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Writing a Speech
So the process has begun … it’s that time of year again in my classroom: We are starting the process that will lead up to the school’s “Public Speaking Competition”.
As we embark on this rather daunting adventure there are a few general concepts that I try to keep in mind … and share repeatedly with my students. A few of these ideas are as follows:
(A) The Recipe:
There is a recipe to be followed when writing a speech:
1. The Headline – To hook or catch the audience’s attention – to tell them what your are going to be talking about.
2. The Main Body – Main facts and supporting details
3. The Echo – To revisit your Headline.
(B) How to Introduce & Conclude Your Speech:
1. Introduction
- Share a story
- Share a surprising/shocking statistic
- Ask a question, share a riddle
- Cite a popular quotation
2. Conclusion:
- A quote
- A profound thought or statement
- leave the audience with a question or a challenge
- A summary
- A literary device
- Encourage a smile, share a joke
(C) Delivering a Speech: Some Tips:
- Remember, as my father always said, “You are the expert!”. Be confident!
- Be natural – be you! Let your personality shine through! “How” the speech is delivered is certainly as important as what’s being said!
- Take your time – speak at a natural pace – don’t rush
- Speak clearly – Enunciate every word
- Stand tall – use deliberate gestures (but don’t over do it!)
- Avoid reading from your notes. Make eye contact – engage your audience.
- If you make a mistake just move on … No one else knows that you have made a mistake! Just keep it your little secret.
- Don’t chew gum!
- Don’t fidget!
- Dress the part.
- Enjoy being the centre of attention
P.S. A a teacher I also save some of the speeches from years gone by to share with my students. I also show videos of individuals (children and adults) delivering speeches on the Smartboard (you can find many examples on YouTube!). I try to do this daily.
Cheers,
Ally
Very good post. Appreciate it.
Very useful tips!
Resheen Ramsamy
Grade 5
Glad you found it useful! (& thanks for saying so)
Cheers,
Aly