Roger Wolfson Shares Professional Speechwriting Tips for Beginners
Good speechwriters ensure the audience remember the ideas and the points to be communicated. Research shows that people remember very little from speeches. So, as a speechwriter, you need to keep this in mind all the time. Now, if you are a beginner and new to speechwriting, how do you start off to create a memorable speech?
An expert speaks
Roger Wolfson is an esteemed TV writer, activist, speechwriter, and scriptwriter in Los Angeles. He has served as a full-time speechwriter for US senators and part-time speechwriters for candidates from all levels of politics like US Presidents, Governors, and State representatives. He has written speeches for heads of many foreign countries as well. He has experience with speechwriting for a number of years. He has created and revised policy announcements, stump speeches, and convention speeches of the national party. He has written several commencement addresses for honorable figures and important speeches for company CEOs. He is passionate about his work and considers addressing public audiences to be a matter of sacred trust. He feels honored to help people and politicians connect to their biggest bases of inspiration.
Choose your main ideas
When it comes to professional speechwriting, the key is not to place too many ideas into the speech. It is best to highlight one or two main ideas in the speech. Generally, a speech is short and around one to two minutes.
The choice of words should be conversational
You should write like you are talking. The speech is not an essay. People will not read the speech; they will hear it. The more conversational you are, the better the speech will sound. You can try out the following tips-
- Use many short sentences. It is easy and better to write two simple sentences. Complicated and long sentences should be avoided.
- Use contractions like I’m over I am.
- Avoid using big words. Use simple and small words for greater effect.
- Use the words you generally will when talking to someone.
- You do not have to strictly abide by all the rules of English Grammar when writing your speech.
- Always read your speech carefully. In this way, you can hear it instantly and find out whether it sounds like a book or a real person speaking.
- Make the speech as simple as possible. When you cut unwanted words from your speech, it becomes clearer and more defined.
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As pointed out by Roger Wolfson newcomers should use concrete words. They are more interested and effective. Like, we need water sounds better than water is in short supply. He says that before you write your speech, you need to get all your facts sorted. Do the research and jot down important points. For instance, if you are addressing environmental issues, jot down the points you want to address. Note down some facts and figures. This will keep your audience hooked to your speech with success. You can also use quotes as they will keep everyone interested too!