Keep it simple. I like to memorize my incantations. It just keeps the spell moving smoothly. So keep it simple, keep it short.
Rhyme. Rhyming helps me get in the witchy mindset. It just feels more like magic to me. It also helps with memorization. Some paths (Wicca, mostly) believe that rhyming binds a spell and increases its chances for a desirable result.
One word can be an incantation. Words can help focus a spell and direct its energy, but the magic itself comes from within you. Repeating one word or phrase over and over again is definitely a good way to approach spell work. For example, my general curse spell simply requires the repetition of the phrase, “Pain, Panic, Dread.”
Find a multi-purpose ending. I was raised Catholic, and while I’m no longer part of the faith, I definitely got into the mental habit of saying ‘Amen’ after a prayer, which to me signaled the end of my Important Communication with Higher Power. So when I started practicing witchcraft, I wanted something that would signal the end of a spell. While I don’t do this for every spell, I tend to end most of them with either, “Let it be done” or “So mote it be.” Note that the latter is a Wiccan phrase, not a general witchcraft phrase.
Find inspiration. Lyrics, poems, and lines from plays or book are all great places to look for words for spells. So if you’re not much of writer, don’t sweat it.
Incantations don’t need to be spoken. If you don’t want to speak, or if you can’t, you can think it or mouth the words. Or, if neither of those work for you, you can also write it down, or go a step further and turn your incantation into a sigil (though I don’t recommend this if you’re using other sigils in your spell).
BUT, if you do speak your incantation, play with your voice. I whisper or hiss for curses, I speak normally for other spells, I sing for glamours and love spells. The way you speak can influence your spell as a whole.
