A good speech is one that you deliver in your own voice.
A good speechwriter can capture your voice, but only if:
(a) We can hear you talk unscripted using the lingo you would use in the speech – i.e. I need to hear you in a meeting if it’s a work speech. I need to hear you talk to your kids if it’s a personal, family toast.
(b) You are honest with yourself and with us as to what works for you – i.e. I can give you a great turn of phrase, but if you don’t understand it, don’t buy into it, or get tongue-tied saying it, then it won’t work.
In the end, the speech or toast is your message.
Even if you write the toast or speech and capture the message and tone you like on paper, it is imperative that you read your words aloud…over and over and over…and do so in front of an audience of at least one. This will confirm that you can say the words and let you see the reaction and make sure it’s the one you want!
Written and spoken words are different…words that look different on paper, can sound the same aloud, confusing the audience…beware the tongue-twister and the double entendre.
Anyone out there have an example of a good speech gone bad because of one misplaced or mispronounced word?