This passage reminds us that the journey to a great speech (or any piece of writing) starts by simply getting your ideas out. You don’t have to be perfect at first—just write freely. As you write, you may discover new insights and angles that you hadn’t considered before, and that raw material will eventually refine itself into a clear, compelling message. This approach is similar to freewriting techniques promoted by experts like Peter Elbow, who encourages writers to overcome self-criticism and get their thoughts flowing without the pressure of perfection. It’s a powerful way to break through writer’s block and set the stage for further editing and honing later on.

This passage explains the crucial editing phase in preparing your speech. After you’ve written down all your thoughts, it’s time to shape them into a coherent, focused message. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

• Evaluate and Trim: Aim for a clear and concise message. For example, a five- to seven-minute speech should be around 800 words. Think of your initial draft as a rough block of marble that needs to be sculpted—cut out anything that doesn’t directly support your central idea.

• Use Visual Reminders: Once you’ve pared down your content, read your speech as if you’re delivering it. Adjust your text with visual cues—different fonts or symbols—to remind you when to change your tone (softly or loudly) or pause. These cues help ensure that your delivery matches the intended emotional and rhythmic flow.

• Mind Time Constraints: Be strict about the allotted time. Even the best content can fall flat if you run over your time limit. Respect the agenda—if you’re given 10 minutes, aim to finish within that window, as going over can frustrate your audience or, in some settings, lead to disqualification.

This methodical approach—from drafting to refining—ensures that every word serves your purpose and that your speech is both engaging and time-efficient.

First drafts need not be flawless—they just need to be put on paper. In one memorable instance, when I exceeded my speech’s time limit, my mentor, Vincent De Tholath, reminded me that while conveying your message is vital, respecting time constraints is just as important. His advice was simple: “Focus on the objectives.” Even if you have four points to cover, if time is short, it’s far more effective to concentrate on the two most essential points and express them meaningfully.

Practice until your delivery feels completely natural. Start by reading your speech aloud in a space where you feel at ease—whether that’s in your car, bedroom, or even the shower. As you practice, focus on incorporating the right expressions, pauses, and eye contact. This isn’t just about reading words—it’s about shaping your delivery so that each sentence lands with the intended emphasis and emotion.

Aim to speak clearly, at a volume that carries, and at a pace that lets your audience follow along. Over time, through repeated practice, you’ll internalize your speech. Internalizing means you no longer need to consciously recall every word—instead, the material becomes a part of you, allowing you to engage naturally with your audience. As Ed Tate, Toastmasters’ 2000 World Champion of Public Speaking, explains in his book Speaker’s Edge, “Internalizing means that you own the material and it’s a part of you—it’s in your head and your heart. It’s visceral. It’s in your gut. As a result, you come across as real, authentic, and genuine.”

Though it might seem daunting at first, the “Write, Edit, Practice” method will eventually become second nature, empowering you to deliver your message with confidence and genuine connection every time.