How to Write a Speech: A Simple 6-Step Formula
Ed Darling
9 min read
What you’ll learn:
- Why a clear structure is the secret to impactful speechwriting.
- My proven 6-step framework to craft a speech that resonates.
- How to grab attention from the start and leave a lasting impression.
How to Write a Speech — Made Simple and Powerful
Writing a speech can feel like a daunting task, but it really doesn’t have to be.
Whether you’re preparing a work presentation, a keynote talk, or a best man’s speech, by the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to write a speech that engages, inspires, and sticks with your audience.
The trick? A simple, versatile framework that brings clarity to your ideas and charisma to your delivery.
I’m Ed, head coach and co-founder of Project Charisma. I’ve coached countless professionals, business owners, and nervous first-timers to deliver talks that win hearts and minds.
This 6-step formula is the one I share with every client to help them master how to write a speech with confidence. I’ll walk you through each step, share real-world examples for different speech types, and sprinkle in tips to boost your public speaking charisma.
The first step is something 99% of people miss, so let’s dive in and make your next speech unforgettable!
Step 1: Discover Your Speech’s “Golden Thread”
The first rule of how to write a speech is to know exactly what you’re trying to say.
Without a clear objective, your speech risks feeling vague or disjointed, leaving your audience confused. That’s why we start with the “Golden Thread” – the key idea or message that ties your speech together, like a thread weaving through every section to create a cohesive story.
To find your Golden Thread, ask yourself these two questions:
- If I had to sum up my speech in one sentence, what would it be?
- If my audience remembers just one thing, what should that be?
Your Golden Thread acts like a North Star, guiding every word you write. It’s not something you announce outright (though it might inspire a catchy title or phrase).
Instead, it’s an internal tool to keep your speechwriting focused and ensure every part connects to your core message.
Golden Thread Examples:
- Work presentation: “Customer referrals are our superpower.”
- Motivational speech: “Your past doesn’t define your future.”
- Wedding speech: “Love is a journey.”
For a historic example, in Martin Luther King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, the Golden Thread was a vision of equality. It ran through every section, with the phrase “I have a dream” repeated to hammer it home.
When you nail your Golden Thread, it makes every next step of writing your speech easier, and ensure the end result will make sense to your audience!
Speechwriting Tip: Write your Golden Thread on a sticky note and keep it visible while drafting. If a section doesn’t tie back to it, cut or rework it. Test your thread by sharing it with a friend – does it capture the essence of your speech in a single, clear idea?
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Step 2: Hook Your Audience in Seconds
The first 10–30 seconds of your speech are make-or-break.
Most speakers squander this moment with bland intros like: “Hello, I’m John from accounting, here to talk about quarterly figures…”
It’s predictable, uninspiring, and a missed opportunity. When learning how to write a speech, your opening must grab attention and set the tone.
That’s where the “hook” comes in – a short, punchy opener that makes your audience sit up and listen. A great opener sparks curiosity, emotion, or intrigue, and it should tie to your Golden Thread. Here are some opening hooks types to consider:
- A surprising statistic
- A thought-provoking question
- A humorous anecdote
- A thoughtful quote
- A bold statement
Check out how Apollo Robbins opens his TED Talk with a question that instantly hooks the audience.
Your hook should match your speech’s tone: serious for a keynote, light-hearted for a wedding, and set the stage for what’s to come.
Hook Examples:
- Work presentation: “What if I told you we could boost revenue by 35% without spending a single extra penny on ads?”
- Motivational speech: “At 30, I hit rock bottom – jobless, lost, and convinced I’d never recover. I was wrong.”
- Wedding speech: “Love is a fire. But whether it warms your hearth or burns down your house, you can never tell!” – Joan Crawford
Speechwriting Tip: Pause just before and after your hook to let it land with impact. Practise it aloud to ensure it feels natural and aligns with your public speaking style. For more inspiration, read our guide on 9 Killer Speech Openers to master how to write a speech that starts strong.
Step 3: Introduce Yourself and Build Credibility
With your audience hooked, it’s time to introduce yourself and set expectations.
This step is about building trust and giving context — why are you speaking, and what can they expect? If the audience doesn’t know you, share relevant credentials or experience to establish credibility.
If they do, keep it brief and focus on the speech’s purpose, tying it to your Golden Thread.
Think of this as laying the foundation for engagement. A strong introduction answers: Who are you? Why should we listen? What’s coming next? Avoid overloading with details — stick to what’s relevant and keep the energy high.
Introduction Examples:
- Work presentation: “Good morning, I’m Jenny from Marketing. I’ve spent six months analysing our referral data, and today I’ll share a proven plan to double our referrals by Q3.”
- Motivational speech: “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m a speaker and author today, but a decade ago, I was unemployed and hopeless. I’m here to share how I turned my life around – and how you can too.”
- Wedding speech: “Good afternoon, I’m Luke, the Best Man. I’ve known the Groom since our uni days, and I’m thrilled to share a few stories about why he and the Bride are perfect together.”
Speechwriting Tip: In formal settings, highlight a key credential (e.g., “I’ve coached 100+ leaders”). For casual events, a personal connection works (e.g., “I’ve seen the Groom’s best and worst moments”). If appropriate, briefly thank hosts or the audience, but don’t let it derail your focus. Rehearse this section to sound confident and concise.
