10 Critical Steps in Speech Writing: How to Write a Speech on Motivation

Words stir our hearts and make us feel. They are a world of their own and a speaker through words can transport his audience into a place where they can feel what he feels and can experience what he experiences. He can motivate them, guide them, and fire their hearts or he can use those words inversely. Words in a form of speech are a powerful weapon. 

But few people can use words effectively. One reason might be that some people have a natural talent for speech and some do not. But another reason might be practice. Here are a few tips that can help you write a better, effective, and more powerful motivational speech. 

Focus on The Central Idea Of Your Speech

You might have heard many speakers who were very proficient with words, but you haven't had any clue what they were talking about. Chances are that they themselves were not sure what their message was. 

It is very important to have a clear message in your speech. It should be something that can be described in a single sentence. You should build your speech around such a message. Every idea in your speech should point towards it. In this way, your speech will be a complete whole and your message will affect people more profoundly. 

Start With Something Spectacular

It is at the opening of your speech that you hook in your audience. If you are unable to do so you have probably failed without even beginning. So make your start memorable. Start with something that is sure to catch people's attention. An interesting story, a joke, some line that produces a strong effect are some of the ideas that can help you.

Use Stories to Reinforce Your Point

Stories are always more interesting than abstract thoughts, facts, and figures. Personal narratives, stories from the past hook people and keep them engaged. Stories have the power to make even the most sophisticated and complex ideas easy to understand.

So use stories and narratives in your speech whenever possible. You can even use the storytelling structure for your entire speech. Or you can simply use a linear structure that has a beginning, middle, and end, to make your speech more engaging.

Remain Relevant and To the Point

Don’t waste the time of your audience with unnecessary information. The more straightforward and focused you are in your approach, the less it is likely that your audience will get confused.

Outlining a Speech

Even if you have a great message and people are willing to hear it. Your audience will get confused if your speech lacks structure. That is why most people write their speeches or follow an outline.

Speak with Authenticity

It is very important to be realistic about the message you want to deliver. Otherwise, you will sound fake and people will lose interest. 

Share your own experiences and things you have been through. Your audience should see you as someone who understands them. Your audience should see you as someone who is real.

Set some time to think about the message you are going to give to the people. Make yourself passionate about it and translate that passion into your words. This is sure to make your speech sound more authentic.

Keep in Mind Your Target Audience

The focus of your speech should be your audience, not you. Remember, you want to motivate your audience.

So in writing your speech ask yourself questions. Who is your audience? What are their general backgrounds etc? Why would they be interested in hearing something from you? Why are you motivating them?

The answer to these questions can help you structure your speech in a way that engages your audience more fully.

Use Evocative and Powerful language

Use language, which stirs emotions. The use of metaphors and stories can help you achieve this effect. Avoid sentences that are dry or boring. Use language that is lyrical like poetry. Your sentences should be pleasing to the ears.

Give Your Speech Conclusion with Something Memorable

The start and end of your speech are very important. If you failed to give a memorable ending, your audience will probably forget about your message when they exit the hall. End your speech with something memorable. Something that they will keep thing about for a long while 

One way to do this is to ask them a rhetorical question. Or you can call them to some sort of action in their daily lives or the future. 

This will surely leave an effect on them and they will keep thinking about your message for a long time. 

Last Thoughts

Motivational speeches are about the heart. If you have the heart of the people you can motivate them to do anything, even the impossible. History is filled with examples of defeated hearts and lost causes fired again with passion through the speech of a leader. Why were they successful and not others? It all comes down to the heart. Do you believe in what you are motivating others about? How passionate are you about your message? How sincere you are to yourself and your audience? These are the questions that you should ask yourself when you are about to write a motivational speech.