speech writing tips for students

• Games, topic printables & more
• The 4 main speech types
• Example speeches
• Commemorative
• Declamation
• Demonstration
• 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

How to write a good speech in 7 steps

By:  Susan Dugdale  

- an easily followed format for writing a great speech

Did you know writing a speech doesn't have be an anxious, nail biting experience?

Unsure? Don't be.

You may have lived with the idea you were never good with words for a long time. Or perhaps giving speeches at school brought you out in cold sweats.

However learning how to write a speech is relatively straight forward when you learn to write out loud.

And that's the journey I am offering to take you on: step by step.

To learn quickly, go slow

Take all the time you need. This speech format has 7 steps, each building on the next.

Walk, rather than run, your way through all of them. Don't be tempted to rush. Familiarize yourself with the ideas. Try them out.

I know there are well-advertised short cuts and promises of 'write a speech in 5 minutes'. However in reality they only truly work for somebody who already has the basic foundations of speech writing in place.

The foundation of good speech writing 

These steps are the backbone of sound speech preparation. Learn and follow them well at the outset and yes, given more experience and practice you could probably flick something together quickly. Like any skill, the more it's used, the easier it gets.

In the meantime...

Step 1: Begin with a speech overview or outline

Are you in a hurry? Without time to read a whole page? Grab ... The Quick How to Write a Speech Checklist And come back to get the details later.

• WHO you are writing your speech for (your target audience)
• WHY you are preparing this speech. What's the main purpose of your speech? Is it to inform or tell your audience about something? To teach them a new skill or demonstrate something? To persuade or to entertain? (See 4 types of speeches: informative, demonstrative, persuasive and special occasion or entertaining for more.) What do you want them to think, feel or do as a result of listening the speech?
• WHAT your speech is going to be about (its topic) - You'll want to have thought through your main points and have ranked them in order of importance. And have sorted the supporting research you need to make those points effectively.
• HOW much time you have for your speech eg. 3 minutes, 5 minutes... The amount of time you've been allocated dictates how much content you need. If you're unsure check this page: how many words per minute in a speech: a quick reference guide . You'll find estimates of the number of words required for 1 - 10 minute speeches by slow, medium and fast talkers.

Use an outline

The best way to make sure you deliver a perfect speech is to start by carefully completing a speech outline covering the essentials: WHO, WHY, WHAT and HOW.

Beginning to write without thinking your speech through is a bit like heading off on a journey not knowing why you're traveling or where you're going to end up. You can find yourself lost in a deep, dark, murky muddle of ideas very quickly!

Pulling together a speech overview or outline is a much safer option. It's the map you'll follow to get where you want to go.

Get a blank speech outline template to complete

Click the link to find out a whole lot more about preparing a speech outline . ☺ You'll also find a free printable blank speech outline template.  I recommend using it!

Understanding speech construction

Before you begin to write, using your completed outline as a guide, let's briefly look at what you're aiming to prepare.

• an opening or introduction
• the body where the bulk of the information is given
• and an ending (or summary).

Imagine your speech as a sandwich

If you think of a speech as a sandwich you'll get the idea.

The opening and ending are the slices of bread holding the filling (the major points or the body of your speech) together.

You can build yourself a simple sandwich with one filling (one big idea) or you could go gourmet and add up to three or, even five. The choice is yours.

But whatever you choose to serve, as a good cook, you need to consider who is going to eat it! And that's your audience.

So let's find out who they are before we do anything else. 

Step 2: Know who you are talking to

Understanding your audience.

Did you know a  good speech is never written from the speaker's point of view?  ( If you need to know more about why check out this page on  building rapport .)

Begin with the most important idea/point on your outline.

Consider HOW you can explain (show, tell) that to your audience in the most effective way for them to easily understand it.   

Writing from the audience's point of view

To help you write from an audience point of view, it's a good idea to identify either a real person or the type of person who is most likely to be listening to you.

Make sure you select someone who represents the "majority" of the people who will be in your audience. That is they are neither struggling to comprehend you at the bottom of your scale or light-years ahead at the top.

Now imagine they are sitting next to you eagerly waiting to hear what you're going to say. Give them a name, for example, Joe, to help make them real.

Ask yourself

• How do I need to tailor my information to meet Joe's needs? For example, do you tell personal stories to illustrate your main points? Absolutely! Yes. This is a very powerful technique. (Click storytelling in speeches to find out more.)
• What type or level of language is right for Joe as well as my topic? For example if I use jargon (activity, industry or profession specific vocabulary) will it be understood?

Step 3: Writing as you speak

Writing oral language.

Write down what you want to say about your first main point as if you were talking directly to Joe.

If it helps, say it all out loud before you write it down and/or record it.

Use the information below as a guide

(Click to download The Characteristics of Spoken Language  as a pdf.) 

