The Time Required for Professional Speechwriting: Factors and Influences

Creating a well-crafted and impactful speech is no small feat. It requires a great deal of time and effort, influenced by various factors that can vary widely. In this article, we will explore how long it typically takes for a professional speechwriter to produce a speech, understand the key factors involved, and share personal insights from an experienced speechwriter.

Factors Influencing Writing Time

The time it takes for a professional speechwriter to write a speech can fluctuate based on several significant factors. Here, we will delve into the key elements that can affect the writing process:

1. Length of the Speech

The duration of the speech is one of the most critical deciding factors. A short speech may take only a few hours, whereas a longer, more detailed keynote address could take several days. This variation underscores the need for thorough planning and research to ensure that the message is conveyed effectively within the given timeframe.

2. Complexity of the Topic

Topics requiring extensive research naturally take more time. For instance, speeches involving complex data or concepts necessitate significant time for investigation and synthesis into a coherent message. This research phase is crucial for ensuring that the speech is both accurate and persuasive.

3. Audience Considerations

Understanding the audience is paramount. A speech tailored for experts in a specific field will differ markedly from one designed for a general audience. Adapting the content to meet the audience's needs can significantly impact the writing time, as it requires modifications to ensure the message resonates effectively.

4. Speaker’s Tone and Style

The speechwriter must align the speech with the speaker's tone, style, and personality. This involves multiple drafts and revisions, especially if the speaker has specific preferences or requests. The speaker’s unique voice is a critical component of the speech's success and requires careful consideration and adaptation.

5. Research Requirements

Data, statistics, and quotes from other sources may be necessary to support the speech. This requirement adds extra time to the research phase, as the speechwriter must meticulously gather and incorporate relevant information to bolster the argument or message.

6. Revisions and Feedback

The writing process is often iterative, with feedback from the speaker or stakeholders leading to multiple rounds of revisions. These revisions are essential to refine the speech and ensure it meets the desired standards of quality and accuracy.

7. Deadline Pressure

Tight deadlines can intensify the writing process, potentially compromising the quality of the final product. However, in certain situations, a focused approach and prioritization can help meet the deadline without sacrificing quality.

8. Experience of the Writer

More experienced speechwriters can produce high-quality content more quickly due to familiarity with the process and subject matter. Their expertise allows them to navigate the writing process more efficiently, reducing the overall time required.

Personal Insights from a Professional Speechwriter

During my tenure as a professional speechwriter from 2001 to 2013, I produced approximately 150 speeches per year, roughly three per week, accounting for personal leave and vacations. For the House Veterans Affairs Committee, the workload was more focused, with six members for whom I provided regular support. On the Senate side, my workload was more concentrated, as I wrote two to three 5-10-minute speeches per day for one Senator, usually floor statements.

The average speech for VA Secretary was around 20 minutes, equating to about 2000 words. On my best day, I could draft a 20-minute full speech in under an hour, provided I was well-prepared with knowledge of the audience, subject, and research materials.

However, most speeches required multiple drafts and revisions. The Secretaries often needed 15-20 drafts before finalizing their speeches. Some speeches, particularly those for national-level conventions, took up to a week due to their complexity and collaborative nature.

For example, a one-minute speech about 100 words was completed in under five minutes:

The greatness of America lies in our faith in the Constitution, our faith in a shared vision, and our faith in each other.
Faith in the Constitution assures our freedoms, our rights, and our laws.
Faith in our shared vision assures us a true and rising path of progress for all who seek and strive for a better tomorrow.
Faith in each other assures us of helping hands and committed hearts when we personally, as families, as communities, or as a nation are in need, in good times, and in crises.
With such faith, America will never fail.
Thank you.

With such a speech, the factors influencing the process included face time with the speaker, time to discuss their thoughts, the complexity of the data needed, initial knowledge of the subject, access to experts, audience expectations, phone time with the host, available research time, and, of course, the available writing time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the time required for a simple speech might be a few hours, a well-researched and finely-tuned speech could take several days depending on the factors outlined. A professional speechwriter must be adept at managing these variables to deliver high-quality content that resonates with the intended audience.