As readers of my blog know – and are probably sick of hearing – on Feb. 16 I’m giving a talk on speechwriting to 25-30 members of the Columbia Business Network, a club I belong to in Indianapolis.
In preparing my presentation, I did what good speechwriters do – some audience analysis. I asked about half-a-dozen members of the group what they’d like to hear and learn about speechwriting.
In addition, my blog post of Feb. 6 was called, “Seeking advice: What should a speechwriter say about speechwriting?” Many smart speechwriters responded with their thoughts and ideas.
Here’s a sampling of the questions I received from club members, in case you, too, find yourselves talking about the process and craft of writing a speech.
Joe said, “I would like to know how you tailor the speech to suit the style of the speaker.”
Nancy asked, “How do you write an effective speech for 500 people vs. 50 people? What are the critical elements of writing a speech?” And “should speeches be interactive?”
“What are the four or five things to avoid and the four or five ‘dos’ for every business presentation?” asked Rhoda.
Denise wondered “Do speakers take the credit for their speeches, or do they recognize their speechwriters?” Alas, speechwriters know the answer to that one.
Tony asked, “How do you discern when to take a humorous vs. a serious tone in your speech?” He cited Toyota’s current troubles and wondered if the folks advising and writing the remarks for the Toyota CEO are getting the tone right.
Excellent questions all.
My speechwriting colleagues from LinkedIn and the Quintilian Speechwriters Group also offered valuable tips on talking about speechwriting.
Fletcher wrote, “I think I’d go at it from the perspective that speeches aren’t just for presidents and politicians. Talk about what benefits a good presentation can provide them – from Rotary to trade shows to conferences – in the form of cohesive messages and the ability to begin building a thought leadership position.”
Carolyn reminded me that, “The opportunity to connect with an audience – to hear their heart beat – is an inherent part of giving a speech. You do need to discuss process…but you can’t overlook connection as a means to effective communication.”
Michael suggested, “Keep it short. Avoid PowerPoint presentations. Do what good songwriters do; have a hook, a repetitive element that drives the point. Understand drama and stagecraft. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.”
“A speech doesn’t happen on the page; it happens on the stage,” wrote Tony. “A great speech might not look like ‘fine writing’ on the page. It might have incomplete sentences and fragmented grammar; it won’t win literary prizes, but it will have great rhythm when spoken.”
He continued, “A speech is a moment in time – in a specific place, with a specific audience – and when you’re writing you have to imagine yourself into that moment, see and hear the audience, imagine how they’re feeling, what their hopes and expectations are, and hear your words echoing off the walls.” He concluded, “Delete your favorite passage – it’s bound to be what’s lousing up the speech and it might as well go sooner rather than later.”
Speechwriters used to call that most favorite passage their “baby.” And our bosses used to say, “You’ve got to be willing to kill your baby.” Tony put it more genteel-ly.
Kevin wrote, “A talk must carry a theme right to the very last. In the end, a short summary of the main points and how all this is beneficial (to the audience). Humor, illustrations, visual aids, wicked modulation and a natural personality will never let the audience stray.”
My final online responders, Katie and Mike, had wonderful advice.
Katie wrote, “Knowledge is important, but it sounds like your passion is to explain how to give your speech heart. Speak from the heart; go light and simple on the technical side and heavy on the heart side. I’m sure your delivery will be fantastic.”
Mike said, tell the audience what a speech is really for – to make a difference.
“The idea I guess is that in addition to telling them ‘how,’ spend some time reminding them ‘why.’”
Citing remarks Robert Kennedy gave at a gathering in Indianapolis the night Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed, and Ronald Reagan’s words when the Challenger exploded, Tony believes speechwriting is, “a noble craft that defines history.” I agree.
Thank you all for your great input. I’ve got a lot of expectations to fill – my audience’s, my online speechwriting friend’s, and my own.
Time’s’ a wastin.’ Onward to Feb. 16.
