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Speech Writing
- Updated on
- Jan 16, 2024
The power of good, inspiring, motivating, and thought-provoking speeches can never be overlooked. If we retrospect, a good speech has not only won people’s hearts but also has been a verbal tool to conquer nations. For centuries, many leaders have used this instrument to charm audiences with their powerful speeches. Apart from vocalizing your speech perfectly, the words you choose in a speech carry immense weight, and practising speech writing begins with our school life. Speech writing is an important part of the English syllabus for Class 12th, Class 11th, and Class 8th to 10th. This blog brings you the Speech Writing format, samples, examples, tips, and tricks!
This Blog Includes:
What is speech writing, speech in english language writing, how do you begin an english-language speech, introduction, how to write a speech, speech writing samples, example of a great speech, english speech topics, practice time.
Must Read: Story Writing Format for Class 9 & 10
Speech writing is the art of using proper grammar and expression to convey a thought or message to a reader. Speech writing isn’t all that distinct from other types of narrative writing. However, students should be aware of certain distinct punctuation and writing style techniques. While writing the ideal speech might be challenging, sticking to the appropriate speech writing structure will ensure that you never fall short.
“There are three things to aim at in public speaking: first, to get into your subject, then to get your subject into yourself, and lastly, to get your subject into the heart of your audience.”- Alexander Gregg
The English language includes eight parts of speech i.e. nouns , pronouns , verbs , adjectives 410 , adverbs , prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections.
- Noun- A noun is a word that describes anything, such as an animal, a person, a place, or an emotion. Nouns are the building blocks for most sentences.
- Pronoun – Pronouns are words that can be used in place of nouns. They are used so that we don’t have to repeat words. This makes our writing and speaking much more natural.
- Verb – A verb is a term that implies activity or ‘doing.’ These are very vital for your children’s grammar studies, as a sentence cannot be complete without a verb.
- Adjective – An adjective is a term that describes something. An adjective is frequently used before a noun to add extra information or description.
- Prepositions- A preposition is a term that expresses the location or timing of something in relation to something else.
- Conjunction- Because every language has its own set of conjunctions, English conjunctions differ from those found in other languages. They’re typically used as a connecting word between two statements, concepts, or ideas.
- Interjections- Interjections are words that are used to describe a strong emotion or a sudden feeling.
Relevant Read: Speech on the Importance of English
The way you start your English speech can set the tone for the remainder of it. This semester, there are a variety of options for you to begin presentations in your classes. For example, try some of these engaging speech in English language starters.
- Rhetorical questions : A rhetorical question is a figure of speech that uses a question to convey a point rather than asking for a response. The answer to a rhetorical question may be clear, yet the questioner asks it to emphasize the point. Rhetorical questions may be a good method for students to start their English speeches. This method of introducing your material might be appealing to the viewers and encourage them to consider how they personally relate to your issue.
- Statistics: When making an instructive or persuasive speech in an English class, statistics can help to strengthen the speaker’s authority and understanding of the subject. To get your point over quickly and create an emotional response, try using an unexpected statistic or fact that will resonate with the audience.
- Set up an imaginary scene: Create an imaginary situation in your audience’s thoughts if you want to persuade them to agree with you with your speech. This method of starting your speech assists each member of the audience in visualizing a fantastic scenario that you wish to see come true.
Relevant Read: Reported Speech Rules With Exercises
Format of Speech Writing
Here is the format of Speech Writing:
- Introduction : Greet the audience, tell them about yourself and further introduce the topic.
- Body : Present the topic in an elaborate way, explaining its key features, pros and cons, if any and the like.
- Conclusion : Summary of your speech, wrap up the topic and leave your audience with a compelling reminder to think about!
Let’s further understand each element of the format of Speech Writing in further detail:
After the greetings, the Introduction has to be attention-getting. Quickly get people’s attention. The goal of a speech is to engage the audience and persuade them to think or act in your favour. The introduction must effectively include:
- A brief preview of your topic.
- Define the outlines of your speech. (For example, I’ll be talking about…First..Second…Third)
- Begin with a story, quote, fact, joke, or observation in the room. It shouldn’t be longer than 3-4 lines. (For Example: “Mahatma Gandhi said once…”, or “This topic reminds me of an incident/story…”)
This part is also important because that’s when your audience decides if the speech is worth their time. Keep your introduction factual, interesting, and convincing.
It is the most important part of any speech. You should provide a number of reasons and arguments to convince the audience to agree with you.
Handling objections is an important aspect of speech composition. There is no time for questions or concerns since a speech is a monologue. Any concerns that may occur during the speech will be addressed by a powerful speech. As a result, you’ll be able to respond to questions as they come in from the crowd. To make speech simpler you can prepare a flow chart of the details in a systematic way.
For example: If your speech is about waste management; distribute information and arrange it according to subparagraphs for your reference. It could include:
- What is Waste Management?
- Major techniques used to manage waste
- Advantages of Waste Management
- Importance of Waste Management
The conclusion should be something that the audience takes with them. It could be a reminder, a collective call to action, a summary of your speech, or a story. For example: “It is upon us to choose the fate of our home, the earth by choosing to begin waste management at our personal spaces.”
After concluding, add a few lines of gratitude to the audience for their time.
For example: “Thank you for being a wonderful audience and lending me your time. Hope this speech gave you something to take away.”
Practice Your Speech Writing with these English Speech topics for students !
A good speech is well-timed, informative, and thought-provoking. Here are the tips for writing a good school speech:
Speech Sandwich of Public Speaking
The introduction and conclusion must be crisp. People psychologically follow the primacy effect (tendency to remember the first part of the list/speech) and recency effect (tendency to recall the last part of the list/speech).
Use Concrete Facts
Make sure you thoroughly research your topic. Including facts appeals to the audience and makes your speech stronger. How much waste is managed? Give names of organisations and provide numerical data in one line.
Use Rhetorical Strategies and Humour
Include one or two open-ended or thought-provoking questions. For Example: “Would we want our future generation to face trouble due to global warming?” Also, make good use of humour and convenient jokes that engages your audience and keeps them listening.
Check Out: Message Writing
Know your Audience and Plan Accordingly
This is essential before writing your speech. To whom is it directed? The categorised audience on the basis of –
- Knowledge of the Topic (familiar or unfamiliar)
Use the information to formulate the speech accordingly, use information that they will understand, and a sentence that they can retain.
Timing Yourself is Important
An important aspect of your speech is to time yourself. Don’t write a speech that exceeds your word limit. Here’s how can decide the right timing for your speech writing:
- A one-minute speech roughly requires around 130-150 words
- A two-minute speech requires roughly around 250-300 words
Recommended Read: Letter Writing
Speech Writing Examples
Here are some examples to help you understand how to write a good speech. Read these to prepare for your next speech:
Write a speech to be delivered in the school assembly as Rahul/ Rubaina of Delhi Public School emphasises the importance of cleanliness, implying that the level of cleanliness represents the character of its residents. (150-200 words)
“Cleanliness is next to godliness,” said the great John Wesley. Hello, respected principal, instructors, and good friends. Today, I, Rahul/Rubaina, stand in front of you all to emphasise the significance of cleanliness.
Cleanliness is the condition or attribute of being or remaining clean. Everyone must learn about cleaning, hygiene, sanitation, and the different diseases that are produced by unsanitary circumstances. It is essential for physical well-being and the maintenance of a healthy atmosphere at home and at school. A filthy atmosphere invites a large number of mosquitos to grow and spread dangerous diseases. On the other side, poor personal cleanliness causes a variety of skin disorders as well as lowered immunity.
Habits formed at a young age become ingrained in one’s personality. Even if we teach our children to wash their hands before and after meals, brush their teeth and bathe on a regular basis, we are unconcerned about keeping public places clean. On October 2, 2014, the Indian Prime Minister began the “Swachh Bharat” programme to offer sanitation amenities to every family, including toilets, solid and liquid waste disposal systems, village cleanliness, and safe and appropriate drinking water supplies. Teachers and children in schools are actively participating in the ‘Clean India Campaign’ with zeal and excitement.
Good health ensures a healthy mind, which leads to better overall productivity, higher living standards, and economic development. It will improve India’s international standing. As a result, a clean environment is a green environment with fewer illnesses. Thus, cleanliness is defined as a symbol of mental purity.
Thank you very much.
Relevant Read: Speech on Corruption
You are Sahil/Sanya, the school’s Head Girl/Head Boy. You are greatly troubled by the increasing instances of aggressive behaviour among your students. You decide to speak about it during the morning assembly. Create a speech about “School Discipline.” (150 – 200 words)
INDISCIPLINE IN SCHOOLS,
It has been reported that the frequency of fights and incidences of bullying in our school has increased dramatically in the previous several months. Good morning to everyone present. Today, I, Sahil/Sanya, your head boy/girl, am here to shed light on the serious topic of “Increased Indiscipline in Schools.”
It has come to light that instructor disobedience, bullying, confrontations with students, truancy, and insults are becoming more widespread. Furthermore, there have been reports of parents noticing a shift in their children’s attitudes. As a result, many children are suffering emotionally, psychologically, and physically. The impact of this mindset on children at a young age is devastating and irreversible.
Not to mention the harm done to the school’s property. Theft of chalk, scribbling on desks, walls and lavatory doors, destruction of CCTV cameras and so forth. We are merely depriving ourselves of the comforts granted to us by doing so.
Following numerous meetings, it was determined that the main reasons for the problem were a lack of sufficient guidance, excessive use of social media, and peer pressure. The council is working to make things better. Everyone is required to take life skills classes. Counselling, motivating, and instilling friendly ideals will be part of the curriculum. Seminars for parents and students will be held on a regular basis.
A counsellor is being made available to help you all discuss your sentiments, grudges, and personal problems. We are doing everything we can and expect you to do the same.
So, let us work together to create an environment in which we encourage, motivate, assist, and be nice to one another because we are good and civilised humans capable of a great deal of love.
Relevant Read: How to Write a Speech on Discipline?
The current increase in incidences of violent student misbehaviour is cause for alarm for everyone. Students who learn how to manage their anger can help to alleviate the situation. Write a 150-200-word speech about the topic to be delivered at the school’s morning assembly. (10)
HOW TO CONTROL ANGER
Honourable Principal, Respected Teachers, and Dear Friends, I’d like to share a few “Ways to Manage Anger” with you today.
The growing intolerance among the younger generation, which is resulting in violence against teachers, is cause for severe concern. The guru-shishya parampara is losing its lustre. Aggressive behaviour in students can be provoked by a variety of factors, including self-defence, stressful circumstance, over-stimulation, or a lack of adult supervision.
It has become imperative to address the situation. Life skills workshops will be included in the curriculum. Teachers should be trained to deal with such stubborn and confrontational behaviours. Meditation and deep breathing are very beneficial and should be practised every morning. Students should be taught to count to ten before reacting angrily. Sessions on anger control and its importance must also be held.
Remember that Anger is one letter away from danger. It becomes much more crucial to be able to control one’s rage. It’s never too late to start, as a wise man once said.
“Every minute you stay angry, you lose sixty seconds of peace of mind.”
Relevant Read: English Speech Topics for Students
Martin Luther King Jr’s ‘I Have A Dream’ is one of his most famous speeches. Its impact has lasted through generations. The speech is written by utilising the techniques above. Here are some examples:
“still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination” – emotive Language
“In a sense, we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check” – personalising the speech
“to stand up for freedom together” – a call to action.
Importantly, this is an example of how the listener comes first while drafting a speech. The language chosen appeals to a specific sort of audience and was widely utilised in 1963 when the speech was delivered.
- The Best Day of My Life
- Social Media: Bane or Boon?
- Pros and Cons of Online Learning
- Benefits of Yoga
- If I had a Superpower
- I wish I were ______
- Environment Conservation
- Women Should Rule the World!
- The Best Lesson I Have Learned
- Paperbacks vs E-books
- How to Tackle a Bad Habit?
- My Favorite Pastime/Hobby
- Understanding Feminism
- Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Is it real or not?
- Importance of Reading
- Importance of Books in Our Life
- My Favorite Fictional Character
- Introverts vs Extroverts
- Lessons to Learn from Sports
- Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Also Read: How to Ace IELTS Writing Section?
Ans. Speech writing is the process of communicating a notion or message to a reader by employing proper punctuation and expression. Speech writing is similar to other types of narrative writing. However, students should be aware of some different punctuation and writing structure techniques.
Ans. Before beginning with the speech, choose an important topic. Create an outline; rehearse your speech, and adjust the outline based on comments from the rehearsal. This five-step strategy for speech planning serves as the foundation for both lessons and learning activities.
Ans. Writing down a speech is vital since it helps you better comprehend the issue, organises your thoughts, prevents errors in your speech, allows you to get more comfortable with it, and improves its overall quality.
Speech writing and public speaking are effective and influential. Hope this blog helped you know the various tips for writing the speech people would want to hear. If you need help in making the right career choices at any phase of your academic and professional journey, our Leverage Edu experts are here to guide you. Sign up for a free session now!
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How to write a speech that your audience remembers
Whether in a work meeting or at an investor panel, you might give a speech at some point. And no matter how excited you are about the opportunity, the experience can be nerve-wracking .
But feeling butterflies doesn’t mean you can’t give a great speech. With the proper preparation and a clear outline, apprehensive public speakers and natural wordsmiths alike can write and present a compelling message. Here’s how to write a good speech you’ll be proud to deliver.
What is good speech writing?
Good speech writing is the art of crafting words and ideas into a compelling, coherent, and memorable message that resonates with the audience. Here are some key elements of great speech writing:
- It begins with clearly understanding the speech's purpose and the audience it seeks to engage.
- A well-written speech clearly conveys its central message, ensuring that the audience understands and retains the key points.
- It is structured thoughtfully, with a captivating opening, a well-organized body, and a conclusion that reinforces the main message.
- Good speech writing embraces the power of engaging content, weaving in stories, examples, and relatable anecdotes to connect with the audience on both intellectual and emotional levels.
Ultimately, it is the combination of these elements, along with the authenticity and delivery of the speaker , that transforms words on a page into a powerful and impactful spoken narrative.
What makes a good speech?
A great speech includes several key qualities, but three fundamental elements make a speech truly effective:
Clarity and purpose
Remembering the audience, cohesive structure.
While other important factors make a speech a home run, these three elements are essential for writing an effective speech.
The main elements of a good speech
The main elements of a speech typically include:
- Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for your speech and grabs the audience's attention. It should include a hook or attention-grabbing opening, introduce the topic, and provide an overview of what will be covered.
- Opening/captivating statement: This is a strong statement that immediately engages the audience and creates curiosity about the speech topics.
- Thesis statement/central idea: The thesis statement or central idea is a concise statement that summarizes the main point or argument of your speech. It serves as a roadmap for the audience to understand what your speech is about.
- Body: The body of the speech is where you elaborate on your main points or arguments. Each point is typically supported by evidence, examples, statistics, or anecdotes. The body should be organized logically and coherently, with smooth transitions between the main points.
- Supporting evidence: This includes facts, data, research findings, expert opinions, or personal stories that support and strengthen your main points. Well-chosen and credible evidence enhances the persuasive power of your speech.
- Transitions: Transitions are phrases or statements that connect different parts of your speech, guiding the audience from one idea to the next. Effective transitions signal the shifts in topics or ideas and help maintain a smooth flow throughout the speech.
- Counterarguments and rebuttals (if applicable): If your speech involves addressing opposing viewpoints or counterarguments, you should acknowledge and address them. Presenting counterarguments makes your speech more persuasive and demonstrates critical thinking.
- Conclusion: The conclusion is the final part of your speech and should bring your message to a satisfying close. Summarize your main points, restate your thesis statement, and leave the audience with a memorable closing thought or call to action.
- Closing statement: This is the final statement that leaves a lasting impression and reinforces the main message of your speech. It can be a call to action, a thought-provoking question, a powerful quote, or a memorable anecdote.
- Delivery and presentation: How you deliver your speech is also an essential element to consider. Pay attention to your tone, body language, eye contact , voice modulation, and timing. Practice and rehearse your speech, and try using the 7-38-55 rule to ensure confident and effective delivery.
While the order and emphasis of these elements may vary depending on the type of speech and audience, these elements provide a framework for organizing and delivering a successful speech.
How to structure a good speech
You know what message you want to transmit, who you’re delivering it to, and even how you want to say it. But you need to know how to start, develop, and close a speech before writing it.