You do not have to write absolutely everything you're going to say down * but you do need to write down, or outline, the sequence of ideas to ensure they are logical and easily followed.

Remember too, to explain or illustrate your point with examples from your research. 

( * Tip: If this is your first speech the safety net of having everything written down could be just what you need. It's easier to recover from a patch of jitters when you have a word by word manuscript than if you have either none, or a bare outline. Your call!)

Step 4: Checking tone and language

The focus of this step is re-working what you've done in Step 2 and 3.

You identified who you were talking to (Step 2) and in Step 3, wrote up your first main point.  Is it right? Have you made yourself clear?  Check it.

How well you complete this step depends on how well you understand the needs of the people who are going to listen to your speech.

Please do not assume because you know what you're talking about the person (Joe) you've chosen to represent your audience will too. Joe is not a mind-reader!

How to check what you've prepared

• Check the "tone" of your language . Is it right for the occasion, subject matter and your audience?
• Check the length of your sentences. You need short sentences. If they're too long or complicated you risk losing your listeners.

Check for jargon too. These are industry, activity or group exclusive words.

For instance take the phrase: authentic learning . This comes from teaching and refers to connecting lessons to the daily life of students. Authentic learning is learning that is relevant and meaningful for students. If you're not a teacher you may not understand the phrase.

The use of any vocabulary requiring insider knowledge needs to be thought through from the audience perspective. Jargon can close people out.

• Read what you've written out loud. If it flows naturally, in a logical manner, continue the process with your next main idea. If it doesn't, rework.

We use whole sentences and part ones, and we mix them up with asides or appeals e.g. "Did you get that? Of course you did. Right...Let's move it along. I was saying ..."

Click for more about the differences between spoken and written language .

And now repeat the process

Repeat this process for the remainder of your main ideas.

Because you've done the first one carefully, the rest should follow fairly easily.

Step 5: Use transitions

Providing links or transitions between main ideas.

Between each of your main ideas you need to provide a bridge or pathway for your audience. The clearer the pathway or bridge, the easier it is for them to make the transition from one idea to the next.

If your speech contains more than three main ideas and each is building on the last, then consider using a "catch-up" or summary as part of your transitions.

Is your speech being evaluated? Find out exactly what aspects you're being assessed on using this standard speech evaluation form

Link/transition examples

A link can be as simple as:

"We've explored one scenario for the ending of Block Buster 111, but let's consider another. This time..."

What follows this transition is the introduction of Main Idea Two.

Here's a summarizing link/transition example:

"We've ended Blockbuster 111 four ways so far. In the first, everybody died. In the second, everybody died BUT their ghosts remained to haunt the area. In the third, one villain died. His partner reformed and after a fight-out with the hero, they both strode off into the sunset, friends forever. In the fourth, the hero dies in a major battle but is reborn sometime in the future.

And now what about one more? What if nobody died? The fifth possibility..."

Go back through your main ideas checking the links. Remember Joe as you go. Try each transition or link out loud and really listen to yourself. Is it obvious? Easily followed?

Keep them if they are clear and concise.

For more about transitions (with examples) see Andrew Dlugan's excellent article, Speech Transitions: Magical words and Phrases .

Step 6: The end of your speech

The ideal ending is highly memorable . You want it to live on in the minds of your listeners long after your speech is finished. Often it combines a call to action with a summary of major points.

Example speech endings

Example 1: The desired outcome of a speech persuading people to vote for you in an upcoming election is that they get out there on voting day and do so. You can help that outcome along by calling them to register their support by signing a prepared pledge statement as they leave.

"We're agreed we want change. You can help us give it to you by signing this pledge statement as you leave. Be part of the change you want to see!

Example 2: The desired outcome is increased sales figures. The call to action is made urgent with the introduction of time specific incentives.

"You have three weeks from the time you leave this hall to make that dream family holiday in New Zealand yours. Can you do it? Will you do it? The kids will love it. Your wife will love it. Do it now!"

How to figure out the right call to action

A clue for working out what the most appropriate call to action might be, is to go back to your original purpose for giving the speech.

• Was it to motivate or inspire?
• Was it to persuade to a particular point of view?
• Was it to share specialist information?
• Was it to celebrate a person, a place, time or event?

Ask yourself what you want people to do as a result of having listened to your speech.

For more about ending speeches

Visit this page for more about how to end a speech effectively . You'll find two additional types of speech endings with examples.

Write and test

Write your ending and test it out loud. Try it out on a friend, or two. Is it good? Does it work?

Step 7: The introduction

Once you've got the filling (main ideas) the linking and the ending in place, it's time to focus on the introduction.

The introduction comes last as it's the most important part of your speech. This is the bit that either has people sitting up alert or slumped and waiting for you to end. It's the tone setter!

