How to Write a Commencement Address

A memorable speech has the right focus and the right tone and is exactly the right length.

Things You'll Need

  • Book Of Quotations
  • Joke Books
  • Thesauri
  • VCRs And Video Cameras
  • Cassette Tape Recorders
  • Full-length Mirrors
  • Index Cards
  • Computers
  • Oxford English Dictionary On CD-ROM
  • Stopwatches
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Decide on a focus. If you are well-known for something specific, your audience will, no doubt, expect your speech to be about that topic.

    • 2

      Put yourself in your audience's moccasins as you write. You want to connect.

    • 3

      Keep the speech to two or three major points.

    • 4

      Find your voice - perhaps warm and conversational, sober and profound, vigorously controversial, or wise and understanding.

    • 5

      Write an outline with your topic statement and the critical points as headings.

    • 6

      Fill in your transition spaces with anecdotes, quotes, even relevant jokes to ensure your speech will be unique, interesting and audience-aware.

    • 7

      Draft your closing remarks.

    • 8

      Write a completed speech as tight or loose as fits your style.

    • 9

      Practice reading the speech first for time.

    • 10

      Practice again for cadence and delivery.

    • 11

      Read aloud with any hand motions or movements you intend to incorporate.

    • 12

      Create the props you'll take to the podium - notecards or the full speech, double-spaced and typed.

    • 13

      Try your speech out on a person, especially one similar to the folks in your intended audience.

    • 14

      Relax. You'll be great.

Learnify Hub © www.0685.com All Rights Reserved