All speeches need to be memorable, but executive speeches are held to a higher standard. Some execs resort to ghostwritten speeches while others craft their own scripts because they don’t feel at ease delivering material they didn’t write themselves.  So, is it possible to sound confident, conversational, and compelling with a ghostwritten script?

We’ll explore how that’s possible, but first, let’s see why someone might benefit from using an executive speech writing service in the first place.

Why bother with executive speech writing services

Many people prepare their own presentations but stop doing so as they climb the corporate ladder. Why? They have less time and face higher stakes.

Executives giving opening remarks or delivering speeches no longer speak for themselves alone—they’re representing the organization as a whole. Yet, they usually don’t have enough free time to sit down and work on a draft, then edit it over and over again until it sounds just right. After all, writing a speech can take hours. That’s where an executive speech writing service comes in handy.

Typically, someone from the team will set up an interview or a call to get a feel of the required research, tone, and outline. Then, they’ll likely draft an outline and run it by you. If it looks good, they’ll start working on the draft, trying to mimic your style and rhythm as much as possible. When they’re done, they’ll send you a copy so you can test it out and see if it needs fine-tuning.

This way, the service will save you hours and help you weed out the errors that can reduce the impact of the speech. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have a fresh perspective from a professional writer! But, of course, ghostwritten speeches aren’t without their flaws.

7 Challenges of Delivering a Speech You Didn’t Write (And Their Workarounds)

Here are the common delivery problems and how to tackle them before they even happen:

Ineffective ghostwritten speeches in a company

1. The audience connection is missing

There’s a good chance that you’re familiar with some of the audience. At the very least, you’re familiar with the general vibe. The speechwriter isn’t. They’re basically writing for complete strangers in foreign corporate culture. This can create a wedge between you and your audience on the speech day.

To bridge the gap, let the writer know:

  • Who the audience members are to you and what they expect/need from the ghostwritten speech
  • The audience’s level of understanding of the topics covered
  • The venue size and layout
  • What do you, as an exec, want the audience to feel/do after the speech is over (for an appropriate call to action)

2. The style isn’t a match

Speechwriting services usually try to match the client’s style and voice as much as possible. However, to reduce the odds of receiving a script that doesn’t sound like you at all, make sure you provide enough material for the writers to mimic. It would be perfect if you could send videos of previous presentations. Your writer might also ask to record the initial interviews/calls so they can get a better feel of your style, syntax, and vocal tics.

3. The style is fine, but the content is generic

Ghostwritten content doesn’t have to be generic, and neither does your speech. The more data and research materials you give the speechwriter, the less they’ll have to resort to filler content. If you’re worried about handing sensitive data to the writing service, you can always ask about their NDAs and confidentiality practices.

While you’re at it, send over some anecdotes to make the script feel personal and relevant. In fact, anecdotal stories are vital for crafting a memorable executive speech!

4. The pace is off

The average speaking pace is 130 words per minute (wpm). Say you’re allotted time is 20 minutes. The speechwriter will likely do the math and deliver a speech that’s around 2,600 words long. But what if you’re a fast-talker? You’re options then are:

  • Set time aside and undergo executive speaking training
  • Exceed the time limit and risk ruining the schedule
  • Give your speechwriter a heads-up early so they can adjust the pace

The last option sounds much more convenient, doesn’t it? All you need to do is check your pace (preferably with a recording of previous speeches) to find out your wpm rate. Ask the speechwriter to keep this info in mind when they’re calculating the length.

5. You’re having a hard time faking spontaneity

Relying on a script (ghostwritten or your own) comes with the risk of sounding stiff and phony. There’s a lot that goes into that, from the rhythm to the writing style. However, pauses can do wonders for your delivery. The issue here is that conveying pauses isn’t always easy. Sure, the punctuation will give away the easy stuff, but a speech needs more silence than that. You need pauses for effect, emphasis, and reflection. If you’re not comfortable adding those yourself (or can’t be bothered), ask the speechwriter to add instructions in italics.

Ghostwritten speeches approval

6. Approval hierarchies can be tricky

In many cases, the speechwriter needs to run the drafts by more than just the executive speaker. The approvals of the board chair, legal team, stakeholders, and so on might be needed as well. The more comments each one has on the draft, the more time the writer is going to need for the revisions. Before you know it, you’re running behind the schedule. And the last thing you want before delivering an important speech is stress.

Do yourself a favor and submit all guidelines to your writer from the get-go. Alternatively, you can see if the writer is willing to contact the different parties and ask for guidelines and details.

7. You can’t memorize it all

Memorizing something you didn’t write isn’t easy, and a hectic schedule won’t help. But here’s the thing, you don’t have to learn the whole thing by heart. Just change the delivery mode.

The four main modes are manuscript, memorized, impromptu, and extemporaneous (using notes to trigger memory). It’s perfectly fine to use more than one mode. For instance, you can memorize the opening line, selected highlights (stats, quotes, jokes, etc.), and the closing sentences. The rest? You can cover in an extemporaneous delivery.

Final thoughts about ghostwritten speeches

In short, the best scripts are the product of collaboration on ghostwritten speeches. You have to work with your ghostwriter to make sure the tone, context, emotions, and insights are all on point. Oh, and you’ll need to rehearse. The more you familiarize yourself with the script, the better!

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