Simplified guide to writing an award-Winning Speech

By Evans AUG 24, 2020

Speech writing need not be such a horrible experience. You don’t have to rake your brain, again and again, trying to come up with the best speech. Contrary to what we’ve been made to believe, speech writing is not very hard. You only need to have a good speech writing guide and you’re good to go. 

What makes writing a speech to be a difficult task?

Writing a speech is similar to any other kind of writing in that it requires you to have an introduction, a body, and an interesting conclusion. It also requires you to have creative, writing, research and analyzing skills just like any other kind of writing. So what makes it different?

Simplicity.

Speech is simple as compared to other kinds of writing. You don’t need to use heavy words that your audience will be left wondering about. Just like you speak using short sentences and simple words, so should you write your speech.

Relatability.

When writing a speech, you need to visualize yourself giving the speech. This means you need to write in a way that is relatable. Give a story or something of the sort, which will help connect emotionally with your audience.

 

Instant feedback.

Speeches are not written to be kept someone in your files. They are written so that they can be acted out in the presence of an audience. This means that if your speech is boring, you will see it in the eyes of your audience. Tough, huh?

How to write an award-winning speech

Greet your audience and introduce yourself

Have you seen some of the great speakers stepping on the podium? They are often introduced as they get invited to talk. However, since as a student you don’t really have someone introducing you, you got to do the needful and begin your speech by introducing yourself. Note your audience and introduce yourself accordingly. If your audience comprises of your fellow students, make your introduction informal. 

Give an attention-catching opener. 

The way you open your speech will determine how your audience accepts it. You can begin your speech with a story, a question, or just an observation. Barack Obama, one of the famous orators is known for captivating his audience. For example, when he went to Kenya, he started his speech by ‘Jambo’ a common Swahili greeting, that got all his Kenyan audience hooked. What is unique about your audience? Use it. 

Use 1st person.

Your speech is your opinion. It’s not a story being given by someone else. Talk to your audience directly. You cannot connect with them otherwise. 

Use emotions

Always remember that you are writing a speech that is meant to be given in front of an audience. Emotions are such a strong force when it comes to human beings. Use words that will evoke emotions in your audience. However, you need not overdo it. 

Follow the proper format

A speech is not exempted from the laws of academic writing. It has to follow a specific process.

Steps to writing an amazing speech

Know your audience

Before you start writing, you need to know who you are targeting with your speech. This will give you a clear picture of how to structure your speech. For example, a speech meant for young children should be short, simple, very informal, and playful. A speech meant for the teachers would be more formal as compared to that one. 

Know your purpose

After identifying your target audience, you need to clarify why exactly you’re writing the speech. Are you meant to educate your audience on a specific area? Or is your speech meant to entertain? Do not start writing before the purpose is clear.

Choose a topic

Your speech can only be as good as the topic you choose. Choosing a good speech topic doesn’t have to be a difficult job. In any case, we got you covered with numerous speech topics to choose from. 

Research

Research is a pillar when it comes to academic writing. You need to get the information related to your paper. Read as much as you can on that specific topic. It is better to be over-informed rather than to be under-informed.

Come up with an outline

A speech outline contains the rough idea of how your speech should look like. A speech outline will give you the confidence you need to write your speech. In your outline, make sure you cover:

Introduction

I’m pretty sure you don’t need a whole lesson on how to write a speech introduction. We all know that the introduction should be catchy, and containing the thesis statement. Right?

The body

You need to have at least three major ideas for your speech. Every idea should have a paragraph of its own. When making the outline, you can just jot down the three ideas for you to fill them with supporting statements later on. If you have any extra ideas, don’t leave them out. Jot them down as well.

 

The conclusion

How to write a speech conclusion is not very different from the introduction. Make your conclusion sweet and memorable. 

Write

Once an outline is in place, all you need to do is write. Let the river of your creativity flow.

 

Proofread and edit your work

One mistake a writer should never make is to submit a paper without proofreading it and ensuring that it flows perfectly. You can do this by yourself, ask a friend or family to help or seek the help of a professional editing service.

 

Having followed this guide to the letter, we can safely say that your speech is now ready to be submitted. See? It’s not as hard as it looks. It only needs correct guidance, a good attitude, and enough time.

Final thoughts

If you’re still not confident enough in your ability to write a mesmerizing speech, you can always ask for help. Speech writing is not a death or life situation. Don’t make it to be one. Professional writers exist to help you out. At paperperhour.com, our writers have been groomed to help you with all your writing needs. All you need to do is to place an order with us, including all the necessary information and instructions, and let the professionals handle it.