Why should you attend?
Speeches are one of the oldest methods of communicating information from one to many, and little has changed about the speechmaking process. People still gather together, and one person stands in front of them and shares information, usually from a prepared text. By the same token, little has changed when it comes to speechwriting. One person sits with a blank sheet of paper and decides what will be said. Technology has helped both processes: Microphones mean the speaker no longer has to shout to be heard, and computers have made speech preparation easier. But the essential speechmaking function has not changed, and the need for people to write speeches has not diminished.
Whether you write speeches on a regular basis, now and again, have been assigned to “produce a draft” or simply want to add to your skills, this course offers a straightforward approach to crafting a successful speech. Don Smith shares the knowledge he acquired and lessons he learned while working on more than 1,200 speeches for ministers and senior executives in the Government of Canada. The course provides a step-by-step guide to speechwriting that takes you from a blank piece of paper to the final product.
What will you learn?
How to:
- Use a step-by-step approach to develop a speech
- Assess and address the needs and expectations of the audience
- Work with your client – the person who will be making the speech
- Think strategically in selecting the focus of the speech
- Decide what to include and leave out
- Develop relevant messages that resonate
- Write the way people talk
- Tie ideas together
- Use facts and figures and examples to support your points
- Leave them talking – generate a buzz after the speech is over
- Work to deadlines, sometimes very tight ones
What will you take away?
- Workbook
- Exercises and handouts
- Increased confidence the next time you are tasked with writing a speech
Meet Your Instructor
Don Smith
Don Smith is a former broadcast journalist and Government of Canada communications executive. During his ten years in radio Don produced two highly successful talk shows at CFRA Ottawa, and later was senior reporter for CKOY/CKBY Ottawa and a… Read full bio
Sample Agenda
| Activity |
|---|
| Introductions and Workshop Overview Why speeches matter and the role of the speechwriter. |
| Session 1 – The Basics: What Makes a Good Speech? Analyzing some Classics Questions to answer before you being writing: • Why is this speech being made? Why does it matter? • Whose voice am I writing for? Who is the audience? • What are the key elements of the story? • Where do I look for information, ideas and inspiration? • How can I make the speech connect with the audience? • When do I stop writing and turn in the speech? |
| Exercise 1: Keeping it Simple – Making Bureaucratic Language easily Understandable Using plain language techniques and speechwriting tools, rework awkwardly-written extracts from actual speeches to make them more accessible and relevant to an audience. |
| BREAK |
| Session 2 – The Mechanics: How to Structure your Speech into Three Key Segments Start with an outline – Identify your focus, supporting key messages and key facts to substantiate your story Every story has a beginning-middle-end, and every speech has the same: • Introduction • Body • Conclusion |
| LUNCH |
| Session 3 – Tips and Techniques: Pulling it all Together • Organize your ideas • Write the way peoiple speak • Appeal to the listener’s head – and heart • Make it real: how to use facts, figures, examples, anecdotes, quotes and metaphors • Do’s and don’ts |
| BREAK |
| Session 4: Putting it into Practice Exercise 2: Develop a speech outline, including key messages. Draft an introductory paragraph tailored to the target audience. Discussion |
| Evaluation and feedback |
You folks have the best materials! I thank you and your colleagues for your continued support. It’s one of the reasons we continue to come back!