Let it rest
Once you have completed your speech draft, put it aside for a few days if time permits. Forget about it. Let it rest. It's amazing how often some of the phrases that you thought were so clever, the jokes that were so funny, and the statistics that were so compelling will change while the speech is reposing in your desk drawer. Actually, the speech will never leave your subconscious mind. Your mind will continue to work on it, and when you get back to it, ready to do your editing, you'll be able to look at it more objectively.
It's also a good idea to get another objective opinion. Ask the help of someone who doesn't have a vested interest in the speech. Even if you get such help, the responsibility for producing a welledited speech ...
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