's ideas, values, and objectives to the audience. This requires not only exceptional writing skills but also the ability to understand the speaker's personality, voice, and audience's expectations, as well as the context of the speech.

Speechwriters typically work closely with their clients to understand their goals, message, and audience. They research the topic, gather data and information, and write a draft speech, which they then edit and refine until it meets the speaker's needs. This involves creating an outline, selecting the right words, tone, and structure, and ensuring the speech is well-organized and coherent. In some cases, speechwriters may also assist in rehearsing and delivering the speech, providing feedback and guidance to the speaker to ensure they deliver the message effectively.

What does a Speechwriter do?

A businessman sitting with a speechwriter, going over the written speech.

Speechwriters are valuable assets in any organization or public figure's communication team because they possess the expertise to craft well-written, impactful speeches that can inspire, persuade, and inform the audience. They can help ensure that the message is communicated clearly and effectively, and that the tone and style of the speech match the speaker's personality and objectives.

Speechwriters also have the ability to research and understand the audience, tailoring the content to their specific needs and interests. In addition, they can help their clients save time and reduce stress by taking on the task of writing and editing the speech, allowing the speaker to focus on delivering it with confidence and passion.

Duties and Responsibilities The following are some of the key duties and responsibilities of a speech writer:

  • Research: Before writing a speech, a speech writer must conduct research on the topic to ensure that they have a deep understanding of the subject matter. This may involve reading relevant articles, books, and reports, as well as conducting interviews with subject matter experts. The speech writer must also research the audience to ensure that the speech is tailored to their interests, knowledge level, and cultural background. In addition, they may research the occasion or event to ensure that the speech is appropriate for the setting and tone.
  • Writing: After completing the research, the speech writer must craft the speech in a clear, concise, and engaging manner. They must use language and tone that is appropriate for the audience and occasion, and convey the message in a compelling way. The speech writer must also consider the length of the speech, as well as any visual aids or other materials that may be used during the presentation.
  • Editing: Once the speech is written, the speech writer must proofread and edit it for clarity, grammar, and tone. They may also seek feedback from others, such as the speaker or a trusted colleague, to ensure that the speech is effective and persuasive.
  • Collaboration: Throughout the process, the speech writer must work closely with the speaker or client to ensure that the speech aligns with their vision and goals. This may involve multiple rounds of revisions and feedback, as well as ongoing communication to ensure that the speech is on track.
  • Delivery: In some cases, the speech writer may be responsible for coaching the speaker on delivery techniques. This may include providing guidance on pacing, inflection, and body language to ensure that the speech is delivered in a confident and engaging manner.
  • Feedback: Finally, the speech writer may be asked to solicit feedback from the audience or client to help improve future speeches. This may involve collecting surveys, conducting interviews, or analyzing social media and other feedback channels to identify areas for improvement.

Types of Speechwriters Here are some common types of speechwriters and what they do:

  • Political Speechwriters: These speechwriters work for political leaders such as presidents, governors, and senators. They are responsible for creating speeches that communicate the leader's vision, policy proposals, and political platform.
  • Corporate Speechwriters: These speechwriters work for companies and executives, crafting speeches that address stakeholders, shareholders, and employees. They may write speeches for product launches, shareholder meetings, and corporate events.
  • Non-profit Speechwriters: These speechwriters work for non-profit organizations and charities, creating speeches that communicate the organization's mission, goals, and accomplishments.
  • Freelance Speechwriters: These speechwriters work independently and are hired by individuals, businesses, and organizations to write speeches for specific events or occasions.

What is the workplace of a Speechwriter like?

The workplace of a speechwriter can vary depending on the organization they work for and the nature of their job. Generally, a speechwriter is responsible for crafting speeches and presentations that will be delivered by high-profile individuals, such as politicians, CEOs, or public figures. This can be a challenging and high-pressure role, as the quality of their work can have a significant impact on the reputation and success of the speaker.

In some cases, speechwriters may work directly for the individual they are writing for, such as a politician or CEO. In these situations, the workplace of the speechwriter may be within the same office or building as their client. They may attend meetings, events, and speeches with their client to gather information and ensure their writing is aligned with the speaker's messaging and tone.

In other cases, speechwriters may work for an agency or consulting firm, where they may have multiple clients across various industries. These speechwriters may work remotely or in a traditional office setting, collaborating with colleagues and clients through email, phone calls, and video conferencing. They may have a more flexible schedule than those working directly for an individual, but may also have to balance multiple projects and deadlines.

Regardless of the specific workplace, speechwriters typically work closely with their clients to understand their goals, audience, and messaging. They conduct research and gather information to inform their writing, and may collaborate with other team members, such as researchers or communication specialists, to ensure their work is accurate and effective. Depending on the organization, speechwriters may also be involved in other communication and marketing initiatives, such as developing social media content or creating press releases.

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How speechwriters delve into a president’s mind: Lots of listening, studying and becoming a mirror

FILE - President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol, Feb. 7, 2023, in Washington. It’s an annual process that former presidential speechwriters say take months. Speechwriters have the uneviable task of taking dozens of ideas and stitching into a cohesive narrative of a president’s vision for the year. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

FILE - President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol, Feb. 7, 2023, in Washington. It’s an annual process that former presidential speechwriters say take months. Speechwriters have the uneviable task of taking dozens of ideas and stitching into a cohesive narrative of a president’s vision for the year. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

in Washington, Tuesday, July 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Speechwriting, in one sense, is essentially being someone else’s mirror.

“You can try to find the right words,” said Dan Cluchey, a former speechwriter for President Joe Biden . “But ultimately, your job is to ensure that when the speech is done, that it has a reflection of the speaker.”

That concept is infinitely magnified in the role of the presidential speechwriter. Over the course of U.S. history, those aides have absorbed the personalities, the quirks, the speech cadences of the most powerful leader on the globe, capturing his thoughts for all manner of public remarks, from the mundane to the historic and most consequential.

There are few times in a presidency that the art — and the rigorous, often painful process — of speechwriting is more on display than during a State of the Union , when the vast array of a president’s policy aspirations and political messages come together in one, hour-plus carefully choreographed address at the Capitol. Biden will deliver the annual address on Thursday .

It’s a process that former White House speechwriters say take months, with untold lobbying and input from various federal agencies and others outside the president’s inner circle who are all working to ensure their favored proposals merit a mention. Speechwriters have the unenviable task of taking dozens of ideas and stitching them into a cohesive narrative of a president’s vision for the year.

FILE-- Gavels and law books are shown, July 14, 2010 in San Francisco, Calif. The Senate is set to confirm the 200th federal judge of President Joe Biden’s tenure. That's about a month before then-President Donald Trump hit the 200 threshold. Trump still holds the edge when it comes to the most impactful confirmations — those to the U.S. Supreme Court and the country’s 13 appellate courts. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, file)

It’s less elegant prose, more laundry list of policy ideas.

Amid all those formalities and constraints of a State of the Union address, there is also how a president executes the speech.

Biden’s biggest political liability remains his age (81) and voters’ questions about whether he is still up to the job (his doctor this past week declared him fit to serve ). His every word is watched by Republican operatives eager to capture any misspeak to plant doubt about Biden’s fitness among the public.

“This year, of course, is an election year. It also comes as there’s much more chatter about his age,” said Michael Waldman, who served as a speechwriter for President Bill Clinton. “People are really going to be scrutinizing him for how he delivers the speech, as much as what he says.”

Biden will remain at Camp David through Tuesday and is expected to spend much of that time preparing for the State of the Union. Bruce Reed, the White House deputy chief of staff, accompanied Biden to the presidential retreat outside Washington on Friday evening.

The White House has said lowering costs, shoring up democracy and protecting women’s reproductive care will be among the topics that Biden will address on Thursday night.

Biden likely won’t top the list of the most talented presidential orators. He has thrived the most during small chance encounters with Americans, where interactions can be more off the cuff and intimate.

The plain-spoken Biden is known to hate Washington jargon and the alphabet soup of government acronyms, and he has challenged aides, when writing his remarks, to cut through the clutter and to get to the point with speed. Cluchey, who worked for Biden from 2018 to 2022, said the president was very engaged in the speech drafting process, all the way down to individual lines and words.

Biden can also come across as stiff at times when standing and reading from a teleprompter, but immediately loosens up and appears more comfortable when he switches to a hand-held microphone mid-remark. Biden has also learned to navigate a childhood stutter that he says helped him develop empathy for others facing similar challenges.

To become engrossed in another person’s voice, past presidential speechwriters list things that are critical. One is just doing a lot of listening to the principal, to get a sense of his rhythms and how he uses language.

Lots of direct conversation with the president is key, to try and get inside the commander in chief’s thinking and how that leader frames arguments and make their case.

“This is not an act of impression, where you’re simply just trying to get the accent down,” said Jeff Shesol, another former Clinton speechwriter. “What you really are learning to do and need to learn to do -– this is true of speechwriters in any role, but particularly for a president –- is to understand not just how he sounds, but how he thinks.”

Shesol added: “You’re absorbing not just the rhythms and cadences of speech, but you’re absorbing a worldview.”

Then there is always the matter of the speech-giver going rogue.

Biden is often candid, and White House aides are sometimes left to clean up and clarify what he said in unvarnished moments. But other times when he deviates from the script, it ends up being an improvement on what his aides had scripted.

Take last year’s State of the Union . Biden had launched into an attack prepared in advance against some Republicans who were insisting on requiring renewal votes on popular programs such as Medicare and Social Security, which would effectively threaten their fate every five years.

That prompted heckling from Republicans and shouts of “Liar!” from the audience.

Biden immediately pivoted, egging on the Republicans to contact his office for a copy of the proposal and joking that he was enjoying their “conversion.”

“Folks, as we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare is off the — off the books now, right? They’re not to be touched?” Biden continued. The crowd of lawmakers applauded. “All right. All right. We got unanimity!”

Speechwriters do try and prepare for such moments, particularly if a president is known to speak extemporaneously.

Shesol recalled that Clinton’s speechwriters would draft remarks that were relatively spare, to account for him veering off on his own. The writers would write a clear structure into the speech that would allow Clinton to easily return to his prepared remarks once his riff was over.

“Clinton used to liken it to playing a jazz solo and then he’s going back to the score,” Waldman added.

Cluchey, when asked for his reaction when his former boss would go off-script, described it as a “ballet with several movements of, you know, panic, to ‘Wait a minute, this is actually very good,’ and then ‘Oh man, he really nailed it.’”

Biden is “at his best when he’s most authentically, most loosely, just speaking the plain truth,” Cluchey said. “The speechwriting process even at its best has strictures around it.”

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Home / Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs / Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies Degree Program / Careers with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies / How to Become a Speech Writer

How to Become a Speech Writer How to Become a Speech Writer How to Become a Speech Writer

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More Than Words: Speech Writer Job Description

Steps to become a speech writer, key speech writing tips, 4 types of speech writing, what is the typical speech writer salary, why we need speech writers.

A speech writer reading a speech on a computer.

Speeches provoke cultural change, memorialize human achievement, and shape monumental events. In the right hands, with the right voice, under the right circumstances, spoken words can inspire, motivate, persuade, or inform the world.

Before the words of a speech are spoken, they are written. Words delivered in a public setting can be powerful. However, to reach their full potential, the words must be considered, measured, and crafted to suit the message and the audience.

This is the mission of a speech writer: to help a speaker effectively deliver a message. Sometimes, the message resonates through history:

“Four score and seven years ago …”

“Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country …”

“I have a dream …”

“Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”

These words commemorate significant moments in American history: the Civil War, generational upheaval in the 1960s, the civil rights movement, and the end of the Cold War. The words and the associated turning points forever are linked with the famous speakers — Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Ronald Reagan.

However, only two of them actually wrote the words they spoke: Lincoln and King. Kennedy, Reagan, and countless other historical figures breathed life into speeches written by others.

Not every speech writer has the opportunity to write for a president or a legendary civil rights leader. A wedding toast, commencement address, keynote presentation at a conference — these speeches won’t necessarily change the course of history, but they’re important to the people delivering them.

Professional speech writers work in every industry to help people in all walks of life deliver clear, concise messages that resonate with an audience. It’s a career that requires a deft touch with words; a passion for digging into the facts; and a desire to help others inform, entertain, or persuade an audience.

Well-written speeches have the ability to inspire change and move people’s hearts.

A speech writer’s professional focus is communication. Depending on the size and scope of the organization, a speech writer might be responsible for multiple communication-related duties.

These duties might include the following:

  • Public relations
  • Media relations
  • Crisis management
  • Internal communications
  • Social media

No matter how broad the duties of a writer or communications professional, there are aspects of the job that translate across disciplines. It begins with a mastery of language and the written word.  

Writing and Editing

Strong writing and editing skills are a must for anyone who wishes to pursue a speech writing career. Fortunately, while there is an art to writing and editing, the craft can be taught and improved over time.

Grammar, spelling, and sentence structure count. To effectively deliver a message, a writer must understand the effect words have when delivered out loud in a particular sequence. In this regard, it’s as much about the writer’s “ear” as about the thought process.

While writing and editing a speech, the writer must ask whether the words will elicit the desired emotional response from the audience. Experienced writers have knowledge of the power of certain words and phrases to move listeners. Reading great speeches and other writings can help writers develop an ear for what works.

Researching Facts

Knowing how to write and edit well is only the beginning. A speech must be grounded in facts to reach its full potential.

Facts that support the message should be researched first. For example, Peter Robinson, one of Reagan’s speech writers, spent time in Berlin before he wrote Reagan’s “Tear Down This Wall” speech in 1987. During his  preliminary research , Robinson spoke with a U.S. diplomat in West Berlin, took a helicopter flight over the city, and conversed with German citizens.

Robinson devised the famous challenge — “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” — after noticing the bleak conditions on the East Berlin side of the wall and hearing the sentiment expressed by a German dinner companion.

The work Robinson put into the research led to one of the most memorable public statements by a U.S. president in the 20th century. By 1989, the people of Berlin were free to cross the once-formidable barrier.

Robinson’s work on the speech was an excellent example of how thorough research became the foundation for a speech that marked a historical turning point.

Conducting Interviews

In addition to learning as much as possible about the topic through research, a speech writer must know how a speaker talks and what message the speaker wishes to deliver. One way to learn this is to conduct an interview.

There are two types of interview questions: fact-finding and open-ended.

Fact-finding questions are intended to learn details about the speaker’s expertise in the topic. This can include education, work experience, or research projects.

Open-ended questions are intended to provide detail, color, and anecdotes that might provide the audience with emotional access to the speaker’s point of view. This might include information about how and why the speaker became interested in the topic, or it might be a relevant story about the topic drawn from the speaker’s life.

An interview with the speaker also gives the writer insight into the speaker’s speech patterns and personality. This kind of information enables the writer to capture the rhythm of the speaker’s voice.

Writing and Editing Resources

  • American Rhetoric: Top 100 Speeches
  • Scribbr: List of Credible Sources for Research

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Many speech writers begin their careers either as communications specialists (public relations, journalism, academia) or as experts in a particular industry with a flair for writing. Rarely will someone step into the job and start writing for heads of state or CEOs.

As with any career, there’s a known trajectory to follow as regards educational requirements, work experience, and soft skills needed to succeed. The important thing for an aspiring speech writer to remember is to set career goals early and take the appropriate steps along the way to achieve those goals.

Educational Requirements for Speech Writers

Speech writers may benefit from a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or English, as well as a liberal studies degree with a concentration in writing or marketing. It’s important to study writing, editing, rhetoric, debate techniques, and other topics related to public speaking and speech writing.

In addition to honing the craft of writing, an aspiring speech writer might pursue a course of study related to a specific topic. This could entail earning a minor in a broad topic, such as history or political science. Another educational route might be in-depth study of a specialized topic, such as a technical field or law.

Recommended Work Experience for Speech Writers

Work experience is particularly important for an aspiring speech writer. A writer with a high level of expertise in a topic brings authority to the job.

Some of the finest speech writers in American history were lawyers: Ted Sorenson (JFK) was one. Others, such as Peggy Noonan (Reagan), were journalists or ghostwriters before they entered the inner circle of world leaders.

Professional speech writer Brent Kerrigan, writing an  essay on speech writing as a career  for the public relations firm Ragan, said that the best way to get started with speech writing work experience is to “find somebody who needs a speech written, and write it for them.”

Kerrigan went on to write that “becoming an expert in anything takes practice.” His advice is to seek out busy public officials and company leaders who regularly make speeches but lack the time to write them, and offer your services.

Nonwriting Skills to Cultivate

It’s not enough for an aspiring speech writer to perfect the craft of writing and to learn as much as possible about a relevant topic. As with all careers, finding the right job requires building a well-connected professional network.

According to the Labor Department’s Occupational Outlook Handbook  entry for writers and authors , the soft skills writers should cultivate include adaptability, creativity, determination, critical thinking, social perceptiveness, and the ability to persuade others.

Key elements of writing a great speech include figuring out the speech’s primary point and understanding the audience.