What makes a great speech opening?

Ideally you want an opening that makes listening to you the only thing the 'Joes' in the audience want to do.

You want them to forget they're hungry or that their chair is hard or that their bills need paying.

The way to do that is to capture their interest straight away. You do this with a "hook".

Hooks to catch your audience's attention

Hooks come in as many forms as there are speeches and audiences. Your task is work out what specific hook is needed to catch your audience.

Go back to the purpose. Why are you giving this speech?

Once you have your answer, consider your call to action. What do you want the audience to do, and, or take away, as a result of listening to you?

Next think about the imaginary or real person you wrote for when you were focusing on your main ideas.

Choosing the best hook

• Is it humor?
• Would shock tactics work?
• Is it a rhetorical question?
• Is it formality or informality?
• Is it an outline or overview of what you're going to cover, including the call to action?
• Or is it a mix of all these elements?

A hook example

Here's an example from a fictional political speech. The speaker is lobbying for votes. His audience are predominately workers whose future's are not secure.

"How's your imagination this morning? Good? (Pause for response from audience) Great, I'm glad. Because we're going to put it to work starting right now.

I want you to see your future. What does it look like? Are you happy? Is everything as you want it to be? No? Let's change that. We could do it. And we could do it today.

At the end of this speech you're going to be given the opportunity to change your world, for a better one ...

No, I'm not a magician. Or a simpleton with big ideas and precious little commonsense. I'm an ordinary man, just like you. And I have a plan to share!"

And then our speaker is off into his main points supported by examples. The end, which he has already foreshadowed in his opening, is the call to vote for him.

Prepare several hooks

Experiment with several openings until you've found the one that serves your audience, your subject matter and your purpose best.

For many more examples of speech openings go to: how to write a speech introduction . You'll find 12 of the very best ways to start a speech.

That completes the initial seven steps towards writing your speech. If you've followed them all the way through, congratulations, you now have the text of your speech!

Although you might have the words, you're still a couple of steps away from being ready to deliver them. Both of them are essential if you want the very best outcome possible. They are below. Please take them.

Step 8: Checking content and timing

This step pulls everything together.

Check once, check twice, check three times & then once more!

Go through your speech really carefully.

On the first read through check you've got your main points in their correct order with supporting material, plus an effective introduction and ending.

On the second read through check the linking passages or transitions making sure they are clear and easily followed.

On the third reading check your sentence structure, language use and tone.

Double, triple check the timing

Now go though once more.

This time read it aloud slowly and time yourself.

If it's too long for the time allowance you've been given make the necessary cuts.

Start by looking at your examples rather than the main ideas themselves. If you've used several examples to illustrate one principal idea, cut the least important out.

Also look to see if you've repeated yourself unnecessarily or, gone off track. If it's not relevant, cut it.

Repeat the process, condensing until your speech fits the required length, preferably coming in just under your time limit.

You can also find out how approximately long it will take you to say the words you have by using this very handy words to minutes converter . It's an excellent tool, one I frequently use. While it can't give you a precise time, it does provide a reasonable estimate.

Step 9: Rehearsing your speech

And NOW you are finished with writing the speech, and are ready for REHEARSAL .

Please don't be tempted to skip this step. It is not an extra thrown in for good measure. It's essential.

The "not-so-secret" secret of successful speeches combines good writing with practice, practice and then, practicing some more.

Go to how to practice public speaking and you'll find rehearsal techniques and suggestions to boost your speech delivery from ordinary to extraordinary.

The Quick How to Write a Speech Checklist

Before you begin writing you need:.

• Your speech OUTLINE with your main ideas ranked in the order you're going to present them. (If you haven't done one complete this 4 step sample speech outline . It will make the writing process much easier.)
• Your RESEARCH
• You also need to know WHO you're speaking to, the PURPOSE of the speech and HOW long you're speaking for

The basic format

• the body where you present your main ideas

Split your time allowance so that you spend approximately 70% on the body and 15% each on the introduction and ending.

How to write the speech

• Write your main ideas out incorporating your examples and research
• Link them together making sure each flows in a smooth, logical progression
• Write your ending, summarizing your main ideas briefly and end with a call for action
• Write your introduction considering the 'hook' you're going to use to get your audience listening
• An often quoted saying to explain the process is: Tell them what you're going to tell them (Introduction) 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

speaking out loud 

Subscribe for  FREE weekly alerts about what's new For more see  speaking out loud  

Top 10 popular pages

• Welcome speech
• Demonstration speech topics
• Impromptu speech topic cards
• Thank you quotes
• Impromptu public speaking topics
• Farewell speeches
• Phrases for welcome speeches
• Student council speeches
• Free sample eulogies

From fear to fun in 28 ways

A complete one stop resource to scuttle fear in the best of all possible ways - with laughter.

