This report reviews some effective means for the rhetoric of persuasive communication in speeches written by congressional staff for Senators and Representatives. Such speeches are often prepared under the pressure of deadlines that leave minimal time for extensive revision. Writing For The Spoken Word: The Distinctive Task of The Speechwriter

Writing effective speeches requires a constant awareness of the distinction between the written and the spoken word: the speechwriter must learn to "write aloud." One of the first rules of the speechwriting profession is that a sentence written to be heard should be simple, direct, and short. Its "rules" are meant to foster clarity of expression, whatever the occasion and purpose of any given speech. Demographics

Bates and others list a number of criteria useful in audience analysis, including, among others: age; gender; culture; education; profession ; size of the audience; and affiliation. Draft remarks should be familiar, sympathetic, and topical, without being condescending. They do not need proof of their importance. The Member's role as a community leader and spokesperson on these occasions should not be underestimated; it is a great honor for him or her to deliver remarks at these community rites, and a congressional speechwriter should devote talent and originality to them. Speechwriting Resources

Congressional speechwriters often consult the Congressional Research Service first when preparing a draft statement or an address for a Member. They are available exclusively to congressional staff from the CRS Home Page and provide a ready resource to the congressional speechwriter. A speech outline generally is not nearly as detailed as an outline for an academic work, such as a journal article, or even a research paper. Structure

			Three-Part Structure

Nearly every speech will have a basic three-part structure of introduction, body, and conclusion. Contemporary Style and Tone

The accepted style of contemporary oratory is generally low key, casual without being offensively familiar, and delivered directly to the audience in a conversational tone and volume. It puts the audience at ease and helps promote psychological bonding between listeners and speaker. One writer has further distinguished three methods of punctuating:
by structure or logic to indicate the sense of what is being said; by the rhythm of word order and intended meaning—a subtle use best avoided by novice speech writers; and by respiration—that is, by the physical ease of natural speech, which assumes that what is read is really spoken. Speech Presentation

Effective delivery can transform a weak speech and make it sound very good.
The frequent delivery of public remarks by Senators and Representatives is an important element of their roles as community leaders, spokespersons, and freely elected legislators. Congressional staff are often called on to help prepare draft remarks for such purposes.
Writing for the spoken word is a special discipline; it requires that congressional speechwriters' products be written primarily, although not exclusively, to be heard, not read. Speeches are better cast in simple, direct, and often short sentences that can be easily understood by listeners. Rhetorical devices such as repetition, variation, cadence, and balance are available to, and should be used by, the speechwriter.
It is important for speechwriters to analyze audiences according to factors such as age; gender; culture; profession; size of audience; political affiliation, if any; and the occasion for, and purpose of, the speech. Most effective speeches do not exceed 20 minutes in length.
After researching a topic, speechwriters should prepare an outline from which the speech will be developed. They should strive to maintain a clear theme throughout the speech. Most speeches will have a three-part structure consisting of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
The accepted style of contemporary American public address is natural, direct, low key, casual, and conversational. This puts listeners at ease and promotes a sense of community between audience and speaker.
Punctuation should reflect the sound structure of the speech, reinforcing the rhythm and pace of actual speech. Clarity of expression is as important a consideration in speech grammar as rigid adherence to rules for written language.
Effective delivery can greatly improve a speech. Congressional speechwriters should make every effort to become familiar with the speaking style of the Member for whom they are writing, and adjust their drafts accordingly.
A wide range of speechwriting resources are available for congressional staff from the Congressional Research Service and other sources.