How to Write a Good Speech

A Three Step Outline for Creating a Powerful Message

Jun 9, 2009

Writing a speech can seem like a huge project, but it can be broken down into three simple steps. Use these tips on how to write a powerful speech.

Public speaking tips often tell the readers to know the audience, organize their thoughts and use an outline. Once a speaker knows who the speech will be directed at, and has decided what to say, this three-step outline will get those thoughts on paper and into a good speech.

This three-step guideline works for any kind of speech, short or long, whether it is an informative speech, a persuasive speech, a best man speech or other wedding speech, on practically any topic.

Write the Thesis, Introduction, or Speech Opening

Beginning with a welcome is important, especially if the speaker isn’t personally known by the audience. Welcoming the audience puts them at ease and allows them a moment to adjust to the speaker. This part of the speech should be about 10% of the full length.

After the welcome and introduction, a thesis should be written. The thesis is the speech opening, the place where the speaker will tell the audience what information is about to be conveyed. This doesn’t need to be long. It can be as short as one sentence or as long as three or four sentences. It should tell the core message the speaker wants the audience to remember.

Write the Body of a Speech

The body of the speech is where the presenter elaborates on the topic. The body should have a logical progression of facts and details. Placing a fact first, then following it with examples, details, anecdotes, and supporting evidence is the proper order. Once one fact has been thoroughly covered, another fact with its details can be introduced.

This succession of facts and details can be repeated as many times as necessary to complete the support of the thesis or topic. Add power to the speech by including facts in their order of importance. One technique is to save the most important fact for last. The body of the speech typically takes up about 75% of the speech.

Write the Conclusion, Ending, or Wrap-Up of a Speech

The conclusion is the place where the speaker gives the audience a recap of the points made during the speech. The speaker should tell the audience once again, what he or she just told them. Clarifying the points into a short, targeted summary will help the audience members keep those points in mind as they leave. It also helps note-takers and reporters to crystallize the content of the speech.

The conclusion may also be used to motivate the audience to action, to appeal to them for help, or give advice on the topic that was covered. Once the conclusion has been made, the speaker should thank the audience for listening.

Using this three step outline for writing a speech will make the task easier and will keep the speaker focused. The audience will appreciate the clarity, because the organized thesis, body, and conclusion will drive the points home succinctly. Whether it’s a toast to a bride and groom or an acceptance speech to public office, this format will deliver a powerful speech.

The copyright of the article How to Write a Good Speech in Speech Writing is owned by Suzanne Pitner. Permission to republish How to Write a Good Speech in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.