How to write a perfect speech | BBC Ideas

Cody Keenan, speechwriter to Barack Obama, shares his top tips for how to deliver a speech that will be remembered. He says a great speech is authentic, speaks to something bigger and if you can get some jokes in there, great!
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[@bbcideas]

Good luck, aspiring speechwriters! If you enjoyed this video, give it a thumbs up and don’t forget to subscribe because we publish new videos every week 😊

[@loganjudge9033]

U r so gud

[@Mazarine21]

Bro only one comment

[@stanleyanney4938]

Good Lesson! Good idea!

[@Richard-cj8yg]

legit everyone is watching this for school lol

[@clarybellchingwaru3263]

Definitely

[@HighAF456]

True

[@meisme6209]

Yep

[@SummaryCtrl]

Me from india

[@ledlightscolor1292]

I have speech tomorrow

[@nia3468]

Who else got this for school work 😎

[@alphaover6205]

I did spongebob

[@nova9109]

yep 😔

[@asmakh3209]

me

[@rizkyimadafake5850]

Can i copy y'all homework ^_^ Jk XD

[@miniseddychannel6003]

Yeah for my English speaking exam

[@miloinacup7465]

I'm just writing about why circles are better than triangles. This should not be as complicated as I'm trying to make it.

[@potchidochi]

LMAO

[@Eli39029]

triangles are better tho

[@kadieharrison3672]

Triangles are better

[@Capboomboom]

Triangles are my favorite shape

[@pluun1809]

I got this as homework, it’s due in tomorrow, currently I am laying in bed, not giving a shit, and I will still sleep peacefully knowing I will have a detention. Goodnight.

[@dorsaebrahim3030]

omg same lol

[@aditiverma6703]

Samee😂

[@tijeanedwards2377]

a wild madlad has been spotted

[@Maxa763]

You made me laugh

[@XTYGriz]

Omg exact same lmao

[@abhaykhar6106]

World view Tell a story (headline of speech) Bigger than the moment Keep it real (authentic) (Fact and things that people know) Tell jokes also (if possible) (self depricating joke) Know your audience Best way to start - start writing constantly. Read widely. Take history courses History economy philosophy

[@silasbornmann891]

Your great man thats really all i wanted

[@mysticnightmare8152]

I'm writing a speech for a business course I'm in and this is some great advice. Writing a speech is a hell of a lot harder then people expect

[@kateee6706]

I’m trying to make a good school captain and sports/house captain speech so I can make it!

[@thecinedrone]

Wow, I'm also going for captain!

[@edwardjoyce36]

Did u make it

[@travisstimpson6380]

You really wanna go to uni lmao

[@thecinedrone]

@@edwardjoyce36 Nope, because I submitted it late xD

[@toysandfun1675]

Same ! Due is on 5th and today is 2nd

[@bubbleteaviolet3394]

I want to be head of year captain at my school and I can really see myself doing the job I hope that I get it wish me good luck guys!

[@kapriz456]

did u get it??

[@yke_sy]

did u get it

[@Hazza-dd3ef]

do you think he knows Obama's last name

[@elykeasberry4357]

Barrack Hussein Obama

[@Hazza-dd3ef]

@@elykeasberry4357 perhaps

[@lenzo2158]

@@elykeasberry4357 possibly

[@p3l3mc77]

idk dude it's really hard.

[@jeffcatgreeb7262]

I think someone told me it’s John but I’m not sure, maybe it could be smith

[@kathrinasuarez1078]

Thank you for this.I may win the competition now!😊

[@Tea_Ball]

Ayo!? How'd it go? What was it for?

[@B1ngleB0mb]

GIVE US AN ANSWER

[@klingenschmidt9261]

We need answers

[@1RYANDO]

Need answers

[@eklavya634]

how'd it go? did you win?

[@wekati]

Wow! Beautiful work! Thanks.