Writing begins with a plan. Sometimes the plan is depicted by an outline. Sometimes it’s simply a set of notes on a piece of paper.

The beginning stages of writing a speech require a lot of thinking. It helps to have a solid foundation of knowledge about the topic and the speaker going into the process.

Here are a few tips for developing a speech that can resonate with an audience.

Determine the Message

Why is a speech necessary? What does the speaker want to say? What action is intended for audience members to take after they hear the speech?

Answering these questions in the early stages of speech writing will allow the writer to find clarity of purpose. Reagan’s “Tear Down This Wall” speech provides an excellent example of how a writer worked to develop a concise, compelling message.

According to Robinson, the speech was originally intended to commemorate the 750th anniversary of the city of Berlin. In 1987, the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union was coming to a head, but the Berlin Wall remained a symbol of oppression.

Robinson, as well as Reagan’s other advisors, chose that moment to send a message of support for the people of East Germany. It was a seminal moment in the Reagan presidency and a powerful milestone in U.S.-Soviet relations.

Understand the Audience

An important factor in determining the message is understanding the makeup of the intended audience. In most cases, the audience for a speech will consist of the people present for the event. However, all speeches have multiple audiences: those present, those who will read the text only, those who will view some or all of the speech later on video, and all future generations.

Each element of the larger “audience” should be taken into consideration when a writer sits down to determine the tone, voice, and length of a speech. Audience makeup determines not only the words that are written but also the way a speaker is intended to deliver those words.

Will the message be couched in humor? Will the tone be completely serious? How big is the in-person audience? How knowledgeable are the audience members about the topic? Are the audience members sympathetic or adversarial toward the speaker?

All of these questions and more are important to answer when creating the framework and shaping the message of a speech.

Use Research to Support the Message

Research forms the core of the speech. It’s as simple as no research, no speech.

However, supporting the message with research isn’t merely a matter of throwing together a list of related facts. The information gathered during the research process must be organized so the message can be supported logically, clearly, and convincingly.

One way to effectively use research is to create a list of questions related to the topic and use examples pulled from the research to provide the answers. The questions should be prioritized based on urgency: What does the audience most want or need to hear?

The structure of the speech will depend, in part, on how the writer and speaker decide to present the facts learned through research. A well-researched fact presented at the right time can capture attention and provide an air of authority to the speaker.

Show Personality to Connect

Attorney and author Sarah Hurwitz was the primary speech writer for former first lady Michelle Obama. Prior to that, Hurwitz wrote speeches for former President Barack Obama when he was a presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, and other prominent politicians.

In an  interview about speech writing with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania , Hurwitz described how she and Michelle Obama used details to show — rather than tell — a relevant anecdote.

“I think details are so incredibly important,” Hurwitz told the Wharton interviewer. “When she tells the story of her father who had multiple sclerosis and worked at the city water plant, she could say, ‘You know, my dad had MS. He worked at the plant. He worked really hard. He sacrificed a lot.’ That’s all just sort of telling. I don’t really see him. But instead what she said in some of her speeches was, ‘You know, as my dad got sicker it got harder for him to get dressed in the morning. He would wake up an hour early so that he could slowly button his shirt. He would drag himself across the room with two canes to give my mom a kiss.’”

Through the use of colorful, vivid details about an experience, Hurwitz helped her subject reveal her personality as a way of connecting to the audience.

Speech Writing Resources

  • Public Affairs Council: Speechwriting 101 — Writing an Effective Speech
  • Medium: “Orations Worth Ovations — The Olive Branch as a Weapon”
  • ThoughtCo: “How to Organize Research Notes”

Speeches can be categorized by delivery style, writing style, and purpose. It’s important to know ahead of time what type of speech will be written, because the type has a bearing on word choice, tone, and many other elements of the speech.

To determine the type of speech to write, first answer questions such as:

  • Is the speech intended to elicit an emotion or trigger a specific action?
  • Does the speaker want to stick to the script or talk off the cuff?
  • Will the speaker be required to defend an opinion?
  • Will the speaker be alone on the podium, or will others talk?

Answers to these and other relevant questions will provide guidance about what type of speech to write. The more details writers know about the context of the event, the more likely they’ll craft an effective speech.

Here are four common types of speeches with examples of when each should be used.

Informative Speech Writing

An informative speech is used to explain a concept, describe an object or objects, or provide context for an event or a social movement. For example, a CEO might want to deliver an informative speech at a shareholder event or share details about an annual report with employees.

An effective informative speech presents facts in a concise, easily understood format. One potential challenge for the writer of an informative speech is to capture and maintain the interest of the audience. A dry recitation of facts seldom makes for a memorable or an effective speech.

Persuasive Speech Writing

A persuasive speech is used in an effort to convince an audience to support an idea or take a specific action. Types of persuasive speeches include opening or closing arguments in a criminal trial, an opening or a closing statement in a debate, and a sales presentation.

Persuasive speeches use rhetorical devices to create a sense of intimacy with the audience. The words used, the tone of voice, the volume, the physical gestures, eye contact — all of these devices can create a connection and engender trust with the audience.

The greater the connection, the more likely the audience is to be persuaded by the arguments being presented.

Motivational Speech Writing

A motivational speech is used to convince an audience to take specific action, particularly action that’s designed to engineer change of some sort. This type of speech is also used to elicit an emotional response to a particular cause or purpose.

Motivational speakers know how to connect with an audience on an emotional level. They help audience members understand an obstacle, recognize how that obstacle affects them, and determine ways to overcome that obstacle.

Motivational speeches are good for commencement addresses, recruiting drives, and charity drives. Coaches and managers also make motivational speeches before games and matches to help players focus their emotions toward success on the field of play.

Demonstrative Speech Writing

A demonstrative speech is used to show the audience how to do, build, or create something. A demonstrative speaker is typically an expert in the field who’s sharing knowledge or demonstrating how audience members can attain knowledge for themselves.

A demonstrative speech often requires visual aids, such as a slideshow or stage props. The speaker typically provides context for the demonstration with an introduction, and then gives the presentation. Sometimes, the speaker will open the floor to audience questions.

A demonstrative speech might be used by a salesperson to show how a product is used, by an inventor to show how a new device was created, or by a professional instructor to show how to use a piece of equipment.

Additional Tips for Writing Different Speech Types

  • Your Dictionary: 5 Steps for Writing an Informative Speech
  • Lifehack: “Ultimate Guide to Persuasive Speech (Hook and Influence an Audience) ”
  • Houston Chronicle : “The Key Components of a Motivational Speech”
  • Purdue University: Tips for Effective Demonstrations

Salaries for speech writers vary widely in the U.S. Wages can be determined by factors such as the prominence of the client or employer, professional experience, and the complexity or relevance of the speech topics.

According to a 2011 report in  The   Washington Post , Obama speech writer Jon Favreau earned $172,200 annually — the same salary as some of the former president’s top advisors. An expert freelance speech writer who crafts minor speeches for businesses or personal use might charge by the word, hour, page, or speech.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), writers and authors ― speech writers among them ― were paid a median salary of $63,200 in 2019. Salaries and job opportunities are affected by factors such as geography, job market, and economic conditions.

BLS employment projections for writers and authors show that the number of positions nationwide is expected to hold steady at about 123,000 from 2018 to 2028. In a related field, media and communication workers, BLS projections indicate a 4% increase in positions from 2018 to 2028.

The history of the U.S. can be told through its famous speeches.

George Washington’s farewell address created the precedent of the peaceful transition of power in the federal government. Frederick Douglass gave voice to the enslaved and momentum to the abolitionist movement with his 1852 speech “ What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July? ”

The Lincoln-Douglas debates in the 1850s led to Lincoln’s victory in the 1860 presidential election, an event that helped trigger the Civil War. Then President Franklin D. Roosevelt offered motivation and encouragement with his inaugural address, with its famous line “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

MLK delivered perhaps the most influential speech in American history on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963, giving impetus to the civil rights movement.

We remember the speakers, and rightfully so. They were front and center, delivering the words that shifted history.

However, before the words could be spoken, before history could be made, someone had to write the speeches. Someone had to, as Hurwitz advises, “say something true.”

That’s the role of the speech writer: to distill the facts and provide the words that allow the speaker to serve as an effective, persuasive, entertaining messenger.

“Whether you were giving a speech to 1,000 people or talking to your board or leading an informal meeting, it’s really important to say something that is clearly and glaringly true,” Hurwitz said. “I think that it makes people trust you. It makes them respect you. It shows your authenticity. I think it makes you credible and it’s a really good way to start. I’d say it’s also a good way to continue and end a speech.”

Houston Chronicle , “Speechwriter Job Description”

Houston Chronicle , “The Key Components of a Motivational Speech”

National Archives, “Tear Down This Wall”

PayScale, Average Speech Writer Salary

PRSA, “Your Speech Writer: An Operator’s Manual”

Public Affairs Council, Speechwriting 101: Writing an Effective Speech

Public Affairs Council, “Speechwriting: Getting to a Perfect Fit”

Ragan, “Want to Become a Speechwriter? Step 1: Write Speeches”

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Speechwriting 101: Writing an Effective Speech

Whether you are a communications pro or a human resources executive, the time will come when you will need to write a speech for yourself or someone else.  when that time comes, your career may depend on your success..

J. Lyman MacInnis, a corporate coach,  Toronto Star  columnist, accounting executive and author of  “ The Elements of Great Public Speaking ,”  has seen careers stalled – even damaged – by a failure to communicate messages effectively before groups of people. On the flip side, solid speechwriting skills can help launch and sustain a successful career.  What you need are forethought and methodical preparation.

Know Your Audience

Learn as much as possible about the audience and the event.  This will help you target the insights, experience or knowledge you have that this group wants or needs:

  • Why has the audience been brought together?
  • What do the members of the audience have in common?
  • How big an audience will it be?
  • What do they know, and what do they need to know?
  • Do they expect discussion about a specific subject and, if so, what?
  • What is the audience’s attitude and knowledge about the subject of your talk?
  • What is their attitude toward you as the speaker?
  • Why are they interested in your topic?

Choose Your Core Message

If the core message is on target, you can do other things wrong. But if the message is wrong, it doesn’t matter what you put around it.  To write the most effective speech, you should have significant knowledge about your topic, sincerely care about it and be eager to talk about it.  Focus on a message that is relevant to the target audience, and remember: an audience wants opinion. If you offer too little substance, your audience will label you a lightweight.  If you offer too many ideas, you make it difficult for them to know what’s important to you.

Research and Organize

Research until you drop.  This is where you pick up the information, connect the ideas and arrive at the insights that make your talk fresh.  You’ll have an easier time if you gather far more information than you need.  Arrange your research and notes into general categories and leave space between them. Then go back and rearrange. Fit related pieces together like a puzzle.

Develop Structure to Deliver Your Message

First, consider whether your goal is to inform, persuade, motivate or entertain.  Then outline your speech and fill in the details:

  • Introduction – The early minutes of a talk are important to establish your credibility and likeability.  Personal anecdotes often work well to get things started.  This is also where you’ll outline your main points.
  • Body – Get to the issues you’re there to address, limiting them to five points at most.  Then bolster those few points with illustrations, evidence and anecdotes.  Be passionate: your conviction can be as persuasive as the appeal of your ideas.
  • Conclusion – Wrap up with feeling as well as fact. End with something upbeat that will inspire your listeners.

You want to leave the audience exhilarated, not drained. In our fast-paced age, 20-25 minutes is about as long as anyone will listen attentively to a speech. As you write and edit your speech, the general rule is to allow about 90 seconds for every double-spaced page of copy.

Spice it Up

Once you have the basic structure of your speech, it’s time to add variety and interest.  Giving an audience exactly what it expects is like passing out sleeping pills. Remember that a speech is more like conversation than formal writing.  Its phrasing is loose – but without the extremes of slang, the incomplete thoughts, the interruptions that flavor everyday speech.

  • Give it rhythm. A good speech has pacing.
  • Vary the sentence structure. Use short sentences. Use occasional long ones to keep the audience alert. Fragments are fine if used sparingly and for emphasis.
  • Use the active voice and avoid passive sentences. Active forms of speech make your sentences more powerful.
  • Repeat key words and points. Besides helping your audience remember something, repetition builds greater awareness of central points or the main theme.
  • Ask rhetorical questions in a way that attracts your listeners’ attention.
  • Personal experiences and anecdotes help bolster your points and help you connect with the audience.
  • Use quotes. Good quotes work on several levels, forcing the audience to think. Make sure quotes are clearly attributed and said by someone your audience will probably recognize.

Be sure to use all of these devices sparingly in your speeches. If overused, the speech becomes exaggerated. Used with care, they will work well to move the speech along and help you deliver your message in an interesting, compelling way.

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How to Write a Speech to Engage your Audience

February 19, 2021 - Dom Barnard

In order to write a speech, you need to think about your audience, the required length, and the purpose or topic. This is true whether you are writing a wedding speech, conference presentation, investor pitch, or any other type of speech.

Being a great speech writer can help you get a promotion, motivate people, sell a business idea, persuade others and much more – it’s an essential skill in the modern world. In this article, we cover key tips for writing a speech.

Initial planning – Why? Who? What?

You should invest time strategically considering the speech. This will help you decide on the key message and content about your topic. Here are some points to consider.

  • What do I want to achieve?
  • When I achieve this, what will that do for me?
  • Why am I speaking?
  • What is the purpose of this speech?
  • Who are the audience and who do they represent?
  • Who do I represent?
  • What do I know about them? (culture, language, level of expertise)
  • How much influence do they have?
  • What is the main message and key points?
  • What specific action is implied?
  • What level of information should I include?
  • What is important to them?

Popular speech structure

You need to catch the audience attention early, very early (see section below). Deliver a memorable beginning, a clear middle and structured ending.

Popular speech structure:

  • Explanation 1
  • Explanation 2
  • Explanation 3

Secondary Point (Optional: supports main)

Tertiary Point (Optional: supports secondary and main)

Attention span of your audience

Research shows that attention span is greatest at the beginning of a speech, reduces considerably during the middle of your speech and picks up again towards the end when your audience know you about to finish.

Don’t try to put too many ideas into your speech. Research shows that people remember very little from speeches, so just give them one or two ideas to hang onto.

Attention span graph of audience in a conference or speech

These two articles explain audience attention span in more detail, and how to write a speech to extend it:

  • How many minutes is the audience’s attention span?
  • What to do when you’re losing your audience

Speech introduction

Make sure your opening few seconds are memorable as this is when your audience will make up their minds about you. Use a bold sentence to grab their attention, works best with numbers reinforcing your point.

An example sentence might be – “After this speech, I’m confident 50% of you will go out and buy a VR headset.” Follow these tips on how to write a speech intro:

Remember the INTRO model

This is more focused on presentations but sections can be applied broadly to other general speeches.

1. Interest

You: Introduce yourself confidently and clearly Audience: Why should I listen to you?

You: Remind the audience the reasons for this speech Audience: What’s in it for me?

You: State length of speech at beginning, “Over the next 15 minutes” Audience: How long until I can get a coffee?

4. Routemap

You: State the main points, “Today I’m going to cover 4 main points” Audience: Which sections of the speech are important to me?

5. Objectives

You: Clearly state the objective, “By the end of this speech, I would like to…” Audience: So that’s what you want from me today…

Example: Great speech opening

This speech opening is by Jamie Oliver, giving a TED talk on teaching every child about food.

Sadly, in the next 18 minutes when I do our chat, four Americans that are alive will be dead through the food that they eat. My name’s Jamie Oliver. I’m 34 years old. I’m from Essex in England and for the last seven years I’ve worked fairly tirelessly to save lives in my own way. I’m not a doctor; I’m a chef, I don’t have expensive equipment or medicine. I use information, education. I profoundly believe that the power of food has a primal place in our homes that binds us to the best bits of life. We have an awful, awful reality right now. America, you’re at the top of your game. This is one of the most unhealthy countries in the world.

Jamie Oliver TED talk

How not to open your speech

Avoid the following opening comments:

  • “ Apologies, I’m a little nervous about speaking ” – no need to make the audience aware of this, it will make them focus on how nervous you are instead of what you are saying
  • “ I’ve got the graveyard shift ” – you are telling people not to expect much
  • “ I’m what stands between you and lunch ” – even if people weren’t thinking it, after this comment, all they are thinking of is when will you finish so they can eat
  • “ We are running late, so I’ll do my best to explain… ” – instead of this, state how long your speech will take so that people know when they will be leaving

Middle of the speech

The body of your speech is where the majority of the information is. The audience has been introduced to the subject and reasons for the speech. Now you need to present your arguments and examples, data, illustrations backing up your key message.

How to write a speech body can be difficult, the best way to build this section is to write down three points you are trying to convey in your speech, your main, secondary and tertiary points. Then write down three descriptions clarifying each of these points. The descriptions should be simple, memorable and meaningful.

The middle of your speech is where the audience start losing attention. Keep this in mind and ensure your message is clear. Use images, jokes and rhetoric questions to keep the audience engaged.