Think of a speech like an essay. It should have an introduction, conclusion, and body sections in between. This places ideas in a logical order that the audience can better understand and follow them. Learning how to make a speech with an outline gives your storytelling the scaffolding it needs to get its point across.
Here’s a general speech structure to guide your writing process:
- Explanation 1
- Explanation 2
- Explanation 3
How to write a compelling speech opener
Some research shows that engaged audiences pay attention for only 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Other estimates are even lower, citing that people stop listening intently in fewer than 10 minutes . If you make a good first impression at the beginning of your speech, you have a better chance of interesting your audience through the middle when attention spans fade.
Implementing the INTRO model can help grab and keep your audience’s attention as soon as you start speaking. This acronym stands for interest, need, timing, roadmap, and objectives, and it represents the key points you should hit in an opening.
Here’s what to include for each of these points:
- Interest : Introduce yourself or your topic concisely and speak with confidence . Write a compelling opening statement using relevant data or an anecdote that the audience can relate to.
- Needs : The audience is listening to you because they have something to learn. If you’re pitching a new app idea to a panel of investors, those potential partners want to discover more about your product and what they can earn from it. Read the room and gently remind them of the purpose of your speech.
- Timing : When appropriate, let your audience know how long you’ll speak. This lets listeners set expectations and keep tabs on their own attention span. If a weary audience member knows you’ll talk for 40 minutes, they can better manage their energy as that time goes on.
- Routemap : Give a brief overview of the three main points you’ll cover in your speech. If an audience member’s attention starts to drop off and they miss a few sentences, they can more easily get their bearings if they know the general outline of the presentation.
- Objectives : Tell the audience what you hope to achieve, encouraging them to listen to the end for the payout.
Writing the middle of a speech
The body of your speech is the most information-dense section. Facts, visual aids, PowerPoints — all this information meets an audience with a waning attention span. Sticking to the speech structure gives your message focus and keeps you from going off track, making everything you say as useful as possible.
Limit the middle of your speech to three points, and support them with no more than three explanations. Following this model organizes your thoughts and prevents you from offering more information than the audience can retain.
Using this section of the speech to make your presentation interactive can add interest and engage your audience. Try including a video or demonstration to break the monotony. A quick poll or survey also keeps the audience on their toes.
Wrapping the speech up
To you, restating your points at the end can feel repetitive and dull. You’ve practiced countless times and heard it all before. But repetition aids memory and learning , helping your audience retain what you’ve told them. Use your speech’s conclusion to summarize the main points with a few short sentences.
Try to end on a memorable note, like posing a motivational quote or a thoughtful question the audience can contemplate once they leave. In proposal or pitch-style speeches, consider landing on a call to action (CTA) that invites your audience to take the next step.
How to write a good speech
If public speaking gives you the jitters, you’re not alone. Roughly 80% of the population feels nervous before giving a speech, and another 10% percent experiences intense anxiety and sometimes even panic.
The fear of failure can cause procrastination and can cause you to put off your speechwriting process until the last minute. Finding the right words takes time and preparation, and if you’re already feeling nervous, starting from a blank page might seem even harder.
But putting in the effort despite your stress is worth it. Presenting a speech you worked hard on fosters authenticity and connects you to the subject matter, which can help your audience understand your points better. Human connection is all about honesty and vulnerability, and if you want to connect to the people you’re speaking to, they should see that in you.
1. Identify your objectives and target audience
Before diving into the writing process, find healthy coping strategies to help you stop worrying . Then you can define your speech’s purpose, think about your target audience, and start identifying your objectives. Here are some questions to ask yourself and ground your thinking :
- What purpose do I want my speech to achieve?
- What would it mean to me if I achieved the speech’s purpose?
- What audience am I writing for?
- What do I know about my audience?
- What values do I want to transmit?
- If the audience remembers one take-home message, what should it be?
- What do I want my audience to feel, think, or do after I finish speaking?
- What parts of my message could be confusing and require further explanation?
2. Know your audience
Understanding your audience is crucial for tailoring your speech effectively. Consider the demographics of your audience, their interests, and their expectations. For instance, if you're addressing a group of healthcare professionals, you'll want to use medical terminology and data that resonate with them. Conversely, if your audience is a group of young students, you'd adjust your content to be more relatable to their experiences and interests.
3. Choose a clear message
Your message should be the central idea that you want your audience to take away from your speech. Let's say you're giving a speech on climate change. Your clear message might be something like, "Individual actions can make a significant impact on mitigating climate change." Throughout your speech, all your points and examples should support this central message, reinforcing it for your audience.
4. Structure your speech
Organizing your speech properly keeps your audience engaged and helps them follow your ideas. The introduction should grab your audience's attention and introduce the topic. For example, if you're discussing space exploration, you could start with a fascinating fact about a recent space mission. In the body, you'd present your main points logically, such as the history of space exploration, its scientific significance, and future prospects. Finally, in the conclusion, you'd summarize your key points and reiterate the importance of space exploration in advancing human knowledge.
5. Use engaging content for clarity
Engaging content includes stories, anecdotes, statistics, and examples that illustrate your main points. For instance, if you're giving a speech about the importance of reading, you might share a personal story about how a particular book changed your perspective. You could also include statistics on the benefits of reading, such as improved cognitive abilities and empathy.
6. Maintain clarity and simplicity
It's essential to communicate your ideas clearly. Avoid using overly technical jargon or complex language that might confuse your audience. For example, if you're discussing a medical breakthrough with a non-medical audience, explain complex terms in simple, understandable language.
7. Practice and rehearse
Practice is key to delivering a great speech. Rehearse multiple times to refine your delivery, timing, and tone. Consider using a mirror or recording yourself to observe your body language and gestures. For instance, if you're giving a motivational speech, practice your gestures and expressions to convey enthusiasm and confidence.
8. Consider nonverbal communication
Your body language, tone of voice, and gestures should align with your message . If you're delivering a speech on leadership, maintain strong eye contact to convey authority and connection with your audience. A steady pace and varied tone can also enhance your speech's impact.
9. Engage your audience
Engaging your audience keeps them interested and attentive. Encourage interaction by asking thought-provoking questions or sharing relatable anecdotes. If you're giving a speech on teamwork, ask the audience to recall a time when teamwork led to a successful outcome, fostering engagement and connection.
10. Prepare for Q&A
Anticipate potential questions or objections your audience might have and prepare concise, well-informed responses. If you're delivering a speech on a controversial topic, such as healthcare reform, be ready to address common concerns, like the impact on healthcare costs or access to services, during the Q&A session.
By following these steps and incorporating examples that align with your specific speech topic and purpose, you can craft and deliver a compelling and impactful speech that resonates with your audience.
Tools for writing a great speech
There are several helpful tools available for speechwriting, both technological and communication-related. Here are a few examples:
- Word processing software: Tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or other word processors provide a user-friendly environment for writing and editing speeches. They offer features like spell-checking, grammar correction, formatting options, and easy revision tracking.
- Presentation software: Software such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides is useful when creating visual aids to accompany your speech. These tools allow you to create engaging slideshows with text, images, charts, and videos to enhance your presentation.
- Speechwriting Templates: Online platforms or software offer pre-designed templates specifically for speechwriting. These templates provide guidance on structuring your speech and may include prompts for different sections like introductions, main points, and conclusions.
- Rhetorical devices and figures of speech: Rhetorical tools such as metaphors, similes, alliteration, and parallelism can add impact and persuasion to your speech. Resources like books, websites, or academic papers detailing various rhetorical devices can help you incorporate them effectively.
- Speechwriting apps: Mobile apps designed specifically for speechwriting can be helpful in organizing your thoughts, creating outlines, and composing a speech. These apps often provide features like voice recording, note-taking, and virtual prompts to keep you on track.
- Grammar and style checkers: Online tools or plugins like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor help improve the clarity and readability of your speech by checking for grammar, spelling, and style errors. They provide suggestions for sentence structure, word choice, and overall tone.
- Thesaurus and dictionary: Online or offline resources such as thesauruses and dictionaries help expand your vocabulary and find alternative words or phrases to express your ideas more effectively. They can also clarify meanings or provide context for unfamiliar terms.
- Online speechwriting communities: Joining online forums or communities focused on speechwriting can be beneficial for getting feedback, sharing ideas, and learning from experienced speechwriters. It's an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and improve your public speaking skills through collaboration.
Remember, while these tools can assist in the speechwriting process, it's essential to use them thoughtfully and adapt them to your specific needs and style. The most important aspect of speechwriting remains the creativity, authenticity, and connection with your audience that you bring to your speech.
5 tips for writing a speech
Behind every great speech is an excellent idea and a speaker who refined it. But a successful speech is about more than the initial words on the page, and there are a few more things you can do to help it land.
Here are five more tips for writing and practicing your speech:
1. Structure first, write second
If you start the writing process before organizing your thoughts, you may have to re-order, cut, and scrap the sentences you worked hard on. Save yourself some time by using a speech structure, like the one above, to order your talking points first. This can also help you identify unclear points or moments that disrupt your flow.
2. Do your homework
Data strengthens your argument with a scientific edge. Research your topic with an eye for attention-grabbing statistics, or look for findings you can use to support each point. If you’re pitching a product or service, pull information from company metrics that demonstrate past or potential successes.
Audience members will likely have questions, so learn all talking points inside and out. If you tell investors that your product will provide 12% returns, for example, come prepared with projections that support that statement.
3. Sound like yourself
Memorable speakers have distinct voices. Think of Martin Luther King Jr’s urgent, inspiring timbre or Oprah’s empathetic, personal tone . Establish your voice — one that aligns with your personality and values — and stick with it. If you’re a motivational speaker, keep your tone upbeat to inspire your audience . If you’re the CEO of a startup, try sounding assured but approachable.
4. Practice
As you practice a speech, you become more confident , gain a better handle on the material, and learn the outline so well that unexpected questions are less likely to trip you up. Practice in front of a colleague or friend for honest feedback about what you could change, and speak in front of the mirror to tweak your nonverbal communication and body language .
5. Remember to breathe
When you’re stressed, you breathe more rapidly . It can be challenging to talk normally when you can’t regulate your breath. Before your presentation, try some mindful breathing exercises so that when the day comes, you already have strategies that will calm you down and remain present . This can also help you control your voice and avoid speaking too quickly.
How to ghostwrite a great speech for someone else
Ghostwriting a speech requires a unique set of skills, as you're essentially writing a piece that will be delivered by someone else. Here are some tips on how to effectively ghostwrite a speech:
- Understand the speaker's voice and style : Begin by thoroughly understanding the speaker's personality, speaking style, and preferences. This includes their tone, humor, and any personal anecdotes they may want to include.
- Interview the speaker : Have a detailed conversation with the speaker to gather information about their speech's purpose, target audience, key messages, and any specific points they want to emphasize. Ask for personal stories or examples they may want to include.
- Research thoroughly : Research the topic to ensure you have a strong foundation of knowledge. This helps you craft a well-informed and credible speech.
- Create an outline : Develop a clear outline that includes the introduction, main points, supporting evidence, and a conclusion. Share this outline with the speaker for their input and approval.
- Write in the speaker's voice : While crafting the speech, maintain the speaker's voice and style. Use language and phrasing that feel natural to them. If they have a particular way of expressing ideas, incorporate that into the speech.
- Craft a captivating opening : Begin the speech with a compelling opening that grabs the audience's attention. This could be a relevant quote, an interesting fact, a personal anecdote, or a thought-provoking question.
- Organize content logically : Ensure the speech flows logically, with each point building on the previous one. Use transitions to guide the audience from one idea to the next smoothly.
- Incorporate engaging stories and examples : Include anecdotes, stories, and real-life examples that illustrate key points and make the speech relatable and memorable.
- Edit and revise : Edit the speech carefully for clarity, grammar, and coherence. Ensure the speech is the right length and aligns with the speaker's time constraints.
- Seek feedback : Share drafts of the speech with the speaker for their feedback and revisions. They may have specific changes or additions they'd like to make.
- Practice delivery : If possible, work with the speaker on their delivery. Practice the speech together, allowing the speaker to become familiar with the content and your writing style.
- Maintain confidentiality : As a ghostwriter, it's essential to respect the confidentiality and anonymity of the work. Do not disclose that you wrote the speech unless you have the speaker's permission to do so.
- Be flexible : Be open to making changes and revisions as per the speaker's preferences. Your goal is to make them look good and effectively convey their message.
- Meet deadlines : Stick to agreed-upon deadlines for drafts and revisions. Punctuality and reliability are essential in ghostwriting.
- Provide support : Support the speaker during their preparation and rehearsal process. This can include helping with cue cards, speech notes, or any other materials they need.
Remember that successful ghostwriting is about capturing the essence of the speaker while delivering a well-structured and engaging speech. Collaboration, communication, and adaptability are key to achieving this.
Give your best speech yet
Learn how to make a speech that’ll hold an audience’s attention by structuring your thoughts and practicing frequently. Put the effort into writing and preparing your content, and aim to improve your breathing, eye contact , and body language as you practice. The more you work on your speech, the more confident you’ll become.
The energy you invest in writing an effective speech will help your audience remember and connect to every concept. Remember: some life-changing philosophies have come from good speeches, so give your words a chance to resonate with others. You might even change their thinking.
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Speech And Debate
Speech Writing
Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023
How to Write a Speech - Outline With Example
By: Cordon J.
Reviewed By: Rylee W.
Published on: Sep 8, 2020
Giving a speech for a class, event or work can be nerve-wracking. However, writing an effective speech can boost your confidence level.
A speech is an effective medium to communicate your message and speech writing is a skill that has its advantages even if you are a student or a professional.
With careful planning and paying attention to small details, you can write a speech that will inform, persuade, entertain or motivate the people you are writing for.
If this is your first speech. Take all the time you need.
Like other skills, you can learn speech writing too.
Give yourself enough time to write and practice it several times for the best possible results.
On this Page
You have a message that you want people to hear or you are preparing a speech for a particular situation such as a commemorative speech.
No matter what the case, it is important to ensure that the speech is well structured or else you will fail to deliver your effective message. And you don’t want that, do you?
You can also explore our complete guide to write a commemorative speech . Make sure to give the article a thorough read.
How to Create a Speech Outline?
Want to write a speech your audience will remember? A speech outline is a thing you should start with.
‘How to write a speech outline?’
A speech outline is very important in helping you sound more authoritative and in control. As you write your speech outline you will have to focus on how you will introduce yourself, your topic, and the points that you will be going to cover.
A speech outline will save a lot of your time and will help you organize your thoughts. It will make sure the speech is following a proper structure and format.
Before you start writing your own speech you need to know:
- WHO you are writing the speech for
- WHAT the speech will be going to cover
- HOW long it needs to be e.g if it is a 5-minute speech (then how many words in a 5-minute speech)
These speech tips will help you get on the right track from the start. Here is an example of how you can craft a speech outline.
Preparation
- Choose your topic and the main points that your speech will cover. Know your audience and get to know what they are looking for. Pay attention to their needs
- Define the purpose of the speech and properly organize it
Introduction
- A strong statement to grab the reader’s attention
- Refine the thesis statement
- State something that establishes credibility
- Provide your main idea and include some supporting statements.
- Examples and further details (if needed)
- Summarize the main points of the speech
- Closing statement
- Call to action
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How to Write an Effective Speech?
‘How to write a graduation speech?’
‘How to write a speech for school?’
‘How to write a speech about yourself?’
Get your answers in the below sections.
Just like essays, the speech also follows three sections: Introduction, the main body, and conclusion.
However, unlike essays, a speech must be written to be heard as opposed to just being read. It is important to write a speech in a way that can grab the reader’s attention and helps in painting a mental image.
It is the opening statement of a speech. It is important to know how to start a speech that can grab the attention of the audience.
‘How to write a speech introduction?’
It should include a hook-grabber statement about your topic. It should end with a strong transition from a big idea of the introduction to the main body of the essay. Some great ways to begin your speech are, to begin with, a rhetorical question, a quote, or another strong statement.
Make sure the introduction is not more than one paragraph. This will ensure you do not spend much time on the background before getting to the main idea of the topic.
The introduction is a great chance to make sure your opening is memorable as this is the point when your audience will make up their mind about you.
The Main body
The majority of the speech should be spent presenting your thesis statement and supporting ideas in an organized way.
Avoid rambling as it will immediately lose your audience’s attention. No need to share everything, instead pick some points and stick to them throughout your speech.
Organize your points in a logical manner so they support and build on each other. Add as many points as needed to support the overall message of your speech.
State each point clearly and provide all the required information, facts, statistics, and evidence, to clarify each of your points.
