Speechwriting Masterclass
For: Professionals who write their own speeches or ghost-write them for others
Level: Foundation to intermediate
Time: ½ – 1 day (face-to-face or virtual courses)
Some speeches captivate and motivate their audiences. Others are dry, dreary endurance tests.
Often, the difference is in the preparation as much as the delivery.
The Speechwriting Masterclass looks at how speakers and speechwriters can prepare presentations that intrigue and interest audiences.
Your team will learn techniques for organising their ideas, information and examples into a coherent argument. They’ll find out how to prepare notes and slides that support their delivery, rather than compete with it.
They’ll work on a speech throughout the course. At the end of the day, they’ll deliver it and receive feedback so they can continue to develop it.
Your team will be able to:
- Write clear, compelling presentations for internal and external events
- Adapt their speechwriting techniques for informal presentations, formal speeches,
panels and townhalls - Prepare for Q & A sessions so they can respond effectively to any question
Content for the Speechwriting Masterclass
Working out what to say
- Getting a proper brief from the event organiser
- Defining the objective for their presentation
- Considering their audience’s needs and interests
- Developing a powerful idea to deliver their message
- Planning with their speaker (if they are ghostwriting for someone else)
Writing their speech
- Organising their presentation using tried-and tested structures
- Creating an emotional connection with their audience
- Explaining things clearly using logic, examples, analogies and other rhetorical devices
- Telling stories to support their argument
- Crafting a hot start and a fabulous last note
- Developing a compelling call-to-action
Preparing their material
- Producing notes that help them deliver a polished natural performance
- Preparing effectively for Q & A sessions and panel discussions
- Designing slides that enhance their presentation and don’t compete with them
Delivering their speech
- Practising their beginning and end
- Turning nervousness into excitement
- Reviewing their performance so they can continue to develop their skills
Learning options for the Speechwriting Masterclass
- Training only
- Combine with reviews of your people’s speeches or presentations
- Combine with coaching for individual team members
- Combine with a consulting project to develop common standards, processes and tools for all your presentations
My training is based on my 20 years’ experience as a business writer and communications professional.
Find out more