communications / Westbury-sub-Mendip, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1HL
Tel/fax: +44 (0) co.uk 1749 870178
Web site: www.speaking.co.uk E-mail: uk
SPEECH-WRITING WORKSHOP
This workshop starts from the principle that ‘the audience is always right’. Effectiveness can therefore only be developed on the basis of a sound knowledge and understanding of research into what audiences like and dislike about speeches and presentations.
1. Introduction: Audience Attentiveness & the Language of the Spoken Word
Everyone knows from their own experience that audiences often find it difficult to stay awake. This session shows how this results from fundamental differences between the language of presentation and two much more familiar forms of communication, namely conversation and the language of the written word. The session outlines key differences between writing for readers and writing for hearers and the importance of learning to ‘write with one’s ears’. The main points are illustrated by getting delegates to analyse and critique a videotaped excerpt from an actual speech.
2. Getting Messages Across with Maximum Impact
How a message is phrased can make an immense difference to the impact it has on an audience. This session describes the main rhetorical devices that trigger applause during political speeches, and is illustrated by short video clips of top politicians in action and examples from presentations by managers.
3. Creative Exercise
An initial opportunity for delegates to put the principles into practice by redrafting a bland statement to make it sound more punchy/memorable.
4. Death from 1000 Slides
Standing next to a projector, putting on one slide after another, has become the ‘industry standard model’ of presentation. Although widely taught as good practice, our research shows that it is often widely disliked by audiences. This session reports on audience reactions to different types of visual aid.
5. Structure and Preparation
Why structure matters to an audience; structure as sequence; using brainstorming to organise content; layout and the importance of ‘reader-friendly’ scripts.
6. Putting Principles into Practice
A series of practical exercises, in which delegates prepare short scripts and receive feedback and comment on the results.
Joining Instructions: For the practical sessions, participants should come prepared to work on writing speeches using the techniques described in the earlier part of the day. For example, they might like to bring along any speeches they feel could have been better written, or notes for ones planned for the near future.