The Art of Speech Writing and Giving

A strange, surprising thrill has taken over me the past several weeks.  I do it in the shower.  I do it in the car on my morning and evening commute. I’m even doing it while washing dishes and folding laundry.  By “it” I mean practicing and writing speeches for my Toastmasters club.

I joined the Western Gate Pensacola, Florida Toastmasters group in May 2015.  I delivered my first two speeches in August and I am scheduled to give my third one in a few days.  In just six months, this club has already left a profound effect on me.  Because of Toastmasters, I recognize a real art form to conducting an effective meeting, giving a memorable presentation and especially in providing helpful, constructive feedback.

Since I joined this group, I have become “hooked” on writing and delivering speeches.  I spend two hours per week thinking up a “hook” to draw in listeners when I open my speeches.  After watching others present in my club, I find myself trying to draw a laugh, use a visual aid or act out a scene to create a lasting impression.  I rewrite and change my words for an effective closing too.

As a writer, I have a lot of material to use in my speeches.  I have past articles I am revamping in new ways.  I’m bringing my past experiences to life because of the speech writing and speaking habits.  The creative process skills applied to speech writing and speaking are exhilarating.  I never say the same things in the exact way twice.  Each speech and performance is unique (like watching a live play in theater).

A week ago I had an all-day Saturday workshop.  I had to sit inside listening to lectures from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  I came home about 6:00 p.m. feeling exhausted and mind blown.  Yet shortly after I settled into my room, inspiration hit me for my next event.  I wrote out my entire third speech for my next competent communicator challenge in Toastmasters.

I sprawled out on my bedroom floor and wrote furiously for fifteen minutes straight.  Three main points and five pages later, I had the communication completely written.

Then I took a step back to look at my work.  I smiled.  I felt pride.

The next day I began saying my written words aloud.  I didn’t even have to refer to my notes. Since I wrote them out already and given them much thought, I know the material.

Now I practice daily until speech-day arrives.  That brings me back to doing it in the shower, in the car and while I’m completing chores.

I still become nervous just before I give my dialogue.  A small part of me worries my mind will become a blank slate when I utter my first syllable…  Or I fear that the mind won’t connect with my tongue so I can speak clearly and intelligently.

Yet so far I’m doing well.  Somehow I’m astonishing myself during this process.  This experience is fun.  This is challenging.  To take a thought, be able to write it down and then deliver it aloud in front of an audience is an amazing experience.

Speech writing and giving helps me feel more confident and accomplished.  This group I’m a part of is uplifting and supportive.  I picture myself staying in this crowd for many years so I can continue to grow, learn and evolve.