President's Tip of the Week

Writing and Preparing Your Speech
(8/18/08)

Different people have different styles for writing and preparing their speeches. Some people like to type out their speeches word-for-word; others prefer to prepare an outline and take it from there. Both styles have strengths and weaknesses. Here's what the Henderson Group has to say about the two styles:

"As to speeches, you probably shouldn't write it word-for-word… There are several problems with writing a speech word-for-word. First, it is easy to fall into the trap of passively reading to your audience. This will make your speech come across as dry, and highly unmotivating… Second, this method is rigid. You already have exactly where you are going set in stone, which minimizes interaction and flexibility.

"On the other hand, while impromptu speeches are definitely more flexible, they often end up a disaster: it is simply too easy to run over-time, become tangential, or for the speech to be full of verbal filler. Further, impromptu speeches usually have rougher transitions than scripted speeches.

"Ideally then, a good speech should be well practiced, but not be set in stone. An excellent presenter and rhetorician should have such a mastery of their material that they can work from a detailed outline... This will make the presenter seem more accessible and authentic since it is much easier to maintain a high energy level and correct body language while working with an outline. There is no substitute for practicing your presentation on your feet before you deliver it."

My personal recommendation is that you should write out your opening and your conclusion word-for-word. Do the rest of the speech via outline. Then practice, practice, practice with a timer. Taking this approach will give you the best of both worlds.

To read the entire article from the Henderson Group, click here.