It is a good idea to include your personal experiences to make your speech more interesting and memorable.
Another important thing to be kept in mind is the use of transition. The purpose of adding transition words is to improve the overall flow of the information and help the reader to understand the speech structure. Words like next, then, after, before, at that moment, etc. are the most commonly used transition words to make the whole writing less choppy and more interesting.
The conclusion should restate and summarize all the main points of the speech. Because the audience will most likely remember what they have heard last. Beautifully wrap up the whole speech and give something for the audience to think about.
For an extra element, close your speech by restating the introduction statement so it feels like a complete package.
A good approach to conclude your speech is to introduce a call to action. Encourage your audience to participate in the solution to the problem that you are discussing. Give your audience some direction on how they can participate.
Practice and more practice is key to a great speech so it is important that you read your speech and listen to yourself. When writing, take care of the required length also.
Speech Topics - Engaging Topics to Choose From
You feel relief when your teacher says you are free to choose your speech topic. Feel free to write about anything you want. The problem is students still feel stuck in choosing an effective speech topic. If you are one of them, here is a list of the best speech ideas to help you get through the process.
- What role do cats play in human’s lives
- How to improve communication disorders
- World’s fastest-growing country
- Today’s world pollution rate
- How to improve interpersonal skills
- Are paper books better than e-books
- Should the death penalty be abolished
- Should prisoners be allowed to vote
- Should voting be made compulsory
- Is it better to live together before marriage
These are some of the interesting topics that you can consider. However, if you are still not sure about the topic of your speech, you can explore our article on informative speech topics and pick any of your choices.
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Speech Example
Stressing over on how to write a good speech? Speech examples are sure to be your best friend for effective speech writing and its effortless delivery.
Here is a sample speech example to help you get through your own speech writing process. Explore this example and get the answer on how to give a good speech.
Get Professional Help for Your Speech
If you are good at public speaking but lack writing skills or you do not have enough time to follow the mentioned points and write a speech, don't worry.
You can always contact us at 5StarEssays.com.
We have a highly qualified and amazing team of expert writers who can help you if you want to buy speeches online with high-quality content.
Contact our " write my essay " service with your requirements. Our essay writer will provide you with quality material that your audience will remember for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best introduction for a speech.
The best way to open a speech’s introduction is, to begin with, a story. Tell an inspiring story to your audience and connect it with your personal narrative.
What is the first step of speech writing?
The first step of writing a speech is to choose a topic. Choosing a good topic is important to have an engaging and great speech.
What are the five steps in speech writing?
Here are the five steps involved in writing a speech.
- Choose a topic.
- Investigate your audience.
- Built an outline.
- Rehearse the speech.
- Revise and finalize.
What are the types of speech delivery?
Here are the types of speech delivery.
- Extemporaneous
What are the two P’s required for good speech delivery?
The two P’s required for proper speech delivery are Preparation and Practice.
Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.
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- Informative Speech Topics - Interesting Ideas By Experts
- Commemorative Speech: Guide to Craft an Engaging Speech
- Persuasive Speech Topics - 150+ Topics for Students
- 50+ Demonstration Speech Ideas for Your Next Great Speech
- Impromptu Speech Topics - 150+ Interesting Ideas
- Debate Topics (2024) - Top 200+ Compelling Topics
- 100+ Motivational Speech Topics for an Inspirational Speech
- Extemporaneous Speech - How to Write One Successfully?
- Graduation Speech - Write Your Best Graduation Speech
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What this handout is about
This handout will help you create an effective speech by establishing the purpose of your speech and making it easily understandable. It will also help you to analyze your audience and keep the audience interested.
What’s different about a speech?
Writing for public speaking isn’t so different from other types of writing. You want to engage your audience’s attention, convey your ideas in a logical manner and use reliable evidence to support your point. But the conditions for public speaking favor some writing qualities over others. When you write a speech, your audience is made up of listeners. They have only one chance to comprehend the information as you read it, so your speech must be well-organized and easily understood. In addition, the content of the speech and your delivery must fit the audience.
What’s your purpose?
People have gathered to hear you speak on a specific issue, and they expect to get something out of it immediately. And you, the speaker, hope to have an immediate effect on your audience. The purpose of your speech is to get the response you want. Most speeches invite audiences to react in one of three ways: feeling, thinking, or acting. For example, eulogies encourage emotional response from the audience; college lectures stimulate listeners to think about a topic from a different perspective; protest speeches in the Pit recommend actions the audience can take.
As you establish your purpose, ask yourself these questions:
- What do you want the audience to learn or do?
- If you are making an argument, why do you want them to agree with you?
- If they already agree with you, why are you giving the speech?
- How can your audience benefit from what you have to say?
Audience analysis
If your purpose is to get a certain response from your audience, you must consider who they are (or who you’re pretending they are). If you can identify ways to connect with your listeners, you can make your speech interesting and useful.
As you think of ways to appeal to your audience, ask yourself:
- What do they have in common? Age? Interests? Ethnicity? Gender?
- Do they know as much about your topic as you, or will you be introducing them to new ideas?
- Why are these people listening to you? What are they looking for?
- What level of detail will be effective for them?
- What tone will be most effective in conveying your message?
- What might offend or alienate them?
For more help, see our handout on audience .
Creating an effective introduction
Get their attention, otherwise known as “the hook”.
Think about how you can relate to these listeners and get them to relate to you or your topic. Appealing to your audience on a personal level captures their attention and concern, increasing the chances of a successful speech. Speakers often begin with anecdotes to hook their audience’s attention. Other methods include presenting shocking statistics, asking direct questions of the audience, or enlisting audience participation.
Establish context and/or motive
Explain why your topic is important. Consider your purpose and how you came to speak to this audience. You may also want to connect the material to related or larger issues as well, especially those that may be important to your audience.
Get to the point
Tell your listeners your thesis right away and explain how you will support it. Don’t spend as much time developing your introductory paragraph and leading up to the thesis statement as you would in a research paper for a course. Moving from the intro into the body of the speech quickly will help keep your audience interested. You may be tempted to create suspense by keeping the audience guessing about your thesis until the end, then springing the implications of your discussion on them. But if you do so, they will most likely become bored or confused.
For more help, see our handout on introductions .
Making your speech easy to understand
Repeat crucial points and buzzwords.
Especially in longer speeches, it’s a good idea to keep reminding your audience of the main points you’ve made. For example, you could link an earlier main point or key term as you transition into or wrap up a new point. You could also address the relationship between earlier points and new points through discussion within a body paragraph. Using buzzwords or key terms throughout your paper is also a good idea. If your thesis says you’re going to expose unethical behavior of medical insurance companies, make sure the use of “ethics” recurs instead of switching to “immoral” or simply “wrong.” Repetition of key terms makes it easier for your audience to take in and connect information.
Incorporate previews and summaries into the speech
For example:
“I’m here today to talk to you about three issues that threaten our educational system: First, … Second, … Third,”
“I’ve talked to you today about such and such.”
These kinds of verbal cues permit the people in the audience to put together the pieces of your speech without thinking too hard, so they can spend more time paying attention to its content.
Use especially strong transitions
This will help your listeners see how new information relates to what they’ve heard so far. If you set up a counterargument in one paragraph so you can demolish it in the next, begin the demolition by saying something like,
“But this argument makes no sense when you consider that . . . .”
If you’re providing additional information to support your main point, you could say,
“Another fact that supports my main point is . . . .”
Helping your audience listen
Rely on shorter, simpler sentence structures.
Don’t get too complicated when you’re asking an audience to remember everything you say. Avoid using too many subordinate clauses, and place subjects and verbs close together.
Too complicated:
The product, which was invented in 1908 by Orville Z. McGillicuddy in Des Moines, Iowa, and which was on store shelves approximately one year later, still sells well.
Easier to understand:
Orville Z. McGillicuddy invented the product in 1908 and introduced it into stores shortly afterward. Almost a century later, the product still sells well.
Limit pronoun use
Listeners may have a hard time remembering or figuring out what “it,” “they,” or “this” refers to. Be specific by using a key noun instead of unclear pronouns.
Pronoun problem:
The U.S. government has failed to protect us from the scourge of so-called reality television, which exploits sex, violence, and petty conflict, and calls it human nature. This cannot continue.
Why the last sentence is unclear: “This” what? The government’s failure? Reality TV? Human nature?
More specific:
The U.S. government has failed to protect us from the scourge of so-called reality television, which exploits sex, violence, and petty conflict, and calls it human nature. This failure cannot continue.
Keeping audience interest
Incorporate the rhetorical strategies of ethos, pathos, and logos.
When arguing a point, using ethos, pathos, and logos can help convince your audience to believe you and make your argument stronger. Ethos refers to an appeal to your audience by establishing your authenticity and trustworthiness as a speaker. If you employ pathos, you appeal to your audience’s emotions. Using logos includes the support of hard facts, statistics, and logical argumentation. The most effective speeches usually present a combination these rhetorical strategies.
Use statistics and quotations sparingly
Include only the most striking factual material to support your perspective, things that would likely stick in the listeners’ minds long after you’ve finished speaking. Otherwise, you run the risk of overwhelming your listeners with too much information.
Watch your tone
Be careful not to talk over the heads of your audience. On the other hand, don’t be condescending either. And as for grabbing their attention, yelling, cursing, using inappropriate humor, or brandishing a potentially offensive prop (say, autopsy photos) will only make the audience tune you out.
Creating an effective conclusion
Restate your main points, but don’t repeat them.
“I asked earlier why we should care about the rain forest. Now I hope it’s clear that . . .” “Remember how Mrs. Smith couldn’t afford her prescriptions? Under our plan, . . .”
Call to action
Speeches often close with an appeal to the audience to take action based on their new knowledge or understanding. If you do this, be sure the action you recommend is specific and realistic. For example, although your audience may not be able to affect foreign policy directly, they can vote or work for candidates whose foreign policy views they support. Relating the purpose of your speech to their lives not only creates a connection with your audience, but also reiterates the importance of your topic to them in particular or “the bigger picture.”
Practicing for effective presentation
Once you’ve completed a draft, read your speech to a friend or in front of a mirror. When you’ve finished reading, ask the following questions:
- Which pieces of information are clearest?
- Where did I connect with the audience?
- Where might listeners lose the thread of my argument or description?
- Where might listeners become bored?
- Where did I have trouble speaking clearly and/or emphatically?
- Did I stay within my time limit?
Other resources
- Toastmasters International is a nonprofit group that provides communication and leadership training.
- Allyn & Bacon Publishing’s Essence of Public Speaking Series is an extensive treatment of speech writing and delivery, including books on using humor, motivating your audience, word choice and presentation.
Works consulted
We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.
Boone, Louis E., David L. Kurtz, and Judy R. Block. 1997. Contemporary Business Communication . Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Ehrlich, Henry. 1994. Writing Effective Speeches . New York: Marlowe.
Lamb, Sandra E. 1998. How to Write It: A Complete Guide to Everything You’ll Ever Write . Berkeley: Ten Speed Press.
You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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When figuring out how to write a speech, the essay form can offer a good foundation for the process. Just like essays, all speeches have three main sections: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.
However, unlike essays, speeches must be written to be heard as opposed to being read. You need to write a speech in a way that keeps the attention of an audience and helps paint a mental image at the same time. This means that your speech should contain some color, drama, or humor . It should have “flair.” Make your speech memorable by using attention-grabbing anecdotes and examples.
Determine the Type of Speech You're Writing
Since there are different types of speeches, your attention-grabbing techniques should fit the speech type.
Informative and instructional speeches inform your audience about a topic, event, or area of knowledge. This can be a how-to on podcasting for teens or a historical report on the Underground Railroad. It also can relate to health and beauty, such as "How to Shape Perfect Eyebrows," or hobby-related, such as "Make a Great Bag Out of Old Clothing."
Persuasive speeches attempt to convince or persuade the audience to join one side of an argument. You might write a speech about a life choice, such as, "Abstinence Can Save Your Life," or getting involved in the community, such as "The Benefits of Volunteering."
Entertaining speeches entertain your audience, and topics may not practical. Your speech topic could be something like, "Life Is Like a Dirty Dorm," or "Can Potato Peels Predict the Future?"
Special occasion speeches entertain or inform your audience, like graduation speeches and toasts at celebrations.
Explore the different types of speeches and decide what speech type fits your assignment.
Craft a Creative Speech Introduction
Thoughtco.com / Grace Fleming
The introduction of the informative speech should contain an attention-grabber, followed by a statement about your topic. It should end with a strong transition into your body section.
As an example, consider a template for an informative speech called "African-American Heroines." The length of your speech will depend on the amount of time you have been allotted to speak.
The red section of the speech in the graphic provides the attention-grabber. It makes audience members think about what life would be like without civil rights. The last sentence states directly the purpose of the speech and leads into the speech body, which provides more details.
Determine the Flow of the Body of the Speech
Thoughtco.com / Grace Fleming
The body of your speech can be organized in a number of ways, depending on your topic. Suggested organization patterns include:
- Chronological: Provides the order of events in time;
- Spatial: Gives an overview of physical arrangement or design;
- Topical: Presents information one subject at a time;
- Causal: Shows cause-and-effect pattern.
The speech pattern illustrated in the image in this slide is topical. The body is divided into sections that address different people (different topics). Speeches typically include three sections (topics) in the body. This speech would continue with a third section about Susie King Taylor.
Writing a Memorable Speech Conclusion
The conclusion of your speech should restate the main points you covered in your speech and end with a memorable statement. In the sample in this graphic, the red section restates the overall message you wanted to convey: that the three women you've mentioned had strength and courage, despite the odds they faced.
The quote is an attention-grabber since it is written in colorful language. The blue section ties the entire speech together with a small twist.
Address These Key Objectives
Whatever type of speech you decide to write, find ways to make your words memorable. Those elements include:
- Clever quotes
- Amusing stories with a purpose
- Meaningful transitions
- A good ending
The structure of how to write your speech is just the start. You'll also need to finesse the speech a bit. Start by paying attention to your audience and their interests. Write the words you'll speak with passion and enthusiasm, but you also want your listeners to share that enthusiasm. When writing your attention-grabbing statements, make sure you are writing what will get their attention, not just yours.
Study Famous Speeches
Gain inspiration from others' speeches. Read famous speeches and look at the way they are constructed. Find things that stand out and figure out what makes it interesting. Oftentimes, speechwriters use rhetorical devices to make certain points easy to remember and to emphasize them.
Get to the Point Quickly
Remember to begin and end your speech with something that will gain and hold the attention of your audience. If you spend too much time getting into your speech, people will zone out or start checking their phones. If you get them interested immediately, they will be more likely to stick with you until the end.
Keep It Conversational
How you deliver the speech is also important. When you give the speech , think about the tone you should use, and be sure to write the speech in the same flow that you'd use in conversations. A great way to check this flow is to practice reading it out loud. If you stumble while reading or it feels monotone, look for ways to jazz up the words and improve the flow.
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- Informative
- Introduction
- Student Council
- Speech topics
- Poems to read aloud
- How to write a speech
- Using props/visual aids
- Acute anxiety help
- Breathing exercises
- Letting go - free e-course
- Using self-hypnosis
- Delivery overview
- 4 modes of delivery
- How to make cue cards
- How to read a speech
- 9 vocal aspects
- Vocal variety
- Diction/articulation
- Pronunciation
- Speaking rate
- How to use pauses
- Eye contact
- Body language
- Voice image
- Voice health
- Public speaking activities and games
- About me/contact
Speech examples
Farewell, welcome, engagement, introduction, persuasive, maid of honor, thank you, icebreaker, and more!
By: Susan Dugdale
There are speech examples of many types on my site. If you have a speech to write and don't know where to begin, you're most welcome to use any of them to kick start your own creative process into action.
They're listed in alphabetical order: from birthday speeches through to welcome speeches.
Happy reading, Susan
Click the links to find the speech examples you want to read.
- Birthday speeches : 50th, 40th and 18th
- Christmas speeches : 3 examples for an office party
Demonstration speech sample
- Engagement party speeches : 5 sample toasts
- Eulogy samples : 70+ funeral speeches
- Farewell speeches : from a colleague leaving and to a colleague leaving
- Golden wedding speech
- Icebreaker speech for Toastmasters
- Introduction speeches : for a guest speaker, and for oneself
- Maid of honor speeches : 3 examples, including one for a sister
One minute speeches
- Persuasive speech sample
- Retirement speech sample
- Student Council : examples of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer campaign speeches
- Thank you : an award acceptance speech example
- Tribute : a commemorative speech example
- Welcome speech examples : to an event, to a church, to a family
Birthday speeches
There are three birthday speeches for you to read.
50th birthday speech sample
The first example is a 50th birthday speech for a man. It is written as if from a close male friend. You could call it a loving roast!
Here's the opening sentences:
"Good evening all. It's great to have you here. Most of you know my feeling on birthdays. Generally I say, what's the big deal?
By the time you've had over thirty, there should be a cease and desist order against them.
They're not unusual. Everybody has them and at the same rate as everybody else - one a year. They happen whether you want them to or not.
Believe me, I know. I've had quite a few and looking around this room I can see it's the same for others as well.
So why are we here?"
Read more: 50th birthday speech
40th birthday speech example
The second example is a 40 birthday speech for a daughter and the speech is written as if it comes from her mother.
These are the opening sentences:
"On behalf of the Martin family and Camille in particular, it is my pleasure to welcome you here tonight to her 40th birthday celebration.
We are delighted to have you with us and especial thanks to those who have traveled from afar.
Before we eat I am going to say a few words about my beautiful daughter. I've promised her two things. I'll keep it short and I won't embarrass her by telling tales she'd rather I forgot."
Read more: 40th birthday speech example
18th birthday speech sample
The third example is an 18th birthday speech of thanks . The speaker is thanking their family and friends for coming along to their 18th birthday celebration. It's a mix of humor and sincerity.
The speech begins like this:
"This is a moment I’ve waited a long time for. 18! I am an adult. Yep, I’ve come of age. Hard to believe, isn’t?
(Dad, you were not supposed to agree so quickly.)
I can now vote, drive a car, marry, buy alcohol, a lottery ticket and tobacco, get a tattoo, or join the military without having to ask permission. Let me see. Which one will I do first?
Perhaps a more honest question is, which of those will I continue to do without fear of getting caught?
And while you think about that, I’d like to say thank you."
Read more: 18th birthday speech
Christmas speech - an office party example
This example is a mix of notes, which the speaker Joe Brown will expand as he delivers the speech, and full text which he'll say as written. The speech follows the step by step process of an outline.
Here's an extract from the concluding sentences:
"It's been a tough year but I'm proud of what we accomplished together. Some businesses haven't been able to do what we have done.
Thanks to you we'll be going into the new year with strength, to build on our accomplishments and to consolidate our position.
Let's celebrate that. It's a gift to be grateful for."
To read more: Christmas office party speech example
2 short company Christmas party speech samples
You have the full text of these two short speeches to read. Both come in at between 2-3 minutes when delivered.
Here's an excerpt from one of them:
"OK, let's be honest; who thought we'd be gathered together for a heigh-ho-merry-old-time back in August? Remember? How can we possibly forget?!
- Martin and Co, one of our more significant customers, downsized their regular order by more than 50% - a move that caught us on the hop and had has us scrambling for a bit.
- There was a little more of that, when an opportunistic phishing expedition by some very clever clowns threatened to hold us to ransom."
For more please go to: 2 short company Christmas party speech samples .
This demonstration speech covers the process involved in learning to how to leave an effective voice mail message.
I've entered the text of the whole speech into a step by step outline template so that you can see the structure. Then I made a video (audio + slides) too, so you can hear as well as read it if you want to.
Here's the opening:
"How many important voice mail messages have you bumbled through after the beep? Does recalling them make you feel a little uncomfortable?
Yep, me too. I’ve blundered. Mumbled and muttered. If it were possible, I would have gladly saved the person I was calling the hassle of deleting those messages myself. Before they were heard."
Read more: sample demonstration speech
Engagement party speeches - 5 sample toasts
Here are five short (and sweet) engagement party speeches. They've been written from the point of view of a mother, a father, a friend, the groom and the bride-to-be.
The extract is the opening from the speech a mother might give:
"Mary welcome to the family!
While we're all delighted that Bill has shown such good sense in choosing you I've got an extra reason to celebrate. Finally I get a daughter! Thankfully Bill changed his mind about girls being, as he put it aged about 12, 'really dumb'."
To see all five speeches: engagement party toasts
Eulogy samples
We are extraordinarily blessed to be able offer over 70 eulogies for folk to read. These have been sent in by people from all over the world who intimately understand the need to see what others have written before beginning the task of writing a eulogy for a loved one of their own.
You'll find funeral speeches for mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, wives, husbands, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, work colleagues...
Visit: eulogy examples
Two farewell speech examples
An example goodbye speech to colleagues .
This example farewell speech is written from the point of view of a person leaving their workplace: a goodbye speech to colleagues. It's upbeat and follows the suggested content guidelines you'll find when you visit the page. (There's a recording of it too.)
Here's part of the opening:
"Do you realize we've been sharing each other's company for 2920 days?
Eight years of fun times, challenging times and everything in between.
And today I am officially leaving you!"
Go to: farewell speech example : a goodbye speech to colleagues.
A sample farewell speech for a colleague leaving
Writing a farewell speech for a colleague who is leaving can be challenging. What do you put in? What do you leave out?
My example is the result of following a start to finish 7 step process for a speech to say goodbye to a co-worker.
Here's the introductory sentences:
"Who else has been marking off the days until Sam finally leaves us? It’s sad but from next Monday there’ll be a huge hole in our team. She’ll be basking in the sun on a beach in Bali and we’ll be wondering how we’re going to manage without her..."
To read more of the speech and to find out about the process of writing it click the link: farewell speech to a colleague leaving .
Golden wedding - 50th anniversary speech
What do white daisies, finding a stray coin down the back of the sofa, and motorbikes have in common?
Yes, they're all part of a golden wedding speech.
I've written this speech example as if it's being delivered by a man called Mark, to his much-loved wife of 50 years, Sarah.
Here's an excerpt from the beginning:
"After 50 years Sarah knows I am not good at romance or speaking about love. Those kind of words always got tangled on my tongue and caught between my teeth. They never did come out right, not as I intended anyway. Even when I proposed, it came out all wrong."
For more: 50th wedding anniversary speech example
An icebreaker speech for Toastmasters example
Ahh, the icebreaker speech! It's much loved by club members worldwide and whichever of the eleven Toastmaster pathways you choose when you join, this is always the first assignment.
My icebreaker example, 'Stepping up to speak out', was written to illustrate an easily followed, step by step, process for getting from topic choice to speech preparation and delivery.
The beginning of the speech goes like this:
"Would you be surprised to know I nearly didn't make it here tonight?
I wonder how many of you experienced a moment or two of panic before giving your icebreaker speech. Just nod to let me know. { pause - look around }
Thank you, that's very reassuring. You've survived, so probably I shall too.
I am here wobbling rather nervously in front of you for three main reasons which I'll share.
Here's the first."
For more: Icebreaker speech for Toastmasters
Samples of introduction speeches
There two introduction speech examples for you to look at.
One is an example self introduction speech - the kind of brief 1-2 minute speech you are often expected to make to introduce yourself to a group of people you're meeting for the first time at some sort of workshop or similar event.
Here's the opening of that speech:
"Hi everybody!
I'm Masie Smith, Senior Marketing Executive, from Watts and Frederick in Smalltown, Bigstate.
It's great to be finally here. I've been dreaming about the opportunity and possibilities of working collectively and directly with each other for a long time now. Jane and Sam can attest to that. There's been hours put in balancing the schedules to make it happen.
Webinars and email are fine but nothing beats face to face ."
For more: self-introduction speech example
The second is an introduction speech in which you introduce a guest- speaker to an audience.
Here are the closing sentences. What's preceded them has carefully primed the audience to give the guest a warm welcome, by piling one piece of compelling biographical information on top of another.
"How she got from awkward tongue tied silence to an eloquent front line spokesperson is the story she will share with us tonight.
Ladies, I give you ... Rose Stephenson on speaking to lead."
For more: guest-speaker introduction example
Maid of Honor speech examples
There are three Maid of Honor (MOH) speeches for you to read: two from the point of view of a best friend, and one from the point of view of a sister.
You'll find step by step guidelines with examples to illustrate each part of the process of preparing a speech for yourself. Follow them carefully and you'll finish with a Maid of Honor speech you'll be proud to deliver.
Two Maid of Honor speech examples
The first example is heartfelt, a speech written from the point of view of a close childhood friend. She's shared the best and most difficult of times with the bride.
Here are its opening sentences:
"Some one very wise, and obviously someone who knew Sonja and Mark said, “Don't marry a person you can live with. Marry somebody you can't live without."
That's what we're witnessing today – the union of two people who belong together. A perfect match!"
The second example is more light-hearted. It's a combination of sentiment and fun, and is written from the point of view of a trusted and loved friend.
Here's the beginning:
"Once in a while, in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.
That's what we're celebrating today: a story of true love, a dream come true.
My name is Felicity and it's my privilege to be Sarah’s Maid of Honor.
Sarah is my Best Friend. I know it's a cliché. However clichés become clichés for a very good reason, because they're true. She's my BFF: Best Friend Forever.
For her I would wear the gaudiest, frothiest taffeta maid of honor dress possible and still smile. Fortunately I don't have to."
For more see: Maid of Honor speech examples
A Maid of Honor speech for a sister example
The opening segment of the speech is below. It recalls a loved childhood game which unites the past and present while drawing listeners in.
"What a day, Mary!
Remember when we were kids, how we dressed up in Mom’s old party dresses? Put a white table cloth on our heads and marched around, singing, “Here comes the bride, fair fat and wide.”?
My name is Jennifer, and this beautiful woman, this stunning bride – the antithesis of “fair fat and wide” is my beloved little sister.
We laughed ourselves silly over that game. Now here we are 25 years later.
Not laughing. Mary’s not wearing a table cloth. And this time it’s for real.
I am honored to be asked to speak. Thank you."
For more go to: maid of honor speech for a sister
As part of a page offering 150 one minute speech topics I wrote and then recorded three example speeches to demonstrate what you could do with a one minute speech.
One of those speeches was on the topic: 'What my work clothes say about me'.
Here is the opening two paragraphs of that speech:
"Clothes make the man. Yes, we judge each other on what we wear. And have done forever.
For better, or for worse, in the western working world, nothing says dependable and professional as eloquently as a tailored grey business suit, a crisp white shirt and a pair of good shoes."
To read, and hear, all three speeches please visit: one minute speech topics *
* There is also a free downloadable printable one minute speech planner which will help you consolidate the process of putting a speech together with minimum fuss.
A persuasive speech example
Here's a persuasive speech example using Monroe's Motivated Sequence - a five step structural pattern frequently used by professional persuaders: politicians and marketers.
The topic is somber: suicide and its impact on those left behind. The purpose of the speech is to persuade listeners to learn more about the special needs of family members, friends and colleagues in the immediate aftermath of a suicide.
Here are the opening sentences:
"One fine Spring day I biked home from school and found a policemen guarding our backdoor. Through it came sounds I'll never forget; my quiet, well-mannered Mother screaming. He said, "You can't go in."
I kicked him in the shins and did. It was the 15th of September, three days before my thirteenth birthday and my father was dead. Killed by his own hand. Suicide."
Read more: persuasive speech example
A sample retirement speech
This retirement speech is an example of one that could be given by a teacher who's signing off after many years service in the same school.
Here's a taste of it:
"I've been asked what I'm going to do now. I'm going to do a lot of things and very few of them conform to the notion of retirement as a time of waiting for the inevitable end. Helen Hayes, put it this way: 'People who refuse to rest honorably on their laurels when they reach “retirement” age seem very admirable to me."
Read the whole speech: retirement speech sample
Sample student council speeches
This page has everything you need to help you prepare a winning student council speech: comprehensive guidelines, a template, example speeches and a printable speech planner and outline document.
The speaker in my first example is running for president.
Here's the opening to her speech:
"I’ve got a question for you. I’m not asking you to shout your answer out, or raise your hand. All I’m asking is that you give it room in your mind. Let it sit for a bit, and have a think about it.
My question is – do you believe like I do, that all of us deserve the opportunity to make the best of ourselves? Not second best, 3 rd , or even, highly commended. The BEST."
Get the guidelines, the template, and read the whole speech: sample Student Council speech for President
And now I've added three more sample Student Council speeches:
- Student Council speech for Vice President
- Student Council speech for Secretary
- Student Council speech for Treasurer
Thank you speech sample
The example thank you speech expresses gratitude for being the recipient of a community service award.
"Who's considered the incredible power of thank you? Those two words express gratitude, humility, understanding, as well as acknowledgement.
I am here with you: my family, many of my friends and colleagues, because I need to say all of that, and then some more."
You'll find the full speech, and guidelines covering how to write a speech of thanks here: thank you speech example
An example tribute speech
A tribute speech may also be a commemorative speech. That is a speech celebrating, praising or paying tribute to the memory of: a person, a group, an institution, a thing, an event or even an idea. Or it could be a eulogy or funeral speech; a speech celebrating a person's life.
This example tribute speech was written in memory of my mother, Iris.
"My Mother's name marked her out as the goddess of the rainbow, a messenger for the ancient Olympian gods and carrier of faith, hope and wisdom.
She was Iris. And although the meaning of her name is rich in imagery and history that wasn't why her parent's called her that. Instead it was something much closer to home.
After her birth my grandmother saw iris flowering out her bedroom window. She was named for the regal beauty of their dark purple flowers."
Read more: sample tribute speech
Example welcome speeches
There are three welcome speech examples for you to read: welcome to an event, welcome to a church, and welcome to the family. All three come with guidelines to help you prepare a good welcome speech of your own.
This example is welcoming listeners to an event. As part of that, the special guests are mentioned, as is, an outline of what's going to happen.
This is the opening:
"Sue-Ellen Thomas, Jim Smith, Jane Brown and all of our guests, welcome.
My name is April Molloy, and it's my privilege and pleasure on behalf of Parents United to welcome you here today.
We are delighted to have you with us to participate and share in our 5th annual Children's Day. Thank you for coming. That many of you have traveled long distances to be here serves as a reminder to us all just how important our work is."
You can read the rest here: sample welcome speech .
A church welcome speech example
This sample speech welcomes visitors to the congregation. Along with the speech you'll also find links to additional resources to assist.
Here's the opening passage:
"I want to take a moment to extend a very warm welcome to everyone who's visiting us for the first time this morning. Whether you're just having a look, or are searching out for a place to worship, we're delighted to have you here.
To give you some idea of what we're all about, I'll quickly sketch some of our foundational beliefs."
Read more: church welcome speech example
Example welcome to the family speech
This is a short, and sweet, speech welcoming a bride or groom-to-be into a family at an event arranged for that purpose. The template it uses is entirely flexible.
Mary {Replace the name Mary with the name of the person you are welcoming} - welcome to the family!
Family, tribe, clan, kin, group - call it what you will: it's us - all of us!
We're mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, cousins, 3rd cousins, even 53rd cousins, old and young, generations of us, linked together through shared DNA and history.
Look around. The faces smiling back at you are now your people too."
See more: example welcome to the family speech
In addition to providing speech examples, I also custom write speeches.
If you have a speech to give for a special occasion that's coming up you may like to find out more, especially if you find writing stressful. ☺ Go to: speech writer for hire
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How to write a speech
- James Haynes
- October 6, 2022
Table of Contents
Introduction.
So you want to learn how to write a speech. Maybe it’s for a speech for work, or maybe it’s for a school project. You know that professional speakers don’t just make stuff up. They don’t write a few thoughts on a notecard and then shoot from the hip for an entire presentation. They take the time to write and carefully craft their material. And you’re ready to do that! You have an idea of what you want to speak about, but how do you actually create your talk? How do you give a speech? And what makes a talk “good”?
In this post, you can read answers to all of those questions. You’ll learn tips to go through the process to create a great speech from idea to completion. And you’ll learn how to write and give an inspiring speech. Ready to learn more? Read on!
Before you start to write your speech
A speech is simply a talk meant to get your audience to learn, understand or do something.
The best speakers on the planet only have one or two talks they do and those talks are insanely good. Start by developing just one, really amazing talk that resonates deeply with your intended audience. The best marketing for your speaking business is a great talk, so it is worth it to put in the hours for this part. Yes, even if your first speaking gig is a free talk at a community center.
Keep in mind: Your audience is always going to be asking two questions: “so what?” and “now what?” So what means, what does this have to do with me? Now what is what you want the audience to do as a result of your talk. Give them action steps to implement what you taught them. If they hear you speak but literally don’t do anything differently, what’s the point?
