While public speaking is a valuable skill, many people feel anxious or uncomfortable giving speeches, especially for important occasions. If you’ve been asked to give a speech but don’t feel confident in your abilities to write and deliver an effective speech on your own, hiring a professional speechwriter can help take some of the pressure off. A good speechwriter can help ensure your message is conveyed clearly and has the desired impact on your audience.
When hiring someone to write a speech for you, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
Research speechwriting professionals. Look for those with experience writing speeches for a variety of occasions and audiences. Check reviews and previous client testimonials when available. Consider speechwriters who specialize in the type of event or industry you’re speaking in. For example, a political speechwriter may be a better fit than a wedding toast writer for an important work presentation.
Provide context and direction for the speech. The speechwriter needs a clear understanding of your audience, event details, speaking environment, time limitations, and overall objective or goal for the speech. Give them background on your organization or topic as needed. Be prepared to answer questions to ensure they grasp the context and messaging you want to convey.
Schedule an initial consultation. Set aside time to discuss the speech in person or via video call. Come prepared with an outline of the key points you want to cover. The speechwriter can offer suggestions and provide a strategic framework. Discussing it live allows for back-and-forth to refine the vision.
Review outlines and drafts. Provide prompt feedback on outlines, topic proposals, and full drafts as they are submitted. Be available to discuss any parts of the message, structure, or flow that you feel could be improved. Your input throughout the writing process will help shape a speech that truly represents your authentic voice and vision.
Practice delivering the speech. Once you have a final draft, practice reciting it out loud several times to familiarize yourself with the wording and flow. Revise any parts that feel unnatural for you to say. Record yourself as well to get a sense of timing and delivery. The speechwriter may be available to provide feedback and suggestions after watching or listening to your practice runs.
Build in time for revisions. Even with client review of drafts, expect the speechwriting process to require at least 1-2 iterations as the speech is fine-tuned based on your feedback. Build a revision period into your timeline to allow for adjustments based on your practice deliveries as well. Communicate any last-minute changes that come up clearly and promptly to the writer.
Trust the expertise of the professional. Resist the urge to overhaul large portions of the speech yourself once a draft is provided. The speechwriter crafted the message strategically based on their expertise – significant reworking risks losing that strategic framework. Focus feedback on refinement rather than full rewrites wherever possible. Their experience can help take an effective speech to the next level.
Pay promptly once completed. As with any freelance work, discuss payment terms upfront and abide by them. Prompt payment upon final delivery of the speech shows your appreciation and supports the writer doing further work for you or being recommended to others. Most speechwriters require at least a 50% upfront payment or deposit to begin work.
On the day of the speech, relax and focus on delivery. By working closely with a professional speechwriter, you’ve done the difficult work ensuring a high-quality, impactful message is in place. On event day, focus on feeling comfortable with the speech and authentically conveying the message to your audience rather than worrying over the writing. Let the speechwriter’s expertise shine through the final product.
With preparation and collaboration with an experienced speechwriter, there’s no reason to fear public speaking engagements, even for VIPs or occasions with high stakes. A well-crafted, strategic speech delivered confidently can inspire and motivate audiences. Hiring a speechwriter takes the pressure off writing while still allowing input to make the speech truly yours. With the right professional, it’s a low-risk way to maximize the impact of your message.
Finding the right speechwriter, providing thorough briefings, building in revisions time, and trusting but also contributing to their process will result in an effective, polished speech that you can feel great delivering on the day. Communicate well, review carefully, practice delivery, and let a pro speechwriter’s expertise shine through for your next important public speaking occasion.