Principles of

Speech Writing

OCCS001: Oral Communication

Objectives:
At
the end of the sessions, you
would be able to:
Uses
principles of effective speech
writing
Demonstrateeffective speech
writing techniques in composing a
speech
Writing The Speech

Write for the ear, not for

the eye.
A speech must be written
to be heard, not read
Learn to write aloud.
 Thegoal for writing a speech
for public speaking is the
speaker wants to engage the
audiences attention, convey
ideas in a logical manner and
use reliable evidence to support
key points.
Step 1: Determine the topic and
purpose of the speech
Identify the nature of the speaking engagement.
Establish interest areas.
What do you know about, not know about, and
want to know more about the topic?
Identifyingthe General Purpose: informative,
persuasive, or both
Identifying the Specific Purpose
Select a topic that:

Highlights your knowledge, experience,

and skills
Stimulates and motivates your audience
Allows you to be creative
Fits
the requirement of the speaking
engagement
Step 2: Analyze the audience:

Getto know the demographics of your

audience.
Determine what type of listeners they are
likely to be.
Step 3: Prepare a rough-draft outline of the speech
Research for the speech that you
want to develop
Use formal type of outline (roman
numerals for the main points,
capital letter for the sub-points,
and Arabic numerals for
supporting details)
Step 4: Research topic for material to support Main
points:

Do
not rely too heavily on internet
materials. Utilize printed materials in
the school or library such as:
Brochures and pamphlets
Magazines and newspaper
Specialized dictionaries and encyclopedias
Quotation books
Other sources such as yearbook, statistics,
films, or government documents
Step 5: Select quality supporting materials:
Use
the following information to
highlight and improve your speech:
Explanations
Statistics
Instances/examples/illustrations
Comparisons
Expert opinions
Literature
Demonstrations
Organization
Use verbal signposts in your speech
In a speech, the listener cannot rely
on:
paragraphs
page breaks
punctuation
Let your listener know where you
are, and where you are going
 Step 6: Organize the main points of your speech:
There are six patterns in organizing the ideas for your speech to
ensure that your speech is cohesive.
1. Causal pattern
2. Chronological pattern
3. Comparative advantages
4. Problem-solution
5. Spatial/Geographical
6. Motivated sequence
Use effective transitional words to signpost, and provide a
cohesive transition of ideas.
Step 7: Plan introduction and Conclusion
Organize your introduction
Begin with an attention-getter (humor, anecdote, quotation,
question)
Motivate your audience to listen
Establish creativity and rapport
Present your thesis statement (specific topic/purpose,
preview of main points)
Organize your conclusion
Summarize your main ideas
Refocus audience attention
End with a lasting impression
Average Number of Words Understood Per
Sentence
Paint a Picture with Words
So honored the British Prime Minister has
crossed an ocean to show his unity of purpose
with America.
Weall realize that the most freshly dug
graves belong to people our own age in
Israel.
They were a fortress of strength; but what
invading armies could never do, the silent
artillery of time has done . . .
Be generous with words:

Use figurative language,

adjectives, and euphemisms
Use anecdotes to enliven the
speech
Be concise and use vivid words
 How Many Words?

Slow
Average
Fast
Tips:
Read/watch sample speeches for inspiration
Choose your tone in writing your speech.
Proof-read your speech.
Practice delivering your speech.
Have someone listen and critic your speech