8/7/2019 How to Write a Campaign Speech

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How to Write a Campaign Speech

Introduction:

-Introduce yourself to the audience as a whole, remember to place yourself at their level as a fellow

citizen.

-Keep the introduction short. Remember they already know who you are and generally what you stand

for. Try to keep out formalism like “Ladies and Gentlemen”, “I am So and So”, or “I would like to speak 

on”. The introduction should not be more than 3 sentences long and should not contain a thesis sentence.

Often if an audience disagrees with something in the thesis, the rest of the speech is disregarded. Present

your arguments as you get to them. Also remember that though this is not a formal argument, it is

 persuasion.

If you are giving a city-specific speech, mention the name of the city or its nickname in your introduction.

Examples:

“Fellow citizens it is a pleasure to be in the industrial heartland of America, today I want to speak 

about….”

“Thank you fellow Americans for the warm welcome and friendship. First I would like to present a few

thoughts on…”

Body:

For the main subject of the speech, present topics that are not only key to the presidential campaign but

also to the specific audience. What issues audiences see as important varies widely across the nation.

There are three important messages to get across when addressing each issue. First, that you are

competent to deal with each issue. To prove your competence, examples of past (positive) experiences

and an outline of a national solution are essential. Secondly, some logic is necessary but do not let this

 become the major part of the speech. The logic should simply explain how your solution will produce a

 positive change. Logic should not be directed against your opponent’s solutions. (This would become too

complicated of an argument for Joe-the-Plumber to follow) Finally, stir up emotions. This is the most

important part. Be sure to build up emotions throughout the speech. This means beginning the statement

of a national issue (bankruptcy, abortion, illegal immigration) with a very vivid picture/story/description.

Following through with how you are there to help and your well thought out solution. Then end with

something uplifting or simply send them on another rollercoaster with another topic.

Each issue should be introduced, explained and solved. Usually the solution comes out in the explanation.

The hard transition is from introduction of a problem to its explanation and solution. Be sure to make the

solution easy to understand and very general i.e. lower interest rates, support the border patrol and

 building of a fence, introduce public option, tax refunds for middle class between some general income

 boundaries or increase/decrease troop strengths on a general time scale. Do not include economic,

medical or military jargon.

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Example:

“Just today I met Juan Diaz, a father of three, and he told me how he had just struggled through 6 years

with a green card and is now a hard-working American citizen. (applause) He spoke to me of the many

illegals being taken advantage of in his manufacturing job. He asked how can they become citizens like

me? What Juan asked me is a question persistent within our Latin-American communities. It is wrong 

that American corporations pay illegals under minimum wage, subject them to harsh conditions and often

employ children. Presently these unsung American workers are not given the rights of citizens to appeal 

 such abuses. These immigrants are traveling down the same hard path our ancestors trudged some

centuries ago.

 I, too, was raised by two immigrant parents. If it were not for their drive and patriotism, I would not be

before you today. Our brothers are struggling on the same path of sweat and blood without the rights or 

 support that our ancestors enjoyed. America’s hardworking immigrant heritage is endangered if we do

not loosen the strict post-World War II immigration policies presently in place. People like Juan Diaz are

the future of America and deserve every right of citizenship. Their hope should not be clouded by border 

 fences or ICE agents. Border security is essential and I support a secure and strong border. But we must ensure that in the process of security, we do not alienate America’s future innovators, scientists and 

leaders.”

Solutions do not have to be specific, unless the speech is addressed to a special interest group. Do not be

too liberal with promises. As you can see above, it doesn’t really matter what exactly you are going to do

only that you feel compelled to help them and moved to solve the problem. The general solution at the

end is not enough to alienate moderates but enough to assuage the concerns of those being addressed.

Conclusion:

Generally, conclude with assuring hopes of a stronger and better America. Specifically, bring the

constituents suffering in each issue together and give them the confidence that together (with you!) they

can create a better future. Then hand the attention back to whoever introduced you. Final comments like

“Thanks for giving me the floor to express these concerns with you.” or “I appreciate having had this time

with you and look forward to meeting some of you later.” are appropriate too. Again avoid formalism.

This is not the place to ask for their vote or to give them your “creed”.