[@dirkbraby8458]

What's funny is JFK said "Ich bin ein Berliner" and this actually directly translates to "I am a jelly donut." I believe the proper way to say it would've been "Ich bin Berliner." Everyone obviously understood what he meant though and it wasn't a big deal, but I just think it's a pretty funny random fact. Source - my dad speaks German lol

[@TruetoCaesar]

Yeah I speak him german and told him that. True story

[@benhines8227]

it is true that berliner means donut, but it also means a person from berlin. so really he didn't make a mistake. berliner is a versatile word.

[@cherryjuice9705]

@@benhines8227 can a Berliner really be translated to a donut? I mean, it does not have a hole

[@jokerlought7423]

Berliner means either a jelly donut or (more likely) a person from Berlin, so the word with its meaning is stretchable.

[@yoojungisabouttobeyourbias6444]

I have a speech due tomorrow and I haven't started

[@hi9503]

Saaaaame

[@wrdgaf6957]

same

[@certified_npc3]

I got to make one about how to stop a world war or something idk

[@yoojungisabouttobeyourbias6444]

@@certified_npc3 simple. Leave earth

[@certified_npc3]

@@yoojungisabouttobeyourbias6444 either that or simply *distinigrates*

[@giancarlotubal5985]

Im here because i need to take a video of myself reciting my speech so that my teacher can see it 😁

[@arnavsajan8723]

hope it went well

[@rengoki]

30 mins before my speech and this is very help full lol 😆

[@beauyreksf5336]

Just got this for school.. it’s due in 5mins and I have to write a whole paragraph about this video and the video is 4minutes and 20 seconds yay...

[@allsides5626]

How did it go?

[@dhrubanath3123]

U r going to win the speech competition

[@lunamoonintheverse]

watching this for my head girl application wish me luck!

[@KwesiM]

Great tips here thanks for this.

[@jadethirfloor6035]

Hello! I am a teenager and just got in a speech contest. I'm such a good speaker with a lot of good written speeches but the problem is that my fellow teenage mates doesn't listen to my message and would just mock me. how could I write a speech that would give me their ears and be inspired by it?

[@leahschuhart9285]

The number one thing is to remember who you are speaking to and play to what they want to hear. Teens want you to be on a level that they understand, use simple vocabulary, or explain what you say if you don't. Also try using a pun or joke to warm them up on your topic. Relate to them and they will listen

[@dacia7795]

@Jody May lmao ok😂

[@aetherreal5355]

Shut up i dont care

[@sophiebrown4850]

@@aetherreal5355 Well dont watch it

[@namelesscartoon9691]

@@aetherreal5355 R U D E

[@Sabrinachr]

Cramming making a speech for an activity tomorrow pray for me🌚🌚

[@LH-sh2tz]

My teacher sent me this

[@islamicworld5784]

Same

[@sophiebrown4850]

same :(

[@thatguywhosayshi7021]

Lol

[@alanleaf2943]

I had come to comments for some additional information and there I see that almost all the viewers are there for school work JUST like ME

[@saidfarid6382]

Hello dear professor What you present is really interesting and crucial, thank you so much for your help and advice,i do appreciate your job,i wish you peace and happiness under the sky of prosperity,all the best. Take care and have a good time.

[@9SRR]

watching this for a science (biology) speech tomorrow...

[@arthmittal5108]

Anyone else watching this because they are running for student council?

[@lennondoran5546]

No.

[@dussypestroyer316]

No.

[@banksy4646]

No I have to do a speech and I can't wing it because i'm in the same class as a girl I like and I wanna look seem confident and smart

[@hi9503]

Well kinda

[@_tombo714]

yes.

[@laylakindafruity]

I'm applying in a student public speaking competition and I'm freaking tf out and I haven't even been accepted yet 💀

[@ellshend26]

Hello lads

[@re3x482]

sup my dude!

[@bronwyn.mp3]

Howaya

[@Anikun21]

I have speech tommorow!

[@leilamangelsdorf1285]

wow.

[@Fantagofootball]

I am running for school captain in 5 days!

[@var2835]

nice

[@allsides5626]

It's homework due tomorrow from school 😂. I guess everyone is here for same reason!

