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Proof that the right style can make even a complete blockhead look good. (Source)
In our opinion, the ability to speak extemporaneously should be considered a superpower.
Yeah, it's a bold statement. But we're standing by it: going up on a stage and speaking from talking points and ideas instead of word-for-word notes deserves the same "Whoa" reserved for leaping buildings in a single bound and shooting eyeball lasers. While these audacious orators don't exactly wing it, they get about as close to seat-of-the-pants public speaking as it gets.
(We're not saying we're writing a campy 1960s-style comic book about The Audacious Orator and their nemesis, a villainous audience member armed with a bag of tomatoes and perfect aim…but we're not not saying that, either.)
Anyway, for people who don't possess the power of extemporaneous speaking (a.k.a. almost everyone), the idea of getting up in front of a group of people and having to think of what to say on the spot is basically a nightmare. For most of us, it's best to write the entire script of a speech, word-for-word, ahead of time.
That's exactly how we'll approach this unit on crafting a speech. Word-for-word. Sentence-by-sentence. Paragraph-by—you get the idea.
Our focus will be on the third of Cicero's five canons: style.
When most people hear the word "style," they immediately think of fashion: the clothes and accessories a person wears to express who they are (or want to be). Style can be simple—think Kanye in a jeans and white t-shirt—or complex, like Rihanna's bonkers dress at the 2017 Met Gala.
When it comes to speaking, though, "style" means the expressive choices you make with language—you know, words and sentences instead of denim or thigh-high gladiator sandals. The way you style your speech can convey meaning, mood, and more.
Here's a nice, simple way to think about it: the last unit was all about figuring out what you want to say. This unit's all about how to say it.
Summary
Summary
Speaking extemporaneously works for some speakers, but writing out a speech word-for-word is better for most of us.
The style of language you use will set the tone of your speech.
When crafting a speech word-for-word, use language that's simple, repetitive (in a good way), precise, and informal.
Speech writers should be careful to avoid using language that's biased, confusing, offensive, or clichéd.
Clever use of rhetorical devices can liven up your speech, make it more memorable, and make you more agreeable.
Careful use of code words can convince your audience that you're one of them. (Insert your best "mwah ha ha" here)
Spending time and crafting the perfect introduction and conclusion can turn a speech from so-so to great.
Objectives
Objectives
identify several style guidelines all speechwriters should follow.
recognize the language pitfalls that a speechwriter should avoid.
recognize several rhetorical devices for injecting style into a speech.
identify the term "code grooming."
recognize the functions of introductions and conclusions.
identify several types of effective introductions.
recognize how to analyze a speech for its use of language.
identify how to evaluate the effectiveness of the language in a speech.
Study Questions
Study Questions
What are some basic guidelines to follow when writing an effective speech?
What kinds of language should a speaker strive to avoid when writing a speech?
What are some rhetorical devices that can add cleverness to a speech?
What are some strategies for keeping the language of a speech simple and easy to follow?
How can a speaker use repetition to great effect during a speech?
How can a speaker use language to gain credibility with an audience?
What are the most important functions of a speech's introduction?
What are the most important functions of a speech's conclusion?
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