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Advice on Writing a Killer Speech (Ep. 17)
Ah yes, the dread of speaking in public. We are going to go there again - but not in the same way as before. I love getting feedback from listeners on what they want me to cover in a podcast - and advice on how to write a speech was interestingly a hot request. So let’s do it.
I consider the speech process to have three “events” or “phases.”
The first phase is the fear of speaking; that gut wrench when someone asks you to give an update at a Town Hall. We all know it so well - it’s well documented, there is plenty of advice, the dead horse continues to be beaten. That’s something that takes work to overcome - and look back to this episode with speech coach Tony Figliola for some tremendous tips to help you overcome the fear.
Another phase is the actual delivery of the speech, which you want to be engaging, enthusiastic and impressive. We’ll cover that in the future.
But in between is arguably the most important phase of the speech process: actually writing it.
Maybe there is a fourth phase - a relief when it’s finally over - but that’s for another time. Back to writing.
I think a big, underappreciated aspect of the fear of public speaking is the fear of the unknown. And part of the unknown is that we don’t know what to say. Finding the words to communicate what emotions or feelings we want to convey can be anxiety-inducing. It takes focus, practice and true, pen-to-paper work.
Most people focus on delivery. Enthusiasm and connecting with the audience is vital for success. But no matter how dynamic a speaker you are, without the proper words and messaging, you are going to fall flat.
Enter this week’s podcast guest Mike Greenly.
Mike has made words his life’s work. He joins us this week on the podcast to talk about how words have power. “They are oxygen,” says Mike. And that oxygen gives life to your presentations.
There is a lot to consider when writing a speech: Who is the audience? What do they need to hear? What do you *want* them to hear? What’s the medium? PowerPoint or no? Where in the hell do I even begin?
Mike takes us back to basics. The first step, and most important part of speech writing, is finding the “north star” - that main takeaway that you want to convey. Everything else can link back to that.
There are different types of speeches and occasions that require different writing styles and presentations. A conference of 5,000 is very different from a board presentation of seven executives. Regardless of the situation, structuring a speech is telling a story. And how do your story and words bring your audience on a journey?
Listen to the podcast for more Mike’s tips - he has plenty of them. And reach out to him below to learn more about what he does …
Mike Greenly, speech writer extraordinaire
Website: http://www.mikegreenly.com/
His Medium article on speech writing is here.
The state anthem of Virginia, which he wrote, can be heard here.
His song "Common Ground" can be heard here.
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By Jim Frawley, Bellwether
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Ah yes, the dread of speaking in public. We are going to go there again - but not in the same way as before. I love getting feedback from listeners on what they want me to cover in a podcast - and advice on how to write a speech was interestingly a hot request. So let’s do it.
I consider the speech process to have three “events” or “phases.”
The first phase is the fear of speaking; that gut wrench when someone asks you to give an update at a Town Hall. We all know it so well - it’s well documented, there is plenty of advice, the dead horse continues to be beaten. That’s something that takes work to overcome - and look back to this episode with speech coach Tony Figliola for some tremendous tips to help you overcome the fear.
Another phase is the actual delivery of the speech, which you want to be engaging, enthusiastic and impressive. We’ll cover that in the future.
But in between is arguably the most important phase of the speech process: actually writing it.
Maybe there is a fourth phase - a relief when it’s finally over - but that’s for another time. Back to writing.
I think a big, underappreciated aspect of the fear of public speaking is the fear of the unknown. And part of the unknown is that we don’t know what to say. Finding the words to communicate what emotions or feelings we want to convey can be anxiety-inducing. It takes focus, practice and true, pen-to-paper work.
Most people focus on delivery. Enthusiasm and connecting with the audience is vital for success. But no matter how dynamic a speaker you are, without the proper words and messaging, you are going to fall flat.
Enter this week’s podcast guest Mike Greenly.
Mike has made words his life’s work. He joins us this week on the podcast to talk about how words have power. “They are oxygen,” says Mike. And that oxygen gives life to your presentations.
There is a lot to consider when writing a speech: Who is the audience? What do they need to hear? What do you *want* them to hear? What’s the medium? PowerPoint or no? Where in the hell do I even begin?
Mike takes us back to basics. The first step, and most important part of speech writing, is finding the “north star” - that main takeaway that you want to convey. Everything else can link back to that.
There are different types of speeches and occasions that require different writing styles and presentations. A conference of 5,000 is very different from a board presentation of seven executives. Regardless of the situation, structuring a speech is telling a story. And how do your story and words bring your audience on a journey?
Listen to the podcast for more Mike’s tips - he has plenty of them. And reach out to him below to learn more about what he does …
Mike Greenly, speech writer extraordinaire
Website: http://www.mikegreenly.com/
His Medium article on speech writing is here.
The state anthem of Virginia, which he wrote, can be heard here.
His song "Common Ground" can be heard here.