Short, Sweet, and to the Point

Have you ever watched a speech on the news and thought to yourself, "Huh?!" Many times, this is because communications specialists fail to think of their audience. Writing a speech in a concise and easily understood manner is effective, both for the speaker and the listener. The speaker will sound much more confident in their words, and the listener will be able to grasp the concept of the issue without having to dictionary.com anything.

Brad Phillips, of Phillips Media Relations, recently wrote an article "5 Ways to Write for the Ear, Not the Eye" in which he gave the following points:

• Use short words: While using larger words can be impressive, the point of a speech is to get your message across to your entire audience.
• Use short sentences: When you are delivering a speech, having long or run on sentences can be hard to read, much less understand. Shorter sentences are always easier to deliver and the most memorable.
• Use everyday words: Though the general population may have a large vocabulary, the majority of those listening to you only use a limited amount of non-conversational words.
• Use contractions: In writing formal documents, it is never advisable to use contractions. It is the opposite in spoken word. Using contractions such as I'll, I'm, and can't lend a more friendly and personable vibe when speaking to the public.
• Say them out loud: When you finish writing your speech, say it out loud. If you are stumbling over words and taking multiple pauses, maybe it's time, as Phillips says, "write for the ear, not the eye."

To read Brad Phillips' full article, click here.