Secret of writing a great speech

Yes, you read it right. You can be happy that your eyes are not deceiving you. The moment we have an idea, an experience, or a story to tell the audience, we instinctively start writing. In all probability, we end up scribbling a lot of muddled thoughts or we are unable to write beyond a certain point.

The secret to writing a great speech is to follow the technique of brewing. This is the method I have been following for over two decades, and it has helped me write exceptional speeches for myself and for industry leaders. This tried and tested four-step process is denoted by the word "brew."

B: Brainstorming. Keep thinking about your ideas constantly. Reflect on the message you want to convey to your audience. What are your supporting stories or examples? The ideas need not be in order. They may be vague in the beginning, but the more you think about it, the more clarity will emerge. Next is to brainstorm with people who can offer you constructive feedback, divergent views, or unique ideas and suggestions. You will be pleasantly surprised at the outcome of your brainstorming. Once you have the outline or concrete points of your speech in your head, move to Step 2.

R: Research the topic you want to speak about. Resources could be the internet, subject experts, or your own experiences and expertise. At this stage, you can put pen to paper and write down an outline or some key points of your presentation. 

E: Experience is the most authentic content for your speech. This is a process that could make the difference between an ordinary and an extraordinary message. If you are planning to speak about the problems faced by an acid victim, you should meet the victims and talk to them about their challenges and how they are facing life currently. A speech on the pollution of lakes in Bangalore would take you on a visit to a polluted lake or meet a lake conservation expert and even the local residents, etc. This will give you the emotional connection to your story and the energy and conviction to write and deliver an authentic and powerful story. Creating an experience may not always be possible, but it is worth the effort and the result.

W: Writing is the final step. Start writing your speech with all the information you have mined in the first three steps. Examine all the information collected, filter and choose what supports your key message and story.

Following these four steps is the secret brew to a great speech. Yet, remember, the final outcome depends on your having mastery of the nuts and bolts of writing a speech. It sounds like a lot of hard work, yet you can’t deliver a world-class message without a world-class written speech.