Why not take the stress out of ‘saying a few words’ by using my confidential and highly praised service? Please read on for the answers to any questions you might have…

Who are you and how are you qualified to write this important speech for me?

I am a professional scriptwriter, speaker and public speaking tutor.

My writing career began in 1982 when I started winning humour competitions in magazines such as Punch and on Sir David Frost’s TV-am show. In 1990 I began writing jokes, sketches and documentaries for the BBC, most notably for the News Huddlines, starring Roy Hudd and June Whitfield (23 series), and the topical satire Week Ending (8 years as a regular contributor). I have many other national radio and TV credits and I write material on a daily basis for national and local commercial radio presenters. I have also written for live performers, theatre shows, corporate videos, newspapers, magazines and PR.

My speechwriting service started in 1994. I have scripted original, personalised speeches for corporate functions, golf club dinners, Rotary presidents, school speech days, bar mitzvahs, retirements, anniversaries and, of course, weddings in the UK, Ireland, US, Canada, Bali....

I have received numerous unsolicited testimonials for my speechwriting. For example, Mr D of East Anglia commissioned me to write a best man’s speech for him. Five weeks later he was best man at another friend’s wedding. A year later he was a bridegroom, once again coming to me for his speech, and shortly after that he was asked to speak at his father-in-law’s retirement, another speech written by me. He wrote to me, saying:

I taught public speaking for 7 years for Bournemouth Adult Learning and Bournemouth & Poole College. I have acted as a consultant at training days for the Home Office, Siemens (3 times), Christchurch Borough Council and the Motor Neurone Disease Association. I also offer individual tuition. Students have included mayors, armed forces personnel, teachers, salespeople and speakers simply preparing for a one-off event. I specialise in helping speakers cope with nerves. I know how they feel; I was once a nervous speaker myself!

I’ve seen adverts for speechwriters who charge less than you!

Some charge less, many charge a lot more - and spend a great deal less time working on a speech! As you will have read in my bio, I have a background as a BBC comedy scriptwriter, speaker and public speaking tutor. I do not know of any other speechwriter whose CV combines these 3 areas of experience so I believe that I am uniquely qualified to help you.

Every speech I write is different and I spend many hours gathering information, checking facts, devising original, humorous ideas, choosing apt quotations, linking everything together into a logical, flowing, tailored speech, laying out a clear script, rewriting any material the client isn’t sure about…..in short, crafting a speech that the speaker is happy to deliver. Public speaking is a major part of my life and I am very conscientious about every aspect of it.

Speechwriters who advertise very low fees, e.g. in bridal magazines, may have to write several speeches just to pay for the ad. I cannot guarantee that other services put the same effort as I do into writing an original, personalised speech.

So what happens if I commission you to write a speech?

First of all, I need you to supply as much relevant background information as possible.

You want to make a unique speech about a unique event/person and the quality of the material I write will be determined by the information I am given. It really is worth putting in the time and effort to think about any facts and anecdotes that I might be able to use.

Please note that without this information I will not be able to write your speech for you!

Next, I start devising clean, original gags around the information supplied, and rewording anecdotes into a version most likely to get a good-natured laugh from the audience. I may choose an appropriate quotation from my extensive library. If necessary, I will contact you for more information.

Please note that it is extremely rare for me to use material that is not original. I do not 'collect' (ie steal!) gags from TV and radio comedy shows, comics' stage acts or joke books and then look for opportunities to 'crowbar' them into the script. Imagine having some inebriated guest shout 'heard it'! just before you reach the punchline - devatstating! No, the humour I devise grows organically from the information which you have supplied. A situation may occasionally be crying out for a new slant on a classic old gag but, as I have said, this is very unusual.

When I have all the material prepared, I start to put the speech together, including the more serious parts and any necessary formalities, for example, the response to the toast to the bridesmaids in a best man’s speech.

You will then receive the first draft. This is usually the version that most clients use but if you are uncertain about any part of the speech, I am happy to rewrite it until you have a script you are happy to deliver on the day.

You can read more about my approach to speechwriting here.

Remember: just knowing what you are going to say will greatly increase your confidence.

How will my speech be set out?

It will be typed in a large, clear font and on one side of the paper only. Each paragraph will be brief (2-3 sentences) and double spaced, with quadruple spacing between the paras. The pages will be clearly numbered and there will be no split sentences (i.e. beginning on one page but ending on the next!)

A 6 - 7 minute script (ie 10 minutes on your feet when laughter, applause, etc, are taken into account) will occupy 4 -  5 sheets of A4 paper set out as above. With audience response, the whole speech will last for approximately 10 minutes. I am sometimes able to write more material than the speaker requires so you may choose to omit the odd paragraph.

Could you write a speech for me at very short notice?

Quite possibly, depending upon what other work I am committed to. It’s not the best way to commission a speech because it gives me less opportunity to think about original material and leaves you little or no rehearsal time (I normally deliver the final draft several days before the event). In the past, I have had the occasional client commission me on a Thursday for a speech to be delivered on the Saturday! Obviously this service will be more expensive.

I want to deliver a less traditional type of speech - can you help?

Quite possibly! In 2008 alone, I wrote a 'double act' speech for two best men at a wedding and a birthday speech which was written entirely in verse! Both were very successful.

 I’ve already written my own speech – can you edit it for me?

Yes, I can read your speech, rework it and add material.

 Is there any additional help you can give me?

For an additional fee, I can record a tape of how I would deliver the final draft of your speech myself. I go through it, line by line, drawing attention to pauses, emphasis, comic timing, etc. This can be very useful because you can listen to the tape at home, in the car or on a personal stereo, and really  familiarise yourself with the content of your speech and its delivery.

And don't forget the hundreds of free Public Speaking Tips in my blog http://www.nickrthomas.co.uk

Please do not hesitate to email nickrthomas@gmail.com for details of my fees or any other queries. Whether you to choose to use my service or not, may I wish you all the best with your speech.