Any tips on writing a good, powerful speech?

Question

For my high school graduation, I will be presenting an address to the parents. I have no trouble coming up with ideas, but how do I take the next step and add the emotional punch. Any advice, conventional or unconventional, will be desired. Thanks!

Answer 1

Obviously, you want to connect to them, and get them all listening to what you have to say. You have to get them all in the same mental frame of mind.

Okay, so how do you do that? Well, first you have to figure out where they are now, mentally.

Mentally, they are thinking something like "Hot damn! We're done raising this kid, now we just have to pay for college!" or maybe thinking "How long till dinner?" but they are NOT thinking "Oh boy! Another speech!"

That's not exactly where you want them to be, is it?

So, you have to shake them off-center, and get them all into the same mental place, one from which you can lead them to where you want them to be.

I'd suggest you start off rather low-key, and invite them to reminisce about their own high school graduation. Remember how they felt, what they expected, what they planned, etc., etc., etc. Then you suddenly (as in, talk louder and more forcefully) bring them back to today, right where you want them, and point out that that's exactly where their own kids are right now, with similar plans, hopes, and dreams....

Where you go from there is up to you, but you'll have them all in the same place, and that's focused on their kids, and what you're about to tell them about their kids and the future.

Answer 2

Write with your emotion- if you put all of your feelings into it, it will feel very powerful.