Don’t overwhelm your audience with many points. It is much more valuable to make a small number of points well, than to have too many points which aren’t made satisfactorily.

Obama speech

Obama and his speeches

Obama’s speeches are well prepared with a focus on powerful words “A change is brought about because ordinary people do extraordinary things“. His speeches use simple language and quotes from famous speeches his listeners can relate to.

For additional trademark Obama techniques, check out  How Barack Obama prepares his speeches.

How to end a speech

Similar to the opening, your closing statements should be impactful, re-stating the key message of your speech. We advise learning your ending few lines word for word. The ending is an opportunity to:

  • Leave the audience with a lasting impression of your speech
  • Summarise the main points
  • Provide further ideas and discussion points for the audience to take away with them
  • Thank the audience for taking the time to listen

Methods to end your speech

Quotation Close  – use a famous quote to get the audience’s attention and create a link to your speech.

Bookend Close  – refer back to an opening statement and repeat it or add a few extra words to elaborate on it.

Open Question  – ask the audience a provocative question or a call to action to perform some task on the back of your speech.

For additional tips on how to write a speech, in particular how to close your speech, read:

  • 5 great ways to end a speech
  • 10 ways to end your speech with a bang
  • Presentations: language expert – signposting

Ideas for ending a speech

  • Key message
  • Refer to opening impact statement
  • Objectives met
  • Call to action
  • End on an Up

Step-by-step process for writing a speech

Here’s how to write your speech from concept to completion.

  • Outline your speech’s structure. What are the main ideas for each section?
  • Write out the main ideas in your outline. Don’t worry about making it perfect – just write as much of it down as you can
  • Edit and polish what you’ve written until you have a good first draft of your speech
  • Now you need to practice and  memorize your speech . The more you practice, the more you’ll figure out which sections need changing. You’ll also get an idea of length and if you need to extend / shorten it.
  • Update your speech, practice some more, and revise your speech until it has a great flow and you feel comfortable with it.

Classic speech transcripts

One of the best ways for learning how to write a speech is reading other well written ones. Here are a list of famous speeches to read and learn from:

  • Bill Gates TED Talk Transcript from 2015: Warns of Pandemics, Epidemics
  • Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg Commencement Speech at Harvard 2014
  • Ronald Reagan Memorial Day Speech Transcript 1984
  • I Have Been to the Mountaintop Speech Transcript – Martin Luther King Jr.

The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What this handout is about

This handout will help you create an effective speech by establishing the purpose of your speech and making it easily understandable. It will also help you to analyze your audience and keep the audience interested.

What’s different about a speech?

Writing for public speaking isn’t so different from other types of writing. You want to engage your audience’s attention, convey your ideas in a logical manner and use reliable evidence to support your point. But the conditions for public speaking favor some writing qualities over others. When you write a speech, your audience is made up of listeners. They have only one chance to comprehend the information as you read it, so your speech must be well-organized and easily understood. In addition, the content of the speech and your delivery must fit the audience.

What’s your purpose?

People have gathered to hear you speak on a specific issue, and they expect to get something out of it immediately. And you, the speaker, hope to have an immediate effect on your audience. The purpose of your speech is to get the response you want. Most speeches invite audiences to react in one of three ways: feeling, thinking, or acting. For example, eulogies encourage emotional response from the audience; college lectures stimulate listeners to think about a topic from a different perspective; protest speeches in the Pit recommend actions the audience can take.

As you establish your purpose, ask yourself these questions:

  • What do you want the audience to learn or do?
  • If you are making an argument, why do you want them to agree with you?
  • If they already agree with you, why are you giving the speech?
  • How can your audience benefit from what you have to say?

Audience analysis

If your purpose is to get a certain response from your audience, you must consider who they are (or who you’re pretending they are). If you can identify ways to connect with your listeners, you can make your speech interesting and useful.

As you think of ways to appeal to your audience, ask yourself:

  • What do they have in common? Age? Interests? Ethnicity? Gender?
  • Do they know as much about your topic as you, or will you be introducing them to new ideas?
  • Why are these people listening to you? What are they looking for?
  • What level of detail will be effective for them?
  • What tone will be most effective in conveying your message?
  • What might offend or alienate them?

For more help, see our handout on audience .

Creating an effective introduction

Get their attention, otherwise known as “the hook”.

Think about how you can relate to these listeners and get them to relate to you or your topic. Appealing to your audience on a personal level captures their attention and concern, increasing the chances of a successful speech. Speakers often begin with anecdotes to hook their audience’s attention. Other methods include presenting shocking statistics, asking direct questions of the audience, or enlisting audience participation.

Establish context and/or motive

Explain why your topic is important. Consider your purpose and how you came to speak to this audience. You may also want to connect the material to related or larger issues as well, especially those that may be important to your audience.

Get to the point

Tell your listeners your thesis right away and explain how you will support it. Don’t spend as much time developing your introductory paragraph and leading up to the thesis statement as you would in a research paper for a course. Moving from the intro into the body of the speech quickly will help keep your audience interested. You may be tempted to create suspense by keeping the audience guessing about your thesis until the end, then springing the implications of your discussion on them. But if you do so, they will most likely become bored or confused.

For more help, see our handout on introductions .

Making your speech easy to understand

Repeat crucial points and buzzwords.

Especially in longer speeches, it’s a good idea to keep reminding your audience of the main points you’ve made. For example, you could link an earlier main point or key term as you transition into or wrap up a new point. You could also address the relationship between earlier points and new points through discussion within a body paragraph. Using buzzwords or key terms throughout your paper is also a good idea. If your thesis says you’re going to expose unethical behavior of medical insurance companies, make sure the use of “ethics” recurs instead of switching to “immoral” or simply “wrong.” Repetition of key terms makes it easier for your audience to take in and connect information.

Incorporate previews and summaries into the speech

For example:

“I’m here today to talk to you about three issues that threaten our educational system: First, … Second, … Third,”

“I’ve talked to you today about such and such.”

These kinds of verbal cues permit the people in the audience to put together the pieces of your speech without thinking too hard, so they can spend more time paying attention to its content.

Use especially strong transitions

This will help your listeners see how new information relates to what they’ve heard so far. If you set up a counterargument in one paragraph so you can demolish it in the next, begin the demolition by saying something like,

“But this argument makes no sense when you consider that . . . .”

If you’re providing additional information to support your main point, you could say,

“Another fact that supports my main point is . . . .”

Helping your audience listen

Rely on shorter, simpler sentence structures.

Don’t get too complicated when you’re asking an audience to remember everything you say. Avoid using too many subordinate clauses, and place subjects and verbs close together.

Too complicated:

The product, which was invented in 1908 by Orville Z. McGillicuddy in Des Moines, Iowa, and which was on store shelves approximately one year later, still sells well.

Easier to understand:

Orville Z. McGillicuddy invented the product in 1908 and introduced it into stores shortly afterward. Almost a century later, the product still sells well.

Limit pronoun use

Listeners may have a hard time remembering or figuring out what “it,” “they,” or “this” refers to. Be specific by using a key noun instead of unclear pronouns.

Pronoun problem:

The U.S. government has failed to protect us from the scourge of so-called reality television, which exploits sex, violence, and petty conflict, and calls it human nature. This cannot continue.

Why the last sentence is unclear: “This” what? The government’s failure? Reality TV? Human nature?

More specific:

The U.S. government has failed to protect us from the scourge of so-called reality television, which exploits sex, violence, and petty conflict, and calls it human nature. This failure cannot continue.

Keeping audience interest

Incorporate the rhetorical strategies of ethos, pathos, and logos.

When arguing a point, using ethos, pathos, and logos can help convince your audience to believe you and make your argument stronger. Ethos refers to an appeal to your audience by establishing your authenticity and trustworthiness as a speaker. If you employ pathos, you appeal to your audience’s emotions. Using logos includes the support of hard facts, statistics, and logical argumentation. The most effective speeches usually present a combination these rhetorical strategies.

Use statistics and quotations sparingly

Include only the most striking factual material to support your perspective, things that would likely stick in the listeners’ minds long after you’ve finished speaking. Otherwise, you run the risk of overwhelming your listeners with too much information.

Watch your tone

Be careful not to talk over the heads of your audience. On the other hand, don’t be condescending either. And as for grabbing their attention, yelling, cursing, using inappropriate humor, or brandishing a potentially offensive prop (say, autopsy photos) will only make the audience tune you out.

Creating an effective conclusion

Restate your main points, but don’t repeat them.

“I asked earlier why we should care about the rain forest. Now I hope it’s clear that . . .” “Remember how Mrs. Smith couldn’t afford her prescriptions? Under our plan, . . .”

Call to action

Speeches often close with an appeal to the audience to take action based on their new knowledge or understanding. If you do this, be sure the action you recommend is specific and realistic. For example, although your audience may not be able to affect foreign policy directly, they can vote or work for candidates whose foreign policy views they support. Relating the purpose of your speech to their lives not only creates a connection with your audience, but also reiterates the importance of your topic to them in particular or “the bigger picture.”

Practicing for effective presentation

Once you’ve completed a draft, read your speech to a friend or in front of a mirror. When you’ve finished reading, ask the following questions:

  • Which pieces of information are clearest?
  • Where did I connect with the audience?
  • Where might listeners lose the thread of my argument or description?
  • Where might listeners become bored?
  • Where did I have trouble speaking clearly and/or emphatically?
  • Did I stay within my time limit?

Other resources

  • Toastmasters International is a nonprofit group that provides communication and leadership training.
  • Allyn & Bacon Publishing’s Essence of Public Speaking Series is an extensive treatment of speech writing and delivery, including books on using humor, motivating your audience, word choice and presentation.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Boone, Louis E., David L. Kurtz, and Judy R. Block. 1997. Contemporary Business Communication . Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Ehrlich, Henry. 1994. Writing Effective Speeches . New York: Marlowe.

Lamb, Sandra E. 1998. How to Write It: A Complete Guide to Everything You’ll Ever Write . Berkeley: Ten Speed Press.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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How to write a speech that your audience remembers

Confident-woman-giving-a-conference-with-a-digital-presentation-how-to-give-a-speech

Whether in a work meeting or at an investor panel, you might give a speech at some point. And no matter how excited you are about the opportunity, the experience can be nerve-wracking . 

But feeling butterflies doesn’t mean you can’t give a great speech. With the proper preparation and a clear outline, apprehensive public speakers and natural wordsmiths alike can write and present a compelling message. Here’s how to write a good speech you’ll be proud to deliver.

What is good speech writing?

Good speech writing is the art of crafting words and ideas into a compelling, coherent, and memorable message that resonates with the audience. Here are some key elements of great speech writing:

  • It begins with clearly understanding the speech's purpose and the audience it seeks to engage. 
  • A well-written speech clearly conveys its central message, ensuring that the audience understands and retains the key points. 
  • It is structured thoughtfully, with a captivating opening, a well-organized body, and a conclusion that reinforces the main message. 
  • Good speech writing embraces the power of engaging content, weaving in stories, examples, and relatable anecdotes to connect with the audience on both intellectual and emotional levels. 

Ultimately, it is the combination of these elements, along with the authenticity and delivery of the speaker , that transforms words on a page into a powerful and impactful spoken narrative.

What makes a good speech?

A great speech includes several key qualities, but three fundamental elements make a speech truly effective:

Clarity and purpose

Remembering the audience, cohesive structure.

While other important factors make a speech a home run, these three elements are essential for writing an effective speech.

The main elements of a good speech

The main elements of a speech typically include:

  • Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for your speech and grabs the audience's attention. It should include a hook or attention-grabbing opening, introduce the topic, and provide an overview of what will be covered.
  • Opening/captivating statement: This is a strong statement that immediately engages the audience and creates curiosity about the speech topics.
  • Thesis statement/central idea: The thesis statement or central idea is a concise statement that summarizes the main point or argument of your speech. It serves as a roadmap for the audience to understand what your speech is about.
  • Body: The body of the speech is where you elaborate on your main points or arguments. Each point is typically supported by evidence, examples, statistics, or anecdotes. The body should be organized logically and coherently, with smooth transitions between the main points.
  • Supporting evidence: This includes facts, data, research findings, expert opinions, or personal stories that support and strengthen your main points. Well-chosen and credible evidence enhances the persuasive power of your speech.
  • Transitions: Transitions are phrases or statements that connect different parts of your speech, guiding the audience from one idea to the next. Effective transitions signal the shifts in topics or ideas and help maintain a smooth flow throughout the speech.
  • Counterarguments and rebuttals (if applicable): If your speech involves addressing opposing viewpoints or counterarguments, you should acknowledge and address them. Presenting counterarguments makes your speech more persuasive and demonstrates critical thinking.
  • Conclusion: The conclusion is the final part of your speech and should bring your message to a satisfying close. Summarize your main points, restate your thesis statement, and leave the audience with a memorable closing thought or call to action.
  • Closing statement: This is the final statement that leaves a lasting impression and reinforces the main message of your speech. It can be a call to action, a thought-provoking question, a powerful quote, or a memorable anecdote.
  • Delivery and presentation: How you deliver your speech is also an essential element to consider. Pay attention to your tone, body language, eye contact , voice modulation, and timing. Practice and rehearse your speech, and try using the 7-38-55 rule to ensure confident and effective delivery.

While the order and emphasis of these elements may vary depending on the type of speech and audience, these elements provide a framework for organizing and delivering a successful speech.

Man-holding-microphone-at-panel-while-talking--how-to-give-a-speech

How to structure a good speech

You know what message you want to transmit, who you’re delivering it to, and even how you want to say it. But you need to know how to start, develop, and close a speech before writing it. 

Think of a speech like an essay. It should have an introduction, conclusion, and body sections in between. This places ideas in a logical order that the audience can better understand and follow them. Learning how to make a speech with an outline gives your storytelling the scaffolding it needs to get its point across.

Here’s a general speech structure to guide your writing process:

  • Explanation 1
  • Explanation 2
  • Explanation 3

How to write a compelling speech opener

Some research shows that engaged audiences pay attention for only 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Other estimates are even lower, citing that people stop listening intently in fewer than 10 minutes . If you make a good first impression at the beginning of your speech, you have a better chance of interesting your audience through the middle when attention spans fade. 

Implementing the INTRO model can help grab and keep your audience’s attention as soon as you start speaking. This acronym stands for interest, need, timing, roadmap, and objectives, and it represents the key points you should hit in an opening. 

Here’s what to include for each of these points: 

  • Interest : Introduce yourself or your topic concisely and speak with confidence . Write a compelling opening statement using relevant data or an anecdote that the audience can relate to.
  • Needs : The audience is listening to you because they have something to learn. If you’re pitching a new app idea to a panel of investors, those potential partners want to discover more about your product and what they can earn from it. Read the room and gently remind them of the purpose of your speech. 
  • Timing : When appropriate, let your audience know how long you’ll speak. This lets listeners set expectations and keep tabs on their own attention span. If a weary audience member knows you’ll talk for 40 minutes, they can better manage their energy as that time goes on. 
  • Routemap : Give a brief overview of the three main points you’ll cover in your speech. If an audience member’s attention starts to drop off and they miss a few sentences, they can more easily get their bearings if they know the general outline of the presentation.
  • Objectives : Tell the audience what you hope to achieve, encouraging them to listen to the end for the payout. 

Writing the middle of a speech

The body of your speech is the most information-dense section. Facts, visual aids, PowerPoints — all this information meets an audience with a waning attention span. Sticking to the speech structure gives your message focus and keeps you from going off track, making everything you say as useful as possible.

Limit the middle of your speech to three points, and support them with no more than three explanations. Following this model organizes your thoughts and prevents you from offering more information than the audience can retain. 

Using this section of the speech to make your presentation interactive can add interest and engage your audience. Try including a video or demonstration to break the monotony. A quick poll or survey also keeps the audience on their toes. 

Wrapping the speech up

To you, restating your points at the end can feel repetitive and dull. You’ve practiced countless times and heard it all before. But repetition aids memory and learning , helping your audience retain what you’ve told them. Use your speech’s conclusion to summarize the main points with a few short sentences.

Try to end on a memorable note, like posing a motivational quote or a thoughtful question the audience can contemplate once they leave. In proposal or pitch-style speeches, consider landing on a call to action (CTA) that invites your audience to take the next step.

People-clapping-after-coworker-gave-a-speech-how-to-give-a-speech

How to write a good speech

If public speaking gives you the jitters, you’re not alone. Roughly 80% of the population feels nervous before giving a speech, and another 10% percent experiences intense anxiety and sometimes even panic. 

The fear of failure can cause procrastination and can cause you to put off your speechwriting process until the last minute. Finding the right words takes time and preparation, and if you’re already feeling nervous, starting from a blank page might seem even harder.

But putting in the effort despite your stress is worth it. Presenting a speech you worked hard on fosters authenticity and connects you to the subject matter, which can help your audience understand your points better. Human connection is all about honesty and vulnerability, and if you want to connect to the people you’re speaking to, they should see that in you.

1. Identify your objectives and target audience

Before diving into the writing process, find healthy coping strategies to help you stop worrying . Then you can define your speech’s purpose, think about your target audience, and start identifying your objectives. Here are some questions to ask yourself and ground your thinking : 

  • What purpose do I want my speech to achieve? 
  • What would it mean to me if I achieved the speech’s purpose?
  • What audience am I writing for? 
  • What do I know about my audience? 
  • What values do I want to transmit? 
  • If the audience remembers one take-home message, what should it be? 
  • What do I want my audience to feel, think, or do after I finish speaking? 
  • What parts of my message could be confusing and require further explanation?

2. Know your audience

Understanding your audience is crucial for tailoring your speech effectively. Consider the demographics of your audience, their interests, and their expectations. For instance, if you're addressing a group of healthcare professionals, you'll want to use medical terminology and data that resonate with them. Conversely, if your audience is a group of young students, you'd adjust your content to be more relatable to their experiences and interests. 

3. Choose a clear message

Your message should be the central idea that you want your audience to take away from your speech. Let's say you're giving a speech on climate change. Your clear message might be something like, "Individual actions can make a significant impact on mitigating climate change." Throughout your speech, all your points and examples should support this central message, reinforcing it for your audience.

4. Structure your speech

Organizing your speech properly keeps your audience engaged and helps them follow your ideas. The introduction should grab your audience's attention and introduce the topic. For example, if you're discussing space exploration, you could start with a fascinating fact about a recent space mission. In the body, you'd present your main points logically, such as the history of space exploration, its scientific significance, and future prospects. Finally, in the conclusion, you'd summarize your key points and reiterate the importance of space exploration in advancing human knowledge.

5. Use engaging content for clarity

Engaging content includes stories, anecdotes, statistics, and examples that illustrate your main points. For instance, if you're giving a speech about the importance of reading, you might share a personal story about how a particular book changed your perspective. You could also include statistics on the benefits of reading, such as improved cognitive abilities and empathy.

6. Maintain clarity and simplicity

It's essential to communicate your ideas clearly. Avoid using overly technical jargon or complex language that might confuse your audience. For example, if you're discussing a medical breakthrough with a non-medical audience, explain complex terms in simple, understandable language.

7. Practice and rehearse

Practice is key to delivering a great speech. Rehearse multiple times to refine your delivery, timing, and tone. Consider using a mirror or recording yourself to observe your body language and gestures. For instance, if you're giving a motivational speech, practice your gestures and expressions to convey enthusiasm and confidence.

8. Consider nonverbal communication

Your body language, tone of voice, and gestures should align with your message . If you're delivering a speech on leadership, maintain strong eye contact to convey authority and connection with your audience. A steady pace and varied tone can also enhance your speech's impact.

9. Engage your audience

Engaging your audience keeps them interested and attentive. Encourage interaction by asking thought-provoking questions or sharing relatable anecdotes. If you're giving a speech on teamwork, ask the audience to recall a time when teamwork led to a successful outcome, fostering engagement and connection.

10. Prepare for Q&A

Anticipate potential questions or objections your audience might have and prepare concise, well-informed responses. If you're delivering a speech on a controversial topic, such as healthcare reform, be ready to address common concerns, like the impact on healthcare costs or access to services, during the Q&A session.

By following these steps and incorporating examples that align with your specific speech topic and purpose, you can craft and deliver a compelling and impactful speech that resonates with your audience.

Woman-at-home-doing-research-in-her-laptop-how-to-give-a-speech

Tools for writing a great speech

There are several helpful tools available for speechwriting, both technological and communication-related. Here are a few examples:

  • Word processing software: Tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or other word processors provide a user-friendly environment for writing and editing speeches. They offer features like spell-checking, grammar correction, formatting options, and easy revision tracking.
  • Presentation software: Software such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides is useful when creating visual aids to accompany your speech. These tools allow you to create engaging slideshows with text, images, charts, and videos to enhance your presentation.
  • Speechwriting Templates: Online platforms or software offer pre-designed templates specifically for speechwriting. These templates provide guidance on structuring your speech and may include prompts for different sections like introductions, main points, and conclusions.
  • Rhetorical devices and figures of speech: Rhetorical tools such as metaphors, similes, alliteration, and parallelism can add impact and persuasion to your speech. Resources like books, websites, or academic papers detailing various rhetorical devices can help you incorporate them effectively.
  • Speechwriting apps: Mobile apps designed specifically for speechwriting can be helpful in organizing your thoughts, creating outlines, and composing a speech. These apps often provide features like voice recording, note-taking, and virtual prompts to keep you on track.
  • Grammar and style checkers: Online tools or plugins like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor help improve the clarity and readability of your speech by checking for grammar, spelling, and style errors. They provide suggestions for sentence structure, word choice, and overall tone.
  • Thesaurus and dictionary: Online or offline resources such as thesauruses and dictionaries help expand your vocabulary and find alternative words or phrases to express your ideas more effectively. They can also clarify meanings or provide context for unfamiliar terms.
  • Online speechwriting communities: Joining online forums or communities focused on speechwriting can be beneficial for getting feedback, sharing ideas, and learning from experienced speechwriters. It's an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and improve your public speaking skills through collaboration.

Remember, while these tools can assist in the speechwriting process, it's essential to use them thoughtfully and adapt them to your specific needs and style. The most important aspect of speechwriting remains the creativity, authenticity, and connection with your audience that you bring to your speech.

Man-holding-microphone-while-speaking-in-public-how-to-give-a-speech

5 tips for writing a speech

Behind every great speech is an excellent idea and a speaker who refined it. But a successful speech is about more than the initial words on the page, and there are a few more things you can do to help it land.

Here are five more tips for writing and practicing your speech:

1. Structure first, write second

If you start the writing process before organizing your thoughts, you may have to re-order, cut, and scrap the sentences you worked hard on. Save yourself some time by using a speech structure, like the one above, to order your talking points first. This can also help you identify unclear points or moments that disrupt your flow.

2. Do your homework

Data strengthens your argument with a scientific edge. Research your topic with an eye for attention-grabbing statistics, or look for findings you can use to support each point. If you’re pitching a product or service, pull information from company metrics that demonstrate past or potential successes. 

Audience members will likely have questions, so learn all talking points inside and out. If you tell investors that your product will provide 12% returns, for example, come prepared with projections that support that statement.

3. Sound like yourself

Memorable speakers have distinct voices. Think of Martin Luther King Jr’s urgent, inspiring timbre or Oprah’s empathetic, personal tone . Establish your voice — one that aligns with your personality and values — and stick with it. If you’re a motivational speaker, keep your tone upbeat to inspire your audience . If you’re the CEO of a startup, try sounding assured but approachable. 

4. Practice

As you practice a speech, you become more confident , gain a better handle on the material, and learn the outline so well that unexpected questions are less likely to trip you up. Practice in front of a colleague or friend for honest feedback about what you could change, and speak in front of the mirror to tweak your nonverbal communication and body language .

5. Remember to breathe

When you’re stressed, you breathe more rapidly . It can be challenging to talk normally when you can’t regulate your breath. Before your presentation, try some mindful breathing exercises so that when the day comes, you already have strategies that will calm you down and remain present . This can also help you control your voice and avoid speaking too quickly.

How to ghostwrite a great speech for someone else

Ghostwriting a speech requires a unique set of skills, as you're essentially writing a piece that will be delivered by someone else. Here are some tips on how to effectively ghostwrite a speech:

  • Understand the speaker's voice and style : Begin by thoroughly understanding the speaker's personality, speaking style, and preferences. This includes their tone, humor, and any personal anecdotes they may want to include.
  • Interview the speaker : Have a detailed conversation with the speaker to gather information about their speech's purpose, target audience, key messages, and any specific points they want to emphasize. Ask for personal stories or examples they may want to include.
  • Research thoroughly : Research the topic to ensure you have a strong foundation of knowledge. This helps you craft a well-informed and credible speech.
  • Create an outline : Develop a clear outline that includes the introduction, main points, supporting evidence, and a conclusion. Share this outline with the speaker for their input and approval.
  • Write in the speaker's voice : While crafting the speech, maintain the speaker's voice and style. Use language and phrasing that feel natural to them. If they have a particular way of expressing ideas, incorporate that into the speech.
  • Craft a captivating opening : Begin the speech with a compelling opening that grabs the audience's attention. This could be a relevant quote, an interesting fact, a personal anecdote, or a thought-provoking question.
  • Organize content logically : Ensure the speech flows logically, with each point building on the previous one. Use transitions to guide the audience from one idea to the next smoothly.
  • Incorporate engaging stories and examples : Include anecdotes, stories, and real-life examples that illustrate key points and make the speech relatable and memorable.
  • Edit and revise : Edit the speech carefully for clarity, grammar, and coherence. Ensure the speech is the right length and aligns with the speaker's time constraints.
  • Seek feedback : Share drafts of the speech with the speaker for their feedback and revisions. They may have specific changes or additions they'd like to make.
  • Practice delivery : If possible, work with the speaker on their delivery. Practice the speech together, allowing the speaker to become familiar with the content and your writing style.
  • Maintain confidentiality : As a ghostwriter, it's essential to respect the confidentiality and anonymity of the work. Do not disclose that you wrote the speech unless you have the speaker's permission to do so.
  • Be flexible : Be open to making changes and revisions as per the speaker's preferences. Your goal is to make them look good and effectively convey their message.
  • Meet deadlines : Stick to agreed-upon deadlines for drafts and revisions. Punctuality and reliability are essential in ghostwriting.
  • Provide support : Support the speaker during their preparation and rehearsal process. This can include helping with cue cards, speech notes, or any other materials they need.

Remember that successful ghostwriting is about capturing the essence of the speaker while delivering a well-structured and engaging speech. Collaboration, communication, and adaptability are key to achieving this.

Give your best speech yet

Learn how to make a speech that’ll hold an audience’s attention by structuring your thoughts and practicing frequently. Put the effort into writing and preparing your content, and aim to improve your breathing, eye contact , and body language as you practice. The more you work on your speech, the more confident you’ll become.

The energy you invest in writing an effective speech will help your audience remember and connect to every concept. Remember: some life-changing philosophies have come from good speeches, so give your words a chance to resonate with others. You might even change their thinking.

Boost your speech skills

Enhance your public speaking with personalized coaching tailored to your needs

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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You're here: textbroker.com » Blog » For clients » Content Creation » Hire a Speechwriter for Your Special Occasion

Hire a Speechwriter for Your Special Occasion

Speechwriters can provide you with a memorable speech, allowing you to deliver an effective message for numerous occasions.

Benefits of Hiring a Speechwriter.

Do you have a speech coming up?  Whether it’s a press announcement, a public speaking engagement, or even a wedding toast, you can take it to the next level when you hire a credible speechwriter.

Speech writing conveys a message by capturing the audience with words and emotion.  Speeches should have organized ideas, a compelling message, and perhaps even some humor to keep the audience engaged.

Why You Should Hire a Speechwriter 

Hiring a speechwriter (often searched as “hire a speech writer”) allows you to better interact with your audience, and if necessary, move them to take action in the direction you desire.

There are many other reasons you may be looking for a speechwriter for hire, including:

  • Lack of writing proficiency
  • Lack of subject knowledge 
  • Inability to organize your thoughts

speech writer why

We can help write your next speech.  Let’s get started!

Speechwriter Topics 

Every day there are thousands of speeches given across the world.  Business leaders present ideas to build profits,  politicians discuss agendas and perspectives, and an everyday maid of honor hopes to wow a wedding crowd with well-thought-out relatable memories.

Additionally, speechwriters can write speeches for a celebrity spokesperson advertising a product or service, public positions for nonprofit organizations, award winners, graduation ceremonies, keynote speakers, and much more.

Overall, there’s no limit to speechwriter topics.  The objective is to find the best speechwriter for hire to suit your needs.

Working with a Speechwriter 

The best speechwriters know how to quickly build rapport with their clients.  When you hire a freelance speechwriter (which could be searched as “hire a speech writer), it’s important to note that they are professionals who have established processes. 

First, you should expect the writer to ask many questions about the event.  Detail is key to ensuring the audience doesn’t question the authenticity of the speech.

Next, the writer will help the speaker with their original ideas and from an outside perspective considering others.  How does the speaker want the audience to react? How does the audience relate to the material? You and your writer want the speech to be perfect, so it’s essential to collaborate on the substance of the address. 

Finally, you should be ready for the writer to be straightforward.  The writer decides how the material should be used and presented.   With some creative writing skills and a clear understanding of the audience’s perspective , these ideas are turned into a speech.

Partner with Textbroker for all your special occasions.  Contact us today!

How to Perfect Your Speech 

You have hired a superb speechwriter and received your speech.  How do you turn that speech into a room of applause?

You need to sell it! Before you step on stage, you need to practice.  Read your speech aloud, grab a book or object for focus, and most importantly emote and move around while you speak.  

A forgotten trick involves trying tongue twisters .  This is shown to improve speech clarity as you speak more clearly.

There are other tips to perfect your speech, such as speaking into a mirror or recording yourself as you practice.

Our highly respected writers will work with you to understand the purpose, audience demographic, and natural environment for your speech.  By doing this, you are assured that the written address is genuine and profound.

Are you looking for that memorable speech?  Our expert freelance speechwriters can put together a piece that will make you feel confident.  Partner with Textbroker and hire a speechwriter today!

  • November 18, 2022
  • February 01, 2023
  • randypalmer
  • Blog, For clients, Content Creation, Branding

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9 Reasons Why Writing A Speech Is Important

Hrideep barot.

  • Speech Writing

speech writing

So, you have to deliver a speech in the next couple of days or so. As you start preparing yourself for the big day, one question that will definitely pop up in your mind is: do I need to write down my speech?

Generally, people fall into two broad categories: those that are firm believers in the virtue of writing down a speech, and those that would prefer winging it. Of course, these distinctions are by no means fixed.

Some people might not write down their entire speech but only outline the important points. Others might prefer jotting down every single thing they’re going to say and do on the big day.

Yet others might simply scribble sections that they find problematic or difficult to remember. And then, of course, come the people who don’t write anything at all.

But, whatever your preferences when it comes to writing a speech, there are many reasons why simply winging it on the big day with zero planning whatsoever is not the greatest idea.

Writing down a speech is important as it helps you better understand the topic, better organizes your thoughts, prevents any mistakes in your speech helping you become more familiar with it, and boosts its overall quality.

We’ve elaborated on these points below. But first, let’s get the basics out of the way.

What Is Speechwriting?

Before we get into the logistics of what is speechwriting, let’s understand what a speech is.

Going by what the dictionary says, “A  speech  is a formal talk which someone gives to an audience.”

Expanding on the above definition, we can better understand what speechwriting is: “Speech writing is the art of conveying a message to the audience through words. “

Now that we’ve gotten all the dictionary definitions out of the way, let’s delve a little more deeply into the concept of speech-writing.

There are many reasons why people write and deliver speeches. Speeches can be written to inform people. Say, for example, a speech on environmental degradation. Or, they might be written to persuade someone. Speeches delivered by politicians can be an example of persuasive speeches. Another reason would be to commemorate an event, say like, independence day.

However, whatever the overall purpose of your speech, almost every speech follows a set pattern. We’ve elaborated on it in the section below.

How To Write A Speech?

What is the format of a speech? As we mentioned above, almost all speeches have a format. Most speeches are divided into three sections. They are:

Introduction

The first part of the speech is called the introduction. The opening of your speech varies according to the type of speech you’re delivering. However, one thing that’s common to most speech opening is that they need to be attention-grabbing.

That is, they need to be interesting enough to hook your audience’s attention. Unless and until your speech opening is gripping, it doesn’t matter how interesting your content or research is. You’re going to lose your audience before you reach the next section, which is…

The body of your speech is its heart. It contains all the information that you wish to share with your audience. It makes for the bulk of your speech , and for good reason.

However, no matter the length of your body, one thing to keep in mind is to follow a chronological pattern while writing it. That is, don’t just randomly arrange your information in any sequence that you feel like.

For the audience to understand what you’re saying, you need to organize the content of your body into something that is easily comprehensible.

The ending of your speech is where you wrap up all your points and end your speech. We know you’re tired. However, don’t just end your speech with an abrupt ‘thank-you’.

Instead, a better way to conclude your speech would be to quickly provide a summary of your main points and then end with a call-to-action. Provide the audience with something that stays with them after your speech is done.

That is how they will remember you.

Why Should I Write A Speech?

writing a speech

Now that you know what speech-writing is and how to go about doing it, the next question is: why should you invest your precious time in writing down a speech before the big day?

Well, here are a few reasons why preparing your speech is better than simply winging it:

1 . Helps You Better Understand The Topic

But…isn’t that the entire point of ‘research’? To glean a better understanding of what you’re going to be talking about?

While it’s certainly true that researching your topic helps you glean more knowledge about it, actually writing down your speech gives you a clearer understanding of the information you’ve gathered .

