The dos and don'ts of speech writing: expert advice for crafting a winning speech
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The dos and don'ts of speech writing: expert advice for crafting a winning speech

Crafting a winning speech takes time, effort, and attention to detail. Whether you're giving a presentation at work, delivering a graduation speech, or making a toast at a friend's wedding, there are certain dos and don'ts that you should keep in mind to ensure that your speech is engaging, persuasive, and memorable. Here are some expert tips for writing a winning speech:

DO:

  • Start with a clear and compelling thesis statement. Your thesis should be the main idea or message of your speech, and it should be stated clearly and concisely in the opening sentence or two. This will help you focus your speech and give your audience a clear idea of what to expect.
  • Use a clear and logical structure. A well-structured speech is easier to follow and understand, so be sure to organize your ideas into a clear and logical sequence. Consider using the classic structure of beginning-middle-end, or try using a more creative structure, such as the hero's journey or the three-act structure.
  • Use vivid and descriptive language. The words you choose can have a big impact on how your speech is received, so be sure to use vivid and descriptive language to engage your audience and bring your ideas to life. Avoid vague or abstract language, and instead use concrete and specific words that will help your audience visualize and understand your ideas.
  • Use examples and evidence to support your arguments. A speech is more persuasive when it is backed up by evidence and examples, so be sure to include these in your speech to support your points and make them more convincing.
  • Engage with your audience and make eye contact. Engaging with your audience and making eye contact will help you establish a connection with them and make your speech more effective. Be sure to make eye contact with individuals throughout the room, and don't be afraid to ask questions or invite participation from your audience.
  • Practice, practice, practice. The more you practice your speech, the more confident and prepared you will feel when it comes time to deliver it.

DON'T:

  • Start with a rambling or vague introduction. Your introduction is the first impression you will make on your audience, so be sure to start strong and grab their attention from the get-go. Avoid starting with a long, rambling story or a vague thesis statement that leaves your audience confused or bored.
  • Use jargon or technical language without explaining it. If you are using technical or specialized language in your speech, be sure to explain it in a way that your audience will understand. Avoid assuming that your audience is familiar with your topic or that they will automatically know what you are talking about.
  • Read your speech verbatim from a script or notes. Reading your speech word-for-word from a script or notes can make you sound robotic and disengaged, so avoid doing this if at all possible. Instead, use your notes as a guide and speak from the heart, using your own words and style.
  • Use filler words or phrases. Filler words and phrases, such as "um," "like," and "you know," can make you sound unsure of yourself and distract your audience from your message. Try to eliminate these filler words from your speech, and instead use pauses and silence effectively to emphasize your points and give your audience time to process