[@fernnicdao2247]

ok, so we all here for school ? lol

[@adaradimarco4934]

For anyone who needs things the said they learned here are some 1. Be bigger than the place

[@nicky2575]

2. Use jokes - but not too much

[@nicky2575]

3. Focus on key ideas/title sentences

[@nayukii3432]

omg i have to write a essay about a speech, chai im finished

[@shinoa_sheele3369]

Grade 10 students need this lol

[@mr.moveelookk]

this is too big brain

[@annagnc0m956]

Writing a speech on RBG

[@andrewtargett901]

Hola

[@unscriptedpower3606]

hola

[@alekshumphries9604]

I'm watching this for school

[@Creator0funnyshorts]

thank you

[@teaganbland954]

I have to write a speech for academic decathlon and I am stressing

[@ukvibes4844]

We all got this for school work

[@morganj1201]

I’m running for Vice President for my schools student council

[@bronwyn.mp3]

Good luck:3

[@morganj1201]

I lost😞

[@Guy.WhoAsked]

@@morganj1201 oof, you'll get em next time.

[@morganj1201]

@@Guy.WhoAsked thanks 😄

[@feen4puddha]

@@morganj1201 aw you good? 😂😂

[@Katherine-mj8sw]

I have to write a speech under 30 seconds for the schools elections yesterday I found out I got into the top 2 I'm running for treasure and my best friend got in for president and the girl I voted for vp got in too!

[@bethstreet9702]

This is my homework lol

[@Scamuel31]

He really sounds like a white Obama though

[@nikiandlukas3076]

Anyone have any good topics to write a speech about?

[@kashvimaurya3179]

write a speech on future challenges that a nation will be facing, after writing give it to me as well, I need it

[@kam371]

what is wrong with the audio, or is it just me🤔

[@kam371]

nvm it was just my headphones breaking

[@berrymariamartha]

who else has this for school-

[@oca478]

alguien qye me haga un resumen de esto es para hoy :)

[@monsemedinafilidor6008]

también estoy buscando eso 💀✋🏻🧍🏼‍♀️

[@oca478]

@@monsemedinafilidor6008 JAJAJAJAJAJAJAJ SOY OKITA FILIDOR LOL

[@what-oy7rx]

Anyone got tips for not freezing up like an ice cube? Cause I tend to do that.

[@prismmioouu]

me too

[@onlybetasgetoffendedbystri8030]

Breath idk I'm terrible at speeches too.

[@sofiyatur7803]

Pretend your telling a story, and kind of make sure that you know the people your giving a speech to well

[@sofiyatur7803]

Also realise that if you try hard no one will give af

[@what-oy7rx]

@@sofiyatur7803 Yeah, I've experienced that many times.

[@logicalson]

Tell a story!

[@ayesha_rabies173]

I lost a bet and now I have to go for sports captain and talk to a third of my school (like 160 kids), so the least I can do is not make it entirely shit. I really need to re-think my life decisions

[@ayesha_rabies173]

Update: I did the speech whilst wearing pit vipers and it went pretty well using some of the things mentioned in the video

[@linamidtvik536]

@@ayesha_rabies173 good job !!

[@luego]

hi pisayer

[@chelseaeustaquio8149]

Hello rin Pisayer

[@luego]

@@chelseaeustaquio8149 lol

[@intrinsic.valuesss]

Obama's speech super cool tho

[@timtam9531]

anyone else here for hw lolololol

[@shadesiphon6671]

Who else got this for school work 🙈

[@adaradimarco4934]

Me lol

[@alexburnette2526]

me

[@nathandaniel5451]

Am I the only one not here for schoolwork. I wanna write a good speech but I don't wanna be a professional writer and dedicate myself to writing speeches. I just wanna do a presentation at some schools about the Philosophy of learning mathematics.

[@beatriceolderog6994]

I have to write a speech fro my school's sporting event

[@itzombro]

My social anxiety ass dying over doing a speech in school.

