The Principles of Speech Writing

Speech Writing

It is the method of conveying a thought or message to a reader using the correct punctuation and expression.

Choosing a Topic

It is the first and maybe the most important step of the research and writing process.

Question and Brainstorming

What are the steps for choosing a topic?

Knowing your Audience

It helps you make decisions about what information you should include, how you should arrange that information, and what kind of supporting details will be necessary for the reader to understand what you are presenting.

Sourcing the Information

As a speaker, you must be responsible for handling the power of delivering words. You must be honest with your words.

Outlining and Organizing Speech Contents

It forces the speakers to think about the main points and sub-points, the examples they wish to include, and the ways in which these elements correspond to one another.

Preparation Outline and Speaking Outline

Two Types of Outlining

Preparation Outline

working practice or rough outline; used to work through the various components of your speech in an individual format

Stephan E. Lucas (p. 248)

“The preparation outline is just what its name implies — an outline that helps you prepare the speech.”

It is the outline you will prepare for use when delivering the speech. It is much more succinct than the preparation outline and includes brief phrases or words that remind the speakers of the points they need to make, plus supporting material.

Introduction, Body, Conclusion

3 Parts of Speech

Introduction

establishes topic and orients audience

Conclusion

wraps everything up at the end of your speech; summary of topic; can use quotations, etc.

Chronological, Spatial, Topical

3 most common ways to organize speeches

Chronological

organizing according to time; speakers use a beginning to end structure

Spatial

organizing according to the area the topic appears in space

Topical

organizing by types or categories; it happens when speakers take their main topic and decide what 3 main subtopics are the most important to discuss.