This is because while during research you’re simply collecting data when you write down a speech, you also draw upon your own knowledge, experiences, and beliefs. By combining these personal factors with the assimilated information, you gain a deeper understanding of what the topic actually means to you.

All of this will, ultimately, give an added boost to your speech.

2. Helps Organize Your Ideas

Another reason why writing down a speech is important is because it helps organize your thoughts and ideas into something that can be better understood by another person.

While you might have a lot of expertise about a particular topic, chances are that your knowledge would be scattered. So, when you draw upon this knowledge source on the day of your speech, your points might end up being disorganized.

This will confuse your audience. Even if you make a great point, they might not understand its relevance or what it means. Because, say, you totally skipped an important tidbit of information that is essential to understand your point.

Writing down a speech avoids such scenarios, and leaves the audience with a better impression of you.

3. Helps Remember The Speech

Writing down your speech in advance also helps facilitate your memory. This is because writing something down itself is a great way to store the information in your brain. Probably why we got so much homework in high school, right?

Also, by writing your speech down, you also organize it in a logical sequence or pattern, which ultimately makes it easier to recall information.

4. Helps You Stay On Track

The last thing your audience wants to hear is a long story about a vacation you took in the Maldives in the middle of a speech about, say, an alien invasion (unless, of course, that’s where the invasion occurred).

A good way to avoid your thoughts derailing in the middle of your speech is by organizing them beforehand. And what better way to organize something as abstract as your thoughts than by having them on a piece of paper–or a laptop screen–in front of you?

5. Helps Time Your Speech

Another reason why writing down your speech beforehand is a great idea is because it helps you time how long your speech is going to be.

Time constraints are a common factor in almost all public speaking engagements. It is especially important during speaking engagements where there are multiple speakers.

One fallback of going impromptu with your speeches is that it’s harder to keep track of time when you’re delivering them.

Writing down your speech beforehand means that you can also time your speech before the big day. This means that you will be able to finish it without having a time-keeper shoot you evil looks while simultaneously banging their fist on the table the moment you cross your five-minute mark.

6. Helps Filter Out Filler Words

Filler words meaningless words or sounds that we use to fill the pauses that happen when we’re trying to decide what to say next. For example, ‘ um ‘ is a commonly used filler word. ‘ And ‘ is another one.

One simple way of avoiding filler words is by deciding what you want to say beforehand instead of figuring it out on the spot. That is, by writing down your speech, you can eliminate any filler words that might eat into your speech otherwise.

7. Helps Make Adjustments

Another reason why writing down your speech beforehand is a great idea is because it helps you figure out if your speech needs any major adjustments or little tweaks.

So, for instance, if you’ve missed out on any major point, then writing down your speech will remind you that you need to include it in your talk. Or, if you find yourself using any inappropriate word, then having the text in front of you will help you filter that out.

8. Makes It Easier To Practice

There is a reason why the proverb ‘Practice makes perfect’ has survived the test of time. Granted, practice doesn’t necessarily guarantee perfection. However, it goes without saying that proper practice does enhance your performance.

Writing down your speech beforehand is a form of practice itself. As you make little tweaks and changes in your speech, read it out loud to see what it sounds like. This will not only improve the quality of your speech but also sneak in some extra practice while delivering it.

Finding it difficult to smoothly read out your speech? Check out our article on 9 Tips To Making A Speech Easier To Read for some help.

9. Improves The Overall Quality Of Your Speech

By taking into account all the above-mentioned factors, it’s easy to understand why writing down your speech will help you boost the overall quality of your speech.

While how you deliver your speech is an essential component of the success of your talk, the content of your speech is just as important for your success.

By investing some extra time in writing down your speech, you improve the quality of your speech, which will ultimately make it more likely that your audience will want to hear you speak again.

5 Things To Keep In Mind While Speech-writing

delivering a speech

1. Have A Killer Opening–And Closing

While it’s true that the main body of your speech contains the most amount of information, this doesn’t mean that you should neglect the opening and closing of your speech.

Remember that it is the opening that will determine whether your audience will actually pay attention to the main part of your speech.

And also, it is how you end your speech that will determine whether your audience is going to remember you–or if they forget about your speech the moment you stop talking.

There are many ways of writing a speech opening line. You could open with a ‘What If’ scenario, for instance.

For example, what if a meteor hit earth right now? This gets your audience thinking and piques their attention (unless, of course, the meteor actually hits, in which case attention might get focused elsewhere).

Another way to open a speech would be by telling a story. However, make sure that you don’t ramble on for too long, and that your story is relevant to the topic. If you’re speaking about animal rights, maybe a short anecdote on your pet–or a moving visit to the zoo.

For more speech openings, check out our article on 15 Powerful Speech Opening Lines (And How To Create Your Own) .

Similarly, there are many ways of ending a speech.

One of the best ways to end a speech is by employing a call to action. This instigates your audience to do something. For example: I have given you all you need to move forward! Now, it’s time for YOU to take the next step.

Another way to end a speech would be by telling a joke. After all, who doesn’t want to end on a happy note?

Check out our article on 15 Powerful speech Ending Lines (And Tips To Create Your Own) for some more inspiration.

2. Keep Your Audience’s Attention Span In Mind

While human attention span is certainly higher than that of a butterfly, this doesn’t mean that humans have unlimited attention, either.

The point is, don’t drag on your speech for a diabolical amount of time, no matter how important your topic is or how much information you feel you can successfully squeeze into your given time frame. Keep in mind your audience’s attention span, and make your speech no longer than is necessary.

3. Incorporate Humor & Storytelling

Don’t make your speech an information dump. While it might make you sound intelligent, just delivering a lot of information without adding other–more personal–elements makes it more difficult for your audience to connect with you.

To prevent this, try incorporating a few jokes or a handful of anecdotes in your speech. Don’t just say them one after the other, though. Sprinkle them out throughout your speech. Also, make sure they’re relevant to your speech and not simply extras added just for the sake of it.

4. Use Simple Language

Just because you love browsing through a dictionary in your free time doesn’t mean it’s your audience’s favorite pass time too.

If you wish for your audience to connect with you, then complicated jargon is not the way to go. Instead, swap complex or difficult words with simple ones. This will broaden your reach with the audience, and improve how much you manage to resonate with them.

5. Be True To Yourself

What makes you unique as a person? How are your thoughts, feelings, and opinions different from–or similar to–the topic you’re speaking about? How do you really feel about the topic? Is there anything about it that you disagree with or feel could’ve been improved?

Before you begin writing your speech, these are a few questions that you must ask yourself. Don’t just conclude your research and then immediately jump into writing your speech, even if you don’t agree with half the things you’ve found.

Instead, stay true to yourself. Incorporate your own thoughts and feelings into your speech. This will not only increase your authenticity as a speaker but also make you stand out as a unique one.

Bonus: The Most Important Thing In Speech Writing

What is the most important element of any public speaking engagement?

The answer: You audience.

And that is precisely the most important thing which you need to keep in mind while writing your speech. After all, you’re going to be delivering your speech to the audience. So, it’s absolutely imperative to keep your audience in mind while delivering your speech.

That is why it’s so essential to research your audience beforehand. The content of your speech is going to vary greatly depending on what kind of audience is going to hear it.

For instance, if your audience consists mostly of beginners, then you will need to write your speech in such a way that it’s comprehensible to them. Otherwise, they could end up confused. Likewise, if your audience consists of experts, then dwelling too much on the basics might bore them.

So, make sure to look up your audience before you sit down for any speech-writing.

To sum up, speech-writing is a must before any speech that you plan on delivering. There are many reasons for this, with all of them eventually leading to one main point: writing down a speech before you speak will enhance the overall quality of your speech, as well as the audience’s experience of it.

So, before your next public speaking engagement, take out some extra time and jot down your speech.

Hrideep Barot

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THGM Writing Services

Best writers & ghostwriters for hire in 2023

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  • David Leonhardt – Biography

Top speech writers at your service

A professional speech writer can craft the words to get your message across, entertain your audience and impress everyone. Our speech writing service is at your service

We take the time to understand both the goals of your speech and your unique voice. We write the words that flow most naturally and most effectively from your mouth.

Speak with confidence

Hiring our professional speechwriters will help you better engage with your audience and move them to take the action you want.

What kind of people hire a professional speech writer?

  • Celebrities
  • Maids of honor
  • Event chairmen
  • Award recipients
  • Keynote speakers
  • Pageant contestants
  • Motivational speakers
  • Fathers of the bride
  • Corporate executives
  • Best Man at weddings
  • Graduation and commencement speakers

It’s time to hire a speech writer. Just fill in the form on this page and let us know how we can help you shine.

THGM President David Leonhardt received the “Distinguished Toastmaster” award – the highest recognition Toastmasters International bestows. Take advantage of David’s skills to make your next speech sizzle.

Praise for our best speech writers

Our clients are never left speechless. Here are a few things they have to say about working with our professional speech writers. ( Read more testimonials here. )

Severine Petras – convocation speaker

Geoff – satisfied groom from british columbia, krystal – satisfied maid of honor from illinois, aaron – best man from california, why people hire a freelance speech writer.

Why do people hire a speech writer? They are not good at writing. They are not used to speaking. They don’t know where to start. They want to sound professional. They are too busy to write the speech.

Whether public speaking excites you or terrifies you, whether you are a novice or an old pro, we can write your speech.

Speakers hire ghostwriters when they are not good at writing.

The most obvious reason to hire a speechwriter is if you are not good at writing. That is an excellent reason. You have been asked to speak because you are an expert at something. Unless you are speaking at a writers conference, you were probably not chosen for your writing expertise.

You bring the knowledge of the topic. We bring the words you’ll need to communicate. That’s why you hire a writer for your speech. The best speech writer finds your voice.

People like you hire speech ghostwriters when they are not used to speaking.

Even if you are a good writer, you might not be used to public speaking. Writing a speech is not like writing a letter. It’s worth hiring a speechwriter, because he knows how to write a speech.

It’s not just for his expertise that you might want to hire a speech writer. It might also be for your own confidence. Knowing that you have a solid speech to deliver means that you can walk up to the lectern with confidence.

The less familiar or comfortable you are with public speaking, the more important practice will be. Your speechwriter will make sure you get a draft on time, so that you can practice. Many people who write their own speeches procrastinate. That leaves little time for practice. Needless to say, those speeches and presentations tend to be less effective.

Speakers like you hire speechwriters when they don’t know where to start.

You might want to hire a speechwriter because you don’t know where to start. In fact, that’s one reason people hire writers in many situations.

We are used to writing speeches. We know where to start. We can take that burden from your shoulders.

Speakers hire professional speechwriters when they want to sound more professional.

Perhaps the best reason to hire a professional speech writer is to sound more professional or to be more effective. A good speech is made of many things:

  • a worthwhile message
  • a well-written speech
  • a strong delivery
  • an interested audience

It starts with a worthwhile message. That’s up to you. Then, you need someone to write a speech that will communicate that message. The rest is up to you, but freelance speech writers can take you that far.

  • A sample of our speech writing skills – commencement speech
  • A sample of our speech writing skills – motivational speech

Speakers hire freelance speechwriters when they are too busy to write it themselves.

You might be busy. In fact, if you have been asked to speak, it’s probably because you do a lot. If you wait for the last minute to draft your speech, it won’t be nearly as good.

Hiring a professional speechwriter is a great way to get your speech written while you do other things. You won’t have to worry about details, such as:

  • fretting over words
  • structuring the speech
  • fitting in enough details
  • avoiding too much detail
  • worrying about timing or cadence

You will want to tweak the speech as you practice. But the bulk of the work will be done by the time you get the first draft.

How to find a freelance speechwriter for hire

If you need a professional speech writer, our writing agency can help. For a free quote on drafting your speech or speaking notes, tap or click the red button to the right.

How to work with a speech writer

Your speech will be most effective if you work with your speechwriter. Take the time to give the information they need.

What should you tell your speech writer? How fast you speak Your speaking style How you use humor What you want to say How you want the audience to feel What you want the audience to do

Tell your freelance speech writer how fast you speak.

There are two ways to measure the length of a speech. The most obvious is by time. You will be speaking for five minutes or ten minutes or 30 minutes.

Some speeches over 20 minutes get more complicated. A keynote speech is usually straightforward. A 30-minute speech lasts 30 minutes. But a 30-minute conference presentation might last only 20 minutes. That’s because you might need to reserve ten minutes for questions at the end.

The other way to measure the length of a speech is by word count. This might be of no concern to a speaker, but if you want to work with a speech writer, it is pretty important. Your speech writer needs to know how many words to write. That also affects how much we need to charge you.

A 20-minute speech would need just 1,600 words if you speak at 80 words per minute. That same speech would need 3,000 words spoken at 150 words per minute.

How fast do you speak? If you are unaccustomed to public speaking, you probably speak on the fast side. That’s what nerves do to many novice speakers. It’s worth trying to control the pace of your speaking, so that your audience can process what you say.

In the absence of other information, we assume a speaking pace of 100 words per minute.

Tell your professional speech writer about your speaking style.

This is important for a freelance speechwriter to know.

Do you like to explain things in detail?

Do you prefer to make emphatic points?

Do you like to ask questions of the audience and get them to raise their hands or shout out answers?

Do you prefer to speak directly to the audience, or do you prefer to have them stare at a screen of graphs and data?

Do you like to make points by telling stories?

The best speech writer finds your style. What’s your style?

Work with your speech writer on humor.

Humor is a touchy subject. A speech without humor is often very dry. But a speech that sounds like it is supposed to be funny, but isn’t, could prove to be a flop.

How much humor your speechwriter includes, and what type of humor, depends on you. What type of humor do you use in real life? Dry humor? Puns? Longer jokes? It’s best to carry your real-life style of humor into your presentation.

Tell your speech writer how you want the audience to feel.

At the end of the day, how do you want the audience to feel? Your freelance speechwriter can write words that will make the audience feel:

  • heartbroken
  • whatever you want them to feel

Whether tears of joy or just in tears, let your ghostwriter know how you want to leave your audience feeling.

Tell your speech ghostwriter exactly what you want the audience to do.

Whatever your audience feels at the end of the speech, once they leave the room, you are no longer in control. What do you want them to do with the information you gave them?

Maybe nothing. You might not want your audience to do anything after you’ve spoken. You might just have been there to entertain them. Or to present information, with no particular goal.

But if you want the audience to do something to change the world, to change their lives or to change their businesses, make sure to tell them. Be direct. Tell them what you want them to do. At very least, have them leave the room with that call to action as their last thought.

This is an important point you’ll want your speech writer to include.

Ideally, you can follow up your speech with some form of communication once they return to their natural habitats. Back in real life, a reminder of your message will be more effective even than closing your speech with a call to action.

How to find a professional speechwriter for hire

If you need help with your speech, our speechwriting service can help. For a free quote on writing your speech for you, tap or click the red button to the right.

How to perfect your speech

You’ve hired a professional speech writer. You have the speaking notes in front of you. How do you turn the written speech into that barn burner that brings the audience to its feet or moves them to tears?

  • Be yourself.

Come prepared.

Speak to a mirror.

Record your voice.

Look them in the eye.

Volume speaks volumes.

  • Practice, practice, practice.

Variety is the spice of public speaking.

Practice your speech.

No matter what you do, you’ll do it better after practicing. The more you practice, the better you’ll do it. That goes double for public speaking.

When you practice, make sure to vary your words slightly. Why? Because if you deliver the same line a dozen times, each time with a slightly different wording, here’s what you will memorize:

  • the idea you want to communicate
  • all the words you’ll need to express the idea
  • not the exact words

The result is that the words will flow more naturally from your mouth. They will sound less memorized. You will be less dependent on staring at the paper in front of you, and more able to look at the people you are talking to.

Watch how you look when you speak. Make sure your mouth is moving. Keep your posture. Don’t fiddle with your hands. Practice emphatic gestures. We communicate a lot with our bodies, so make sure your body is communicating the same thing as your words.

After practicing for a while, record your voice. Play it back to see how you sound.

Make sure that people can hear you. With a microphone, that’s not an issue. But, will there be a microphone? It’s best to make sure.

Even with a microphone, some people don’t speak loud enough or clearly enough. If your audience has difficulty hearing you or understanding your words, they’ll find it even tougher to understand your message.

Loud is good. But not all the time. Sometimes, you need to raise your voice to a crescendo for emphasis. Other times, lowering your voice to almost a whisper will get their attention even better. You should do both.

You should also vary the pace of speaking. There are times for speaking fast. There are times for speaking slow. There are times to pause for emphasis, especially when you want the audience to think about a question you just asked or a new idea you have just suggested.

Make sure there is water at the lectern. You don’t want your speech hijacked by a dry throat.

The other thing you don’t want to happen during your speech is the sudden need to visit the washroom. Empty shortly before the speech.

When you speak with friends or colleagues, do you look over their heads? Of course not. Look people in the eye as you speak. You don’t have to look at any one person for more than a few seconds. Some speakers make eye contact with one person for a whole sentence, then switch to somebody else for the next sentence.

