A good speech does not read like a good document. The spoken word has its own grammar, its own rhythm and its own techniques for holding attention. This course builds the specific craft of writing for the ear — planning, structuring, developing and polishing speeches that sound natural, move an audience and achieve their purpose. You will leave with a practical method you can apply to any speech, for any occasion.
Speech planning and audience analysis, structure and narrative flow for the spoken word, rhetorical techniques and persuasive language, and powerful openings and conclusions.
Every session runs in a small, boardroom-format group — typically six to eight senior professionals. Your trainer tailors content to the specific industries, organisations and challenges each participant brings, so you work on real situations, not generic examples. The learning combines evidence-based best practice briefings with structured discussions, practical workshops and peer learning. This is training with a coaching and consulting flavour — focused on building skills and producing outputs you can apply in your work immediately.
- Plan a speech strategically — tailoring topic, angle and message to audience and occasion
- Structure content for optimal narrative flow and development of ideas
- Write for the spoken word using techniques that sound natural and hold attention
- Apply classic rhetorical techniques to strengthen persuasion and memorability
- Craft openings that earn attention and conclusions that drive action
- Develop proof points, illustrations and stories that make abstract ideas concrete
- Edit and refine a speech draft for clarity, pace and impact
- Adapt your writing style for different speakers, occasions and communication objectives
- 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
- 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
- Cadence, balance and repetition
- Punctuating for respiration
- 10 classical rhetorical devices
- Persuasion, narrative and transition techniques
- Workshop: natural language
- Speech introductions: attention, motivation and rapport
- Speech conclusions: closure, review and rally
- Preparing a speech for delivery: notes and visuals
- Workshop: write a powerful speech introduction and conclusion
This course is for communications professionals who write speeches for senior leaders and for anyone who writes and delivers their own speeches as part of their role. It is equally relevant for experienced speechwriters refining their craft and for those developing the skill for the first time.
The following are some of the ISOC trainers who regularly lead this course, depending whether you join us in London, Dubai or live online.
Yes. We deliver this course for teams of any size, tailored to your organisation’s context and objectives. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Both. Around half of participants typically write speeches for senior leaders as part of a communications role, and around half write and deliver their own. The techniques apply equally — writing for the spoken word is a specific craft regardless of who delivers it.
Yes. The course includes practical writing workshops where you plan and draft speech content, with feedback from your trainer and peers.
Nothing specific is required. If you have a current project, challenge or organisational context relevant to the course, bring it along — the practical exercises can incorporate real-world scenarios.