Speech Writing...The ideas of others :D

Speech Writing Online: Tips from the Professionals!

"Speech writing and delivery isn't just for politicians." ~ Lou "The News Guy" Giansante and speechwriter Karen Finney.

On the website 'Writing with Writers,' there is an online seminar course that the public can take for speech writing, in which the experts give advice on the 'how-to's' of the subject.
Step 1: Write It
Step 2: Say It
Step 3: Record It

The second source I found was questionable, based on the website - speechtips.com - however, upon visiting it, I did find some helpful tips!

Section 1 - How to write a speech

Planning a speech

Public speaking occasion
The speech theme
The people

Writing a speech

Speech structure
Outline
Drafts
Feedback
Final version

Speeches/Speech Writers: Who's Who!

Patrick Henry - 'Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death!' (March 23 1775)

"It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

My favorite part of one of the most powerful speeches in all of history - is this not the pinnacle of the art?!

John F. Kennedy - 'The Berlin Address' (June 26 1963)

"Freedom is indivisible, and when one man is enslaved, all are not free. When all are free, then we can look forward to that day when this city will be joined as one and this country and this great Continent of Europe in a peaceful and hopeful globe. When that day finally comes, as it will, the people of West Berlin can take sober satisfaction in the fact that they were in the front lines for almost two decades.All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and, therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words "Ich bin ein Berliner.""

This is another favorite, but mostly because in the closing line, Kennedy calls himself a jelly-filled doughnut (ein Berliner)!

Well, that's pretty much it for speech writing - hope you enjoyed the glimpse into history and one of the oldest yet most effective forms of communication!

Over and out!