Overview

Writing speeches and delivering presentations are extremely important as they always need to communicate a message succinctly and effectively, however, they can often be difficult to get right.

Whilst every speech is written with a different purpose in mind, the tools required to write a powerful speech or presentation can be replicated across any topic, for any setting. Knowing which techniques to employ and how to write in an appropriate style for the specific occasion and audience is crucial for writing a truly impactful speech.

This highly interactive one-day training course, with former diplomat and award-winning speechwriter Charles Crawford, will feature a lively combination of presentations and powerful examples of best and worst practice to learn from.

Attend to gain practical and personalised advice on how to structure, format and achieve the right tone for your speech, in order to master the process of writing words to be spoken aloud, rather than read.

NB: Delegates will be asked to prepare a short speech or presentation in advance of the course. Volunteers will be asked to deliver their speech on the day and the group will discuss feedback, using the tools learnt throughout the day.

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop first-class operational skills in preparing and delivering speeches and talking-points
  • Explain key principles of ‘drafting for speaking’ in all formats and from different viewpoints
  • Avoid drafting and operational mistakes at all stages
  • Learn best practice for structuring a powerful speech and getting just the right tone
  • Give a speech ‘human touch’ to engage with the audience and leave a lasting impression
All the Understanding ModernGov courses are Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certified, with signed certificates available upon request for event.

Enquire About In-House Training

To speak to someone about a bespoke training programme, please contact us:
0800 542 9414
[email protected]

Agenda

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09:15 - 09:45

Registration

09:45 - 10:00

Trainer’s Welcome and Learning Objectives

10:00 - 10:30

Exercise: Giving a Speech

Four participants give short, pre-prepared speeches which are then discussed by the group

10:30 - 11:30

Preparing a Successful Speech

  • Writing for reading vs writing for speaking
  • Linking the speech or presentation to the event
    • Occasion
    • Audience
    • Room
  • Getting the right tone
  • Finding thematic metaphors
  • Message, structure, signposts, stories
11:30 - 11:45

Morning Break

11:45 - 13:00

Practical Tips: Speaker and Process

  • Engaging with venue
  • Presenting numbers and statistics
  • Starting and finishing
  • Understanding timing and pace of a speech
  • Using teleprompters and gadgets
  • Formatting speeches and speaking notes
  • Negotiating the internal drafting process
13:00 - 14:00

Lunch

14:00 - 15:00

Analysing Speeches and Presentations

  • Basic PowerPoint principles
  • Video examples of Speeches and supporting texts
  • Discussion of what works and why
15:00 - 15:15

Afternoon Break

15:15 - 16:00

Exercise: Giving a Speech

Four participants repeat short pre-prepared speeches, amended / improved based on core lessons learned

16:00 - 16:15

Feedback, Evaluation and Close