Speechwriting 101? Keep these things in mind
According to author Mel Helitzer in Comedy Writing Secrets, when you’re writing a speech there are certain reasons why it can fall flat. Here are a few things you should watch out for:
• Inadequate background research. That means you have to know what the occasion is you’re writing for and what the purpose of your speech is. You’ll also have to know who your audience is. Knowing these things will help you choose the proper tone, style, content and humor for the speech.
• Boring openings. People are most attentive when the speech begins. That’s when your audience will pass judgment, Helitzer says.
• Information overload. The ideal speech only lasts about 20 minutes, Helitzer says, but speakers are often asked to deliver something 45 to 60 minutes long. This makes for long and often monotonous speeches in which the speaker loads the audience with too much detail. The result: Tedium sets in and boredom rules.
• Sounds like a speech. Speeches should be written in colloquial, spoken English. Most sentences shouldn’t run longer than 14 words. If they do, edit them down. The audience won’t get a chance to go back over the material if they don’t understand—and comprehension goes down quickly once too many words are thrust upon them.
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