[@Beah513]

I can bet 1 Dillion dollars that people are watching this for school work 🙂

[@billdavies6463]

0:35 "Tonight, I want to talk about what kind of future we're going to have, and what kind of nation we're going to be." DJT. If only we'd known!

[@randomguest4297]

Me

[@akshatjain1036]

Well for MUN

[@huzaifaahmad9787]

Hello fellow classmate!

[@cumshooter2005]

I have a damn exam tmr

[@hwang_hyunjinie]

How did it go?

[@mox9134]

Who else here to become the president on their minecraft server?

[@OshinTaniya]

its for big mouth in school

[@HG_1879]

Ahh yeas, "Ich Bin Ein Berliner" Which means "I am a Berlin Donut"

[@keonecapan4742]

That speech is too hard

[@mammekwaseakamela8995]

My mom made me watch this 🙄🙄😒😒

[@laqudori]

lol

[@adaradimarco4934]

Oof

[@rain-yg2yu]

What do u want to communicate Speak to something bugger than that moment Authentic; truth of the people, things ppl know and think TALK TO THEM use humor PERIODT. Know ur audience,

[@Guy.WhoAsked]

Running for class president.

[@elihugonzalez4550]

I dont no entender very mucho , ta mare mi profesor q se tomo hoy XD

[@k4tiscool]

can u tell us obamas last name pls

[@hwang_hyunjinie]

Lmao

[@kalebrotter2757]

Me and some people at my school have this imaginary country that where running. Right now I’m running for president.

[@Paige-wo3uk]

College hw 🥶

[@asmallguy6124]

two words to say, "Obongus Amogus".

[@aetherreal5355]

I had to do this in school and i didnt like the guy who spoke

[@ahadabdul7496]

here for animal farmmmm

[@jomjamnjoobjib8024]

Exhausted and frustrated composed by Xiangyin Jam I found you with the girl in the airport Both of you were booking a resort While I’m finding inspiration to record Plus practice skateboard for a competition I’m not gonna go for one I want a team manager from Boston And I want a flash drive of Kingston From thousand to none I gain exhaust and frustration I am going to the petrol station I want to visit the convenient store once Both of us need more attention Waiting from moon to the sun I will wear the necklace made from diamond Both of us will take part in the marathon Dusk until dawn All the buildings are warned For the earthquake and tornado Look at those district pole All the collapse make us psycho There’s a dough in the fridge This is the lunch to eat Because we could not go out of this building This must be cringe Can we use the wifi and GPS grid On the computer and phone That’s the cat’s moan She was hungry and need the food too I need a screw to open the broken shelf I need your help I can’t do it by myself There’s a cat canned food on the shelf Thank god how better I felt That means we must be together We can’t split You love to knit You are sweet Thread and pin are needed You want the new seat Our room is complete We need to fill more concrete Let’s do the guest greet Question: Can it be my speech?

[@SpiderHorseLegs]

Ahah!

[@jona2354]

420

[@aaronschrock8579]

Trumps speeches are absolutely amazing

[@tomaspalma5168]

you do you buddy

[@alphaover6205]

haha very funny. best joke ever

[@deffonotluke]

Amazingly bad

[@davidhenry9419]

Fantastic speeches, as long as you don't care that he's telling falsehoods. Or using them to manipulate people to despise other people who fight for their rights. And as long as you don't care that what Trump says is horrifically aimed at inspiring hatred and confused antagonism toward other groups, or that he is claiming to care about others while at the same time has spent his entire life never taking any unselfish action for others, only seeking gain by deceiving, taking from other people, and exaggerating himself.

[@davidhenry9419]

This is how dictators shift a country's perspective on what is normal, what is allowed, reduce the rule of law to increase the power of their commands, feed corruption, and move toward an authoritarian dictatorship where democracy is only in name, not in reality..

[@sippinsizzurp7678]

I hate big braind words with a passion

[@unknownkiller9194]

sala jud ni ninyo. gipag outline chuchu na nuon mi. ba't kayo ganyan?

[@LosingMyMind13]

I hate COM101