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Speech Writing
This speech writing training course covers the art of creating memorable speeches. You will learn to create powerful and natural language fit for the speaker and occasion. Topics include planning, structure, flow, rhetoric, transitions and other key components.
This course is available live online.
- Live online (Zoom) | Two half-days | 09:00-12:30 London time | $867
(New prices above apply from Jan 1st 2025)
Also available on request in US / Asia timezones.
This course runs in English. It is also available on request in Arabic.
Course outline
Speech planning
This module covers strategic approaches and planning techniques to lay the foundations for effective speeches.
- Tailoring speeches for specific audiences and occasions
- Messaging in speechwriting for strategic communications impact
- Selecting and developing appropriate topics, angles and concepts
- Workshop: plan a speech outline for a senior manager at your organisation
Structure and flow
This module covers how to outline and structure a speech framework for optimal narrative flow and development of concepts.
- Structuring a speech outline
- Maintaining attention and interest through variety
- Using transition, signposting and framework devices to orient listeners
- Workshop: deconstruct a classic speech and extract best practice
The spoken word
This module covers how to “write aloud”: composing texts for oral delivery using natural, colourful spoken language and rhetorical techniques.
- Cadence, balance and repetition
- Punctuating for respiration
- 10 classical rhetorical devices
- Persuasion, narrative and transition techniques
- Natural language
Key elements and delivery
This module covers best practice in writing introductions and conclusions, and preparing a speech for delivery.
- Speech introductions: attention, motivation and rapport
- Speech conclusions: closure, review and rally
- Preparing a speech for delivery
- Notes and visuals
Reviews
Meet your trainers
Following are some of the ISOC trainers who regularly lead this course, depending whether you join us in London, Dubai or live online.
Trainer profile: Felice Hawley
Felice is a versatile editor, writer and broadcaster with in-depth experience of economic and business news. During a 16-year career at CNN, she helped create and then produce the award-winning live business programme “World Business Today”. Moving to text, Felice became Managing Editor of Hoover’s Online Europe, responsible for a team of journalists. She later went on to launch several websites, intranets, extranets and microsites. She writes, edits and manages content for organisations including Transport for London and the NHS. Felice consulted on web and print materials ahead of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.
Trainer profile: Adam Kirtley
Adam is a veteran presenter and reporter with more than 30 years' experience as a BBC journalist. He presents on BBC local and national and radio, including Five Live business show Wake Up to Money and Radio Four's flagship consumer show You and Yours. He still reports for the BBC World Service, where he began his career. Adam has interviewed numerous bankers, finance ministers and CEOs during his BBC career, and for the last 15 years has used that experience to train executives in media interviews, crisis communication, public speaking, presentation skills and messaging. He is also an accomplished conference facilitator and workshop leader. Adam has worked across Europe, the Middle East, North America and Africa for organisations of all sizes, from multinational finance and pharmaceutical companies to governments and NGOs.
Trainer profile: Frances Barton
Frances is a communications specialist with more than 26 years’ experience in broadcast and print journalism, as well as public relations. Frances began her communications career by training in-house at BBC Northern Ireland. She later worked as a news editor and presenter for the BBC and also for Dubai Television and Radio. Frances served as editor-in-chief for a high-end lifestyle magazine and has also contributed articles to national newspapers in the UK and other countries. As a communications and PR professional, Frances specialises in media relations, employee engagement and crisis communications. Her clients have included major organisations such as Emirates Airline & Group, Dubai Airports, Dubai Airshow, American University of Sharjah and Dubai Tourism.
What you will learn
After this course you will be able to:
- Understand the concepts at the heart of all good speeches
- Deploy new skills and ideas to put them into practice
- Plan a speech using methodical techniques to lay sound foundations
- Outline content for a speech for optimal narrative flow and development of concepts
- Adapt your writing style for the spoken word including classic rhetorical techniques
- Write powerful introductions and conclusions with respect to the essential functions of these key speech elements
Who should attend?
This is an intermediate-level course designed for learners with existing knowledge and several years of experience in communications or PR. Learning is pitched at a level to help you develop strategic approaches and apply sophisticated techniques. This course is recommended for all communications professionals whose role includes writing speeches, presentations, talking points and all other forms of content for the spoken word.
