THE STUMP SPEECH: HOW-TO AND WORKSHEET

T concise,
clear, and compelling message and story about the candidate and campaign.

ANATOMY OF A STUMP SPEECH:

The stump speech is a story that briefly tells

(1) WHO the candidate is

(2) WHY they are running
(3) WHAT the choice is; and
(4) WHAT they want the audience to do.

IDEAL LENGTH OF A STUMP SPEECH:

A typical stump speech is 5-10 minutes long.
Candidates should also 90 seconds to three
minutes.
The short version can be shaped into an opening statement at a debate, a quick
presentation to a convention, or the basis for a doorstep conversation.
Longer versions of the stump speech simply put more color and detail to this
basic story.

COMPONENTS OF A STUMP SPEECH:

basic components of a stump speech. Your story need not
necessarily be presented in this order.

Introduction
you are good at it) and then tell the basics
for.

What is the problem? What needs to be solved? Something is wrong that

needs changing (or if yo an incumbent, something needs more work, or
needs to be protected). Why you care is important; also make it relevant to the
audience (and the electorate) or you will lose their attention.

Who are you? What is your story? What drives you to run for office? What
shapes your values and view of the world? resume (personal or
professional) tell the audience how your story connect
trying to fix, reflects your shared values, it.

1
 What is your solution? Simply pointing out the problem is rarely sufficient.
Elections are about choices and you need to tell the audience what the choice
is. How do you intend to fix the problem? If you are the challenger you need to
point out why the incumbent has failed to do the job. If you are the incumbent
you need to make the case as to why there is still work that needs to be done.
Giving the audience hope a way to fix the problem will help you connect.

The ask What do you want your audience to do? You need to ask specifically
for their support whether it is a vote, a contribution, or to volunteer.

2
STUMP SPEECH WORKSHEET
Try using this worksheet to help organize your thoughts. This is NOT the order the
speech should necessarily take that is up to you. Practice the speech on a friend or
advisor.

Core message and values

you wish to communicate
What are the one or two
impression(s) you want
listeners to leave with this
relates to your core message,
and will likely not be a
specific issue.

Introduction how do you

want to begin?
You will want to be clear up
front about your name and
your office, but you also want
attention and
get them focused.

Core rationale & issues

What is the core problem or
rationale that drives your
candidacy? What is it that you
wish to change? Remember:

about, but a point of

connection with the
electorate. You can name 1-3
key policy concerns or
problems that connect to the
audience and to you, and
support your core message.

3
 Relevant biographical
information
What is in your background
that has prepared you for this
office and makes you a
credible candidate to address

identified? Remember: this

rather concise stories that

your life that prepares you

well.

Why are you the best

candidate?
Describe why you are the
best person to address these
problems. This might include
contrasts with an opponent if
one is known. You may tie
this back to your personal
story as well.

Conclusion
How will you wrap it up?
What will your ask be a
vote, money, volunteer?

Other considerations
Is there one memorable
phrase or idea that can be
repeated to link the parts of
the speech together and be
something that a listener can
walk away with? Think: