speech writing introduction

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Speech writing

School Exam

Text type conventions

General writing skills

SE speech writing

120 minutes

10% writing

No dictionaries and/or Internet

No plagiarism

+/- 350 words

Topic = school related

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? 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, similes and description will help an audience to understand you, and keep them entertained.

Generally:

Poetry: Repetition, rhyme and alliteration 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.

Generally:

Key words: “Every”, “improved”, “natural”, “pure”, “tested’ and “recommended” will, according to some surveys, press the right buttons and get a positive response from your listeners.

Structure

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. 

Structure

Body:
Sticking to the topics is easier if you create each section like a mini-paper. Keep in mind too 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.

Structure

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!

Structure

Topic/thesis in the introduction

Support in the body

Conclusion at the end

Use paragraphs!

Structure

Question time: 

Be sure to have enough time to answer questions. If you have written and delivered your speech effectively, you and your audience will be pleased to see these other possibilities crop up during a question-and-answer period.

Structure

Make sure to thank your audience properly!

Questions?