Speechwriting Resources: Fact Sheet (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised June 25, 2024 |
| Report Number |
R44239 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Audrey Celeste Crane-Hirsch, Reference Librarian |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
As elected officials and leaders, Senators and Representatives are frequently called upon to deliver
speeches and other public remarks to a range of audiences. Congressional staff often prepare draft
speeches for Members of Congress.
Effective delivery can greatly improve the reception of a speech. In general, congressional speechwriters
should make every effort to become familiar with the speaking style of the Member for whom they are
writing, adjusting drafts accordingly. Contemporary American public address emphasizes a style that is
natural, direct, low key, casual, and conversational. These elements usually put listeners at ease and
promote a sense of community between audience and speaker.
In general, speeches are best written in simple, direct, and often short sentences that listeners easily
understand. They should be written with a sense for an event's occasion and purpose and likely
audience, including such factors as age, gender, culture, profession, political affiliation, and size of
audience. Speechwriters should strive to maintain a clear theme throughout a speech.
This fact sheet provides links to resources that can assist in the speechwriting process.
Please note, that although the Congressional Research Service (CRS) can assist with background
research for speeches, policy guidelines prohibit CRS from writing speeches for Congress.
