One distinguishing feature of management is the constant need to communicate, particularly in front of groups. The highest, most pressured, and often most difficult form of this communication, in my opinion, is public speaking. I would like to take some time over the next few weeks delving deeper into this topic.
To get us started, I found this nicely done (and free) write-up by the Congressional Research Service, created to advise Congressional speechwriters:
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.
Writing for the spoken word is a special discipline; it requires that congressionalspeechwriters’ 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.
I highly recommend reading the entire write-up, it’s very well done.
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