Great speeches live on long after the individuals who have passed on. The speech writer is rarely credited with the memorable lines however, and must be content with crafting words without acknowledgment. If you this field appeals to you, read on to learn how to become a speech writer.
As a speech writer, you are writing some one else's message. Much as a ghost writer puts someone else's thoughts down for publication, a speech writer organizes someone else's thoughts for oral delivery.
For additional readings check out How to Become a Professional Writer, How to Deliver a Speech, How to Become a Good Conversationalist, How to Become a Comedy Writer, How to Become an Author, How to Proofread an Article, How to Become a News Anchor, How to Give a Great Graduation Speech, How to Find a Job and Snag a Job as well as Related Mahalo Pages at left and further resources below.
Introduction
- As a speech writer, you are writing some one else's message. Much as a ghost writer puts someone else's thoughts down for publication, a speech writer organizes someone else's thoughts for oral delivery.
Step 1: Get a Liberal Arts Education
- Effective speeches contain quotes and references to classical and popular culture. The best education for a speech writer is, consequently, a broad liberal arts background, rather than the narrow focus of communications and journalism. Immerse yourself in great thoughts, study history, ponder philosophy, and open your mind to all types of ideas. The broader your base, the more you will have to draw from when crafting speeches.
Step 2: Polish Your Language Skills
- Study the rules of grammar and composition. When you're hired as a speech writer, it's expected that you will be able to write well, using proper error-free prose that conveys ideas completely and concisely.
Step 3: Understand Your Client's Goals and Objectives
- Although the words may be yours, the speech needs to convey the thoughts and ideas of the client.
- Before meeting with a client for the first time, read articles they've written and previous speeches that they've delivered.
- Research the topic of the speech before your first interview with the client.
- You'll also want to research the audience that the speech is intended to reach
Fraiser Seitel: What is the Best Way to Become a Speech Writer?
Fraser Seitel gives tips on how to start out in speechwriting based on his experience. He suggests the importance of volunteering and reading about speechwriting. He also covers why be a speechwriter. This one and a half minute video is clear and understandable and gives an insider view of what the job can be like.
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Fast Facts
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Always keep your intended audience in mind and write for their level and interests.
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Read your speeches aloud when revising them. Ask others to listen also to give feedback and mention any points that you may have missed.
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Be careful to write the speech so that it flows easily. Don't use run on sentences, include punctuation to show spacing and breathing breaks, etc. to make it easier for your speech reader to be a success.
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You may also want to make a list of points where you think there may be questions and give some suggestions for answering also, or write potential answers out depending on what the expectations are for your speechwriting.