Useful pages

• Search this site
• About me & Contact
• Blogging Aloud
• Free e-course
• Privacy policy

©Copyright 2006-24 www.write-out-loud.com

Designed and built by Clickstream Designs

Speech-writing tips for high school students

by Daniella Dautrich | May 29, 2017 | High school , Teaching Homeschool Writing

Speech-writing Tips for Students

Speech writing offers a rare chance for students to impact an audience in lasting, meaningful ways. Through this kind of written and oral communication, they can learn to convey truth in a world with where morals are blurred and virtues are disappearing. Thus, speech writers combine narrative, descriptive, explanatory, and persuasive skills, arranging a composition to make both logical and emotional appeals . After all, rhetoric (the art of persuasion) should engage the whole person, not just the mind or heart.

Even if your kids will never enroll in a speech and debate club, encourage them to present an original speech in a group setting such as a class, family gathering, or graduation party. These speech-writing tips for students should help them get started!

The Prewriting Stage

When you write a speech, the prewriting stage represents about a third of the entire process.

• Choose a topic you feel strongly about. If you don’t care about the subject matter, neither will your audience.
• Evaluate your potential audience. Will you speak to a mixed group of teenagers or to a room of retirees? What are their values and interests? What kinds of music and cultural references will they relate to?
• Understand your purpose. Are you writing a speech to entertain, inform, or persuade? If you intend to persuade, are you trying to reach a like-minded or neutral audience or an openly hostile group?
• Research and brainstorm. Start gathering your facts and examples, and make a list of possible talking points.

The Writing Stage

Writing the first draft should consume about 20% of your time as a speech writer.

• Develop a “hook.” You need to capture the audience’s attention at the beginning of the speech and motivate them to keep listening. A humorous story or a startling statistic may serve this purpose, depending on the type of speech you’re writing.
• Construct a thesis . Your speech should present a clear message, with each sub-point logically leading to the final conclusion.
• Build a relationship with the audience . Establish your credibility as a speaker by demonstrating your connection to the topic. Did a hobby, a favorite author, or a family experience lead you to choose this subject?
• Organize your ideas . Offer a preview of what’s to come in the introduction, and be sure you follow those points in order.
• Finish with a strong conclusion . When you reach the end of your speech, restate your thesis and tie everything back to your introduction.

The Editing Stage

The editing stage requires another third of your time as a speech writer. As you revise, check for these items:

• Grammar . Poor writing could cause an audience to stop taking you seriously , even if your main message is solid.
• Style. In the writing stage, you focused on substance (what to say); now you can focus on style (how to say it). Without resorting to overdone “ purple prose ,” you can practice writing techniques such as parallelism , repetition, alliteration, and series or lists.
• Time. Read your speech out loud. It shouldn’t take longer than 20 minutes.
• Sound. When you read the speech aloud, do you stumble over unnatural words and phrases? Perhaps you need to rewrite with more direct, simple language. Is your flow of thoughts easy to understand? Is your vocabulary appropriate to the audience’s age and education?
• Appeal to the senses. Your speech should engage the imagination—not put people to sleep! Do you use figurative language to help the audience visualize concepts? Include a descriptive passage to help them hear, feel, and touch your topic. Try to include narratives that people will identify with. You don’t need too many details… just enough to make the stories ring true and help you explain your persuasive points or morals.
• Organization. You can arrange your speech chronologically, topically, by comparison/contrast, or in some other way. Just be sure you’re consistent.
• Politeness . Have you used appropriate language throughout? Have you written with respect for yourself and others? The best speeches display compassion and empathy, rather than tear others down.

The Pre-Performance Stage

Once you’ve written and revised your speech, it’s time to practice! Try to memorize it, and watch your speed so you don’t speak too quickly. Practice in front of a mirror so you remember to move naturally, incorporating hand/arm gestures and facial expressions. Experiment with volume, high and low pitch, and pauses (take notes about what works and what doesn’t.)

Finally, have confidence ! Stage fright is part of life, but the greatest performers have learned that passion and honesty set the speaker—and the audience—at ease every time.

Daniella Dautrich studied classical rhetoric at a liberal arts college in Hillsdale, Michigan.

Let’s Stay Connected!

Subscribe to our newsletter.

• Gift Guides
• Reluctant or Struggling Writers
• Special Needs Writers
• Brainstorming Help
• Editing & Grading Help
• Encouragement for Moms
• Writing Games & Activities
• Writing for All Subjects
• Essays & Research Papers
• College Prep Writing
• Grammar & Spelling
• Writing Prompts

Recent Posts

• An exciting announcement!
• 10 Stumbling Blocks to Writing in Your Homeschool
• Help kids with learning challenges succeed at homeschool writing
• How to correct writing lessons without criticizing your child

Speech Writing Outline and Format for Students

Learning how to write a speech is a skill most students will need help refining. Guide your students through the speech writing process with the outline and descriptions below. All of the major components of a speech are included and explained in a format students can understand and apply. Once students understand the step-by-step method for crafting a successful speech, they will feel more confident speaking in front of an audience. 