Giving a speech is almost like mapping for a road trip. If you are going to go on a road trip, it’s easier to have a paper map or Google Maps to tell you where you’re going. But if you just get in the car and you start driving, and people are in the car asking you where we’re going, you’re in trouble! But by organizing and structuring your talk, you can lead the audience to your conclusions. And you can effectively answer those two questions: “so what?” and “now what?”
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Want to learn how to write a speech? Read on for 3 steps to make it unforgettable:
1. Begin with the end in mind and tell a story
Have you ever been left at the end of a speech wondering, “What was the point of this talk?” Don’t do that to your audience. When creating your talk, determine the destination that you want to take them to. Once you pick a point, then you can work backwards and reverse engineer how to get your audience to that place.
The best way to do the point of your talk is to find where your audience’s needs converge with your passions. Think about what problems you like to solve and what topics you want to talk about and look out into the world. Who is asking for solutions to those problems? Become the expert on that audience and commit yourself to meeting their needs. (for more on finding your big idea, check out this episode of The Speaker Lab podcast)
Okay, so now you have your topic, the idea you want to communicate. Now what? One of the best ways to create a memorable, relatable talk is by integrating first-person stories . You don’t have to have lost a limb or scaled Mount Everest. Keep an eye out in your everyday life for little moments that can contribute to your message. Write them down and integrate them into your talk. As you get more speaking gigs, you will very quickly learn which stories are a hit and which are total flops…which is all part of the process!
Humans relate to stories. We connect to stories. Funny stories. Sad stories. Inspirational stories. We love stories. So tell them. Lots of them. Stories will keep your audience engaged and are also easier for you to memorize. Telling stories that you lived and experienced generally makes the story better for you and the audience. For the audience, they can often times find themselves in your story. For you as the speaker, it’s much easier (and more powerful) to tell a story that you lived versus one you read in a book.
2. Write out your speech from beginning to end
As Grant Baldwin discusses in this video on preparing your talk , you want to write out your talk to have a basic structure: beginning, middle, and end.
In the beginning, you’re going to want to introduce the problem that your talk is going to solve and ultimately start to capture the audience’s attention. One thing that’s important to remember is there’s a difference between an audience that wants to be there and an audience that has to be there. When you get on stage, you want to be able to answer for the audience: Who are you? Why should I pay attention? Why does this matter? What am I supposed to do with this information? Can I trust you? You want to give the audience a reason to engage with you and where you’re going with the speech.
The next part of the process is the main body. This is where you will provide the solution to the problem or elaborate on the idea you’ve presented, and then share the action items that transform the audience. These action items should be specific, tangible, actionable, and realistic. You want to give something that the audience can leave with knowing exactly what to do now. So you want to make it specific, tangible, actionable, and realistic – not something that’s just vague or squishy, but something that they can actually understand.
The last part of the process is the closing. The purpose of the closing is to transition the audience to your main call to action. Remember, your audience is always asking themselves two questions: “So what?” and “Now what?” And this is where your closing comes in. Your closing is so important because the audience will remember what they learned and heard from you in the final minutes of your talk.
3. Structure your speech
Types of structures for writing your speech.
Another step Baldwin recommended on our podcast on creating your talk is to break your talk into sections beyond the beginning, middle, and end. As you internalize your talk’s message, you can break the talk into sections that you either deliver in order or out of order.
But regardless of how you break it up, you should determine what the point of each section is. It may be to tell a story to illustrate some key thoughts. Practicing that section could include practicing telling the story aloud, delivering the punchline, and transitioning out of that story into the next point that you’re trying to make. This will make it easier to memorize your speech.
Each section should stack on to what you’ve already learned. So once you learn paragraph one, then you can practice paragraph two. Then you can go back and practice one and two together – again, everyone has their own technique, but oftentimes out loud is best! (Another tactic here is to record yourself and listen back to help you to not only learn the material, but to also help decide if the material works.)
Sequential structures
One method Grant Baldwin discusses in our podcast on how to write your speech is to use different types of structures. For example, a sequential structure for memorizing your talk can take the main themes you want to speak about and put them in a sequential form, so that it’s easier to remember the order. Grant gives the example of a talk he gave for college audiences called “Life is a Highway,” where he talked about an imaginary road trip.
As Baldwin said, the way the talk was structured was to talk in the beginning about the past, and where the audience has been, then talk about the future, where they’re going, and to end by talking about where they are, right now. “It needs to almost happen in this certain sequence,” Baldwin said, “which also makes it easier for you to memorize because they need to go in this specific order.”
When you use this structure, you can deliver your speech in any order, Unlike a singer, whose audience may know all the lyrics to the song she sings, if a speaker goes out of order, it may be impossible for the audience to notice – after all, they don’t have a script!
Modular structures
Another type of structure you can use to write your speech is a modular structure. This allows you to go in order, but it also allows you to jump around. This could be especially helpful if you’ve got a couple of main thoughts or ideas and they don’t necessarily have to go in a certain order. You can kind of mix and match them around, similar to how a band at a concert can switch songs around in their setlist.
Baldwin gives the example of topics he covered in a book talk for high school students, answering questions such as, should I go to college? how do I pay for college? What classes do I take? What do I major in? Job interviews, resumes, internships, credit cards, budgets, taxes, etc.
Similar to the sequential structure, it may be helpful for you to think of the content as telling a story, so that you don’t leave anything out. If you have five key themes, for example, that you’d like to cover, they could be five elements of a story you would like to tell. Remember: stories will keep your audience engaged and also make it easier for you to write your speech.
By following these steps, you can set yourself up for success. Many external variables help make a speech go well. Beyond working these steps before giving a speech, you should try to put as many of those variables in your favor as possible. Don’t stay up late the night before at a reception. Don’t eat a massive pasta bowl before you go on stage. Try to avoid speaking during a slot when most of the audience will be distracted. If all the variables are stacked against you but you crush your talk, it can still come across as “meh” to the audience.
Keep in mind: Speaking is like playing jazz – you don’t have to give a talk the same way every time. You can improvise and mix it up sometimes, and you don’t need to plan out every hand gesture or movement or exact line you’ll use. Some of that is fine, but also be present enough with the audience that you can play jazz when the moment calls for it.
If you have a dream to inspire others with your message, you’ve probably considered taking your passion to the stage. Becoming a speaker might sound like a charmed life in many ways. And while it does take hard work, it totally is.
What Type Of Speaker Are You?
Click below to discover your Speaker Archetype and how to start getting booked and paid to speak!
In the meantime, here are a few rapid fire FAQs about speeches. Happy speaking!
How much money can you make as a professional speaker?
The runway to a successful business is often slow. But many professional speakers make 6+ figures a year within a couple years of starting their speaking business!
What degree you need to become a professional speaker?
It does not matter! You can have no degree or a PhD in whatever field you like and still be a great speaker.
Can anyone become a professional speaker?
Absolutely.
How long does it take to become a professional speaker?
This may vary quite a bit, primarily based on your state in life.
- Last Updated: February 29, 2024
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40 Strong Persuasive Writing Examples (Essays, Speeches, Ads, and More)
Learn from the experts.
The more we read, the better writers we become. Teaching students to write strong persuasive essays should always start with reading some top-notch models. This round-up of persuasive writing examples includes famous speeches, influential ad campaigns, contemporary reviews of famous books, and more. Use them to inspire your students to write their own essays. (Need persuasive essay topics? Check out our list of interesting persuasive essay ideas here! )
- Persuasive Essays
- Persuasive Speeches
- Advertising Campaigns
Persuasive Essay Writing Examples
From the earliest days of print, authors have used persuasive essays to try to sway others to their own point of view. Check out these top persuasive essay writing examples.
Professions for Women by Virginia Woolf
Sample lines: “Outwardly, what is simpler than to write books? Outwardly, what obstacles are there for a woman rather than for a man? Inwardly, I think, the case is very different; she has still many ghosts to fight, many prejudices to overcome. Indeed it will be a long time still, I think, before a woman can sit down to write a book without finding a phantom to be slain, a rock to be dashed against. And if this is so in literature, the freest of all professions for women, how is it in the new professions which you are now for the first time entering?”
The Crisis by Thomas Paine
Sample lines: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.”
Politics and the English Language by George Orwell
Sample lines: “As I have tried to show, modern writing at its worst does not consist in picking out words for the sake of their meaning and inventing images in order to make the meaning clearer. It consists in gumming together long strips of words which have already been set in order by someone else, and making the results presentable by sheer humbug.”
Letter From a Birmingham Jail by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Sample lines: “We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was ‘well timed’ in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For years now I have heard the word ‘Wait!’ It rings in the ear of every Negro with piercing familiarity. This ‘Wait’ has almost always meant ‘Never.’ We must come to see, with one of our distinguished jurists, that ‘justice too long delayed is justice denied.'”
Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau
Sample lines: “Even voting for the right is doing nothing for it. It is only expressing to men feebly your desire that it should prevail. A wise man will not leave the right to the mercy of chance, nor wish it to prevail through the power of the majority. There is but little virtue in the action of masses of men.”
Go Gentle Into That Good Night by Roger Ebert
Sample lines: “‘Kindness’ covers all of my political beliefs. No need to spell them out. I believe that if, at the end of it all, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime.”
The Way to Wealth by Benjamin Franklin
Sample lines: “Methinks I hear some of you say, must a man afford himself no leisure? I will tell thee, my friend, what Poor Richard says, employ thy time well if thou meanest to gain leisure; and, since thou art not sure of a minute, throw not away an hour. Leisure is time for doing something useful; this leisure the diligent man will obtain, but the lazy man never; so that, as Poor Richard says, a life of leisure and a life of laziness are two things.”
The Crack-Up by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Sample lines: “Of course all life is a process of breaking down, but the blows that do the dramatic side of the work—the big sudden blows that come, or seem to come, from outside—the ones you remember and blame things on and, in moments of weakness, tell your friends about, don’t show their effect all at once.”
Open Letter to the Kansas School Board by Bobby Henderson
Sample lines: “I am writing you with much concern after having read of your hearing to decide whether the alternative theory of Intelligent Design should be taught along with the theory of Evolution. … Let us remember that there are multiple theories of Intelligent Design. I and many others around the world are of the strong belief that the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster. … We feel strongly that the overwhelming scientific evidence pointing towards evolutionary processes is nothing but a coincidence, put in place by Him. It is for this reason that I’m writing you today, to formally request that this alternative theory be taught in your schools, along with the other two theories.”
Open Letter to the United Nations by Niels Bohr
Sample lines: “Humanity will, therefore, be confronted with dangers of unprecedented character unless, in due time, measures can be taken to forestall a disastrous competition in such formidable armaments and to establish an international control of the manufacture and use of the powerful materials.”
Persuasive Speech Writing Examples
Many persuasive speeches are political in nature, often addressing subjects like human rights. Here are some of history’s most well-known persuasive writing examples in the form of speeches.
I Have a Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Sample lines: “And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
Woodrow Wilson’s War Message to Congress, 1917
Sample lines: “There are, it may be, many months of fiery trial and sacrifice ahead of us. It is a fearful thing to lead this great peaceful people into war, into the most terrible and disastrous of all wars, civilization itself seeming to be in the balance. But the right is more precious than peace, and we shall fight for the things which we have always carried nearest our hearts—for democracy, for the right of those who submit to authority to have a voice in their own governments, for the rights and liberties of small nations, for a universal dominion of right by such a concert of free peoples as shall bring peace and safety to all nations and make the world itself at last free.”
Chief Seattle’s 1854 Oration
Sample lines: “I here and now make this condition that we will not be denied the privilege without molestation of visiting at any time the tombs of our ancestors, friends, and children. Every part of this soil is sacred in the estimation of my people. Every hillside, every valley, every plain and grove, has been hallowed by some sad or happy event in days long vanished. Even the rocks, which seem to be dumb and dead as they swelter in the sun along the silent shore, thrill with memories of stirring events connected with the lives of my people, and the very dust upon which you now stand responds more lovingly to their footsteps than yours, because it is rich with the blood of our ancestors, and our bare feet are conscious of the sympathetic touch.”
Women’s Rights Are Human Rights, Hillary Rodham Clinton
Sample lines: “What we are learning around the world is that if women are healthy and educated, their families will flourish. If women are free from violence, their families will flourish. If women have a chance to work and earn as full and equal partners in society, their families will flourish. And when families flourish, communities and nations do as well. … If there is one message that echoes forth from this conference, let it be that human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights once and for all.”
I Am Prepared to Die, Nelson Mandela
Sample lines: “Above all, My Lord, we want equal political rights, because without them our disabilities will be permanent. I know this sounds revolutionary to the whites in this country, because the majority of voters will be Africans. This makes the white man fear democracy. But this fear cannot be allowed to stand in the way of the only solution which will guarantee racial harmony and freedom for all. It is not true that the enfranchisement of all will result in racial domination. Political division, based on color, is entirely artificial and, when it disappears, so will the domination of one color group by another. … This then is what the ANC is fighting. Our struggle is a truly national one. It is a struggle of the African people, inspired by our own suffering and our own experience. It is a struggle for the right to live.”
The Struggle for Human Rights by Eleanor Roosevelt
Sample lines: “It is my belief, and I am sure it is also yours, that the struggle for democracy and freedom is a critical struggle, for their preservation is essential to the great objective of the United Nations to maintain international peace and security. Among free men the end cannot justify the means. We know the patterns of totalitarianism—the single political party, the control of schools, press, radio, the arts, the sciences, and the church to support autocratic authority; these are the age-old patterns against which men have struggled for 3,000 years. These are the signs of reaction, retreat, and retrogression. The United Nations must hold fast to the heritage of freedom won by the struggle of its people; it must help us to pass it on to generations to come.”
Freedom From Fear by Aung San Suu Kyi
Sample lines: “Saints, it has been said, are the sinners who go on trying. So free men are the oppressed who go on trying and who in the process make themselves fit to bear the responsibilities and to uphold the disciplines which will maintain a free society. Among the basic freedoms to which men aspire that their lives might be full and uncramped, freedom from fear stands out as both a means and an end. A people who would build a nation in which strong, democratic institutions are firmly established as a guarantee against state-induced power must first learn to liberate their own minds from apathy and fear.”
Harvey Milk’s “The Hope” Speech
Sample lines: “Some people are satisfied. And some people are not. You see there is a major difference—and it remains a vital difference—between a friend and a gay person, a friend in office and a gay person in office. Gay people have been slandered nationwide. We’ve been tarred and we’ve been brushed with the picture of pornography. In Dade County, we were accused of child molestation. It is not enough anymore just to have friends represent us, no matter how good that friend may be.”
The Union and the Strike, Cesar Chavez
Sample lines: “We are showing our unity in our strike. Our strike is stopping the work in the fields; our strike is stopping ships that would carry grapes; our strike is stopping the trucks that would carry the grapes. Our strike will stop every way the grower makes money until we have a union contract that guarantees us a fair share of the money he makes from our work! We are a union and we are strong and we are striking to force the growers to respect our strength!”
Nobel Lecture by Malala Yousafzai
Sample lines: “The world can no longer accept that basic education is enough. Why do leaders accept that for children in developing countries, only basic literacy is sufficient, when their own children do homework in algebra, mathematics, science, and physics? Leaders must seize this opportunity to guarantee a free, quality, primary and secondary education for every child. Some will say this is impractical, or too expensive, or too hard. Or maybe even impossible. But it is time the world thinks bigger.”
Persuasive Writing Examples in Advertising Campaigns
Ads are prime persuasive writing examples. You can flip open any magazine or watch TV for an hour or two to see sample after sample of persuasive language. Here are some of the most popular ad campaigns of all time, with links to articles explaining why they were so successful.
Nike: Just Do It
The iconic swoosh with the simple tagline has persuaded millions to buy their kicks from Nike and Nike alone. Teamed with pro sports-star endorsements, this campaign is one for the ages. Blinkist offers an opinion on what made it work.
Dove: Real Beauty
Beauty brand Dove changed the game by choosing “real” women to tell their stories instead of models. They used relatable images and language to make connections, and inspired other brands to try the same concept. Learn why Global Brands considers this one a true success story.
Wendy’s: Where’s the Beef?
Today’s kids are too young to remember the cranky old woman demanding to know where the beef was on her fast-food hamburger. But in the 1980s, it was a catchphrase that sold millions of Wendy’s burgers. Learn from Better Marketing how this ad campaign even found its way into the 1984 presidential debate.
De Beers: A Diamond Is Forever
A diamond engagement ring has become a standard these days, but the tradition isn’t as old as you might think. In fact, it was De Beers jewelry company’s 1948 campaign that created the modern engagement ring trend. The Drum has the whole story of this sparkling campaign.