Be yourself…only better.

Most important is to be yourself. Let your personality shine through. Don’t try out humor from the podium that would not be your style in real life. Don’t adopt a speaking style at the lectern that is radically different than how you would explain things in a meeting room or church basement. Speechwriting is about putting you on paper, so that you can shine in person.

Looking for a wedding speech writer?

We specialize in weddings. Here are some of our services:

  • Best man speech writers for hire
  • Maid of honor speech writers for hire
  • Gay wedding speech writers for hire (LGBTQ, non-binary, etc.)
  • All other wedding speech writers for hire

How to find a speechwriter for hire

If you want to hire a speechwriter, our freelancer agency can help. We have the best speech writers. For a free quote on ghostwriting your presentation, tap or click the red button to the right.

Kristina – satisfied maid of honor from Florida

This is amazing! Literally, more than anything I could have dreamed of! Thank you so much! It is perfect. Truly.

Rene – satisfied father-of-the-groom from Quebec

Well I have to thank you again and the speech was fantastic. As you can imagine the flow was great and must admit I did a pretty good job delivering our speech. I had it pretty well memorized so it did enable me to add in little events which made the audience chuckle. Both Kuno and his fiancée were very delighted and touched by the words.

I’m very happy that I decided to go with a “writer” service and very happy that you wrote the words.

Thank you again and should I need writing expertise in the future you can be assured I will be calling upon your services.

Best speechwriters for hire

Our professional speechwriters are for hire right now, at your service. If you are looking for a speech writing service that can help you shine, let us know about the event and your goals by completing the form on this page .

FIVE QUESTIONS THIS PAGE IS MEANT TO ANSWER I need help writing a speech. (ANSWER: Most major speeches are ghostwritten, so you are not alone. Fill in the form on this page to join the smart people who have already had their speeches professionally written.) How do I find freelance speechwriters? (ANSWER: Our writers are all carefully-screened and time-tested freelancers. Just fill in the the form on this page and we will make arrangements.) How can I hire a ghostwriter for my speech? (ANSWER: That’s what a speechwriting service is for. Simply fill in the the form on this page with as much details as possible, and we’ll start the speech writing process with a free quote.) How much does a speech ghostwriter cost? (ANSWER: That depends on the length of your speech, the topic and any special requirements. The best way to find out the cost is to complete the form on this page , including all the details.) How long should my speech be? (ANSWER: You stumped us. If you don’t have an idea already, we can probably help you decide. Please fill in the form on this page so we can begin discussions.)

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Speech writing services

Speak to charm with expert speech

Craft mesmerizing speeches with our experts, ensuring that every word enchants your audience.

Trusted by 1,5M+ happy customers

Let us craft a speech that not only informs but inspire

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Speech mastery by pros

Transform your speech with professional expertise, making each word a bridge to your audience's hearts.

Neat W.

Reasons to choose our online speech writing service

A decade's wisdom.

Crafted by seasoned speechwriters, our compelling content resonates, informed by a decade of trusted expertise.

Achieve any deadline

Time-crunch? Our swift writers craft insightful speeches within hours, without compromising the quality or your voice.

Your unique speech

No recycled words here; our crafted speeches are novel masterpieces, uniquely tailored to each occasion.

50+ speech types

Whatever the occasion, our versatile writers tailor speeches from graduations to groomsmen, formal to fun.

24/7 full support

Stuck or curious? Our eager support team answers swiftly, ensuring your path to speech success.

Effortless ordering process

1. share your instuctions.

Share your speech idea, theme, and style with us, and we'll craft a personalized message that resonates with your audience and mirrors your voice.

2. Pick your perfect writer

Explore our diverse writers' profiles, engage in chats, and find your ideal match. Deposit funds safely; pay only when you're thrilled with the results.

3. Receive your unique speech

Your exceptional speech awaits! Review and request adjustments if needed. Once delighted, release the funds and step into the spotlight with confidence.

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Our service in clients' words

Hear from our satisfied clients how we transformed their words into unforgettable, heart-winning speeches.

What our customers can expect from us

Edits without limits.

Enjoy the freedom to request unlimited edits on your speech within 30 days of your completed order.

Refund guarantee

Unhappy with the result? We offer unlimited edits or refunds to ensure you're never out of pocket.

Quality you trust

Our expert professionals craft high-quality speeches tailored to your needs, covering any topics you may need, ensuring effective and engaging communication.

Privacy assured

Through encryption, regular security testing, and our commitment to keeping all personal information confidential, your orders are in safe hands.

Overcome stage fright with our perfectly crafted speeches

Frequently asked questions, is there a specific writing format for speech, can i reach out to the writer during the speech writing process, what makes your service unique, is it safe to use online service for help, how long does it take to craft a speech, how much does the speech cost, engage your audience with our speech writing service, opt for our custom speech writing services and transform sleepless nights into peaceful rest.

Getting ready for a public speaking event isn't a walk in the park. It needs heaps of time, hard work, and a knack for voicing your thoughts in a way that makes people sit up and listen. Not everyone has this skill, but don't worry, that's where we come in.

Here's why you should pick EssayPro for your speech writing:

  • We help you save time
  • We'll hit the right word count
  • We make your speech extra persuasive
  • We help you wow your audience
  • You'll get some professional tips
  • We take the stress out of public speaking
  • No need to break the bank.

Teaming up with our speech-writing pros will help you chill out about public speaking once and for all.

Professional speech writing across all events

Whether you're addressing colleagues or rallying the school team, crafting the right speech is crucial. That's where our expert speech writers come in. They've penned inspiring words for congress members, mayors, celebrities, Nobel Prize winners, CEOs, diplomats, activists, and more. With a track record like that, you know you're in good hands.

Our services are all about understanding you. We listen to your needs and your voice to ensure we deliver exactly the speech you envision. From persuasive essay writing service to creating heartfelt toasts for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, or social functions like Bar Mitzvahs and Burns Dinners, we're here to help.

Want to engage your audience? We'll structure your speech to be persuasive and attention-grabbing. Whether you're the best man, bride, captain of the golf club, or the toastmaster at any event, our writers will help you create something truly original and memorable. Leave a request " write my speech " and let's make your words shine!

Easy-to-follow steps for ordering with ease

Navigating our order form is as simple as it gets. Just key in your details like topic, subject, and deadline, and let us handle the rest. Whether you need a compelling speech or an impeccable essay, EssayPro's custom speech writing service has got you covered.

The next time you need to make a mark, why not turn to us? With EssayPro, you'll not only impress your audience but also save those precious hours that might otherwise be spent in sleepless frustration. We understand the demands of student life, and that's why our paper writing service is here to lighten the load.

Why struggle on your own when EssayPro can turn you into a persuasive speaker? We're trusted by countless students for our quality and reliability. Let us help you shine on stage and enjoy college life to the fullest. Your success is just an order away!

Our speech writers excel at crafting compelling speeches

Writing a speech can feel like scaling a mountain, especially when it's for an academic assignment. You know the drill: it has to have a clear beginning, middle, and end. The opening has to grab people, and you've got to come across as real, not robotic.

That's where we come in. Our team at EssayPro is filled with college essay writers who know exactly how to nail those speech writings. These aren't just any writers; they've got degrees from top schools and master's qualifications in everything from English and journalism to social sciences and economics. And we don't just take their word for it - we test them to make sure they know their stuff.

Here's a taste of what our speech writing services can do for you:

  • Need an introduction that turns heads? We'll whip up something that'll make people sit up and listen.
  • Worried about sounding dull? Our writers have vocabularies that dance, ensuring your speech never falls flat.
  • Got a personal story to share? We'll find the perfect place for it.
  • Looking for an ending that sticks? We'll craft a conclusion that leaves your audience thinking.

With EssayPro, you're not just getting a speech; you're getting a piece of art that speaks. It's personal, professional, and perfect for what you need. Now, how about we get started?

The wide array of speech types we cover

At EssayPro, we offer professional speech writing services that cover a wide array of occasions and topics. Our skilled speech writers understand the specific nuances, terminology, and philosophies across various fields, allowing us to cater to diverse needs. We thrive on our talented team's diversity and collaboration, ensuring that your expectations aren't just met but exceeded.

Whether it's business speeches, wedding toasts, graduation addresses, or even eulogies, our writers are equipped to craft and fine-tune speeches for any occasion. We don't just write the words; we organize and adapt them to make sure your message comes through loud and clear.

Trust us to put the right words in your mouth, whatever the event, whatever the need.

  • CEO speeches
  • Corporate speeches
  • Debate arguments
  • Entertaining speech
  • Farewell speech
  • Graduation speeches
  • Informative speech
  • Wedding speeches
  • Oratorical speech
  • Persuasive speech
  • Political speeches
  • Public speeches
  • Retirement speeches
  • Sales speeches
  • Special occasion speech
  • Speech competition

Professional speech writing services for every occasion

Struggling to pick the right words for your business, academic, political, or special occasion speech? Our wordsmiths will craft a custom speech perfectly tailored to your event and situation. We pour in years of speech writing expertise and best practices to craft a persuasive speech that will impress everyone.

Hire a professional speechwriter for a perfect result

At SpeechPaths, we have 11+ years of experience providing custom speech writing services. Our ghostwriters work on the writing style, tone of voice, structure, and emotional aspect to write a brilliant speech that helps you reach your goals.

12-hour delivery

A 12-hour speech writing service is available if you're in a rush. The writer starts working on your speech right away and will deliver a finalized text to you right on time.

Experienced speech writers

Our team comprises experienced academic and speech writers with hands-on experience with different types of speeches. The writer digs deep into your requirements and discusses the project with you to come up with a successful speech that serves your goals.

100% Satisfaction guarantee

A dedicated speech writer works on your text until you are satisfied. We offer an extended 14-day free revision period to make sure that you are perfectly happy with your newly written speech.

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Personalized speech writing service: What do we offer?

Public speaking is stressful for many people. Yet, writing speeches that captivate the attention is just as challenging. A poorly written speech can spoil the impression, bore the audience and eventually slow down your professional development.

The solution is turning to speech writing services online. A skilled speech writer can choose the appropriate language, use fresh ideas and structure the narrative to tell your story persuasively. Our professional speech writing services closely follow your instructions to develop speech text that is uniquely yours and captivates the audience in class, at a business meeting, or during a special event.

Here's what you can expect from our professional speechwriters:

custom speech composition - we write speeches from scratch based on your instructions. The persuasive speech you'll receive will be one of its kind and appropriate for the situation;

formatting and additional services - we will format your speech in APA, MLA, or any other academic format if necessary. In addition to your speech, you can order PowerPoint slides to make your presentation even more persuasive and vivid.

timely delivery - we deliver every professional, motivational, or wedding speech according to the deadline. If we let you down, we are ready to refund your payment.

uninterrupted communication - communicate with your ghostwriter anytime during the writing process in our inbound messenger. Plus, our customer support chat is available 24/7 for instant communication.

unlimited revisions - think that your persuasive speech needs a few improvements? We offer unlimited revisions within 14 days. Our best writers are responsive to your comments and will update the text according to your wishes in no time.

All types of speeches are available here

Our custom speech writing services create inventive texts that effectively get your message across. If you need a good speech for a special occasion, business event, or academic purposes, our speech writers for hire are always there for you. Here are the types of speeches we can help you with:

  • informative speech
  • motivational speech
  • persuasive speech
  • wedding speech
  • forensic speech
  • oratory speech
  • graduation speech
  • retirement speech
  • entertainment speech, and many more.

A dedicated speech writer works one-on-one with you, following every instruction and crafting the text that fully meets your expectations. Your writer chooses the appropriate writing style, builds the logical structure, and picks persuasive phrases that spark emotions in the audience.

When you order a speech writing service, you receive as follows:

  • a custom speech, written according to your requirements and tailored to your type of event. You'll get your speech as an editable DOCX document;
  • formatting of your speech in APA, MLA, or another style guide (optional);
  • PowerPoint slides to strengthen your presentation (optional);
  • answers to possible questions from your audience (optional).

What makes our speech writing services different?

Unlike other professional speech writing services, we do not work with freelancers. We have an in-house team of verified experts who have extensive experience in speech writing. For this reason, we continuously deliver good service to our clients, no matter how urgent or challenging your project is. Every speechwriter is an expert in the English language and can craft an attention-grabbing, eloquent text that deserves a standing ovation.

At SpeechPaths, we consider ourselves experts at solving the problems of our customers. We deliver a personalized speech writing service to every client, meaning that the writer will compose your text from the ground up and not copy it from somewhere else. You can choose the length, level of complexity, and deadline that works for you, and our expert will cater to every requirement. Both the writer and the support team stay in touch with you to ensure that all your requirements are met.

How does it work?

Ready to order an excellent speech created uniquely for you? Here's how our speech writing process looks like:

Step 1. Place your order Sign up and provide us with the instructions for your speech (i.e. number of words/pages, type of speech, any details that the writer should mention, sources, etc.). We encourage our customers to upload detailed instructions so we could better understand your needs.

Step 2. We find a speech writer Our manager connects you with the writer who is most experienced with your type of speech and your subject area. You can contact the writer using our messaging system.

Step 3. Download your speech Download your plagiarism free speech according to the deadline. If you believe that the speech could be improved, request a free revision and the writer will update the text according to your comments. Want to impress the audience during a business meeting, a special event, or in college? Enjoy the benefits of working with a professional speech writer. Place your first order with 20% off - contact us on chat to get your discount!

Why entrust your speech writing to an expert?

Like in any other area of life, if you want something to be done well, it's best to hire a professional. When it comes to speech composition, a speechwriter can reinforce your message, make you sound more convincing, and help you grab the audience's attention. Here are the key reasons to consider speech writers for hire:

  • Your writing skills leave much to be desired. It is hardly possible to craft an impressive speech without superior writing skills and the ability to pick the right words for any situation. Our speech writers have delivered thousands of speeches and know from practice what it takes to put together a speech that makes the audience listen and take notice.
  • You don't have enough expertise or subject proficiency. If you have to give a professional or college speech but the subject is new to you, you'll struggle to persuade the audience. Similarly, if you do not write wedding or retirement speeches regularly, you'll hardly come up with an excellent one at the first attempt. Our in-house experts are familiar with every speech type, from political to amusement ones. They can make your speech shine and help you wow the audience.
  • You're not sure how to organize your thoughts. Are you full of ideas, but once you write them down, your text is difficult to follow? No worries. Our ghostwriters know the successful formulas of different speech types, and will apply them to make your text both concise and persuasive.
  • You want to inspire and impress the audience without much effort. Writing a successful speech takes time that many students and professionals do not have. Why not ease your life and outsource this important task to an expert? Our ghostwriters stay in touch with you online anytime it's convenient to you, and keep working on your speech until it satisfies you and effectively conveys your point.

At SpeechPaths, we craft customized speeches for professionals, students, and people preparing for an important event. We guarantee that your speech paper will be plagiarism-free and tailored to your goals. Contact us today, and let's discuss how we can make your presentation shine!

Reach your goals with a powerful, persuasive speech

Our team uses a personalized approach, considering your unique situation and the context in which you'll be giving the speech. On top of that, we take care of all aspects of speech preparation so you could only practice and give that speech once the day X comes:

  • the writer considers your event and the audience, using professional slang if necessary, or plain words and humor for a personal event. They pick the right words and tone of voice so that the speech is understandable for everyone;
  • our experts logically structure the speech, introducing your ideas in an easy-to-understand manner so that your text is easy to follow;
  • we make each speech informative, meaning that it has plenty of information from credible sources and valuable insights;
  • our speeches appeal not only to logic but also to the emotional side of your audience. We make each speech vivid and eloquent so that it touches the hearts of those present;
  • we guarantee timely and fast delivery of each custom speech so that you could memorize it and practice delivering it to the audience.

Our experts take your type of assignment into account for a perfect result. If you need a business speech, they will base it on important facts, findings, and crucial information for decision-making. For political and oratorical speeches, they will come up with powerful statements, facts that inspire, and expressions and stories that build trust. And in the case with personal event speeches, we will use a theme or a personal story while preserving your unique voice. We have a solution for every client - contact us to discuss how we can help you today!

How much does it cost to hire a speechwriter?

Unlike many speech writing services, we do not charge per word and keep our prices fair. Our services are accessible to everyone, including students. The price of your order will depend on the following parameters:

  • how long your speech should be (in words/pages, 275 words per page);
  • the deadline of your order (the fastest deadline is 12 hours, but you can order a month in advance and save a lot);
  • additional options with your speech, such as PowerPoint slides or answers to questions;
  • you can also choose one of our Top 10 writers who are most experienced and have a 5-star rating with our clients.

As a student, you can also indicate your academic level, and the writer will adjust the language. Our company is fully remote, so we keep our prices lower than our competitors. Order your first speech with a 20% discount and experience all advantages of working with an expert.

Writing help of any kind is available here

In addition to writing speeches, our extensive team can assist with all kinds of writing projects, including:

  • academic essays
  • research papers
  • case studies
  • business reports
  • PowerPoint presentations
  • creative essays, and many more.

