Writing political speeches

Presented by Rob Turrell

Dates: 30 October to 27 November

Time: 18:00 to 20:00

Platform: MS Teams

Course fee: R3 750

A good speech will take you on a journey from the past to the future, from the personal to the universal and from fear to hope.

This course is aimed at those who write speeches for politicians at all levels of government. Participants will learn how to write speeches based on the canons of rhetoric, which is the art of persuasion. They will learn how to draft good arguments, how to arrange arguments for the best effect, and how to shape arguments using rhetorical techniques. Participants will also learn how to write simply and clearly.

Session 1: The language of public speaking

In the opening session participants will learn the differences between the spoken and the written word. Speeches are spoken and are translated from written words. The approach to grammar, word selection and sentence construction differs according to whether one is writing or speaking. Participants will learn the difference between speaking in private and speaking in public. 

 Session 2: Using rhetorical techniques

The Greeks and the Romans spent a great deal of time studying rhetoric and oratory. They set about classifying different techniques and teaching them to those who would eventually become active in politics, law and government. In this session participants will learn how to use these same rhetorical techniques. They are integral to the way effective speakers are persuasive or convincing. Participants will learn how to use contrasts, alliterations and lists of three.

Session 3: Using imagery and anecdotes

Imagery enables us to capture complex ideas in a brief and economical way. A single word, phrase or sentence can make a point that would otherwise take many more sentences to explain. Imagery provides a means of sharing ideas in a form that is easy to remember. Participants will learn how to use similes, metaphors and analogies.

Session 4: Structure and preparation 

In this session participants will learn how to structure the main arguments of a speech. Rhetorical techniques and imagery require a coherent structure to carry strong arguments. This involves being clear about two important points. What is the purpose of your speech? What is the main message you want to get across in your speech? 

 Once you know how to frame the main argument you will learn how to emphasise it, over and over again. The address Dr Martin Luther King delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on 28 August 1963 is known as the I Have a Dream speech for a good reason; he repeated ‘I have a dream’ over and over. Barack Obama repeated the phrase ‘Yes we can’ until it became a rally call for his 2008 election campaign. 

Session 5: Prepping your politician 

Public speaking does not come naturally to most of us. It makes us tense. It can raise blood pressure, cause an irregular heartbeat and make you sweat. Tension directly affects the voice. Participants will learn about the importance of non-verbal communication – folded arms, talking on the move and eye contact.