Volkswagen: Think Small
Americans have always loved big cars. So in the 1960s, when Volkswagen wanted to introduce their small cars to a bigger market, they had a problem. The clever “Think Small” campaign gave buyers clever reasons to consider these models, like “If you run out of gas, it’s easy to push.” Learn how advertisers interested American buyers in little cars at Visual Rhetoric.
American Express: Don’t Leave Home Without It
AmEx was once better known for traveler’s checks than credit cards, and the original slogan was “Don’t leave home without them.” A simple word change convinced travelers that American Express was the credit card they needed when they headed out on adventures. Discover more about this persuasive campaign from Medium.
Skittles: Taste the Rainbow
These candy ads are weird and intriguing and probably not for everyone. But they definitely get you thinking, and that often leads to buying. Learn more about why these wacky ads are successful from The Drum.
Maybelline: Maybe She’s Born With It
Smart wordplay made this ad campaign slogan an instant hit. The ads teased, “Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe it’s Maybelline.” (So many literary devices all in one phrase!) Fashionista has more on this beauty campaign.
Coca-Cola: Share a Coke
Seeing their own name on a bottle made teens more likely to want to buy a Coke. What can that teach us about persuasive writing in general? It’s an interesting question to consider. Learn more about the “Share a Coke” campaign from Digital Vidya.
Always: #LikeaGirl
Talk about the power of words! This Always campaign turned the derogatory phrase “like a girl” on its head, and the world embraced it. Storytelling is an important part of persuasive writing, and these ads really do it well. Medium has more on this stereotype-bashing campaign.
Editorial Persuasive Writing Examples
Newspaper editors or publishers use editorials to share their personal opinions. Noted politicians, experts, or pundits may also offer their opinions on behalf of the editors or publishers. Here are a couple of older well-known editorials, along with a selection from current newspapers.
Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus (1897)
Sample lines: “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias.”
What’s the Matter With Kansas? (1896)
Sample lines: “Oh, this IS a state to be proud of! We are a people who can hold up our heads! What we need is not more money, but less capital, fewer white shirts and brains, fewer men with business judgment, and more of those fellows who boast that they are ‘just ordinary clodhoppers, but they know more in a minute about finance than John Sherman,’ we need more men … who hate prosperity, and who think, because a man believes in national honor, he is a tool of Wall Street.”
America Can Have Democracy or Political Violence. Not Both. (The New York Times)
Sample lines: “The nation is not powerless to stop a slide toward deadly chaos. If institutions and individuals do more to make it unacceptable in American public life, organized violence in the service of political objectives can still be pushed to the fringes. When a faction of one of the country’s two main political parties embraces extremism, that makes thwarting it both more difficult and more necessary. A well-functioning democracy demands it.”
The Booster Isn’t Perfect, But Still Can Help Against COVID (The Washington Post)
Sample lines: “The booster shots are still free, readily available and work better than the previous boosters even as the virus evolves. Much still needs to be done to build better vaccines that protect longer and against more variants, including those that might emerge in the future. But it is worth grabbing the booster that exists today, the jab being a small price for any measure that can help keep COVID at bay.”
If We Want Wildlife To Thrive in L.A., We Have To Share Our Neighborhoods With Them (Los Angeles Times)
Sample lines: “If there are no corridors for wildlife movement and if excessive excavation of dirt to build bigger, taller houses erodes the slope of a hillside, then we are slowly destroying wildlife habitat. For those people fretting about what this will do to their property values—isn’t open space, trees, and wildlife an amenity in these communities?”
Persuasive Review Writing Examples
Book or movie reviews are more great persuasive writing examples. Look for those written by professionals for the strongest arguments and writing styles. Here are reviews of some popular books and movies by well-known critics to use as samples.
The Great Gatsby (The Chicago Tribune, 1925)
Sample lines: “What ails it, fundamentally, is the plain fact that it is simply a story—that Fitzgerald seems to be far more interested in maintaining its suspense than in getting under the skins of its people. It is not that they are false: It is that they are taken too much for granted. Only Gatsby himself genuinely lives and breathes. The rest are mere marionettes—often astonishingly lifelike, but nevertheless not quite alive.”
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (The Washington Post, 1999)
Sample lines: “Obviously, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone should make any modern 11-year-old a very happy reader. The novel moves quickly, packs in everything from a boa constrictor that winks to a melancholy Zen-spouting centaur to an owl postal system, and ends with a scary surprise. Yet it is, essentially, a light-hearted thriller, interrupted by occasional seriousness (the implications of Harry’s miserable childhood, a moral about the power of love).”
Twilight (The Telegraph, 2009)
Sample lines: “No secret, of course, at whom this book is aimed, and no doubt, either, that it has hit its mark. The four Twilight novels are not so much enjoyed, as devoured, by legions of young female fans worldwide. That’s not to say boys can’t enjoy these books; it’s just that the pages of heart-searching dialogue between Edward and Bella may prove too long on chat and too short on action for the average male reader.”
To Kill a Mockingbird (Time, 1960)
Sample lines: “Author Lee, 34, an Alabaman, has written her first novel with all of the tactile brilliance and none of the preciosity generally supposed to be standard swamp-warfare issue for Southern writers. The novel is an account of an awakening to good and evil, and a faint catechistic flavor may have been inevitable. But it is faint indeed; novelist Lee’s prose has an edge that cuts through cant, and she teaches the reader an astonishing number of useful truths about little girls and about Southern life.”
The Diary of Anne Frank (The New York Times, 1952)
Sample lines: “And this quality brings it home to any family in the world today. Just as the Franks lived in momentary fear of the Gestapo’s knock on their hidden door, so every family today lives in fear of the knock of war. Anne’s diary is a great affirmative answer to the life-question of today, for she shows how ordinary people, within this ordeal, consistently hold to the greater human values.”
What are your favorite persuasive writing examples to use with students? Come share your ideas in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .
Plus, the big list of essay topics for high school (120+ ideas) ..
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Are you looking for the optimal speech format that will help you leave a lasting impact on your listeners?
Well, some speakers can’t deliver a speech without a well-written script in their hand. Whereas, some avoid using a written speech because they believe that reading makes them feel uncomfortable and stiff.
A successful speech depends on both careful preparation and effective presentation. Hence, speech writing is very important.
Writing a speech should not be a nail-biting or anxiety-provoking experience. If you learn the basic speech format, you can excel in speech writing !
Having said that, this step-by-step guide on speech format can make the nerve-racking task of speech delivery simple and straightforward.
Let’s get started!
- 1. How to Write a Speech Format?
- 2. How to Rehearse a Speech
- 3. Speech Format Examples for Different Academic Levels
- 4. Speech Format Examples for Different Occasions
How to Write a Speech Format?
Speech writing gives you a chance to leave an everlasting and meaningful impression on the audience. You might have always believed that you are not good with words. And speech writing may bring you out in cold sweats, but this is different.
Let’s see how one should write a great speech that impresses the audience.
1. Decide the Purpose of Your Speech
To understand the purpose of your speech, consider these queries:
- What is the main motive behind it?
- Is it to inform or persuade? Is it to entertain or demonstrate? Or is it a combination of these?
- What do you want to achieve with your speech?
- Do you want your audience to act upon something, or do you want to convince them to believe what you are saying?
Your answer to all of these questions will decide the organizational structure, type of speech, tone, and content as well.
Identify your listeners and decide which type of speech is suitable for your targeted audience. If you are going to deliver a speech at a wedding, write a special occasion speech . Similarly, if your motive is to persuade the audience, you’ll have to write a persuasive speech .
2. Choose a Speech Topic
Choose an effective speech topic that catches the audience’s attention immediately. A good speech topic is your first step to impress the audience.
You can select any topic according to the type of speech you need to deliver. Pick a motivational speech topic if you want to get the audience to act upon your message. If you want to make your audience laugh, decide on an entertaining speech topic .
3. Do the Research
Conduct thorough research on your particular subject to collect relevant material. Finding credible and updated material is crucial, as good research is the backbone of sound speech.
Before you write your speech, you need to know what your speech will be about exactly. And how long it needs to be, i.e., 5 minutes or 30 minutes long. So, always collect the data according to the time limit.
For a 5-minute speech, you only need a brief material. Your speech should revolve around the central idea. If your speech is 30 minutes long, you need to collect enough details to cover in 30 minutes.
4. Craft the Outline
Now that you have the material for your speech, craft an outline to organize your material. Drafting an outline at first always saves precious time.
Write keywords in the outline that prompt you to remember what you’ll include in your speech. Having an outline for your speech is like having a road map that guides you throughout the speech delivery.
As mentioned before, the basic speech outline format consists of three things:
- Introduction
Here is a speech outline template that you can use while crafting an outline for your speech.
Speech Format Outline
5. Write an Effective Introduction
An introduction will give a brief overview of what you are going to tell your audience. Here are the five things that you should include in your introduction paragraph.
- Greetings and Your Introduction
Decide how you are going to greet your audience and how you will introduce yourself to the audience. You can start with a fact, a quotation, posing a rhetorical question, or even with one-liner humor.
Keep in mind that whatever you start with, must be related to your topic and suitable for your audience.
- A Precise Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is a brief summary of your speech, and it provides the main message of your speech.
- Your Credibility
You need to establish your credibility to make your speech effective. Cite your expertise and qualification that gives you the right to speak about your speech topic.
- Brief Overview
Briefly tell your audience what you are going to share so that they have an idea of what to expect from your speech.
- Benefits of Listening to Your Speech
Convince your audience why they should listen to you. Tell them what's in your speech for them and why should they pay attention. Give them reasons and be specific about the benefits.
6. Write a Detailed Body
The body is where you write the details of what you want to share with your audience. Generally, the body section has three main points, but it can have more than 3 points.
It is always a good idea to be specific and inform the audience of only essential things.
Quite frankly, if you introduce the audience to an abundance of ideas or topics, they might not remember them all! To leave a lasting impact, decide on 2 or 3 ideas, so the crowd remembers them all!
While crafting the body section of your speech, you should keep the following things in mind:
- Choose the three strongest points that describe your topic efficiently.
- Always provide supporting examples. Make sure that the evidence you provide matches the type of speech you are going to write.
- Use transition phrases to make a logical connection between the details.
- Use visual aids like images, graphs, or tables to help your audience understand your topic better.
- Keep the sentence structures in check. Make sure there are no grammatical errors and follow an engaging tone.
7. Craft a Compelling Conclusion
The final section is the conclusion that sums up the whole speech. Here is how you can write an effective speech conclusion that summarizes and draws all the details together:
- Summarize all the main points
- Restate the thesis statement to reinforce your message
- Remind the audience about the benefits they’ll get if they carry out what you have proposed.
- Provide a call to action at the end of your speech
8. Do the Formatting
After the final draft, the next step is editing and formatting. Read your speech aloud and check the flow and organization of the information. Refine the draft by removing unnecessary things and correcting any grammatical mistakes.
Proofread your speech to make sure it contains all the vital information. Correct the structure if needed, and ensure that your speech is free from all kinds of mistakes. Revise your speech as many times as possible.
How to Rehearse a Speech
Rehearsal plays an important role in delivering an effective presentation. You need to practice a lot to be confident with your speech and deliver it perfectly. Here is how you can do it efficiently:
- Set the time on the stopwatch that is going to be allocated to you. You need to finish your speech within the allocated time.
- Read your speech out loud. Hearing yourself will help you familiarize yourself with the flow of your speech quickly. Remove or change the phrases that sound awkward, and fix the organization of information.
- Your habitual unconscious gestures
- Irregular breathing because of long sentences
- Taking breaks or pauses at the wrong places
- The body posture
- Raising or dropping the voice
- Repeated fillers, i.e., umm, err, uhh, etc
- Lack of smiling and eye contact
- Tone variation
- If you experience any problems, stop and fix the problem before starting again from where you left off.
- Make notes of where you need to remember to do something. It will help you improve your speech delivery.
- If possible, do a proper dress rehearsal at the actual venue in front of a bunch of friends. It will help you to get comfortable with the dress, stage, and actual presentation situation.
If you’ve plenty of time, rehearse at least three times or more, before the final presentation. The more you do the rehearsals, the more you build up your confidence and the easier it becomes to deliver your speech.
Now, let’s take a look at some comprehensive speech format examples for multiple academic levels and various occasions.
Speech Format Examples for Different Academic Levels
Follow these speech format samples to learn how to properly format a speech and easily get through the speech writing process.
Speech Format for Class 8
Speech Format for Class 9
Speech Format for Class 10
Speech Format for Class 11
Speech Format for Class 12
O Levels Speech Format
Speech Format Examples for Different Occasions
Best Man Speech Format
College Speech Format
Debate Speech Format
Impromptu Speech Format
Formal Speech Format
Welcome Speech Format in English
Persuasive Speech Format
Public Speech Format
Informative Speech Format
Extemporaneous Speech Format
Want to see some outstanding speech examples ? Head over to our detailed blog!
Wrapping it up, if you came up with a speech after following the guide, you should be able to grab the attention of the audience within seconds!
This guide contains all the essentials to crafting a compelling speech and presenting it in a meaningful way!
However, if you still need some help, you can hire a professional writer. Our speech writing service provides top-notch speeches at cheap prices.
Order now and get expertly crafted speeches to impress your audience. Hire our reliable essay writing service and let our experts handle your speech writing needs!
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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.
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Speech Writing Format, Tips and Examples
Table of Contents
Speech Writing : Speech writing is a skill that can empower you to convey your thoughts, inspire others, and leave a lasting impact. Whether you’re preparing a speech for a school , a business meeting, or a special occasion, knowing how to craft an effective speech is invaluable. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes good speech writing, the structure of a speech, and the eight essential steps to ensure your speech resonates with your audience. Let’s dive into the world of successful speech writing Class 11 !
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What is Good Speech Writing?
Good speech writing refers to the skillful art of starting a speech that effectively communicates a message, engages the audience, and leaves a lasting impact. Deliver an impactful and inspiring speech on success , unveiling the keys to achievement and empowerment that captivate your audience.” A well-written speech is characterized by several key elements:
Clarity: A good speech is clear and easy to understand. It conveys the message in a straightforward manner, avoiding unnecessary jargon or complexity.
Relevance: It is tailored to the audience’s needs and interests. A good speech addresses the concerns and expectations of the audience, making it relatable and engaging.
Structure: A well-structured speech has a clear beginning, middle, and end. It follows a logical flow, with each section building upon the previous one.
Engagement: Good speech writing captures the audience’s attention from the start and maintains it throughout the speech. It uses effective hooks, anecdotes, and rhetorical devices to engage the audience emotionally and intellectually.
Content: The content of a good speech is well-researched and supported by credible evidence, facts, examples, and anecdotes. It provides valuable information or conveys a persuasive argument.
Delivery: While speech writing focuses on the text, good delivery speech is essential for effective communication. A well-written speech is delivered with confidence, appropriate tone, and proper pacing.
Memorability: A good speech leaves a lasting impression on the audience. It may include memorable quotes, stories, or calls to action that resonate with listeners.
Purpose: The purpose of the speech is clearly defined, whether it’s to inform, persuade, inspire, entertain, or a combination of these objectives. The speech aligns with its intended purpose.
Connection: It establishes a connection with the audience by addressing their concerns, values, and emotions. A good speech can make the audience feel heard and understood.
Impact: Ultimately, good speech writing aims to have an impact. It may lead to changed perspectives, inspired actions, or a deeper understanding of the topic.
How to Start a Speech in English
The opening of a speech is the gateway to engaging an audience. Begin by captivating attention with a compelling question, a captivating story, or an intriguing fact. A well-chosen quote or a vivid scene can also stir curiosity and set the tone for what’s to come. The key lies in drawing listeners in, making them eager to journey through the words you’re about to share. An impactful start sets the stage for a memorable and engaging speech. Speech writing class 11: Where words become powerful tools and students learn to articulate their thoughts with confidence and eloquence.
Structure of a Good Speech Writing
The speech writing class 11 format plays a crucial role in organizing and delivering your message effectively. A well-structured speech typically consists of three main parts:
Introduction
Hook: Begin with a compelling opening that grabs your audience’s attention. This could be a question, a quote, a startling fact, or a personal anecdote related to your topic.
Purpose Statement: Clearly state the purpose of your speech. Let your audience know what you aim to achieve or convey.
Preview: Provide a brief overview of the main points or topics you will cover in your speech. This gives your audience a roadmap of what to expect.
Body: Main Points: Organize your speech into two or more main points or sections, each addressing a specific aspect of your topic. These main points should be related and support your overall message.