Our in-house writers are familiar with different types of writing and specialize in various subject matter areas. We will connect you with an expert who is just perfect for completing your task with brilliance.

How to give an excellent speech that captivates the audience?

Some people have a natural talent for delivering speeches. You can become one of these people, too - just follow this advice to give a great speech:

Practice delivering your speech in front of the mirror or to a friend. Pay attention to your body language and gestures. Also, consider your manner of speaking such issues as speaking too fast or too quietly can spoil the entire impression from your speech.

Standing too close to the microphone can deafen your audience, plus, they will hear you breathing and lots of other noises. If you stand far away, they will hardly hear you. Practice working with a microphone in advance to avoid an awkward situation.

If you are not an experienced speaker, maintaining eye contact can be challenging. Try this: choose a point on the opposite wall or the middle of the room that you will look at, and speak at that point. Thus, you'll be able to focus on your speech entirely.

Including PowerPoint slides in your presentation is not necessary. Only use them if they share something new with the audience - for example, photos, graphs and charts, and other details that illustrate your point. If your slides repeat your words, it's best to skip them.

Crafting an attention-grabbing speech has many nuances that you might not be aware of. To make a brilliant impression on your coworkers, clients, professors, or family, get help from a professional speechwriter. They will find the right words to get your message across in every situation.

Your testimonials inspire us to do more

"I was so nervous about giving a speech for a Political economy class, but Speechpaths saved the day. I sent them a textbook and some notes from the class and received a great persuasive speech with strong arguments. My writer Jessy was always in touch and answered all my questions, plus I got a great discount as a new user."
"This speech writing service created a game-changing speech for a crucial industry conference. They understood my company and my vision and made a compelling speech that impressed everyone. I recommend this service to all professionals who are too busy to write speeches on their own."
" ... My student life has become much easier with your speech writing service. I have a good reputation due to your writers. Thanks for all speeches for my academic projects and helpful support on the chat!.."
"It seemed crazy to have someone compose my wedding speech. But once I received the first draft, I was beyond impressed - the writer managed to reflect my writing style, and included a couple of heartwarming stories that made this speech really special. And the price, of course - these guys charge much cheaper than other similar services. Thanks a lot!"

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What's it really like being a government speechwriter?

By James Doughty

18 Feb 2017

Words don’t come easily to everyone, but speechwriters have a head start. Department for Work and Pensions wordsmith James Doughty shares some trade secrets

Speechwriting is a job quite unlike any other in the civil service. It’s a job of contradictions. You work alone and with everyone, you’re a specialist but also a generalist, you’re creative and constrained, you’re in the thick of it and standing back.

It’s a straight-talking job title. Yet, the lid on the speechwriter’s world is very rarely lifted. For speechwriters, like spies, anonymity is the name of the game. Spies work in the shadows. Speechwriters, more specifically, work in the shadow of their master. Their words are often in the spotlight, but they are not. 

Here are five insights into the world of a speechwriter and the speechwriting profession and how they add value to organisations and the wider civil service.

Seven things every government press officer knows are true Special advice: What's it really like being a spad? What's it really like being cabinet secretary? Six men who've done the job spill the beans

What is speechwriting anyway? When many people think speechwriter, they think Sam Seaborn from The West Wing. The reality is somewhat different. Think less fast-paced corridor walking and talking, more painstaking research and midnight-oil-burning writing and rewriting.

In essence, a government speechwriter helps ministers communicate their vision, policies and objectives. In a world of short-burst social media, delivering a single speech from a lectern to a room full of real people is still the vehicle of choice to do this. A speech affords the space and time to develop his or her ideas, to take the audience on a journey, to tell a story – something you simply can’t do in 140 characters.

What goes into writing a speech? It often starts with an initial meeting with the minister to get a broad understanding of the main points they want to make. Then, it’s about having detailed conversations with policy teams – often multiple teams, analysts, political special advisers and press officers. During this process, the speechwriter is the conduit through which the ideas flow. They are the lightning rod, capturing every thought, every angle and every idea offered up. It is through the speechwriter that those ideas are then distilled, ordered, reordered, refined and woven into a narrative that makes sense and fits together. 

To do that, a speechwriter needs to be able to convey complex information simply and compellingly. They need to bring it all together into a coherent whole that, like a piece of music, ebbs and flows to hold interest and create contrasts – quiet bits and loud bits, long flowing passages and short staccato points, poetry and policy prose. After the extensive collaboration, this is the part where the speechwriter needs quiet solitude, which can be in short supply in a government department. I hear one department has plans for a “speech bubble” – a pod dedicated for speechwriters.

How do you keep hold of the pen and your nerve? For any one speech, there will have been an army of people involved in some way, from fact-checking to policy advice to analytical input, No. 10 steers and engaging those who have a powerful story to tell that will bring a speech alive. The speechwriter has to manage all of these different actors and ensure they are all happy and the speech beats with a single pulse and purpose.

 "A speechwriter can often find themselves at the centre of a kind of frenzied scrum"

In doing this, a speechwriter can often find themselves at the centre of a kind of frenzied scrum, particularly as the date of the speech approaches. This can, ironically, be one of the loneliest, most difficult and skilful parts of being a speechwriter – keeping a tight hold of the pen whilst surrounded by persuasive and often quite senior officials making their case for a line to be included – or more often than not – excluded.

It’s an interesting place to be and a test of nerve. I think it’s always important to remember whose speech it is: it’s the boss’s speech – the person who actually has to stand up and deliver it, whose mouth the words will come out of and the person whose name and reputation hangs on them. They are always the best speechwriter, we just play a supporting role. 

Because they are the boss, it can feel like a brutal and bruising profession at times. You need to be prepared for your carefully crafted lines to be crossed out or rewritten. That’s a healthy part of the process, if a little hair-depleting. A speechwriter colleague of mine had all but two words taken out of an initial draft of a speech. The two surviving words came at the end: “Thank you”. 

Some are based within the press office, some work from home, many work within the ministerial private office – from where you actually get much better access to ministers. Some are brought in because they have a history of working with a minister. Others have worked in the same department for successive ministers. Some are career civil servants who occupy the role for a period of time before moving on. Some have come from outside the civil service, mainly journalism. Whatever their background, many become career speechwriters, choosing to specialise in speechwriting as a vocation.

The numbers between departments also vary. Some have one, others have whole teams. Some double up the speechwriting role with being a private secretary to a minister. Others have experimented with relatively new approaches that merge functions together. For example, in the Department for Work and Pensions, alongside my speechwriting duties, I also head up a team of communication officers who provide dedicated support to ministers on briefing and communications.

Increasingly, speechwriters are diversifying and becoming generalist copywriters too, alongside writing speeches. They are turning their hand to writing and editing key departmental products that require strong, compelling prose, such as green papers or annual reports. In the past, I have known of departments commissioning external copywriters to do this. Departments are increasingly looking in-house to the existing talent of their speechwriters.

I like the sound of this. How do I become a speechwriter? No formal qualifications are required. A flair for writing, an interest in politics and public affairs are important, as is emotional intelligence and the ability to completely absorb the language and tone of another person. I have acted in the past, so being able to become someone else is a real advantage! Resilience and a thick skin are also needed to withstand the never-ending deadlines and pressure that are brought to bear on a speechwriter.

In terms of training, there are some excellent short courses out there for aspiring speechwriters. One of the best is a course run out of the Groucho Club in Soho by ex-Whitehall speechwriter Simon Lancaster, who now writes speeches for some of the world’s top CEOs. Simon has also written a book on writing speeches, Speechwriting: The Expert Guide. It is my bible. Whilst it is hard to teach someone how to write well (in my view it is something innate that comes from deep within), there are rules and recipes you can follow to ensure a speech is as good as it can be. I’d recommend it as a good read for anyone wanting to make their writing have more impact.

Speechwriting jobs are like gold dust, but it’s worth sounding out departments about any future positions in the offing and to register your interest. I also run a Whitehall Speechwriters’ Network and we are always happy to talk to budding speechwriters about opportunities. Many of the big companies now count a speechwriter as an essential part of their corporate entourage, so it’s worth looking into those too.

A final word Speechwriters add enormous value to an organisation. They write with a birds-eye view of the organisation and the wider horizon. They bring perspective, clarity and purpose, cutting through the complexity of policy and making it resonate with the outside world. 

Speechwriting is a job of contradictions, but that’s what makes it one of the most interesting, challenging and rewarding jobs in the civil service.

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News Analysis

Why Biden Wanted to Debate Trump Early, and Why Trump Said Yes

President Biden, trailing in polls, is hoping to shake up the race and mitigate political risk. Donald Trump, already lowering expectations for his rival, is eager for onstage clashes.

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President Biden standing at a lectern speaking.

By Reid J. Epstein and Shane Goldmacher

Reid J. Epstein reported from Washington, and Shane Goldmacher from New York.

Tens of millions of dollars of advertising has not changed President Biden’s polling deficit. Donald J. Trump’s criminal trial has not altered the race’s trajectory. And Mr. Biden’s significant cash and infrastructure advantages have yet to pay political dividends.

So on Wednesday, the one weekday Mr. Trump is not confined to a courtroom , the Biden campaign shook up the race, publicly offering to bring forward the first presidential debate by three months. The move was meant to jolt Americans to attention sooner than later about their consequential choice in 2024. Mr. Biden’s advisers have long believed that the dawning realization of a Trump-Biden rematch will be a balm for the president’s droopy approval ratings.

The Trump team swiftly accepted. And Mr. Trump proceeded to do Mr. Biden the favor of lowering expectations for his performance, writing on social media that his rival was “the WORST debater I have ever faced.” The post was a preview of the insults to come, with Mr. Trump accusing the president of being unable to “put two sentences together” and calling him “crooked” three times.

The early-debate gambit from Mr. Biden amounted to a public acknowledgment that he is trailing in his re-election bid, and a bet that an accelerated debate timeline will force voters to tune back into politics and confront the possibility of Mr. Trump returning to power.

Yet, at the same time, proposing the earliest general-election debate in the history of television is a way to mitigate the risks of placing an 81-year-old president onstage live for 90 minutes. By agreeing to two debates rather than the traditional three, the Biden campaign is limiting his exposure. By scheduling the clashes further out from Election Day, both candidates will have opportunities to recover should they stumble.

Mr. Trump, who turns 78 in June and skipped all of the Republican primary debates, has been eager to meet Mr. Biden onstage, publicly and privately casting him as diminished since 2020. Within hours of Mr. Biden’s announcement on Wednesday, both sides had publicly agreed to a debate on June 27 hosted by CNN in Atlanta and one with ABC News on Sept. 10.

There is also peril for Mr. Trump because Mr. Biden has performed well in key moments when expectations were set low for him — including the 2020 debates and his recent State of the Union addresses.

By accepting Mr. Biden’s deal for two debates, Mr. Trump lost almost all his leverage to demand more, even as his campaign asked for monthly contests and Mr. Trump said he had accepted a Fox News debate in October. The Biden campaign made clear that the president would participate in only two.

“President Biden made his terms clear for two one-on-one debates, and Donald Trump accepted those terms,” said Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, the campaign’s chair. “No more games. No more chaos. No more debate about debates.”

The startling speed of the agreement was possible, in part, because senior officials in the two campaigns had been engaged in back-channel talks about debates in advance of the Biden campaign letter, according to four people familiar with the discussions. The two campaigns had a mutual interest in circumventing the Commission on Presidential Debates, which has overseen the events since 1988.

They also both wanted Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump to face off directly, without Robert F. Kennedy Jr. or other independent or third-party candidates. Mr. Kennedy wrote on social media on Wednesday that his dominant competitors were “colluding,” adding, “They are afraid I would win.”

In a sign of the preparation before Wednesday’s announcements, the Biden campaign had in recent days moved to reschedule a major New York fund-raising event planned for the evening of June 27.

If the June and September events go ahead and no additional debates are scheduled, Americans will be given their side-by-side looks at the two major-party presidential candidates before a vast majority of voters have access to their ballots. It will also give Mr. Biden a freer hand to script the final weeks of his last political campaign, focusing on turning out early voters without having to prepare for a high-stakes event on live television.

For both candidates, the earlier dates allow for time to recover from a potentially uneven performance.

Presidential debates remain singular events in American politics. More than 73 million people tuned into the first Biden-Trump debate in 2020, and 84 million watched Mr. Trump’s first debate against Hillary Clinton in 2016.

One unusual aspect of this year’s general-election debates is that both candidates will be relatively rusty at sparring onstage.

Typically, the challenger has honed his skills in a series of primary debates. But Mr. Trump chose not to join those this year. The last debate either Mr. Trump or Mr. Biden attended was their final 2020 one.

Both men are unpopular entering the general election. The latest polls of battleground states by The New York Times, Siena College and The Philadelphia Inquirer showed that 40 percent of registered voters viewed Mr. Biden favorably, compared with 45 percent for Mr. Trump. But while a majority of voters have consistently seen Mr. Trump unfavorably for years, Mr. Biden was better liked four years ago.

Mr. Biden has in recent months adopted a more pugnacious approach to Mr. Trump, delivering a major speech about democracy the day before the anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, as well as a Trump-focused State of the Union address. Both sought to elevate the contrast between the two candidates and the stakes of this year’s election.

And while Mr. Biden trails in public and private polling, his campaign team still believes that he will improve his standing once voters accept the two men as their only realistic presidential options and are reminded of Mr. Trump’s record in office — particularly on issues like democracy and abortion rights.

In one reflection of why the Biden campaign thinks Americans need their memories jogged, The Times/Siena/Inquirer poll found that 17 percent of voters in the top six battleground states believed , incorrectly, that Mr. Biden, not Mr. Trump, was responsible for ending the constitutional right to abortion.

Mr. Trump, for his part, has spent months mocking Mr. Biden’s mental acuity and questioning his stamina to be onstage for 90 minutes.

Some of Mr. Trump’s allies have come to regret setting the bar so low for Mr. Biden in the past, especially before his State of the Union address. The president delivered that speech with more verve than usual only hours after a Trump super PAC suggested in a television ad that Mr. Biden was so old, he might not live to survive another term.

Still, prominent supporters of Mr. Trump hardly downplayed his chances in the debates. Sean Hannity of Fox News predicted that Mr. Trump would “wipe the floor” with Mr. Biden. The Trump campaign reposted the clip on social media.

Mr. Biden presented his debate challenge on Wednesday with the kind of machismo that voters are more accustomed to hearing from Mr. Trump. “Well, make my day, pal,” Mr. Biden said in a video posted online. He went on to needle Mr. Trump for being confined to a courtroom four days a week: “I hear you’re free on Wednesday.”

Mr. Biden’s campaign also began selling T-shirts that read: “Free on Wednesdays.” It was a departure from the typical Biden posture of not commenting on Mr. Trump’s legal troubles.

Later, when Mr. Biden agreed to the Sept. 10 debate, he wrote on social media: “I’ll bring my plane, too. I plan on keeping it for another four years.”

The decision to abandon the debate commission was not a big surprise. Mr. Trump has signaled his willingness to meet with or without the commission. And Mr. Biden’s team was frustrated, if not furious, that Mr. Trump debated Mr. Biden in 2020 despite appearing ill, soon thereafter testing positive for the coronavirus, and that Mr. Trump’s family had removed their masks while in the audience.

Some Biden advisers have been targeting the commission for the dustbin for even longer. A bipartisan report in 2015 from the Annenberg Public Policy Center — which counted among its authors Anita Dunn, a senior Biden adviser, and Ron Klain, Mr. Biden’s former White House chief of staff — recommended a thorough overhaul.

Maggie Haberman contributed reporting from New York.

Reid J. Epstein covers campaigns and elections from Washington. Before joining The Times in 2019, he worked at The Wall Street Journal, Politico, Newsday and The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. More about Reid J. Epstein

Shane Goldmacher is a national political correspondent, covering the 2024 campaign and the major developments, trends and forces shaping American politics. He can be reached at [email protected] . More about Shane Goldmacher

Our Coverage of the 2024 Election

Presidential Race: News and Analysis

In an interview, Donald Trump suggested he might support letting states place restrictions on birth control , then said amid criticism that he didn’t support restrictions.

Kerry Kennedy, the sister of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has become the face of her family’s effort  to block her brother’s independent candidacy and re-elect President Biden.

Corey Lewandowski, Trump’s first campaign manager, who was ousted from that campaign in 2016, has been hired as an adviser for the Republican Party’s nominating convention .

Noncitizen Voting:  House Republicans are pushing legislation to crack down on voting by noncitizens , which happens rarely and is already illegal in federal elections, in an effort to sow doubts about the 2024 results if Trump loses .

May 21 Primaries:  Here are some takeaways  from primary contests in Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky and Oregon, as well as a special election in California  to fill the remainder of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s term.

Georgia’s Changed Landscape:  Biden’s narrow win in Georgia in 2020 was seen as a sign of the state’s emergence as a battleground. This year could be different .

