Remember: a speech is an argument. As a speechwriter, you are trying to use all the tools of persuasion to offer people an understanding of your position, and why you think your stance is the right one.
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Depending on the topic, a good speech will often open with a story, anecdote, historical reference, or unique aspect of the speech’s location to engage the audience and personalize the message.
This is a great place to get input from the speaker. Ask him if he had any recent experiences on the road, life stories, or fun facts that would be relevant to mention here in order to enhance the overall message of the speech.
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This is a great place to get input from the speaker. Ask him if he had any recent experiences on the road, life stories, or fun facts that would be relevant to mention here in order to enhance the overall message of the speech.
As you work on your draft, do some deep research into the topic at issue. What has the history of the issue been like? What are like-minded voices and organizations saying about it? Are there any “land mines” you need to watch out for?
Perhaps most importantly, research what the speaker and the speaker’s boss—the President—have already said about the issue in the past. This is a crucial step, because you can NEVER contradict yourself or your boss in public without causing embarrassment and a media scandal.
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Perhaps most importantly, research what the speaker and the speaker’s boss—the President—have already said about the issue in the past. This is a crucial step, because you can NEVER contradict yourself or your boss in public without causing embarrassment and a media scandal.