I.  Introduction

The beginning of a speech is called the introduction. The introduction is important because it sets the tone for the entire presentation. The introduction can be broken into two parts: the attention grabber and the preview. 

A.  Attention Grabber: Capturing the attention of the audience is the first thing the speaker says or does. In order to do this, the speaker might tell a humorous story, ask a rhetorical question, describe a hypothetical situation, or share an interesting fact. 

B.  Preview: The second part of the introduction is when the speaker introduces himself or herself and the topic of the speech. The main points of the speech can also be presented at this time. 

II.  Body

After the introduction, the speaker transitions to the body of the speech. This is where the speaker will spend the most amount of time. The goal of the body of the speech is to clearly explain the topic. 

A. Main Points: To clearly explain the topic, the body of the speech is broken down into main points. The number of main points will vary from speech to speech. Regardless of the number, it is important to keep the main points organized in a purposeful way. Also, clear transitions between main points (and throughout the speech) are critical. Without them, the audience will have trouble following along. 

1. Supporting Details: Each main point needs supporting material to help the audience understand and remember that point. Examples, explanations, visual aids, and props can be used as supporting material.

III. Conclusion

The conclusion puts the finishing touches on the speech. It lets the audience know that the speech is about to end. Like the introduction, the conclusion can be broken into two parts: the review and the final statement. 

A.  Review: During the first part of the conclusion, the speaker restates the topic of the speech and each main point. 

B.  Final Statement: The speech ends with a strong final statement. The final statement addresses the topic one last time in a powerful and meaningful way. The purpose of the final statement is to round out the speech and provide the audience with a strong signal that the presentation is complete.

Click here to download everything you need to teach your students how to write an organized speech. The comprehensive lesson includes “How to Write a Speech” informational text, comprehension questions, example speech, speech outline template, speech writing rubric, and a list of 40 student-friendly speech topics.

Speech Writing Lesson Bundle 

“This was an excellent way to begin the year in my speech class. It was very informative for students, had a fun appearance, and was easy to follow. I know I will use this every semester! Thank you!” -Kim O.

Students LOVE this microphone!

This  wireless Bluetooth microphone  is perfect for student presentations, read alouds, speeches, and so much more! The microphone has 27 colorful LED lights that flicker in rhythm with the voice. You can also use this wireless microphone as a portable Bluetooth speaker. It’s available in a bunch of different colors, and it comes with a nice storage case.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Over 18,000 ratings on Amazon!

“The kids loved this! I think it encouraged them to try to talk more!”

This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my affiliate policy .

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

Make a Gift

5 Speechwriting Tips I Learned From Speaking to High Schoolers

Since starting my food truck three years ago, I’ve spoken on a few panels about being a business owner and using social media to market my company . Most of the panels were held on college campuses and involved eager students who were looking for advice on how to get started and how to promote their brands. And they were all pretty easy—I was speaking from experience and was usually flanked by a professor and another business owner.

A few weeks ago, my high school ROTC instructor invited my sister and I to speak at the program’s opening ceremonies. Both Dr. Key (little sister) and I served as leaders while in the program, and he wanted us to give our testimony to the new batch of freshmen who signed up. I suppose we made an impression on him and the other remaining instructors, so we agreed to serve as the guest speakers on the condition that there would be cake afterward. Hey, I thought—if I can sit on an entrepreneurship panel, I can definitely deliver a speech to a group of kids born after Space Jam.

I was excited to go back to my high school and talk to the students about the benefits of the program and how it helped me become a better student, leader, and eventual entrepreneur. But as the days approached, I began scrambling for the right words. What was I going to say to students who had a Facebook account in high school? How could I reach the 14-year-old who was born when I was in eighth grade?

But before I reached complete freak-out mode about my mortality and went out to buy a few anti-aging creams at the local drug store, I took a deep breath and tried to envision what my 2013 high school freshman counterpart would want to hear. I also tried to get some order around this whole speechwriting process. Here are a few steps I took to speechwriting gold.

1. Know Your Audience

You’ve heard this tip before, but it’s especially true when you’re talking to people who are in a completely different stage of life than you are. You want to make sure your audience knows that the speech is for them, while also not trying to be someone you’re not. In my case, I had to balance trying to relate to them while not going overboard—I didn’t want to use their lingo to seem “down” and totally fail—so I made references to how they were feeling and tried to connect that, appropriately, with my own high school experience.

