A well-crafted speech can shape how audiences perceive your brand and rally a team around a shared vision. Hiring a speechwriter gives you access to a professional who can translate your ideas into clear, compelling language designed for the spoken word.
What does a speechwriter do?
A speechwriter develops original scripts and talking points tailored to a specific speaker, audience, and occasion. They research the topic, structure persuasive arguments, and write in a conversational style that sounds natural when delivered aloud, a skill that sets them apart from general content writers or copywriters. Most speechwriters also collaborate closely with the speaker to capture their authentic voice, refine core messaging, and incorporate feedback across multiple drafts to ensure the final script lands with the intended audience.
Write keynote addresses, conference presentations, and commencement speeches
Develop executive talking points, investor pitches, and board presentations
Craft wedding toasts, eulogies, and other personal or ceremonial remarks
Script TED-style talks, panel introductions, and award acceptance speeches
Ghostwrite op-eds, blog posts, or LinkedIn articles that extend the speech's message
Research audience demographics and tailor tone, examples, and language accordingly
Collaborate with speakers through revision rounds to match their natural delivery style
How to hire a freelance speechwriter on Upwork
Hiring the right speechwriter starts with a clear description of what you need. Here's how to find and work with a freelance speechwriter on Upwork.
Step 1: Post a job
Start by creating a detailed job post that explains the purpose of the speech, the audience, and the outcome you hope to achieve. The more context you provide, the easier it is for speechwriters to determine whether they're a good fit.
Specify the type of speech, such as a keynote, commencement address, conference presentation, investor pitch, wedding toast, acceptance speech, or executive presentation
Include details about the audience, event, speaking environment, and desired tone, whether inspirational, persuasive, educational, humorous, or formal
Provide an approximate length, speaking duration, and timeline for drafts and revisions
Identify key messages, stories, talking points, and outcomes you want the speech to achieve
Note whether the writer will need to interview you or other stakeholders to gather source material
Share reference speeches, previous presentations, brand guidelines, or examples of your speaking style if available
Include your budget, timeline, and expected revision process
Draw ideas from this writer job description for content and structure
Use the Job Post Generator, powered by Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI, to speed things up. Describe what you need in a few sentences, and Uma will draft a speechwriter job post for your review and customization
Step 2: Evaluate candidates
As you start to receive proposals, focus on identifying speechwriters whose experience, storytelling skills, and writing style align with your event and audience.
Use Uma to conduct instant interviews, generate candidate shortlists, and compare applicants side by side based on your requirements
Review portfolios for speeches similar to your project type, audience, industry, or speaking occasion
Evaluate storytelling ability, audience engagement, structure, pacing, and emotional impact rather than grammar alone
Look for experience writing keynote speeches, executive presentations, investor pitches, ceremonial speeches, or other formats relevant to your project
Review samples for voice, clarity, persuasive writing, and the ability to simplify complex ideas for an audience
Check Job Success Scores (JSS), client feedback, and talent badges such as Top Rated, Top Rated Plus, or Expert-Vetted
Look for evidence of strong research, interviewing, and collaboration skills in previous client engagements
Step 3: Interview top choices
Interview shortlisted candidates to determine whether they can capture your voice, understand your audience, and deliver a compelling speech.
Schedule interviews directly within Upwork Messages and review transcripts and summaries afterward to compare candidates efficiently
Ask how they learn a speaker's voice, personality, communication style, and delivery preferences
Discuss their process for research, stakeholder interviews, outlining, drafting, and revisions
Explore experience writing for audiences, industries, or events similar to yours
Ask how they balance storytelling, persuasion, humor, inspiration, and audience engagement depending on the speech objective
Discuss how they handle tight deadlines, last-minute revisions, and changing event requirements
Consider requesting a brief outline, opening section, or paid sample related to your topic to evaluate fit
Use these content writer interview questions as inspiration and tailor them to speechwriting and public speaking needs
Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work
When you've selected a speechwriter, establish clear expectations around deliverables, revisions, and collaboration before writing begins.
Finalize the speech objectives, audience, deliverables, milestones, deadlines, and revision schedule in a formal contract
Agree on interview schedules, information-gathering sessions, stakeholder participation, and research responsibilities
Define milestones for outlines, draft versions, revisions, presentation notes, and final delivery
Clarify intellectual property ownership, confidentiality requirements, and any nondisclosure expectations before work begins
Use messaging and the contract workroom to share briefs, research materials, presentation decks, drafts, and feedback in one place
Take advantage of Upwork's identity verification, payment protection, and hourly tracking features for added security and transparency
Use milestone funding for fixed-price engagements or Hourly Payment Protection for ongoing work
Track progress throughout the engagement to ensure the speech remains aligned with your goals, audience, and event timeline
The rates and information provided in this article are based on current data and industry sources available at the time of publication. Freelance rates can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, project scope, and market conditions. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research to confirm current rates and trends, as this information may change over time.