Recipe for at good speech

The big speech. Who has not dreamt about writing it, or even givning it? Now there's help at hand from one of the greatest speech writers in recent times. Ted Sorensen was John F. Kennedy's speech writer. In his book "Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History ",  published 2008, he gives a recipe of six basic rules for a good speech.

The six basic rules of the speech writer are:

1. It is almost always best to limit yourself

Make the speech as simple as the 10 Commandments. Avoid unnecessary words.

2. Choose each word as if it is a precision tool

Be careful and have caution in choosing the right words and the correct sequence of words.

3. Organize the text to simplify clarify and emphasize

A speech should proceed logically following an outline. Give the basic points numbers when appropriate. Each numbered paragraph may begin with the same few words.

4. Use variety and literary quotes, so people can remember the speech

Alliterations and repetition make people remember a speech. This applies to the technique "the reversible raincoat" - a classic literary instrument: "Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate," said Kennedy in his inauguration speech.

Rime works well in a speech. It is easier to remember.

Personal experience is a more credible testimony and something the audience will often remember. The correct quote from the right person will also help.

5. Do solemnly but not grandiloquent language.

We focus on the more statesmanlike speech. A voice is allowed to be wound up but simple. It must not talk down to the audience. The sentences must be short, words easy to understand and structure and the ideas should be clear.

6. Ideas of content are the most important part of any speech

A magnificent speech adresses important ideas, principles, values and decisions. If the ideas are great, the speech will also be, although the words are simple. But beautiful, expressive and soaring words do not create a great speech if ideas are boring, meaningless or pettyful.

"The straight talk about the right topic held by the right speaker in the right way at the right time and place. It can light a fire, get people to change their minds, open their eyes, move their votes, bring hope into their lives and in many ways change the world. I know. I saw it happen, "said Ted Sorensen in his book.

Ted Sorensen died October 31st, 2010 at 82.

Check out how Added Value Communication can make your texts more effcient.

Contact Communications Adviser Christian Pedersen, if you need help to writing the great speech. He has got the recipe.