For example, I could’ve mentioned my stairway-rendezvouses with high school boyfriends. Sure it’s relatable, but probably inappropriate (especially since parents were present). Instead, I said that budding romances can sometimes be the focus in high school (life), but that at this stage, the students should focus on the budding person they want to see in five or 10 years.

2. Create an Outline

Two days before the event, I had a lot of ideas about what I wanted to talk about. So I jotted them all down in my Moleskine—and realized that none of them really meshed. So, I went back to the drawing board, and instead decided on a theme, wrote an introduction, and selected two main points that I wanted to cover. Especially if you’re speaking about something you know, this may seem like an unnecessary step, but having an outline really helped me organize the speech—and ensured that I wouldn’t ramble on longer than my allotted 10 minutes.

3. Use Quotes

I’m a fan of quotes. I have them posted in my cubicle and a few in my mirror at home. Because, let’s face it: Anything profound that I may think or feel has probably been said more eloquently by someone of yesteryear. So, I often use quotes (or 1-2 sentences from a quote) to make a point or to help the audience understand a lesson in a profound way. When in doubt, quote away—it worked for high schoolers, it works for everyone.

4. Proofread (Aloud)

Once I had my speech prepared, I had a few friends read it for errors and for anything that didn’t make sense. This, again, might seem like an unnecessary step, but it was actually quite helpful. One friend made the sound recommendation that I leave out the twerking reference. Another rearranged the order of the speech for a better flow. I also read the speech aloud to my sister, grandparents, and boyfriend, which helped me form a rhythm and become more familiar with my points so that I wasn’t looking down the entire time. Team No Teleprompter.

5. Tell Your Story

Authenticity always wins. I’ve found that audiences not only want to hear about your triumphs, but your trials, too. Without the trials, you don’t learn the lessons. And without the lessons, you don’t have a story. Be vulnerable and honest, and you’ll definitely keep their attention.

I told them it’s been 4,730,000 minutes since I graduated from high school, and in those minutes I’ve earned two degrees, gained 30 pounds, had my heart broken twice, and started one food truck. I got a few laughs on the 30 pounds piece from the parents, but I think the students were caught on the 4,000,000 minutes piece and all that had happened to me in that time, which is exactly what I wanted.

The speech, all of seven minutes, was a success. The students were motivated by it—so much so that we’re working on a program for alumni to visit the students once a month—but more importantly, I took away a few lessons of my own.

Photo of man speaking courtesy of Shutterstock .

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

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!

Team Leverage Edu

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

14 comments

This site has been very helpful to me

Wow i have gained more knowledge

lt’s a nice One and l have loved it

Thank you for your feedback! Happy that you loved it.

Thank you for your feedback!

Very educating.

thanks for your valuable feedback

This is indeed very helpful

Thanks for your valuable feedback!

I have learned alot thank you

Hi, Thanks for your feedback!

Wow so reliable, thanks.

Leaving already?

8 Universities with higher ROI than IITs and IIMs

Grab this one-time opportunity to download this ebook

Connect With Us

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

September 2024

January 2025

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

370+ Speech Writing Topics For Students

Discover our guide with great speech writing topics for debate speeches, persuasive speeches, informative speeches, and much more. Get answers below.

Writing and delivering a speech can be nerve-wracking, especially for the first time. Explore our top speech writing topics for college and high school students and get answers to your frequently asked questions about how to choose a speech topic and overcome anxiety surrounding public speaking. For tips on how to write a speech , check out our guide!

How to Prepare For Public Speaking 

Persuasive speech topics, informative speech topics, speech topics on environment and nature , speech topics on science and health , speech topics about technology , motivational speech topic ideas, speech topics on friendship , speech topics on family , speech topics on sports , debate speech topic ideas , speech topics on politics , speech topics on social issues , business speech topics , personal speech topics , special occasion speech topics  , travel speech topics, speech topics on education , psychology speech topics , funny speech writing topics , what are the different types of persuasive speech , what are some effective and easy ways to fight a fear of public speaking.

College and high school students often find themselves giving a speech for the first time, which can be stressful if you’ve never done public speaking before. Students can prepare ahead of time in several different ways to help set the stage for success – here are just a few:   

• Learn the fundamentals of giving a good speech. This includes understanding the elements of a speech, such as the introduction, body, and conclusion. Each section should flow smoothly into the next and build upon the main point. Pay close attention to which words you choose and how your delivery comes across.
• Practice makes perfect. Try to find opportunities to speak in front of an audience in different situations, even if it’s just in front of family, friends, or in front of a mirror. It can also help to record yourself so you can listen back and identify areas that need improvement. The more practice you have, the more confident you’ll feel when it comes time to give your speech.
• Use relaxation techniques before giving your speech. You can start by taking some deep breaths and focusing on exhaling slowly. You can also try progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body several times until your muscles begin to relax on their own naturally. You can also check out these quick writing topics .

