speech writing introduction

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Speechwriting

Tips on how to write a speech

1) Audience:

First, determine audience and customize writing. Avoid terms or jargon the audience is unlikely to understand, but don’t dumb it down for those who are in the know.

Tips on how to write a speech

2) Purpose and message: 

- what is the purpose of your talk? 

- what do you most want audiences to come away with after hearing you? What is your main message and continually return to that primary point as you compose your speech. 

Tips on how to write a speech

3) Brainstorming:

Make a list of all the things you want to speak about. Probably the biggest problem both writers and audiences face is not too little information, but too much.

Tips on how to write a speech

4) Categorise:

Subcategorise your main message. Then move the pieces about like a puzzle, seeing which ones best fit together for your audience. 

Tips on how to write a speech

5) Attention grabber:

Do yourself and your audience a favour and have something interesting to say at the beginning—an anecdote, a joke, or a question that will allow them time to settle in and focus. Keep it short, though!

Generally:

KISS: the golden rule of Keep It Short and Simple.

Keep your sentences short, your grammar simple. Not only is this more powerful than long rambling prose, but you’re more likely to hold your audience’s attention – and be able to actually remember what you’re trying to say!

Generally:

Rule of 3: another golden rule. The human brain responds magically to things that come in threes. Whether it’s a list of adjectives, a joke, or your main points, it’s most effective if you keep it to this structure.

Generally:

Imagery: Metaphors, and description will help an audience to understand you, and keep them entertained.

Poetry: Repetition and rhyme are sound effects, used by poets and orators. They make a speech much more memorable. Remember to also structure pauses and parentheses into a speech. This will vary the flow of sound, helping you to hold your audience’s attention.

Generally:

Use of pronouns: “we” to create a sense of unity, “them” for a common enemy, “you” if you’re reaching out to your audience, and “I” / “me” if you want to take control.

Jokes: Humour is powerful. Use it to perk up a sleepy audience, as well as a rhetorical tool. Laughter is based on people having sth. in common, shared assumptions – and can, therefore, be used to persuade.

Structure

Attention grabber:  

Ask a question, give an example, make a joke

Introduction:

After you’ve grabbed the attention, use the introduction of your speech to let the audience know what to expect. It will help you keep their attention, and they will know that you are unlikely to drone on endlessly. 

Body:
Body:  Keep in mind  that all sections need not be equal in length. Spend time deciding and writing the ones that need the most emphasis and do not make a shorter topic longer than it needs to be.

Conclusion:

If you say “finally” or “in conclusion,” be prepared to end the speech. Take care in your speech writing to draw an apt and memorable conclusion. And stick to it!

Organisation:

Topic/thesis in the introduction

Support in the body

Conclusion at the end

Use paragraphs!

Structure

Make sure to thank your audience properly!