Step 4: Craft a Clear and Compelling Speech Body
The body is the meat of your speech, where you deliver your core ideas, stories, or arguments.
It’s also where many speakers go off track, rambling from one point to another until the audience is lost.
When learning how to write a speech, clarity is key. A well-structured body keeps your message sharp and your audience engaged.
Where possible, divide your body into three distinct sections. Why three? Humans process information best in triads (see our guide on the power of three), making it easier for you to organise and for your audience to follow. Common structures include:
- Beginning, middle, end (classic storytelling)
- Past, present, future (a journey)
- Three stories, challenges, or goals
For complex topics like technical presentations or sales pitches, you might need 5–7 “chapters.” Clearly introduce each section, explain its relevance, and pause briefly at the end – like turning a page in a book – to let your audience process and build anticipation.
Body Examples:
- Work presentation: “Our referral strategy rests on three pillars: building trust, delighting customers, and making the ask. Let’s dive into each.”
- Motivational speech: “To show how our past doesn’t define us, I’ll take you through my journey: where I started, where I stumbled, and where I am now.”
- Wedding speech: “I’ve chosen three stories about the Groom that capture why he and the Bride are a perfect match — starting with a classic from our school days.”
Speechwriting Tip: Outline your body before writing. For each section, note one key point or story that ties to your Golden Thread. Use transitions like “Now, let’s move to…” to guide your audience.
If you’re covering dense material, add a quick recap between sections to reinforce clarity. Practise pacing to keep your delivery engaging.
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Step 5: Deliver a Memorable Conclusion
Your conclusion is your chance to tie everything together and leave your audience with a clear, powerful takeaway.
When learning how to write a speech, the conclusion is where you drive home your Golden Thread. This isn’t the place for new ideas, apologies, or excessive thanks — focus on summarising your message in a way that resonates emotionally or intellectually.
Link your conclusion to your hook and Golden Thread for a sense of closure. Use a rhetorical question, metaphor, or vivid image to make it stick, like David Eagleman’s TED Talk conclusion.
Ask yourself: What do I want my audience to feel, think, or remember?
Conclusion Examples:
- Work presentation: “When we master trust, delight, and the ask, referrals become our superpower, turning clients into advocates.”
- Motivational speech: “My journey proves one thing: no matter how far you fall, you can rise again. Your past doesn’t define your future.”
- Wedding speech: “[The Bride and Groom’s] story shows that love is a journey – full of laughter, surprises, and endless adventures ahead.”
Speechwriting Tip: Write your conclusion early to keep it focused. Practise delivering it with vocal variety — slowing down for emphasis or raising energy for inspiration — to keep things engaging. Avoid ending on a weak note; make it bold and definitive so it remains memorable.
Step 6: End with a Call to Action or Thought
You’ve delivered your message and wrapped up your points, most speakers stop here. Not so fast!
There’s one final step to make your speech unforgettable. This is your Call to Action (CTA) or Call to Thought (CTT), channelling the energy you’ve built into a clear next step or moment of reflection.
A CTA is a specific, actionable step: sign up for a programme, try a new strategy, or connect afterward.
A CTT, inspired by Justin Welsh, is introspective, prompting the audience to rethink or reflect. Choose based on your goal, CTAs for practical outcomes, CTTs for inspiration.
CTA/CTT Examples:
- Work presentation (CTA): “Let’s start today; reach out to one client this week and ask for a referral. We’ll track results and celebrate the top performer!”
- Motivational speech (CTT): “Ask yourself: where are you letting obstacles hold you back, and what’s one step you could take to change your path?”
- Wedding speech (CTA): “Let’s raise a glass to the Bride and Groom, then hit the bar and make some new memories!”
Speechwriting Tip: Keep your CTA/CTT clear and concise. Deliver it with confidence, thank the audience, and exit cleanly. Don’t ramble on afterward! Practise this moment to ensure it feels polished and purposeful.
Your Blueprint for How to Write a Speech
Without a framework, speechwriting can lead to analysis-paralysis or a rambling talk that loses your audience.
Now that you’re armed with this 6-step formula, you know exactly how to write a speech that captivates and inspires, ensuring you always remain memorable. Here’s the recap:
- Define your Golden Thread to anchor your message.
- Hook your audience in the first 10–30 seconds with a bold opener.
- Introduce yourself to build credibility and set expectations.
- Structure the body into three clear sections (or 5–7 for complex topics).
- Conclude powerfully, tying back to your Golden Thread with a memorable takeaway.
- End with a CTA/CTT to inspire action or reflection.
Even if you’re new to public speaking, this framework can give you the clarity and confidence of a pro. Public speaking is a skill that grows with practice, just like any other.
The more you use this structure, study great speakers, and deliver talks, the more your public speaking charisma will naturally develop.
Try drafting a short speech using this formula, then rehearse it aloud to yourself in the mirror, on video, or to a friend to refine and practice your delivery. Every repetition will make you a better writer, and speaker.
Struggling with how to write a speech or want to take your skills further? Reach out via our contact page or join our training programmes to work personally with me on your next big speech!
To your speechwriting success,
Ed, founder of Project Charisma
