Coffee Break: Speech writing "We gotta connect before we can lead."

I picked up this quote from Jason DeSanto, who taught our MSC Public Persuasion class, Summer of 2020. I've had the privilege of being taught by some of the best at Northwestern University. One of my last classes in my journey to learn how to communicate better was a class about Public Persuasion and learning how to write and give a good speech. I got to read and listen to some wonderful speeches in an attempt to learn how to do it myself.

I'm not a great public speaker by any means, but I've picked up some really great tips along the way to help me in case I'm ever invited to accept the Nobel Peace Prize for learning how to put kids to bed on time. In the unlikely event that will ever happen, I need to be prepared with a good speech. One of the most useful things I learned in this class is that good speechwriters tend to be good presenters. We have to learn how to WRITE a speech first before we can give it. We gotta connect before we can lead.

So, here are a few tips to keep in mind if you do get to (the Oscars, SXSW, or Bring your Parent to School) one day.

1. Be Organized. Lead your audience through your journey and help guide them.

2. Be mindful of the 3 elements of the basic architecture of speech:

• Road map: tell people where you are going. Lay it out for them so they can follow.

• Transition/Sign-posting: Tell people where you were and where you're going.

• Review. Tell them where you've been and summarize it for them.

3. Write shorter sentences. This helps makes you sound like you.

4. Use vivid language. Create Pictures through language. What do you want the to see?

5. Be conversational. Be a human. Aim for connection.

Once you have the basics, the rest comes easier. I'll be posting some more tips in future blogs so come back and check them out!

#perspective #outlook #newlife