Speechwriters research and write speeches on multiple topics. They need to catch and hold the interest of an audience. Speechwriters create presentations in a conversational tone so it looks like if the text was not scripted. They write in a comprehensible manner so the audience gets the message of the speech.
Rate 5 of the 12 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
prepare speeches
identify customer's needs
consult information sources
write in conversational tone
develop creative ideas
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (12)
writing techniqueswriting techniquesThe different techniques to write a story such as the descriptive, persuasive, first person and other techniques.spellingspellingThe rules concerning the way words are spelled.grammargrammarThe set of structural rules governing the composition of clauses, phrases, and words in any given natural language.copyright legislationcopyright legislationLegislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.prepare speechesprepare speechesWrite speeches on multiple topics in a way to hold the attention and interest of an audience.identify customer's needsidentify customer's needsUse appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.consult information sourcesconsult information sourcesConsult relevant information sources to find inspiration, to educate yourself on certain topics and to acquire background information.write in conversational tonewrite in conversational toneWrite in such a way that when the text is read it seems as if the words come spontaneously and not at all scripted. Explain concepts and ideas in a clear and simple manner.develop creative ideasdevelop creative ideasDeveloping new artistic concepts and creative ideas.apply grammar and spelling rulesapply grammar and spelling rulesApply the rules of spelling and grammar and ensure consistency throughout texts.use specific writing techniquesuse specific writing techniquesUse writing techniques depending on the type of media, the genre, and the story.perform background research on writing subjectperform background research on writing subjectRun thorough background research on writing subject; desk-based research as well as site visits and interviews.
Optional (14) — show
breathing techniquesbreathing techniquesThe various techniques to control the voice, body, and nerves by breathing.vocal techniquesvocal techniquesThe various techniques for using your voice correctly without exhausting or damaging it when changing voice in tone and volume.pronunciation techniquespronunciation techniquesThe pronunciation techniques to properly and understandably pronounce words.perform multiple tasks at the same timeperform multiple tasks at the same timeExecute multiple tasks at the same time, being aware of key priorities.manage schedule of tasksmanage schedule of tasksMaintain an overview of all the incoming tasks in order to prioritise the tasks, plan their execution, and integrate new tasks as they present themselves.evaluate writings in response to feedbackevaluate writings in response to feedbackEdit and adapt work in response to comments from peers and publishers.proofread textproofread textRead a text thoroughly, search for, review and correct errors to ensure content is valid for publishing.manage writing administrationmanage writing administrationManage the financial and administrative side of writing including making up budgets, maintaining financial records, checking contracts, etc.promote one's writingspromote one's writingsTalk about one's work at events and conduct readings, speeches and book signings. Establish a network among fellow writers.use word processing softwareuse word processing softwareUse computer software applications for composition, editing, formatting, and printing of any sort of written material.select subject matterselect subject matterSelect subject matter based on personal or public interest, or ordered by a publisher or agent.write to a deadlinewrite to a deadlineSchedule and respect tight deadlines, especially for theatre, screen and radio projects.practice humourpractice humourShare humourous expressions with audience, eliciting laughter, surprise, other emotions, or a combination thereof.analyse the comments of selected audiencesanalyse the comments of selected audiencesIdentify and summarise recurring and distinctive elements in comments from selected, trusted audiences.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
Speechwriters research and write speeches on multiple topics. They need to catch and hold the interest of an audience. Speechwriters create presentations in a conversational tone so it looks like if the text was not scripted. They write in a comprehensible manner so the audience gets the message of the speech.
What skills does a speechwriter need?
A speechwriter needs 12 essential skills, including writing techniques, spelling, grammar, copyright legislation, prepare speeches.
Will AI replace speechwriter jobs?
The AI disruption score for speechwriter is 57/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: spelling, apply grammar and spelling rules, grammar. Most resilient: vocal techniques, breathing techniques, perform background research on writing subject.
This is the average for the whole occupation. The AI Career Shield test (about 10 minutes) shows the risk in your own work and what you can do about it.