Writing a good speech can feel like a daunting task. You might sit at your desk, staring at the blank page, unsure of how to start or how to make it engaging. The secret? Speak your speech out loud while you’re writing it.
This one simple tip can transform your speech from stiff and formal to natural, captivating, and authentic. Let me explain why speaking out loud works, the key differences between writing in your head and speaking aloud, and how this approach ensures your speech feels more like you.
The Problem with Writing in Silence
When most people write a speech, they tend to think quietly in their heads, typing or scribbling their thoughts without saying a word out loud. While this might seem like the natural way to draft, it can lead to speeches that:
Sound overly formal or robotic.
Lack energy and personality.
Feel more like a written essay than a spoken conversation.
This happens because writing and speaking are two very different forms of communication. Writing tends to be more structured, formal, and precise, while speech is more dynamic, fluid, and conversational. When you write without speaking out loud, you risk losing the natural tone and rhythm of spoken language.
Why Speaking Out Loud Works
When you speak while writing your speech, several things happen that make the final product much more engaging and effective:
1. Your Natural Voice Shines Through
Speaking out loud allows your personality to come through. Instead of trying to craft perfect sentences that might sound awkward when spoken, you’re creating language that flows naturally. Your speech will sound more like you, making it easier for your audience to connect with you.
2. You Catch Awkward Phrasing
Some sentences look great on paper but feel clunky when spoken. By speaking as you write, you’ll instantly notice phrases that don’t sound right, are too complicated, or feel unnatural. This lets you adjust them to match the way you actually talk.
3. You Adjust Your Tone for Speaking
Writing often feels more formal than speaking. By saying your words out loud, you’ll naturally adopt a more conversational tone. This keeps your audience engaged and prevents your speech from sounding like a dull lecture.
4. You Create Rhythm and Pacing
A good speech has a natural rhythm, with pauses for emphasis and changes in tone to keep things interesting. Speaking aloud as you write helps you incorporate these elements right from the start, making your speech more dynamic and impactful.
5. You Build Confidence in Delivery
Speaking out loud as you write also helps you rehearse. By the time your speech is finished, you’ve already practised large portions of it. This builds familiarity with your material, boosts your confidence, and makes the final delivery smoother and more polished.
The Difference Between Writing and Speaking
One of the biggest mistakes people make when writing a speech is treating it like a written document. While essays or reports may work well on paper, they don’t translate well to a live audience.
Writing Tone: Often formal, dense, and overly structured.
Speaking Tone: Conversational, engaging, and direct.
For example, instead of saying, “Today, we are gathered here to discuss the significant challenges facing our industry,” try saying, “Let’s talk about the challenges we’re all facing right now.” Speaking directly to your audience makes your speech more relatable and impactful.
Keep It Linear and Chronological
Another key to writing a good speech is to keep it simple and easy to follow. A chronological or linear structure is usually the best choice because it allows your audience to follow your story without getting lost.
Start with a clear introduction, outlining your key points. Move logically through your main ideas, and finish with a strong conclusion that ties everything together. Think of your speech as a journey—guide your audience step by step to the destination.
Make It Personal
People connect with stories, not statistics or jargon. A personal story can make your speech more memorable and relatable. For example, when I started my business as a Voice and Communications Coach, I struggled with writing speeches and presentations. I thought I needed to sound professional, so I used big words and formal phrases. But when I practised out loud, I realised my speeches didn’t sound like me. They were stiff, boring, and completely unrelatable.
Once I started speaking out loud while writing, everything changed. I began to write the way I naturally spoke, simple, direct, and conversational. My speeches felt more authentic, and people started connecting with my message.
Practical Tips for Writing Your Speech
1. Talk It Out First
Before you even start writing, talk through your ideas out loud. Speak all of your ideas whether they are the odd words or phrases. This helps you organise your thoughts and identify the main points you want to include. Speak first then write.
2. Write in Your Speaking Voice
As you write, imagine you’re talking to a friend. Use simple language, contractions (like “I’m” or “we’ll”), and short sentences. This keeps your speech conversational and easy to follow.
3. Read It Aloud As You Go
After writing each paragraph, read it out loud. Does it sound natural? If something feels off, adjust it until it flows better. Read it occasionally from the start too to make sure it flows.
4. Practice Out Loud
Once your draft is complete, practise delivering your speech several times. This will help you refine your tone, pacing, and emphasis, ensuring your final delivery is polished and engaging.
5. Record and Listen Back
As you practise, record yourself and listen back to your speech. Hearing yourself can help you identify areas that might need improvement, like awkward phrasing, unclear points, or parts where your tone could be more engaging. This self-feedback loop is invaluable for perfecting your speech.
The Power Of A Speech That Sounds Like You
The best speeches feel authentic, personal, and conversational. They sound like the speaker, not a formal script. By speaking out loud as you write, you can create a speech that truly reflects your personality, engages your audience, and delivers your message with impact.
If you want to improve your speech writing skills and learn how to craft compelling speeches, check out my 1:1 public speaking programme which covers this in more detail. Let’s work together to help you speak with confidence and authenticity!
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