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Speechwriting: Beyond the Basics (G052)

Workshops > Government > Complete List > Speechwriting

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?

Few other media can match the power of a well-crafted speech to shape opinion, change attitudes or call people to action. During this workshop participants will be introduced to the tools, techniques and strategies professional writers use to craft clear, compelling, memorable speeches. In addition, participants will explore how to choose and integrate quotes, anecdotes, statistics and humour. Other topics include how to use persuasion effectively and manage assignments even when deadlines are tight.

Anyone who writes, coordinates, manages or contributes to speeches will benefit from this workshop.

Workshop leader Wendy Cherwinski infuses subject material with stories, anecdotes and examples drawn from real life assignments. Learning is reinforced by a slide show, video excerpts and exercises that allow students to try out the concepts they have just learned.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

You will learn how to:

Analyze the audience and determine what they want and need to hear from the speaker
Reach out and connect with listeners
Think and act strategically to develop clear messages
Create a solid speech structure
Write the way people speak
Craft a memorable opening and close
Use persuasion to guide the audience to the speaker’s point of view
Engage and inspire listeners with well-chosen quotes and anecdote
Keep attention high with humour, imagery, transitions and pauses
Manage assignments and streamline the speech process to meet pressing deadlines
Review speeches to determine their strengths and weaknesses

WHAT WILL YOU TAKE AWAY?

A workbook with checklists, how-to procedures/reminders, templates and a valuable list of resources

A laminated speechwriter’s checklist you will refer to again and again

Exercise hand-outs

Agenda Day 1
8:45 - 8:55 AM	Participant Introductions and Workshop Overview
8:55 - 9:00 AM	The speech in general
9:00 - 10:00 AM	Planning: Audience & Speaker Why every audience is the same and different. What you need to know about the speaker and how to find it out. Three elements of persuasion every speechwriter should be master. Exercise 1
10:00 - 10:30 AM	Structuring the Speech Part 1 Choosing the theme, objective and major points.
10:30 - 10:45 AM	Break
10:45 - 12:00 PM	Structuring the Speech Part 2 Developing the intro, the body and the close. Exercise 2
12:00 - 1:30 PM	Lunch
1:30 - 3:00 PM	Writing Out Loud Expressing ideas in language that is “sayable” and easy for the audience to follow and absorb. Using transitions and pauses to maintain interest. Exercise 3
3:00 - 3:15 PM	Break
3:15 - 4:00 PM	Speech Style Giving your speech life and interest through the use of quotes and anecdotes, humour and statistics.
4:00 - 4:30 PM	Writing to beat the clock Steps to streamline the speechwriting process when deadlines are tight. (Of special interest to anyone who writes Opposition Day speeches.)
4:30 - 4:45 PM	Wrap-up and workshop evaluation