Supporting Material: Within each main point, include supporting evidence, examples, statistics, anecdotes, or arguments that reinforce your message.
Transitions: Use transitional phrases or sentences to smoothly move from one main point to the next. Transitions help maintain the flow of your speech.
Summary: Summarize the key points you’ve discussed in the body of your speech. Restate your purpose and message to reinforce them.
Closing Statement: End your speech with a strong closing statement or memorable quote that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.
Call to Action (if applicable): If your speech has a persuasive or actionable component, issue a call to action. Encourage your audience to take specific steps or consider your message seriously.
How to Write a Speech Writing?
Writing speech can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to communicate your thoughts, inspire, inform, or persuade an audience effectively. A well-written speech not only conveys your message effectively but also engages and resonates with your audience. To craft a compelling speech, start by understanding your audience and defining your purpose. Thorough research is essential to gather supporting evidence and examples. Organize your ideas into a coherent structure with a captivating opening, well-developed main points, and a powerful conclusion. Engage your audience emotionally and intellectually through relatable stories and effective communication techniques. Practice and rehearsal will help you deliver your speech confidently. Effective speech writing combines these elements to create a message that resonates and inspires your audience. Practice and preparation are key to delivering a successful speech.
We also offer a diverse array of English speech topics for students , fostering both skill development and engagement in public speaking.
8 Important Steps to Successful Speech Writing
Writing a speech is a skill that combines art and strategy. To write a successful speech that captivates your audience and effectively communicates your message, follow these eight key steps:
- Understand Your Audience: Start by understanding your audience’s interests, knowledge level, and expectations. Tailor your speech to resonate with their needs and preferences.
- Define Your Purpose: Clearly define the purpose of your speech. Are you informing, persuading, motivating, or entertaining? Knowing your objective will guide your content.
- Research Thoroughly: Gather reliable and relevant information, facts, statistics, anecdotes, and examples that support your message. Cite credible sources to enhance your speech’s credibility.
- Organize Your Ideas: Create a logical structure or outline for your speech. Identify the main points or sections and arrange them in a coherent order.
- Craft a Compelling Opening: Grab your audience’s attention from the beginning with a strong hook. This could be a question, a quote, a story, or a surprising fact. Clearly state your purpose.
- Develop Your Main Points: Elaborate on each main point or section of your speech with supporting evidence, examples, and transitions. Ensure a clear and smooth flow between points.
- Engage Your Audience: Use relatable stories, anecdotes, humor, rhetorical devices, and interactive elements to connect with your audience emotionally and intellectually. Encourage participation through questions or thought-provoking statements.
- Conclude with Impact: Summarize your key points in the conclusion. Reiterate your purpose and message. End with a memorable closing statement, a call to action, or a thought-provoking question.
By following these eight key steps, you can craft a successful speech that effectively conveys your message, engages your audience, and leaves a lasting impression. Remember to practice and rehearse your speech to ensure confident and impactful delivery.
Speech Writing Examples
Here are two speech writing Class 11 examples for different purposes:
Speech Writing Example 1: Motivational Speech (Theme: Resilience)
“Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to share a story of resilience and determination. Imagine facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles and finding the strength to overcome them. That’s what true determination is all about.
Think of the legendary figure Thomas Edison, who attempted over a thousand times before successfully inventing the light bulb. He once said, ‘I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.’ Edison’s unwavering commitment to his goal teaches us that setbacks are stepping stones to success.
In our own lives, we encounter challenges that test our resolve. It could be academic, personal, or professional challenges. But remember, it’s not the adversity itself but how we respond that defines us.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, to learn from failures, and to keep moving forward. It’s a quality we all possess, waiting to be awakened. The path to success may be filled with obstacles, but it’s the determination to overcome them that lights our way.
So, let’s embrace our inner resilience, face challenges head-on, and keep pushing forward. As Edison proved, with unwavering determination, even the darkest moments can lead to the brightest successes. Thank you.”
Speech Writing Example 2: Business Presentation (Theme: Company Progress)
“Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, today, let’s dive into our company’s progress over the past year. Our growth has been steady, and I’ll present the data to support this claim.
In the fiscal year 2022-2023, our company achieved a remarkable 15% increase in revenue compared to the previous year. This growth can be attributed to our strategic expansion into new markets, our commitment to innovation, and the dedication of our talented team.
Our customer satisfaction rates also reached an all-time high, with an impressive 95% of our customers expressing their satisfaction with our products and services. This reflects our dedication to delivering value and excellence.
Furthermore, our sustainability initiatives have not only reduced our carbon footprint but have also gained recognition in the industry. We’ve implemented eco-friendly diwali , reduced waste, and made significant strides toward our goal of becoming a more environmentally responsible organization.
As we look ahead, we are excited about the opportunities that lie before us. Our commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainability will continue to be the driving forces behind our success.
In conclusion, our progress over the past year reflects our dedication to excellence and our ability to adapt to changing times. We are poised for a future of continued growth and success. Thank you for your support and dedication to our company.
Successful speech writing involves careful planning, research, and effective communication techniques. By following the eight key steps outlined in this article, you can craft speeches that captivate your audience and deliver your message with impact and conviction.
Speech Writing Topics for Students and Children’s
Speech writing faq’s, how do i write a speech.
To craft a speech, start by selecting a topic you're passionate about. Outline key points, create an engaging introduction, elaborate on the main ideas, and conclude with a strong ending. Ensure a logical flow and use anecdotes or examples to connect with your audience.
What is speech writing for class 11?
In class 11, speech writing aims to develop students' ability to structure and express ideas effectively. It often involves learning various speech formats, understanding audience engagement, and honing language skills.
What is speech writing in English
Speech writing in English refers to the process of composing a spoken presentation intended to be delivered to an audience. It involves structuring thoughts, organizing ideas, and crafting a coherent and engaging script that effectively communicates a message or viewpoint.
What is the format for speech writing?
The format for speech writing typically involves an introduction, body, and conclusion. It includes an attention-grabbing opening, a clear message in the body with supporting points, and a memorable closing.
What are the 7 steps to writing a speech?
The seven steps to writing a speech include: Understanding the audience. Defining the purpose of the speech. Structuring the speech with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Outlining key points or arguments. Adding supporting evidence or examples. Rehearsing the speech for clarity and flow. Making revisions for improvement if needed before delivering it.
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Speech and Essay Samples
Don’t know where to start? Get inspired by our FREE speech and essay examples .
Use them to get the creative juices flowing . Don’t copy any of these examples! Since these speeches are available for anyone to download, you can never be sure that another student has not used them, and that they will pass plagiarism evaluation tools, such as Turnitin or Plagscan.
Whether you find a sample that is on your given topic or a closely related discussion, all of the speeches can help you get organized and focused.
Review multiple speeches to learn:
- How the presenter laid out the talking points and the number of points used
- What references and statistics they used to solidify their arguments
- How long the speech was for a given topic
- How the topic was introduced and summarized
- How the speaker engaged and interacted with the audience
By using these speech examples as an outline, you’ll have a fully formed presentation in no time ! We also have this page with gun control speech examples , in case you’d like to see different examples on the same topic.
Persuasive Speeches
- Birth Control Persuasive Speech
- We should stand up for our gun rights
- The truth about gun control
- The controversy over gun control
- Speech against stricter gun control
- It’s up to society to solve gun problems
- Guns don’t kill people
- Does banning firearms help prevent homicides
- Criminals will be criminals
- What to do about Deadbeat Parents
- Why state aid applicants need to be drug tested
- Subculture is Mainstream
- Eating Healthy
- Teachers should be paid more
- Digital Piracy
- Minimum Wage
- Drug Testing for State Aid
- Drug testing welfare
- Why snakes make good pets
- Why you need to quit drinking soda
- Why Everyone Should Learn to Play an Instrument
- Why Android is better then IOS 2
- Why Android is better then IOS 1
- Video Games Do Not Cause Violence
- Soda and Obesity
- Plastic Surgery 2
- Plastic Surgery
- Maintaining A Healthy Lifestyle
- Human development depends primarily on environmental factors
- Donating Blood
- Birth Control Persuasive Speech Example with Outline
- Social Media Persuasive Speech Example with Outline
- Texting and Driving Persuasive Speech Example with Outline
- Persuasive Speech on Sleep
- Persuasive Speech about Bullying
- Persuasive Speech on Organ Donation
Informative Speeches
- Guns and gun control - Texas
- Gun violence and control
- Gun control on campuses
- Wind Energy
- About Serial Killers
- Eating Disorder
- Robin Williams 2
- Dream Types
- Separation of Powers of the Federal Government
- Memory Loss
- Internet Black Market
- Blood Donation
- Alcohol in Winter
- About Guitar
- Social Media Informative Speech Example with Outline
- Texting and Driving Informative Speech Example with Outline
- Informative Speech on Sleep
- Informative Speech about Bullying
- Free Organ Donation Informative Speech
- Free Informative Speech on Caffeine and Its Effects
- Five Side Effects of Global Warming
- Global Warming Is Real
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Speech Writing
Writing a speech is very different from writing an article, brief, or proposal. Speaking and writing are distinctive versions of the same language, unique in their output, syntax, and function. Presenters and trainers need to appreciate the differences.
- Church Welcome Speech Examples – PDF
- 6+ Impromptu Speech Examples in PDF
What makes writing a speech different from writing an article, a brief, or a proposal?
You might say it’s the length that makes things between them different since a speech could go longer than an article, a brief, or a proposal. But what really sets apart speech writing from others is that it’s made for speaking. Even if what you have written is excellent, you cannot be assured that it will also be as effective as to when it would be read out loud for an audience to listen to.
This is speech writing is pretty special because you are not only to write something that will only be read but you are also writing something that is going to be spoken to an audience. And with that, we have prepared seven speech writing examples that you could definitely learn insights about speech writing from.
A Time to Break Silence Speech Example
Size: 137 KB
Barack Obama Race Speech Example
Size: 35 KB
House Divided Speech Example
Size: 155 KB
Martin Luther King Jr. Speech Example
Redfern Speech Example
Size: 61 MB
Tips and Strategies for a Successful Speech Writing
Want to ace your speech writing game? Do take note of these tips and strategies that will enable you to become a master speechwriter:
1. Always know your audience beforehand
Knowing your audience before you would even get into writing will enable you to write something your listeners would want to hear from you. You are supposed to write for your audience and not to write for your personal satisfaction because, in the first place, you are asked to deliver a speech for the people to hear and not only for you to hear. You should make sure that you would be able to tailor your speech in a way that will definitely catch the interest of your audience and not to catch their boredom.
2. Narrow down your topic
An excellent speech makes a claim and an excellent speech should only be focused solely on one topic. For example, you are asked to deliver a speech during a wedding toast, so when you would be preparing for your speech, always be consistent in writing about how the bride and the groom were meant for each other and how you have witnessed how their love story had unfolded—do not anymore bother writing about how you met each of them unless it was the catalyst that made them a couple.
3. Outline your speech
If you have a hard time starting to write a speech, having a speech outline would always work a lot of wonders because it can also serve as a guide for when you are writing. So when you get into the middle part of your speech and that you do not anymore know what to write, you can always go back to the outline of your speech so that you would be able to easily continue from where you suddenly had a “brain fart” or that temporary mental lapse.
4. Make it a point to grab the attention of the room with your first lines.
You only have a few seconds to secure the attention of your audience. Make most out of these few seconds and open with memorable first lines that can surely grab the attention of your audience. Make sure that the first lines would be engaging enough to sustain their attention until the last word of your speech. You could make use of a personal and peculiar but relatable story that could automatically get a hold of your audience. Most people would immediately get interested in stories that could evoke their fond memories.
5. Have your speech well-organized
Having a well-structured speech will result in a successful speech delivery. If your speech is structured according to your purpose, then expect that you will achieve this and people would immediately get the purpose and main point of your speech. If your goal is to inform your audience about a certain matter, you can try following a chronological or alphabetical organization that would be convenient for your audience because it could induce a mental picture that would help them in fully understanding what message you intend them to understand. Always use transition words between your examples so that your audience will be able to follow the logic you are trying to deliver.
The Hope Speech Example
Size: 38 KB
Winston Churchill Speech Example
Size: 84 KB
6. Supply related examples, statistics, and quotations
If you have a difficult or abstract topic to discuss, you could always make use of examples, statistics, or quotations that are related to your topic so that your audience will be able to understand what you are going to say to them. Make sure you do a proper research of these examples so that you are not just rambling some made-up information in front of your audience. The examples you can make use in your speech are those you can get from history, current events, and you could even get examples from your own personal life. You can also consult government sources for when you need to prove a point with the use of statistics and you can find lots of relevant quotations from experts or prominent people. Again, have an intensive research when it comes to supplying related examples, statistics, and quotations so that your credibility will not be questioned.
7. End with a bang
If you have grabbed the attention of your audience from the first lines of your sentences and sustained this attention toward the end of your speech, do not end this with a lousy conclusion. Always make it a point that you would end your speech with a bang. You do not have to necessarily keep it long and dragging. Consider ending it in a short but definitely memorable and direct manner that your audience will surely love. Also, consider concluding your speech using a concrete and vivid imagery or anecdote that will enable you to easily illustrate the speech topic. This is also the part where you can call people to action.
8. Use visual aids if applicable
The use of visual aids is important when you would be delivering a speech that would be needing more proofs and you can use one if you would want your speech to be easily understood by your audience. Such visual or presentation aids include charts and tables that could easily convey data, as well as photographs that could make your point more compelling. It is in incorporating visuals into your speech that makes your speech even more powerful. Additionally, there are individuals who are more on visual learning rather than hearing and you are doing them a great favor if you would make use of visual aids.
9. Keep in mind that you are writing for the ears; not for the eyes
Again, speech writing is not just writing something that will be read by the eyes but it will also be read for the ears. You have to make sure that the structure of your sentences are made for speaking and that when you would actually read it out loud, you would definitely feel comfortable about reading it.
We hope that you can now easily write a speech that is made for speaking with the help of the examples and tips of speech writing that we have prepared for you in this article. You may also be interested in Extemporaneous Speech Examples in PDF.
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Speech Writing: Introduction with Examples
What is a speech.
- A speech is a formal address delivered to an audience.
- It always has a purpose. It aims to convey the purpose with logically connected ideas.
- Speech writing is a method of telling a thought or message to a reader using correct punctuation and expressions.
While writing a speech we should concentrate on the three ‘ C’ s.
Your speech should be clear, concise, and consistent .
- Clear: The speech should be simple and easy to understand.
- Concise: It should not be too long. Generally, the word limit is 150-200 words. But it may vary.
- Consistent: The speech should be logically in order.
Let’s see the format of speech writing.
It contains two parts.
Title: Give a good title to the topic while writing a speech.
Content: The content section is divided into 3 subparts.
- Introduction
1. INTRODUCTION:
Start greeting the audience with the phrases like:
- Respected Sir/Ma’am
- Dear students
- Good morning, everyone
Share your personal introduction in one or two lines.
Then write in brief what is the theme of the speech.
- Explain the topic in detail.
- Be clear and specific about your thoughts.
- We can use 3 techniques while writing a speech.
Advantage & Disadvantage
Cause & Effect
Problem & Solution
Let’s learn them in detail.
Advantages & Disadvantages:
- Tell the advantages and disadvantages of the thing.
- Example: If the topic is ‘online education’, you can write its benefits and side effects.
Cause & Effect:
- Write why it is happening or the cause of the thing given in the speech.
- What is its effect on society?
- Example: If the topic is ‘ pollution ’, you can write its cause and effect on the earth.
Problem & Solution:
- Discuss the problem and write the proper solution to it.
- Write the need for that thing in your daily life.
3. CONCLUSION:
- Conclude the speech by giving an overall view or summary.
- Add the specific action you want the audience to do right away.
Some important things you must keep in mind while writing a speech.
- Figure out the primary point of the speech.
- Identify the audience who will listen to the speech.
- Give proper support and structure to the speech.
- Make sure to use correct punctuation while writing.
Sample of Speech:
Good morning respected principal sir, all the teachers, and my dear friends.
Today we have gathered here to celebrate the Teachers’ Day.
First, I would like to wish all my respected teachers a very happy Teachers’ Day. Thank you for being
our backbone and support. Teachers play a big role in building the character of students. They give
us knowledge and help in achieving our dreams. They are our guiding spirits and role models.
Teachers help in building the character of students. Teachers plays an important role in the education
of students, society, and country.
