How to Write & Give a Speech: A Practical Guide for Anyone Who Has to Make Every Word Count

by Joan Detz

With more than 65,000 copies sold in two editions and recommended by Forbes and U.S. News & World Report,this newly updated how to guide offers sound advice on every aspect of researching, writing, and delivering an effective speech. Filled with anecdotes, tips, examples, and practical advice, this accessible guide makes one of the most daunting tasks manageable-and even fun.Speaking coach Joan Detz covers everything from the basics to the finer points of writing and delivering a speech with persuasion, style, and humor.Topics Assessing your audience- Researching your subject-and deciding what to leave out- Keeping it simple- Using imagery, quotations, repetition, and humor- Special-occasion speeches- Speaking to international audiences- Using Power Point and other visual aids- And many moreUpdated to include new examples and the latest technology, as well as a section on social media, this is a must-have for anyone who writes and delivers speeches, whether novices or experienced veterans at the podium.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Self Help, Business

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one knows more about how to write and give a speech" than Joan Detz. As a professional corporate communicator I can confidently say this; I've used this book both to prepare my own presentations and to help others with theirs. Joan Detz is an excellent teacher (I've learned so much from her workshops), and she has the rare ability to carry over her teaching into her books.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really offers powerful insight into the art of communication and public speaking. It reminded me how important it is to convey ideas clearly and confidently, whether in front of a crowd or in writing. For anyone who struggles with crafting effective speeches or presentations, I’ve found services like https://essayshark.com/buy-speech.html speech writing option to buy speech online helpful — you can actually buy a speech online that’s customized to your tone, audience, and purpose. It’s a great support tool when you want to make sure your message lands just right.

[Terrance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I initially started this book as course material to teach ESL students how to give speeches, but Covid caused the course to be cancelled. Nonetheless I carried on reading the book as it proved to be fascinating and very detailed about how exactly to write and give speeches.

If you are at all involved in an industry where you need to give speeches, even occasionally, then I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

[jjuan Hakeem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good read, if you have a future or want to pursue (me) a career in public speaking, this is a practical guide for you to keep near. Even if your in the midst of your speaking career, this book can be valuable to you. It really covers all the important details you need to enhance your speaking.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had some good PR advice, especially at the end, for how to rephrase hard-hitting Q&A questions to work in your favor. Will have to reread that part again later.

[Idk why I m here · Rating 3 out of 5]

helpful

[Edmond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insightful comments when preparing for a speech. Book needs to be updated to account for modern zoom and online meetings.

[Han Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This revised 3rd edition of Joan Detz's HOW TO WRITE & GIVE A SPEECH is a sumptuous, wisdom packed book for speech makers of all occasions.
The contents are very well organized and easy to read. Every page offers very useful how-to information about speech making, from the writing and the final delivery of the prepared speech.
The appendix itself at the end of the book would prove to be very useful, should a person need to write a speech or have a hired professional speechwriter do it.
Not just the first timer but the seasoned speakers alike will benefit much from this book. I enjoyed reading this book and learned a lot.

[David Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really helpful guide to public speaking. Just like the approach it advocates, it’s simple and straightforward. Each chapter takes a basic concept like preparing your speech or delivering it and gives a bunch of helpful pointers for how to do it. The book is not very nuanced and certainly isn’t an in-depth look at the science of public speaking. Rather it is a good set of recommendations that can be used by anyone to refine and improve their speaking. Personally, I have not done much public speaking to this point in my life, so I found this book to be really valuable if and when I have the opportunity.

[Kate LaChapelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's really helpful and informational, however it feels like an overview of the subject, which is fine for those who are interested in the basics, but I was looking for something with more depth, hence the loss of star.

However, it does contain a lot of important information and I have highlighted, marked-up, dog-eared, and tabbed a bunch of sections for future reference.

This would be good for anyone who would like a better understanding of speechwriting and important things to consider while giving speechs, handling interviews, questions, and technical difficulties.

[Jacob Cruzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome book! It has practical advice for all speaking situations. I especially liked the appendix that listed great books and websites that will be helpful in preparing future speeches. I would reccomend this book.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for my Public Speaking class. It offers a comprehensive guide to writing and delivering a speech.

[Marquis Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this book. Really easy and simple to understand. Great breakdowns in every chapter. I have read this book twice and feel very confident in writing a speech.