The 10 key elements to an inauguration speech; will Trump follow tradition?

Ted Widmer, a historian and former presidential speechwriter, described the "kabuki of the typical inaugural" in an essay he wrote for The American Scholar on the cusp of President George W. Bush's 2005 swearing-in for a second term.

It's pretty much a recipe for what is arguably the most important speech in our society. So, for your guidance tomorrow, here are Widmer's ingredients for a successful speech:

1. I am not worthy of this great honor.

2. But I congratulate the people that they elected me.

3. Now we must all come together, even those of us who really hate each other.

4. I love the Constitution, the Union, and George Washington.

5. I will work against bad threats.

6. I will work for good things.

7. We must avoid entangling alliances.

8. America's strength = democracy.

9. Democracy's strength = America.

10. Thanks, God.

Live updates: Get the latest on Donald Trump's inauguration here.

President-elect Donald J. Trump is scheduled to recite the 35-word constitutionally prescribed oath at high noon Friday (the time also is set by the founding document). After the playing of "Hail to the Chief," he will speak to the nation for the first time as its chief executive from a platform high up on the west front of the U.S. Capitol. You will be able to see and hear it on television and radio news networks and, by livestream, on quite a few websites, including philly.com.

The big question is: Will Donald Trump, an unconventional candidate, stick to the formula?