On behalf of all students, I would like to thank all the teachers for their tireless efforts they make to give us knowledge and shape our future.
Another Example of Speech :
Write a speech on “Importance of Education” which you will deliver in your school.
Good morning respected teachers and my dear friends.
I am Linda studying from grade 3.
The topic of my speech is ‘Importance of Education’. I would let you know all about the value of education and its contribution to our lives.
Education helps us to remove doubt and fear of challenges in our lives. We can say it is a tool that keeps us happy and give courage to fight in difficult situations. We need education to make ourselves confident and to be aware of equality. It makes us self -dependent. Education shape us for the future challenges in life. It helps you to earn money to fulfill the basic need of life.
If we are not properly educated, we may face challenges in some situations. Education is not about gaining knowledge only; it means learning the ways to be happy and social life.
My dear friends, education is like a healthy food that nourishes us both internally and externally. It gives us confidence by developing our personality. We should help others as well as ourselves to be educated and contribute to the development of the society.
Thank you!!!
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Writing a speech
Topic outline.
The purpose of a speech is often to inform or persuade an audience.
Speeches are usually written to be spoken directly to an audience and can be used to entertain, influencing the listeners that the viewpoint of the speaker is correct.
Speeches can also be used to encourage the audience to take action or to change their behaviour in some way; for example, to join a particular school club or society, or to recycle more.
The ways you use language and vocabulary when writing the words of a speech will depend on the audience and the purpose you are writing for; for example, in a speech to a group of teachers and parents giving your views on a recent proposal, formal language is most appropriate.
- think about the audience that the speech is for – are you giving your speech to a group of people you know, or do not know, or a mixture of both? If you know your audience well, you may be able to relax a little, but a speech is still a formal kind of talk and would usually not include slang
- whether your audience are likely to disagree with what you say – you will need to consider any possible objections and deal with them. Use language carefully to make objections seem less significant; for example, using phrases like ‘A few people may still think, however’
- the reason you are giving this speech and how you feel about this topic – try to imagine the words of your speech as you would speak them out loud. Your tone of voice must match your message, so choose words that appeal to the emotions of your listeners. Focus on what you want your audience to know and feel by the end of your speech
- how to engage your listeners – f or example, you might use inclusive words or phrases like ‘we’, ‘all of us’ and ‘our’ to make your listeners feel that you are all on the same side.
- Plan where you want to finish your speech and how you will get there before you start writing – t h e structure of a speech is usually in three parts. For example:
- An opening that grabs your audience's attention and makes the overall topic of your speech clear – for example, pose a question to the audience where you can predict the answer.
- A well-structured, supported and developed argument – for example, to support your argument you might use real life examples or anecdotes.
- A powerful conclusion – for example, group your final words or ideas in threes to help make them memorable or end with a thought- provoking question or image and thank your audience for listening.
- Organise your ideas into paragraphs as appropriate – this will help you to develop and support your points convincingly, to build your argument and/or offer a full explanation of a particular point of view.
- S how the connectio ns between ideas in sentences and paragraphs – where a new point or idea follows on from what you have already said you might use linking words or phrases such as, ‘in addition’, ‘likewise’ or ‘similarly’.
- Example of a speech
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NPR defends its journalism after senior editor says it has lost the public's trust
David Folkenflik
NPR is defending its journalism and integrity after a senior editor wrote an essay accusing it of losing the public's trust. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images hide caption
NPR is defending its journalism and integrity after a senior editor wrote an essay accusing it of losing the public's trust.
NPR's top news executive defended its journalism and its commitment to reflecting a diverse array of views on Tuesday after a senior NPR editor wrote a broad critique of how the network has covered some of the most important stories of the age.
"An open-minded spirit no longer exists within NPR, and now, predictably, we don't have an audience that reflects America," writes Uri Berliner.
A strategic emphasis on diversity and inclusion on the basis of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation, promoted by NPR's former CEO, John Lansing, has fed "the absence of viewpoint diversity," Berliner writes.
NPR's chief news executive, Edith Chapin, wrote in a memo to staff Tuesday afternoon that she and the news leadership team strongly reject Berliner's assessment.
"We're proud to stand behind the exceptional work that our desks and shows do to cover a wide range of challenging stories," she wrote. "We believe that inclusion — among our staff, with our sourcing, and in our overall coverage — is critical to telling the nuanced stories of this country and our world."
NPR names tech executive Katherine Maher to lead in turbulent era
She added, "None of our work is above scrutiny or critique. We must have vigorous discussions in the newsroom about how we serve the public as a whole."
A spokesperson for NPR said Chapin, who also serves as the network's chief content officer, would have no further comment.
Praised by NPR's critics
Berliner is a senior editor on NPR's Business Desk. (Disclosure: I, too, am part of the Business Desk, and Berliner has edited many of my past stories. He did not see any version of this article or participate in its preparation before it was posted publicly.)
Berliner's essay , titled "I've Been at NPR for 25 years. Here's How We Lost America's Trust," was published by The Free Press, a website that has welcomed journalists who have concluded that mainstream news outlets have become reflexively liberal.
Berliner writes that as a Subaru-driving, Sarah Lawrence College graduate who "was raised by a lesbian peace activist mother ," he fits the mold of a loyal NPR fan.
Yet Berliner says NPR's news coverage has fallen short on some of the most controversial stories of recent years, from the question of whether former President Donald Trump colluded with Russia in the 2016 election, to the origins of the virus that causes COVID-19, to the significance and provenance of emails leaked from a laptop owned by Hunter Biden weeks before the 2020 election. In addition, he blasted NPR's coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
On each of these stories, Berliner asserts, NPR has suffered from groupthink due to too little diversity of viewpoints in the newsroom.
The essay ricocheted Tuesday around conservative media , with some labeling Berliner a whistleblower . Others picked it up on social media, including Elon Musk, who has lambasted NPR for leaving his social media site, X. (Musk emailed another NPR reporter a link to Berliner's article with a gibe that the reporter was a "quisling" — a World War II reference to someone who collaborates with the enemy.)
When asked for further comment late Tuesday, Berliner declined, saying the essay spoke for itself.
The arguments he raises — and counters — have percolated across U.S. newsrooms in recent years. The #MeToo sexual harassment scandals of 2016 and 2017 forced newsrooms to listen to and heed more junior colleagues. The social justice movement prompted by the killing of George Floyd in 2020 inspired a reckoning in many places. Newsroom leaders often appeared to stand on shaky ground.
Leaders at many newsrooms, including top editors at The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times , lost their jobs. Legendary Washington Post Executive Editor Martin Baron wrote in his memoir that he feared his bonds with the staff were "frayed beyond repair," especially over the degree of self-expression his journalists expected to exert on social media, before he decided to step down in early 2021.
Since then, Baron and others — including leaders of some of these newsrooms — have suggested that the pendulum has swung too far.
Author Interviews
Legendary editor marty baron describes his 'collision of power' with trump and bezos.
New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger warned last year against journalists embracing a stance of what he calls "one-side-ism": "where journalists are demonstrating that they're on the side of the righteous."
"I really think that that can create blind spots and echo chambers," he said.
Internal arguments at The Times over the strength of its reporting on accusations that Hamas engaged in sexual assaults as part of a strategy for its Oct. 7 attack on Israel erupted publicly . The paper conducted an investigation to determine the source of a leak over a planned episode of the paper's podcast The Daily on the subject, which months later has not been released. The newsroom guild accused the paper of "targeted interrogation" of journalists of Middle Eastern descent.
Heated pushback in NPR's newsroom
Given Berliner's account of private conversations, several NPR journalists question whether they can now trust him with unguarded assessments about stories in real time. Others express frustration that he had not sought out comment in advance of publication. Berliner acknowledged to me that for this story, he did not seek NPR's approval to publish the piece, nor did he give the network advance notice.
Some of Berliner's NPR colleagues are responding heatedly. Fernando Alfonso, a senior supervising editor for digital news, wrote that he wholeheartedly rejected Berliner's critique of the coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict, for which NPR's journalists, like their peers, periodically put themselves at risk.
Alfonso also took issue with Berliner's concern over the focus on diversity at NPR.
"As a person of color who has often worked in newsrooms with little to no people who look like me, the efforts NPR has made to diversify its workforce and its sources are unique and appropriate given the news industry's long-standing lack of diversity," Alfonso says. "These efforts should be celebrated and not denigrated as Uri has done."
After this story was first published, Berliner contested Alfonso's characterization, saying his criticism of NPR is about the lack of diversity of viewpoints, not its diversity itself.
"I never criticized NPR's priority of achieving a more diverse workforce in terms of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. I have not 'denigrated' NPR's newsroom diversity goals," Berliner said. "That's wrong."
Questions of diversity
Under former CEO John Lansing, NPR made increasing diversity, both of its staff and its audience, its "North Star" mission. Berliner says in the essay that NPR failed to consider broader diversity of viewpoint, noting, "In D.C., where NPR is headquartered and many of us live, I found 87 registered Democrats working in editorial positions and zero Republicans."
Berliner cited audience estimates that suggested a concurrent falloff in listening by Republicans. (The number of people listening to NPR broadcasts and terrestrial radio broadly has declined since the start of the pandemic.)
Former NPR vice president for news and ombudsman Jeffrey Dvorkin tweeted , "I know Uri. He's not wrong."
Others questioned Berliner's logic. "This probably gets causality somewhat backward," tweeted Semafor Washington editor Jordan Weissmann . "I'd guess that a lot of NPR listeners who voted for [Mitt] Romney have changed how they identify politically."
Similarly, Nieman Lab founder Joshua Benton suggested the rise of Trump alienated many NPR-appreciating Republicans from the GOP.
In recent years, NPR has greatly enhanced the percentage of people of color in its workforce and its executive ranks. Four out of 10 staffers are people of color; nearly half of NPR's leadership team identifies as Black, Asian or Latino.
"The philosophy is: Do you want to serve all of America and make sure it sounds like all of America, or not?" Lansing, who stepped down last month, says in response to Berliner's piece. "I'd welcome the argument against that."
"On radio, we were really lagging in our representation of an audience that makes us look like what America looks like today," Lansing says. The U.S. looks and sounds a lot different than it did in 1971, when NPR's first show was broadcast, Lansing says.
A network spokesperson says new NPR CEO Katherine Maher supports Chapin and her response to Berliner's critique.
The spokesperson says that Maher "believes that it's a healthy thing for a public service newsroom to engage in rigorous consideration of the needs of our audiences, including where we serve our mission well and where we can serve it better."
Disclosure: This story was reported and written by NPR Media Correspondent David Folkenflik and edited by Deputy Business Editor Emily Kopp and Managing Editor Gerry Holmes. Under NPR's protocol for reporting on itself, no NPR corporate official or news executive reviewed this story before it was posted publicly.
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Example 1. Write a speech to be delivered in the school assembly as Rahul/ Rubaina of Delhi Public School emphasises the importance of cleanliness, implying that the level of cleanliness represents the character of its residents. (150-200 words) "Cleanliness is next to godliness," said the great John Wesley.
Step 3: Edit and polish what you've written until you have a cohesive first draft of your speech. Step 4: Practice, practice, practice. The more you practice your speech the more you'll discover which sections need reworked, which transitions should be improved, and which sentences are hard to say. You'll also find out how you're doing ...
Create an outline: Develop a clear outline that includes the introduction, main points, supporting evidence, and a conclusion. Share this outline with the speaker for their input and approval. Write in the speaker's voice: While crafting the speech, maintain the speaker's voice and style.
Tell them (Body of your speech - the main ideas plus examples) Tell them what you told them (The ending) TEST before presenting. Read aloud several times to check the flow of material, the suitability of language and the timing. Return to top. A step by step guide for writing a great speech.
Choose your topic and the main points that your speech will cover. Know your audience and get to know what they are looking for. Pay attention to their needs. Define the purpose of the speech and properly organize it. Introduction. A strong statement to grab the reader's attention. Refine the thesis statement.
Second Part: Describes a possible solution or set of solutions. Third Part: Summarizes how the solutions will solve the problem. 3. Write in the same tone as you speak. One of the most important public speaking tips is to remember that you are writing something that you will be speaking out loud for people to hear.
Ethos refers to an appeal to your audience by establishing your authenticity and trustworthiness as a speaker. If you employ pathos, you appeal to your audience's emotions. Using logos includes the support of hard facts, statistics, and logical argumentation. The most effective speeches usually present a combination these rhetorical strategies.
For example, people use one writing tool to put the speech's theme in a 15-20 word short poem or memorable paragraph, then build your speech around it. 3. Have a Clear Structure. When your speech has a clear structure to it your speech becomes more memorable. When writing your speech, have a clear path and a destination.
How to Write a Speech in 5 Steps. 1. Make an Outline. Just like in essay writing, writing a speech outline will help surface key points. This doesn't need to be overly complicated. Most speeches contain three main sections. The intro, which might feature personal stories that illustrate the subject or problem you're addressing; the body of ...
You need to write a speech in a way that keeps the attention of an audience and helps paint a mental image at the same time. This means that your speech should contain some color, drama, or humor. It should have "flair.". Make your speech memorable by using attention-grabbing anecdotes and examples.
Farewell speeches: from a colleague leaving and to a colleague leaving. Golden wedding speech. Icebreaker speech for Toastmasters. Introduction speeches: for a guest speaker, and for oneself. Maid of honor speeches: 3 examples, including one for a sister. One minute speeches.
For you as the speaker, it's much easier (and more powerful) to tell a story that you lived versus one you read in a book. 2. Write out your speech from beginning to end. As Grant Baldwin discusses in this video on preparing your talk, you want to write out your talk to have a basic structure: beginning, middle, and end.
Tips to Write a Good Speech. Reading some famous and incredible sample speeches before writing your own speech is really a good idea. The other way to write an impressive speech is to follow the basic tips given by professional writers. Audience Analysis: Understand your audience's interests, knowledge, and expectations. Tailor your speech to ...
Speech Writing Examples. When it comes to learning the art of speech writing, practical guidance is important. To illustrate effective techniques and structure, here are some short speech-writing examples for students. These speech writing samples will help you understand how to craft compelling speeches that resonate with your audience. Example#1
Harvey Milk's "The Hope" Speech. Sample lines: "Some people are satisfied. And some people are not. You see there is a major difference—and it remains a vital difference—between a friend and a gay person, a friend in office and a gay person in office. Gay people have been slandered nationwide.
Follow these speech format samples to learn how to properly format a speech and easily get through the speech writing process. Speech Format for Class 8. Speech Format for Class 9. Speech Format for Class 10. Speech Format for Class 11. Speech Format for Class 12. O Levels Speech Format.
Structure of a Good Speech Writing. The speech writing class 11 format plays a crucial role in organizing and delivering your message effectively. A well-structured speech typically consists of three main parts: Introduction. Hook: Begin with a compelling opening that grabs your audience's attention.This could be a question, a quote, a startling fact, or a personal anecdote related to your ...
Get inspired by our FREE speech and essay examples. Use them to get the creative juices flowing. Don't copy any of these examples! Since these speeches are available for anyone to download, you can never be sure that another student has not used them, and that they will pass plagiarism evaluation tools, such as Turnitin or Plagscan.
Do you want to write and deliver a great speech? Whether you need it for school, work, or personal occasions, speech templates can help you organize your thoughts and express your message clearly. Learn how to use speech templates and examples to create your own speech with the right format, outline, and samples. Download free PDF and DOC files of speech examples for various purposes and ...
It is in incorporating visuals into your speech that makes your speech even more powerful. Additionally, there are individuals who are more on visual learning rather than hearing and you are doing them a great favor if you would make use of visual aids. 9. Keep in mind that you are writing for the ears; not for the eyes.
Speech writing is a method of telling a thought or message to a reader using correct punctuation and expressions. While writing a speech we should concentrate on the three ' C' s. Your speech should be clear, concise, and consistent. Clear: The speech should be simple and easy to understand. Concise: It should not be too long.
The purpose of a speech is often to inform or persuade an audience. Speeches are usually written to be spoken directly to an audience and can be used to entertain, influencing the listeners that the viewpoint of the speaker is correct. Speeches can also be used to encourage the audience to take action or to change their behaviour in some way ...
Some figures of speech, like metaphor, simile, and metonymy, are found in everyday language. Others, like antithesis, circumlocution, and puns take more practice to implement in writing. Below are some common figures of speech with examples, so you can recognize them and use them in your writing. Give your writing extra polish.
A veteran NPR editor publicly questions whether the public radio network has, in its push for greater diversity and representation, overlooked conservative viewpoints.