Writing a speech

 

It is important to remember that speeches are intended to be spoken aloud to an audience. There are many features that the most successful speeches share. Some of them are listed below. After you have read and understood these points, go through the printed speech with a partner and find examples of each of these techniques:

· Sense of audience. The speaker must show an awareness of the audience by speaking to them directly, trying to engage their interest, and drawing them into the subject. Look for use of the word ‘you’, as well as indications of the type of people in the audience e.g. school children, retired people, parents.

· Clear introduction. How does the opening paragraph introduce the speaker and the subject? How does it capture the audience’s attention?

· Enumeration of points. The listener’s brain copes best with information that is presented in clear ‘parcels’. Stating the number of points that you will explain alerts the brain to respond to them.

· Rhetorical questions. The speaker asks the audience a question that does not need to be answered. This introduces some variety, and stimulates the listener to respond to the argument. This is a technique that should not be over-used; too many questions without answers will not convince your audience – they simply make you look uncertain.

· Statistics. Statistics used for support can add weight to an argument, but again it is important not to over-use them. A long list of numbers is boring and can be confusing.

· Memorable phrases or slogans. The audience will forget much of what you say, so you should provide them with some easy to remember phrases that summarise your points. Politicians do this so that short extracts from their speeches will fit impressively into brief news bulletins. Some speeches have become famous for only one or two sentences.

· Humour. Making the audience laugh will wake them up and perhaps make them like and support you. The audience is also likely to remember something entertaining.

· Language features. As in other forms of writing, devices such as alliteration, metaphor and simile can be used to create a more powerful effect, and especially to create a visual image in the minds of the audience.

· Strong conclusion. End your speech with a summary that will fix your ideas firmly in the audience’s mind.

The most important thing is to have something interesting to say. Work out your ideas in a plan before you write the speech.