However, you don't have to wait a long time to give a speech. One of the skills you'll learn in this book is how to get the facts you need to make your point. Various research techniques are covered in depth in Part 2, It's All in the Planning. There's no substitute for doing your homework. Work and rework your speech until it is entertaining, important, and meaningful.
Powerful speakers use language skillfully.
Your audience may be potential supporters at a political debate, friends at a retirement dinner, students at a graduation, or executives at a corporate meeting. But whoever they are, you will either win or lose them with the speech you write and deliver. Her name soon became a synonym for the misuse of words, especially by speakers who are trying to sound important. Ask around to find out the unwritten rules. Listen to stories to find out who the company heroes are and what they did to earn that respect.