Speak Up!

Writing for a speaking engagement is not that much different than writing for a customer, employee or investor communications piece (except for the “insert joke here” instruction). Getting in front of an audience is an excellent way to enhance an individual reputation as a subject matter expert. Of course, when speaking in front of a group, you want to have well-chosen, well-rehearsed and well-delivered words to get your message across. It’s no exaggeration the words you use to express your ideas are as important as the ideas themselves.

Speechwriting Tips

• Prepare early. Give yourself time to refine your ideas and track down facts.
• Keep it short. When was the last time you wished a speech would have been longer?
• Abandon formalities. “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears…” Or not.
• Know your audience. Ask an organizer about the group’s interests and issues, and tailor your message accordingly.
• End strong. In speechmaking, last impressions are even more important than first impressions.
• Practice, practice, practice. This is as much for your own peace of mind as it is for the enjoyment of your audience.

If you don’t have time to pen your next speech yourself, BroadBased offers speechwriting as part of our portfolio of services. Speechwriting is a natural extension of the corporate messaging that we perform on a daily basis. So whether you need a 15-minute talk for the company holiday party or a 45-minute presentation to a civic or industry organization, our writing partners provide a full range of services to address any topic.