How To Write A Speech
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A speech is a great promoter of your business―when done right. Make communicating with your audience a breeze, with a well-written, well-rehearsed speech.

The type of event you attend will determine the length of your speech. Below are sample speech lengths:

• Average speaker speaks 100 to 135 words per minute
• Standard keynote speaker: 18 - 22 minutes (est. 1800 to 2970 words)
• Motivator: 12 - 15 minutes (est. 1200 to 2025 words)
• Ceremonial speaker: 5 - 7 minutes (est. 500 to 945 words)
• News conference: 2 - 3 minutes (est. 200 to 405 words)
• Wedding toast: 2 - 3 minutes (est. 200 to 405 words)

• Address a target group or niche market.
• Be more than just sales copy―be informative and definitely entertaining.
• Have a good introduction that hooks the audience (first five sentences).
• Flow from point to point.
• Deliver your speech by being well-prepared. Rehearse your speech by first speaking in front of a mirror, then gather a few friends and practice in front of an audience. Allow a little background noise in your rehearsals. The worst thing you could do is simply read a sheet of paper, word for word.
• Memorize the main idea of your speech—not word per word.
• Use outline cards to keep you on track
• Time yourself to make sure you stay within the allotted timeframe.
• Speak using a conversational tone, as though your audience were your friends.
• Give plenty of examples, don't just re-iterate facts.
• Use visual aides to help you feel less nervous; especially if you have a complicated speech.
• Find a focus point in the room. Pick an object or person(s) that you can look at from time to time, to help you stay focused.
• Don't fidget! Don't play with your jewelry or hair. Don't twirl your fingers or jingle your change.
• Don't use "uhm," "eh," "er," or other sounds while giving your speech.
• Be prepared for a Q&A segment; if warranted. Keep answered focused, tight, to the point.
• Remember that the audience isn't there to pull your speech apart or point out all your flaws, they are there to hear your expertise and learn something insightful.
• Have fun.

• What is your voice? In other words, do you have samples of past speeches that scream, "you?"
• Why were you asked to speak at this event? What were the reasons told to you?
• What is the theme of the event you are to speak at?
• What are the other topics being spoken on? (You don't want to reiterate what someone else is saying.)
• What are the audiences’ biases or hot buttons?
• What is the main point of the speech?
• What sub-points do you want your speech to address?
• Do you have any information to back up the points you want to address?
• Who is your intended audience?
• What do you want the speech to motivate audience to do—call to action?
• Are statistics needed to get your point across? If so, what are they or where can I find them?
• Is there someone you'd like to quote in your speech? What is his/her full name, the quote, and the relevance to the speech?
• How will these benefits meet the needs of your target audience?
• What have you tried in the past? What worked and what failed?
• Any poignant information you can provide to make the speech stand out?