Writing Before Speaking or Six Exceptional X Factors. S.E.X. Before, I Step Up & Stand Out on any stage, I have to write, edit, chop and change and then do some serious rehearsals to get my speech in sparkling condition.
What if? And then? Oh Yes!
In fact, everyone who speaks in public does some form of preparation in advance. Some compose it in their head or talk it over with a friend. And more often that not, out loud as they do the washing up.
Then, they punch it into a phone or other digital writing device to check how it looks, sounds and feels!
Next, we start the divine art of snipping, shaving and sculpting our words This takes time, as it also needs time to brew. I put my nearly chilled piece in the fridge to ‘cool’ down. Whichever method you chose, you need to take your eyes and mind away from your treasure for some hours, a day or two, or may be more.
Then, it is time to learn your lines. Yes, it’s hard work. (A topic I will cover in another blog.) You have to find your method to get the words in your head, and out in style.
Rehearsals take up a large part of my preparation. However, it is during this repetitive rehearsing that the nuggets and gems fall into place. Stick with it, if the words are real enough your speech will be swinging and singing in no time.
There is a lot of work and homework in creating a spectacular speech (even it only lasts two minutes.)
Let’s see, do you choose the right words and put them in the right order?
It may sound obvious to say that we write in a different manner to the way we speak but we do, and colloquial language can have an enormous impact when you get it right.
The right word choice delivers that sweet ‘Yes’ answer.
The right word order is a life changer!
The right words get the sales!
Let me share with you Six Exceptional X Factors. (S.E.X.)
- Structure your piece, give it a beginning, middle and end. Know how much time you have and stick to it.
- Besides a spell checker, use a dictionary and thesaurus. Hire an editor to give your valuable words a quick clean up. Remind them it is a speech and not a written piece! Punctuation has less importance in a speech. Breath and body language become your commas and question marks.
- Read aloud, listen and hear the words, phrases and meanings. Question your statements. Does the beginning fit the end and visa versa? Does the language flow smoothly and is the dialogue alive?
- When the speech is hot and polished, make a video.
- Read and listen to other great speakers. There are some super TED Talks and excellent books out there. Read Listen and Learn your craft.
- Find the fun. It is hard work. There is a lot of repetition. Find the fun because it will show…it must show!
As a spectacular speech writer and presenter always carry your writing devices with you. Tablet or pencil, whatever works for you because you never know when inspiration will strike.
In the meantime, let us know what you do to prepare a speech. Do you have other tips or tricks to share? Place them below, share with the community, we are all open to learn!
Looking forward to hearing and seeing your next sparkling presentation.
Excellent piece, Georgia. Many valuable pointers…
I am Group Leader for Creative Writing for the Torrevieja U3A (University of the Third Age) and another little hint is to ‘slow down’ when speaking. One or two of our members who are shy and unsure of themselves, tend to gabble and tell their stories to their chests! Not a good idea. Your listeners/audience want to hear what you have to say, clearly. It’s understandable, at first, but do gather courage and speak up. Good luck!
Thanks Joy, glad you enjoyed the 6 S.E.X Factors!
It’s true, when we are nervous we often talk too fast…great idea for another blog post.
Great advice about videoing yourself. It’s surprising to see yourself performing through a different lens. As long as we do have fun whilst speaking, the thoughts we put down on paper should pour out eloquently. Thanks for an interesting article Georgia.
It´s true. A good speech definitely starts with a thorough preparation, good preparation starts with the skating of an ordinary pencil on a clean sheet of paper.
To perform a remarkable speech without a written build-up,is like a general going to battle without a map. Certain defeat. Of course, a map is not enough to win but at least, it gives some idea of where we are. Thank you for reminding me to sharpen my pencil.