Whenever I’m asked about the secret to powerful communication, I always pause, because it’s not really a secret. It’s something simple yet profound: speeches have the power to transform.
At Priori Orators, I’ve seen time and again how a single well-crafted speech can spark courage, shift perspectives, and open doors. A speech isn’t just words; it’s a vessel for vision and purpose. Let me walk you through how I personally approach writing a speech that goes beyond applause and into impact.
1. Start with Purpose
Before I write a single word, I ask myself: Why am I speaking?
Every speech must have a mission, whether it’s to inspire, to educate, or to persuade. Purpose is the compass that guides your language, structure, and delivery. Without it, even the most polished words feel empty.
2. Think About the Audience
I never write for myself, I write for the people who will be listening. A speech lives in the hearts of the audience, not on paper.
So I ask:
What are their fears, hopes, or ambitions?
How do I tie my message to their reality?
What can I say that will truly resonate with them?
That’s why at Priori Orators, we remind our speakers: a good speech is never about you, it’s about them.
3. Structure the Journey
I like to think of a speech as a journey I’m taking my audience on.
The opening must be bold. Start with a story, a striking fact, or a question that jolts people awake.
The body should focus on just two or three points. More than that, and you lose people.
The conclusion must land with weight. Tie back to your opening, ask a question that lingers, or issue a call to action.
If I’ve done it right, my audience doesn’t just hear me, they travel with me.
4. Use Language that Breathes
When I write, I don’t just think about meaning, I think about rhythm. Speeches are written for the ear.
Here are principles I live by:
Keep sentences short and clear.
Use repetition for emphasis.
Paint pictures with words. Imagery lasts longer than explanation.
Use “we” more than “you” to build unity.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about information, it’s about impact.
5. Refine Through Practice
Every great speech is rewritten, sometimes five times, sometimes ten.
Here’s my process:
Outline the purpose and the main points.
Write freely, without judgment.
Refine for clarity and rhythm.
Speak it aloud, adjust where it feels awkward.
Polish until it feels authentic.
We call this the Write, Speak, Refine cycle at Priori Orators. It’s the process that transforms words into living experiences.
6. The Priori Touch
What makes a Priori Orators speech different? Three things:
Storytelling: Every message must carry a human story.
Authenticity: People remember sincerity, not perfection.
Cultural relevance: Our speeches draw from local proverbs, shared struggles, and collective aspirations.
That’s why I always tell my team and trainees: a Priori Orators speech is not just heard, it’s felt.
7. Final Thought: Transformation, Not Applause
If there’s one thing I want you to take away, it’s this: the true measure of a speech is not the applause, it’s the transformation it leaves behind.
So I ask you today: What story will you choose to tell differently? What words will you use to light a fire in someone else?
That is the heart of speechwriting. That is the heartbeat of Priori Orators.
