Write a Synopsis.

The first thing to do about your speech is to write a synopsis.

Don't start on what the speechmakers call "the first draft." Write yourself a note explaining what you are trying to do with this speech, and then put down on paper an outline of how you are going to do the job.

What do I mean by a synopsis? Here's a formula.

1. A statement of your purpose or objective. What are you trying to do in this talk - to amuse, to instruct, to sell an idea? Write it down.

2. A statement of the philosophy of the talk. What will the group get out of it? Why is it to their benefit to listen to it? Write that out.

3. An outline of the points that you will cover in making the talk. These should be directed at your objective and should be in line with your philosophy.

4. A short summation of the points that you will leave with them. Remember that they can't remember a long list of points. Make this list short - three or four are about right.

The first part of the synopsis should be a statement of purpose. What is your purpose? To help old Charlie, who has been stuck with this meeting and needs a speaker? No, not that one. Is it to inform, to entertain, to persuade? Perhaps it's a bit of all those things. But write out that purpose - get down on paper what you are trying to do.

Continued...

From "How to Write a Speech"
By: EDWARD J. HEGARTY

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