• The dangers of social media. 
• How to improve American healthcare. 
• The problems with plastic bags. 
• How cell phones lessen the quality of life. 
• Why criminals need rights. 
• If students should be required to study art. 
• How the war on drugs harms communities of color.
• If schools should ban certain types of books. 
• If statues of slave owners should be removed from public property. 
• If more practical subjects should be taught in school instead of algebra. 
• If religion causes fighting and wars. 
• If outlawing drugs makes them more desirable. 
• If taking photographs of children in public should be illegal. 
• How making food a reward sets the stage for eating disorders. 
• If men should be granted paternity leave when they have or adopt a baby. 
• If routine circumcision should be banned in the United States. 
• How artificial intelligence stands to change the world. 
• How American prisons are a form of modern-day slavery. 
• Why the media needs more cultural and racial diversity. 
• If restaurants have an obligation to purchase produce from local farmers. 
• Global Warming & Climate Change 
• Renewable Energy Benefits 
• Problems In The American Education System 
• Harmful Ingredients In Fast Food
• Animal Testing, Zoos, And Other Forms of Animal Cruelty 
• The Difference Between Real Life And Reality Shows
• The Issue Of Indoor Pollution
• Unethical Fast Fashion Practices 
• The Benefits Of Journal Writing 
• The Dangers Of Texting And Driving 
• The Benefits Of Gender-Affirming Care For Trans People 
• The History Of Racism In America 
• The Dangers Of Hazing In College 
• How Natural Disasters Develop With Climate Change 
• How To Think Critically When Watching The News 
• Homelessness Statistics And Trends In America 
• The Use Of Color Psychology In Marketing  
• The Physical Effects Of Tattoo Ink 
• The Psychological Impacts Of Beauty Pageants  
• How Social Media Affects The Brain
• How best to protect endangered animals. 
• If having pet birds is ethical. 
• If vegetable gardens should replace grass lawns. 
• The impact of plastic disposables on the environment. 
• The most efficient type of renewable energy. 
• How increasing train travel can benefit both people and the environment.
• If zoos should be strictly regulated or banned. 
• The impact of fracking on the environment. 
• If animal testing should be outlawed. 
• If the government needs to allocate more resources to national wildlife preserves. 
• The deforestation crisis. 
• Air pollution and the impact of poor air quality on human health. 
• If people should be allowed to own certain types of exotic animals and keep them as pets. 
• How to reduce the presence of microplastics in the ocean. 
• How drilling for oil impacts water aquifers and sources of clean, fresh water in America. 
• If all grocery stores should stop using plastic bags. 
• If parents should be allowed to choose their child’s sex and physical characteristics 
• If vaccinations should be mandatory. 
• If private corporations have a responsibility to create sustainable products. 
• The impact of robots on the environment. 
• If cloning animals and humans is moral. 
• Whether physician-assisted suicide and compassionate euthanization should be legalized.
• If cigarette smoking should be outlawed. 
• If minors should be allowed to purchase birth control without parental permission. 
• If sugary drinks should be taxed to discourage overconsumption. 
• If America should have a single-payer healthcare system. 
• The importance of adequate mental health care for high school students. 
• Racial bias in the American healthcare system. 
• If women face higher rates of being denied adequate pain control by healthcare providers.
• If cannabis is harmful or helpful for certain medical conditions. 
• If fast food restaurants have a responsibility to offer more affordable healthy food options. 
• The role of relaxation in physical and mental health. 
• If organ donation should be mandatory. 
• How to address the obesity epidemic in America. 
• If doctors should be paid according to their patient outcomes. 
• How to reduce the cost of prescription medications for the average person. 
• The benefits of laughing on physical and mental health. 
• If breastfeeding should be more normalized in America. 
• Sources of indoor air pollution and its impact on physical health. 
• If food additives in America are unsafe. 
• How technology can improve daily life. 
• The consequences of biological warfare. 
• How the advancement of robotics will impact the human population. 
• If the internet is more dangerous than it is beneficial. 
• The role of social media and online bullying in teen suicide. 
• Practical applications for 3D printing. 
• The future of self-driving cars. 
• The differences and similarities between computers and the human brain. 
• If colonizing the moon is possible and beneficial or harmful to the human species. 
• How cell phones affect the human body. 
• If humans can be grown in an artificial womb. 
• If text messaging jargon is having a negative impact on human language. 
• How technology has changed over the years for the better or worse. 
• The impact of cryptocurrency on world economics. 
• Using virtual reality to augment mental health treatment. 
• The intersection of artificial intelligence and animatronics.
• The future applications of nanotechnology. 
• The applications of drones in global military efforts. 
•  If dependence on technology is a danger to humanity. 
• The impacts of Wi-Fi signals on human health. 

