Speechwriting

Here is the typical speech writing (and delivery) process:

1. Accept an “invitation” to speak (often, it’s an order from your boss) on a vague topic
2. Ask for all the research that exists in that area
3. Create one PowerPoint slide for each data set (or, if the research has come back to you as a series of charts, just put each one into a different slide)
4. Nurse an ulcer until the day before you present
5. Get up onstage and read from the screen

As you can imagine, this approach doesn’t create a satisfying experience for anyone, and yet it persists because no one knows better.

For an Effective Speech, Turn Everything Upside Down

turn speech writing on its head

Here’s the process we’ll use if you and I write your speech together:

1. Learn everything we can about your audience
2. Determine where your expertise and their “need to know” intersect
3. Figure out the most important thing you can tell them
4. Decide how to support and bring that message to life
5. Structure your presentation, and practice it as we go

Counter-Intuitive, Wildly Successful, and Fun

Most people are stunned to find out that you can write a speech quickly, efficiently, and enjoyably.  Where’s the suffering that we learned to expect when we wrote for school?  Where’s the confusion and panic that’s so often a part of writing for work?

Nowhere!

• You bring the expertise in your professional area (such as sociology, aviation law, sales techniques, or systems integration).
• I bring the expertise in structure, flow, and audience appeal.  (I also bring snacks and gallons of coffee.)

Together, we’ll change everything you thought you knew about writing a speech!

feeling better now?