Writing for the spoken word is a special discipline; it requires that speechwriters' products be written primarily, although not exclusively, to be heard, not read. Speeches are better cast in simple, direct and often short sentences that can be easily understood by listeners. Rhetorical devices such as repetition, variation, cadence and balance are available to, and should be used by, the speechwriter. It is important for speechwriters to analyse audiences according to factors such as age; gender; culture; profession and income level; size of audience; political affiliation, if any; and on the occasion for, or purpose of, the speech. Most effective speeches do not exceed 20 minutes in length. After researching a topic, speechwriters must prepare an outline from which the speech will be developed. They should strive to maintain a clear theme throughout the speech. Most speeches will have a three-part structure consisting of an introduction, a body and a conclusion. The accepted style of contemporary American public address is natural, direct, low key, casual and conversational. This puts the listeners at ease and promotes a sense of community between the audience and speaker. Punctuation should reflect the sound structure of the speech, reinforcing the rhythm and pace of actual speech. Clarity of expression is as important a consideration in speech grammar as rigid adherence to the rules for written law. This book presents the essentials of speechwriting. Preface; Speechwriting in Perspective: A Brief Guide to Effective and Persuasive Communication (Thomas H. Neale); Public Speaking and Speechwriting: Selected References (Jean M. Bowers); Index.

This report has been compiled for congressional speechwriters but will be informative for anyone writing a speech. Contents: (1) Intro.; (2) Writing for the Spoken Word: The Distinctive Task of the Speechwriter; Repetition and Variation; Cadence and Balance; Sentence Variation; Imagery; (3) Audience Analysis; Demographics; Audience Size; Degree of Political Affiliation; (4) Occasion and Purpose; Persuasion; Entertainment; (5) Time of Day and Length of Speech; (6) Speech Research: (7) Resources; (8) Speech Preparation: Building Blocks: Suggested Principles; Speech Outline; Thematic Clarity; Structure; Style; Punctuation; Grammar and Syntax; (9) Speech Presentation; (10) Analysis of Lincoln¿s Farewell to His Neighbors; (11) General Observations.

The frequent delivery of public remarks by Senators and Representatives is an important element of their roles as community leaders, spokespersons, and freely elected legislators. Congressional staff are often called on to help prepare draft remarks for such purposes. Writing for the spoken word is a special discipline; it requires that congressional speechwriters' products be written primarily, although not exclusively, to be heard, not read. Speeches are better cast in simple, direct, and often short sentences that can be easily understood by listeners. Rhetorical devices such as repetition, variation, cadence, and balance are available to, and should be used by, the speechwriter. It is important for speechwriters to analyze audiences according to factors such as age; gender; profession; size of audience; political affiliation, if any; and the occasion for, and purpose of, the speech. Most effective speeches do not exceed 20 minutes in length. After research a topic, speechwriters should prepare an outline from which the speech will be developed. They should strive to maintain a clear theme throughout the speech. Most speeches will have a three-part structure consisting of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The accepted style of contemporary American public address is natural, direct, low key, casual, and conversational. This puts listeners at ease and promotes a sense of community between the audience and speaker. Punctuation should reflect the sound structure of the speech, reinforcing the rhythm and pace of actual speech. Clarity of expression is as important a consideration in speech grammar as rigid adherence to rules for written language. Effective delivery can greatly improve a speech. Congressional speechwriters should make every effort to become familiar with the speaking style of the Member for whom they are writing, and adjust their drafts accordingly.

The frequent delivery of public remarks by Senators and Representatives is an important element of their roles as community leaders, spokespersons, and freely elected legislators. Congressional staff are often called on to help prepare draft remarks for such purposes. Writing for the spoken word is a special discipline; it requires that congressional speechwriters' products be written primarily, although not exclusively, to be heard, not read. Speeches are better cast in simple, direct, and often short sentences that can be easily understood by listeners. Rhetorical devices such as repetition, variation, cadence, and balance are available to, and should be used by, the speechwriter. It is important for speechwriters to analyze audiences according to factors such as age; gender; culture; profession; size of audience; political affiliation, if any; and the occasion for, and purpose of, the speech. Most effective speeches do not exceed 20 minutes in length. After researching a topic, speechwriters should prepare an outline from which the speech will be developed. They should strive to maintain a clear theme throughout the speech. Most speeches will have a three-part structure consisting of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The accepted style of contemporary American public address is natural, direct, low ...

Can you really learn to write speeches? The Political Speechwriter′s Companion guides students through a systematic "LAWS" approach (language, anecdote, wit, and support) that politicians can use to persuade their audiences into taking action. In the highly anticipated Second Edition, esteemed speechwriter and author Robert A. Lehrman has teamed up with one of the "go-to-guys" for political humor, Eric Schnure, to offer students an entertaining yet practical introduction to political speechwriting. This how-to guide explains how speakers can deliver: language the audience will understand and remember, anecdotes that make listeners laugh and cry, wit that pokes fun at opponents but also shows their own lighter side, and support in the way of statistics, examples, and testimony. Packed with annotated speeches from the most recent elections, technology tips, and interviews from speechwriting luminaries, this edition offers the most practical advice and strategies for a career in political communication.