Top tips for writing a successful speech

Top tips for writing a successful speech

1. 1. Know your audience

   • Understand what matters to your listeners. Tailor your speech to your knowledge and interests.

2. 2. Narrow your topic

   • A good speech makes a claim. And a good speech is about one thing only. Have a specific focus and make sure everything you say supports it.

3. 3. Outline your speech

   • A conventional organization usually works best. Tell the audience what you’re going to say. Repetition is a powerful tool, especially in a speech. Audiences tend to absorb only a small portion of what they hear, so it’s good to make your point several times.

4. 4. Get the attention of the room

   • Your opening should engage listeners immediately. Engage them with a unique personal story that is relevant to your topic. Or try a specific reference to the location. ask a question; report a surprising statistic related to your topic; find an apposite quotation.