Political Violence:  Public officials from Congress to City Hall are now regularly subjected to threats of violence. It’s changing how they do their jobs .

Column: Trump and Biden both think they can land a knockout in the debates. They can’t both be right

A large screen shows Biden and Trump in a presidential debate from the last election cycle as people watch from their cars.

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The presidential campaign appears achingly close and oddly immovable. Former President Trump leads narrowly in national and swing-state polls, but his advantage is too small to guarantee that he will win.

Both he and President Biden are disliked by a majority of voters. Outside events — economic news, campus disturbances, Trump’s criminal trial in New York — don’t seem to nudge the numbers in either direction.

So it’s no mystery why the two candidates agreed last week to hold televised debates in June and in September. They’re both looking for something that can shake up the race.

The mystery is that each appears convinced that he’s the only one who can come out ahead.

Biden believes he can win if voters stop dwelling on their discontent with the economy and focus on the threat Trump poses to democracy and abortion rights . In the Biden team’s view, debates would display that head-to-head comparison starkly.

Trump claims that Biden is mentally unfit, says, “He can’t put two sentences together,” and seems to expect that the president will crumble under pressure on the debate stage.

They can’t both be right.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 22: Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden answers a question as President Donald Trump listens during the second and final presidential debate at Belmont University on October 22, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. This is the last debate between the two candidates before the election on November 3. (Photo by Morry Gash-Pool/Getty Images)

World & Nation

Column: A lesson from Presidents Biden and Trump — the new normal is nonstop crises

Trump is trying to blame Biden for anything that goes wrong — illegal immigration, Gaza and Ukraine wars, inflation. It’s the new burden of incumbency.

May 13, 2024

In an odd way, the candidates’ expectations for the debates reflect a similarity between their campaigns: Each hopes to win mainly by persuading voters to focus on the other guy’s flaws.

“Both are operating under the misplaced assumption that they can’t possibly lose to the other guy,” Republican pollster David Winston said.

They can’t both be right about that, either.

“We’ve gone from ‘yes we can’ to just ‘compare me to the alternative.’ ”

— Democratic speechwriter Eric Schnure

In his public appearances , Trump hardly bothers to appeal to voters who aren’t already devoted to him.

He doesn’t offer details of what he would do in a second term beyond broad promises to undo Biden’s policies, encourage oil companies to increase production (“drill, baby, drill!”) and deport millions of undocumented migrants.

At a raucous rally at a New Jersey beach town this month, the former president described Biden as “a total moron … surrounded by fascists.”

FILE - Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett, left, and Sonia Sotomayor speak with retired U.S. Appeals Court Judge Thomas Griffith, not shown, during a panel discussion at the winter meeting of the National Governors Association, Feb. 23, 2024 in Washington. In joint appearances less than three weeks apart, ideologically opposite Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Sonia Sotomayor said a Supreme Court where voices don’t get raised in anger can be a model for the rest of the country in these polarized times. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

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May 18, 2024

And he launched into a strange tribune to Hannibal Lecter, the murderous cannibal played by actor Anthony Hopkins in the 1991 film “The Silence of the Lambs.”

“The late, great Hannibal Lecter. He’s a wonderful man,” Trump said. “He oftentimes would have a friend for dinner. Remember the last scene? ‘Excuse me, I’m about to have a friend for dinner,’ as this poor doctor walked by. ‘I’m about to have a friend for dinner.’ But Hannibal Lecter. Congratulations.”

If you listened closely, the former president seemed to be suggesting that cannibals have entered the United States as undocumented migrants. But he never made that clear, perhaps because there have been no reports of upstanding citizens being eaten.

Trump made one potentially significant policy statement during that 87-minute speech: He said he favors an across-the-board tax cut — “middle class, upper class, lower class, business class.” But he offered no details, so what might have qualified as a substantive announcement got less media coverage than his musings on Hannibal Lecter.

Nine years after he began his first presidential campaign, Trump seems more bored than ever by policy details.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2024, at National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, Md., Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Column: Trump has big plans for California if he wins a second term. Fasten your seatbelts

Former President Trump is bashing California in his 2024 campaign; if he wins he wants to force it to change — on environment, immigration, LGBTQ issues and more.

March 18, 2024

“He’s on TV every single day … but he isn’t using the time to communicate positively to the electorate,” Winston said.

Biden’s campaign , not surprisingly, has been more conventional. In his speeches around the country, the president tries to remind voters of record job creation over the last three years, which he calls “the great American comeback.” He extols his legislative accomplishments, including billions of dollars in funding for infrastructure projects, high technology and clean energy.

Former President Donald Trump speaks during a visit to an unfinished section of border wall with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, in Pharr, Texas, Wednesday, June 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Column: Trump wants to round up over a million undocumented migrants from California. Here’s how he might do it

Trump’s California-born advisor says he would deploy troops to blue states to seize undocumented immigrants, send them to camps, then expel them.

March 25, 2024

But he rarely talks about the two issues that have given him the most trouble, persistent high prices and surges in illegal immigration, even though many voters rank them as their top concerns.

And Biden has sharpened his attacks on Trump, warning that his election would “drag us backwards into … chaos, division and darkness.”

“He is driven by grievance and grift, focused on his own revenge and retribution, not the American people,” Biden said in March.

In recent weeks, he’s leavened the attacks with humor, calling Trump “Sleepy Don” — a reference to reports that the former president has dozed off in a Manhattan courtroom during trial.

Former President Donald Trump sits as Emil Bove, a member of his legal team, argues for him before New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan, during Sandoval's hearing amid Trump's criminal trial on charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, in Manhattan state court in New York, Friday, April 19, 2024, in this courtroom sketch. (Jane Rosenberg via AP, Pool)

Column: Trump’s hush-money criminal trial could be a cure for ‘Trump amnesia’

What if Trump’s hush-money criminal trial, with details on Stormy Daniels, Karen McDougal, the ‘Access Hollywood’ tape, is a cure for voters’ ‘Trump amnesia’?

April 22, 2024

Biden aides are candid about the underlying strategy. They want to make the election a “dual referendum” — one that weighs the two candidates against each other — instead of a referendum on Biden’s record.

They quote one of the president’s favorite lines: “Don’t compare me to the almighty, compare me to the alternative.”

As campaign slogans go, that’s not exactly enthralling, Democratic speechwriter Eric Schnure noted. “We’ve gone from ‘yes we can’ to just ‘compare me to the alternative,’ ” Schnure said, recalling then-President Obama’s motto in 2008.

But at least it acknowledges the kind of election we’re about to have: a choice between two imperfect, unpopular candidates . Many voters, perhaps most, won’t be choosing the candidate they admire more; they’ll be voting against the one they consider the greater danger. In short, an election for the Age of Trump.

More to Read

FILE - President Donald Trump, left, and Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speak during the debate at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. on Oct. 22, 2020. President Joe Biden and Trump have agreed to participate in two general election debates: One in June and one in September. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

Goldberg: Trump and Biden agreed to debates. That’s a lot less important than it was made out to be

May 21, 2024

President Joe Biden speaks on the grounds of Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University, Jan. 11, 2022, in Atlanta. Former President Donald Trump speaks during the National Rifle Association Convention, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, AP Photo/LM Otero))

Column: Don’t cancel those summer plans yet. Who knows if the presidential debates will come off

May 19, 2024

In this combination photo, President Joe Biden speaks May 2, 2024, in Wilmington, N.C., left, and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally, May 1, 2024, in Waukesha, Wis. Just six months before Election Day, Biden and Trump are locked into the first presidential rematch in 68 years that is at once deeply entrenched and highly in flux as many voters are only just beginning to embrace the reality of the 2024 presidential election. (AP Photo)

Biden, Trump agree to debates: June 27 on CNN, Sept. 10 on ABC

May 15, 2024

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Doyle McManus has been a reporter for the Los Angeles Times in Washington, the Middle East and many other places for more than 40 years. Born in San Francisco, he’s a graduate of Stanford University.

More From the Los Angeles Times

FILE - The Republican National Committee logo is shown on the stage at the North Charleston Coliseum, Jan. 13, 2016, in North Charleston, S.C. The Republican National Committee’s Washington headquarters was briefly evacuated on Wednesday as police investigated vials of blood that had been addressed to former President Donald Trump, the party’s presumptive presidential nominee. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt, File)

Republican National Committee’s headquarters evacuated after vials of blood are addressed to Trump

FILE - Bakersfield Assemblyman Vince Fong addresses supporters March 9, 2024, in Bakersfield, Calif. Fong and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, both Republicans, are vying for the vacant 20th Congressional District seat in the state's Central Valley farm belt. That's the seat formerly held by Kevin McCarthy. (John Donegan/The Bakersfield Californian via AP, File)

Bakersfield legislator Vince Fong wins special election to replace Kevin McCarthy in Congress

FILE - Former Mayor of New York Rudy Giuliani speaks during a news conference outside the federal courthouse in Washington, Dec. 15, 2023. Guiliani, a lawyer for former President Donald Trump, was among those indicted Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in an Arizona election interference case.(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

Rudolph Giuliani pleads not guilty to felony charges in Arizona election interference case

Former President Donald Trump speaks to the media after attending the day's proceedings at his hush money trial, in New York, Monday, May 20, 2024. (Sarah Yenesel/Pool Photo via AP)

Trump’s social media account shares a campaign video with a headline about a ‘unified Reich’

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[Opinion] Former White House Insider On How Biden Should Address Morehouse Graduates

L ast night, I flew home to Atlanta for my sister’s graduation from Spelman. President Biden will of course be here on Sunday to address the Morehouse College class of 2024. And while I won’t be there to hear him speak, I have a few ideas about what he should consider saying.

The president should first recognize that he will be speaking to a skeptical audience. I drove to Morehouse this afternoon in hopes of finding some graduates willing to share their thoughts about the president’s speech with me. Between graduation photoshoots and interviews with local news crews, a few kind Morehouse men stopped to chat. Decked out in their maroon and white, they seemed unimpressed that the president was coming to speak to them. There was a sense that his visit was merely political pandering. While it’s impossible to remove politics from the equation, it will be imperative for the president to make clear why he accepted the school’s invitation. I think his reasons were twofold: first, he knows about the power and legacy of Morehouse College; and second, he knows that delivering this address presents a tremendous opportunity for him to speak directly to young Black men.

Many young Black voters — especially young Black men — are feeling unloved, unheard, and unsupported by the Democratic party. They hear that Bidenomics is working , but they still see high prices at the grocery store. They hear that police reform and voting rights are top priorities, but they still see Black men getting shot by the police and voter suppression running rampant. They hear that reparations are unlikely , but they see $95 billion more for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Now that we’re sixty years removed from the signing of the Civil Rights Act, young Black voters today are less likely to give the Democratic Party the benefit of the doubt. They expect more.

President Biden must confront this reality head-on. He must make the graduates feel like he sees them before he tries to sell them. He has been in Washington for a long time, and he knows that even as Black voters have turned out reliably for Democratic candidates, those candidates have often failed to return the favor. After Black voters saved his campaign four years ago, I believe President Biden has worked hard to be the exception to that rule. At the same time, he would probably be the first to admit that he must do more. He should address these tensions right off the bat and find ways to validate the frustrations that so many in our community are feeling.

Going a step further, President Biden must speak to the threats facing young Black men and talk about what he is doing to make the country a safer place for the graduates. When I spoke with CEO of the National Association of Social Workers, Dr. Anthony Estreet, he said the president must clearly state how he plans to be a champion for Black people. One example is on the issue of mental health. Right now, suicide is one of the leading causes of death for Black men ages 15-24. Over the past 20 years, the suicide rate for Black youth ages 10-19 has increased by a staggering 60%. The Biden-Harris administration has been investing heavily on the prevention front. Just last week, the Department of Health and Human Services announced nearly $50 million to support suicide prevention and expand access to youth mental health services in communities of color. Highlighting this work along with his administration’s efforts to cancel student debt , get guns off the streets , and rectify injustices in our justice system would go a long way.

Finally, the president must assign the graduates leading roles in charting our nation’s future. From Julian Bond to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Morehouse men have been on the frontlines of moving our nation forward for the past 150 years. The president should remind the graduates — as President Obama did when he addressed the Morehouse class of 2013 — that they are “heirs to a great legacy.” A legacy of excellence. A legacy of innovation. And a legacy of positive social change. To continue that legacy will require the graduates to use their voice — and more importantly, their vote — to determine for themselves the direction our country will go down. While they might disagree with the president, and with each other, on some major policy issues along the way, dissent is the hallmark of a strong democracy. But whether our democracy endures could very well come down to the men of Morehouse.

They say you can always tell a Morehouse man, but you can’t tell him much. This Sunday, President Biden has an opportunity to say a thing or two to the class of 2024. But more importantly, he has an opportunity to follow his speech with bold actions. President Biden is counting on young Black men to turn out for him one more time. He has six more months to make his case.

Gevin Reynolds is a former speechwriter to Vice President Kamala Harris and a regular panelist on Roland Martin Unfiltered. Follow him on X at @GevinReynolds .

For the latest news, Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .

Photo: ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 21: Morehouse College graduates participate in the 2023 139th Morehouse College Commencement Ceremony at Morehouse College on May 21, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

BREAKING: A second case of bird flu is confirmed in a Michigan worker who had contact with dairy cows, the state’s health department says

Missouri AG demands documents from Kansas City mayor after X account post about Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker

Harrison Butker.

The attorney general of Missouri is demanding information about the circumstances of a post shared on the X social media platform by the official city of Kansas City account that stated Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker's city of residence.

The post, since deleted, noted the Kansas City suburb where Butker lives, which has a population of more than 100,000. The city's account later posted a message saying, "We apologies (sic) for the previous post. It was shared in error."

In a press release , Missouri AG Andrew Bailey said the post appeared to be in "retaliation" for controversial remarks Butker made during a commencement speech at Benedictine College earlier this week.

Bailey also posted to X directly, stating he believed Butker had been “doxxed” for “daring to express his religious beliefs.” "Doxxing" is an internet term for sharing someone's personal information, which can include addresses and phone numbers, without their permission.

“Missourians of faith deserve to know why Kansas City officials decided to attack Mr. Butker for his deeply held religious beliefs,” Bailey said in the release. “My office will not tolerate religious discrimination from City officials."

He said the post appeared to violate the Missouri Human Rights Act, which prohibits actions taken based on someone's religious belief.

"The mayor needs to immediately turn over his office’s communications relating to this post,” he said.

A spokesperson for Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas' office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Butker's remarks, which included telling female graduates to embrace their “vocation” as a “homemaker” as well as criticisms of the LGBTQ community and President Biden for his stance on abortion, drew a response by the National Football League, which told People Magazine his views did not represent the league's.

But Butker has been swiftly embraced by religious conservative figures, including Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., who posted an undated photo to X of himself sitting down with the kicker and the caption, "Never more proud to call Harrison Butker my friend."

Conservative media outlets have also rallied around Butker, with The Federalist , National Review and The Blaze publishing articles arguing Butker was right about his views about women.

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Rob Wile is a breaking business news reporter for NBC News Digital.

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Leverage Edu

  • Speech Writing /

Speech on Personal Hygiene in English for Students

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  • Updated on  
  • May 22, 2024

speech on personal hygiene

How often do you wash your hands or take a shower each day? Your answer reflects your level of concern for personal hygiene. Personal hygiene involves keeping your body free of germs. This includes washing your hands, taking showers, covering your mouth or nose while sneezing, and more. In this discussion, we will cover a speech on personal hygiene, exploring all its important aspects.

2 Minute Speech on Personal Hygiene

Why is personal hygiene.

1. Regular Handwashing: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing. 

 2. Shower or Bath Daily: Cleanse your body with soap and water daily to remove sweat, dirt, and bacteria. 

 3. Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash to maintain good oral health.

 4. Trim Nails: Keep your nails short and clean to prevent the buildup of dirt and bacteria.

 5. Wear Clean Clothes: Change your clothes daily and wear clean undergarments to maintain hygiene and prevent body odour. 

 6. Hair Care: Wash your hair regularly with shampoo and conditioner to keep it clean and healthy.

 7. Proper Toilet Habits: Always wipe from front to back after using the restroom to prevent the spread of bacteria. 

 8. Properly Dispose of Waste: Dispose of used tissues, sanitary products, and other waste properly to maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of germs. 

 9. Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support overall health and hygiene. 

 10. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support bodily functions, including maintaining healthy skin. 

A.1 Hygiene refers to the habit of keeping our bodies germ-free. Hygiene is crucial to stay fit and live a healthy life. Good hygiene practices lead to better health outcomes and improves our overall quality of life. This includes better physical health, fewer days lost to illness, and enhanced mental well-being due to reduced stress about health issues.

A.2 Hygiene refers to behaviours that can improve cleanliness and lead to good health. 

A.3 Hygiene practices, such as sanitation and personal cleanliness, play a crucial role in preventing the spread of diseases. The scope extends to global health initiatives, epidemiology, healthcare system improvement, and health equity.

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