The Art of Speechwriting: Crafting a Message That Shines Like a Perfect Necklace

A great speech is like a well-crafted necklace—each section is a carefully selected bead, strung together with purpose and intention. The opening and closing are the anchors, the clasps that hold it all together, while the middle is where customization, adaptation, and personal touches make it truly unique.

A strong speech doesn’t just convey information; it creates an experience, a journey for the audience. It follows a rhythm that ensures engagement, connection, and a lasting impact. Let’s break down this philosophy and explore how to structure a speech that captivates, persuades, and inspires.

The Open and Close: The Clasp That Holds It All Together

Just like a necklace needs a secure clasp to stay in place, a speech requires a strong opening and closing to provide structure and cohesion. These two elements remain consistent, no matter the audience, event, or setting.

The Opening: Your Second-Strongest Story

The first moments of your speech are critical. This is your chance to grab attention, establish credibility, and set the tone for everything that follows. Your opening should include:

• A powerful story – Your second-best, most universal story is the perfect way to open. It should be relevant, engaging, and set up the theme of your speech.
• A clear statement of purpose – Let the audience know what they can expect and why it matters to them.
• An element of surprise or intrigue – A question, statistic, or bold statement that makes the audience lean in.

Housekeeping Items: Right After the Opening

After your opening story, if there are logistical or “housekeeping” items—such as acknowledging sponsors, thanking organizers, or setting audience expectations—this is the time to include them. These items should never be the first thing the audience hears. You want to hook them first before diving into business.

The Closing: Your Strongest Story

A speech should end on a high note, with a message that sticks. Your final story should be your absolute best—one that is universally relatable, emotionally compelling, and reinforces your key message. The closing should:

• Tie everything together – Call back to your opening or a central theme from the speech.
• Leave a lasting impression – End with a powerful thought, challenge, or call to action.
• Be polished and repeatable – Your closing should be something the audience remembers and can easily share with others.

Last-Minute Housekeeping: Before the Close

If there are any final housekeeping items, such as directing the audience to resources, encouraging social media engagement, or reminding them of a next step, place them before your closing. This ensures that your last words are your strongest, rather than administrative details.

The Middle: Where Customization Happens

Between the open and close lies the heart of your speech—the section that adapts and flexes based on the audience, event, and purpose. This is where you tailor your message to ensure relevance and engagement.

Why Customize?

Customization makes a speech feel fresh and personal. It shows the audience that you care enough to understand their challenges, culture, and needs. While your framework remains consistent, the stories, examples, and emphasis shift depending on:

• The industry or profession of the audience
• The challenges they are facing
• The event theme or occasion
• The level of formality or engagement expected

How to Customize Effectively

• Adjust your stories – While your opening and closing stories remain the same, the middle stories and examples should be chosen specifically for the audience.
• Use audience-specific language – Incorporate industry terms, inside jokes, or cultural references to make the message resonate.
• Acknowledge the audience’s reality – Relate your content to what they are experiencing in their work or lives.
• Stay flexible – Be prepared to adapt on the fly if you sense a shift in audience energy or engagement.

The Necklace Effect: A Speech That Feels Whole

When done correctly, a speech should feel like a complete piece—structured, intentional, and seamless. The audience should walk away with:

• A strong first impression from the opening
• A clear, relevant message in the middle
• A powerful closing that lingers in their minds

By thinking of a speech like a necklace, you ensure that every part serves a purpose, and the final product is polished, cohesive, and impactful. Your open and close remain the secure clasps that hold everything in place, your middle is where you add the unique design, and your strongest story is the jewel that leaves a lasting impression.

So, the next time you sit down to craft a speech, remember: Start strong, finish stronger, and let the middle be the place where true connection happens.