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Why Speech Writing is No Laughing Matter

By on September 26, 2011 in speech writing, Uncategorized

speech writing jokesEveryone loves a funny speech.  But funny speeches are really, really hard to write, and even harder to execute.  Over the last decade of speech writing, I’ve found that more often than not, my clients WANT funny speeches.  And generally, I advise against it.

WHY?

Because your speech runs a high risk of tanking if you try to channel Jerry Seinfeld.  Only Jerry Seinfeld can be Jerry Seinfeld.  It’s usually not worth the risk.  However, if you follow these simple rules, you can deliver an interesting, amusing and clever speech without the pitfalls of attempted (and failed) humour.

DON’T OFFEND ANYONE

Jokes made at other people’s expense typically come across as mean spirited and inappropriate.  If you really must insult someone, choose some generic (and nameless) person you encountered at the grocery store – not your spouse or boss!

USE ANECDOTES

The most effective humor is usually borne from personal experience.  Share a funny story or experience, and draw humor from those encounters.

KEEP IT CLEAN

The use of profanity rarely enhances a speech or elicits a laugh, especially when you are speaking on an important day.  Unless you really need to drive home a point and an f-bomb is going to grab your audience’s attention, rather leave it out.  And as a general rule, 2 or 3 profane references is more than enough.

BE THE BUTT OF YOUR OWN JOKE

This relates to the first rule (don’t offend anyone).  Rather than offending others, rely on a little self deprecation.  Positioning yourself as the butt of your own joke is a safe way to integrate humor into your speech.

SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

Speaking, and even more so joking, off the cuff is an absolute no-no.   Always be prepared and if you don’t feel confident about your own speech writing skills, hire a professional or purchase a pre-written speech.

Have you ever written or delivered a funny speech?  What strategies work for you?

 

 

 

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Why You Should NEVER Be Embarrassed to Outsource Your Speech Writing

By on September 21, 2011 in Uncategorized

speech writing shameI have a freelance writing blog and my clients outsource their communication needs, ranging from press releases, web copy, case studies and newsletter content.  In most cases, I write the copy and the client takes credit.  It’s fairly standard procedure.

But for some reason, there is a lot of shame and guilt associated with outsourced speech writing and I’m not entirely certain why. I think most people would agree that not everyone can write…and speech writing is especially challenging.  So why is there an expectation that every groom, bride, bar mitzvah boy, high school graduate, birthday celebrant and Board chair should be able to craft a speech that resonates?  It doesn’t make sense.

The truth is, the speech is more likely to have impact if it is outsourced to a professional.  And quality custom speech writing services provide ample opportunity for the client to interject their personal thoughts, feelings and ideas so the finished product reflects their specific point of view and personality.  Even a pre-written speech can serve as a helpful template to write a speech that is better than what you might have written on your own.

There are other good reasons to consider outsourcing your speech writing, beyond the fact that you may not be an expert writer.

  • The event is too emotionally charged (like a funeral) for you to gather your thoughts constructively
  • You are overwhelmed with other responsibilities (planning a wedding perhaps) and need some extra support to get the speech done
  • You are extremely nervous and don’t have the confidence to write the speech or deliver it effectively
If, after thinking it through, you still can’t shake a twinge of shame, but you know that if you solicited help from a professional, you would end up with a far more successful speech, then seek help from a speech writer that is discrete and works with you closely to ensure that your personality and intentions are captured.
Would you like to outsource your speech writing needs but feel ashamed?  What are the reasons?  Any thoughts?
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