Speechwriting Step by Step (Essential Skills)
An online course delivered in two half-day sessions. Price $750.
Note - the session scheduled for May 27 and 28 has been postponed until September. Please inquire for revised dates.
Note - the session scheduled for May 27 and 28 has been postponed until September. Please inquire for revised dates.
Are you new to speechwriting…or someone who occasionally contributes to speeches…or a veteran in search of a refresher? Whatever category you fit into, register for this course and boost your skills to new heights.
Speechwriting Step by Step covers how to plan and structure a speech, write in clear, conversational language, use persuasive techniques to give your words, ideas and statistics real impact, and edit your work to produce flawless drafts. And don’t worry about taking notes. You’ll receive a manual that duplicates the course content in the form of tips, templates, how-to and why-to articles, checklists, step-by-step instructions and resource links to the best books, blogs and newsletters on speechwriting.
Make no mistake. This course isn’t just about theory. You’ll spend a lot of time using your critical thinking skills to analyze video excerpts of speakers delivering speeches and test-drive techniques during hands-on exercises. Plus, you’ll get answers to your speechwriting questions and join in brainstorming challenges specific to speechwriters.
What You’ll Cover In Two Half-Day Sessions
How to Plan Your Speech
How to Structure Your Speech
How to Write to Be Heard
How to be Persuasive
How to Edit Your Work
Speechwriting Step by Step covers how to plan and structure a speech, write in clear, conversational language, use persuasive techniques to give your words, ideas and statistics real impact, and edit your work to produce flawless drafts. And don’t worry about taking notes. You’ll receive a manual that duplicates the course content in the form of tips, templates, how-to and why-to articles, checklists, step-by-step instructions and resource links to the best books, blogs and newsletters on speechwriting.
Make no mistake. This course isn’t just about theory. You’ll spend a lot of time using your critical thinking skills to analyze video excerpts of speakers delivering speeches and test-drive techniques during hands-on exercises. Plus, you’ll get answers to your speechwriting questions and join in brainstorming challenges specific to speechwriters.
What You’ll Cover In Two Half-Day Sessions
How to Plan Your Speech
- Support the speaker
- Analyze the audience
- Choose your content carefully
- Craft your main point and supporting points
- Work with outlines and mind maps
How to Structure Your Speech
- Create an opening that draws 'em in
- Keep up the momentum in the middle
- Close on strength with a compelling thought or call to action
How to Write to Be Heard
- Write clearly
- Add energy to your words
- Write the way people talk
- Create "white space" with pauses
- Guide the idea flow with smooth transitions
How to be Persuasive
- Give your ideas impact
- Turn statistics into stories that stick
- Showcase the benefits to the audience
- Harness the power of visual language
How to Edit Your Work
- Use well-tested speechwriting metrics
- Perform a five-minute edit for clarity, cohesion and style
- Adapt your speech to online platforms
Course Formats
Speechwriting Step by Step is offered in two formats:
The Open Call Course
Participants register individually to attend this course, which is offered twice a year in spring and fall. A maximum of 12 participants are accepted per course. Delivery is divided into two half-day sessions spread over two days. For example, a typical course will be held from 12:45 to 4:15 pm on two successive afternoons. Note - the course scheduled for May 27 and 28, 2025 has been postponed. To register for a future session, contact me by email and I will reply with an invoice, which you can pay electronically.
The Private Course
Managers or team leaders can contact me to make a booking for up to 12 participants. A private course can be delivered in one day, if that format is preferable, or in the two-day format described above. Contact me by email to discuss your needs and pricing options.
Speechwriting Step by Step is offered in two formats:
The Open Call Course
Participants register individually to attend this course, which is offered twice a year in spring and fall. A maximum of 12 participants are accepted per course. Delivery is divided into two half-day sessions spread over two days. For example, a typical course will be held from 12:45 to 4:15 pm on two successive afternoons. Note - the course scheduled for May 27 and 28, 2025 has been postponed. To register for a future session, contact me by email and I will reply with an invoice, which you can pay electronically.
The Private Course
Managers or team leaders can contact me to make a booking for up to 12 participants. A private course can be delivered in one day, if that format is preferable, or in the two-day format described above. Contact me by email to discuss your needs and pricing options.