• Women’s Empowerment 
• The Me Too Movement 
• Overcoming Peer Pressure 
• The Value Of Community Service 
• Mental Health And Wellness 
• Productivity And Time Management 
• How To Own Up To Mistakes And Learn From Them 
• The Benefits Of Meditation 
• Money Management 
• Taking Time For Yourself 
• How To Become A Winner 
• How To Be A Better Role Model
• Turning Failures Into Successes 
• Handling Rejection Gracefully 
• How To Work Smarter Instead Of Harder 
• Why Time Is More Valuable Than Money 
• Setting Effective Goals 
• How To Break Bad Habits 
• How To Cope When Bad Things Happen 
• Thinking And Speaking Positively
• How mental health can affect friendships and other relationships.
• Tips for managing conflicts with friends. 
• How to communicate special needs effectively to friends. 
• The qualities of a good friend. 
• Signs of a toxic friendship and how to get out of one. 
• How people from different generations can be friends. 
• If sororities and fraternities promote friendships or cause problems. 
• How to help a friend who is experiencing thoughts of self-harm. 
• What loyalty and dependability mean in a friendship. 
• How to hold friends accountable for wrongdoing without destroying the friendship. 
• What can be done about bullying that occurs inside a friend group? 
• If friends have a responsibility to report dangerous behavior. 
• If men and women can be friends. 
• If it’s a good idea to develop a friendship with someone before dating them and why. 
• The benefits of keeping in touch with your childhood or high school friends. 
• If groups of single parents can become friends and raise their children together. 
• How friends can help each other succeed in life. 
• The challenges of maintaining friendships as a busy adult. 
• What gifts would you get your friends if money was no object? 
• How to avoid jealousy in a friendship. 
• Signs of toxic family dynamics and how to get out of harmful cycles. 
• The definition and impact of generational trauma. 
• Qualities of a strong and healthy family dynamic. 
• How parents can build a loving family and home life. 
• Communication tips for family members. 
• If families with young children should limit their screen time. 
• The benefits of going on family vacations. 
• The best ways to balance work and family commitments.
• The importance of staying in touch with family members who are far away. 
• How having a family can enrich someone’s life. 
• If you should be required to donate a lifesaving organ or blood to a family member. 
• If children should be required to take care of elderly parents. 
• If the Christian religion promotes misogyny within conservative families. 
• If the number of children a couple can have should be regulated by the government. 
• If parents should be held accountable for crimes committed by their children. 
• If couples should be required to take parenting classes before starting a family. 
• How spanking causes brain damage in young children. 
• Misconceptions new parents have about raising kids in modern society. 
• What it means to go “no contact” with a parent and why adult children choose to leave their families.
• What a “chosen family” is and how people develop familial relationships outside of their blood relatives. 
• What Is Good Sportsmanship?
• Professional Sports Salaries 
• How Sports Impact Human Psychology
• Sports And Mental Development 
• Benefits Of Childhood Sports 
• How Sports Teach Morals 
• Do International Sports Promote World Peace?
• Why Dance Is A Sport 
• Should School Sports Be Mandatory?
• What Competitive Sports Teach About Life 
• Sports and Performance Enhancing Drugs 
• Trans People In Sports 
• The Role Of Social Media In Sports 
• How Sports Build Social Skills
• How Losing At Sports Teaches Life Lessons 
• Are Professional Sports Too Commercialized Now? 
• Sports And Virtual Reality 
• The Future Of College Sports 
• What Players Want Sports Coaches To Know 
• Sports And Disabilities 
• Violent Video Games 
• The Death Penalty 
• Human Rights Issues 
• Obesity in America
• Mass Shootings In Public Places 
• Alcohol Has A Greater Negative Impact On Society Than Cannabis 
• The War Against Drugs 
• Cellphone Policies In Schools 
• Religious Indoctrination Is Child Abuse 
• Police & Qualified Immunity 
• Regulating Senior Drivers 
• Affirmative Action 
• Stem Cell Research 
• Peaceful Protests 
• Contraceptive Regulation 
• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) 
• Arranged Marriages 
• Censorship 
• Animal Breeding 
• The Adoption Industry 
• If America is not a true democracy. 
• If corporations should be allowed to donate to political campaigns. 
• If celebrities should be able to run for public office. 
• If poverty should be a government priority. 
• The prevalence of political corruption in America. 
• If the voting age should be raised in America. 
• If the United States should fund wars between other countries. 
• If national voter ID laws would disenfranchise minority voters. 
• The definition and prevalence of domestic terrorism in America. 
• Why it’s important for young people to vote. 
• If far-right influencers promote dangerous ideals. 
• If the government should spend less money on the military and wars. 
• If Social Security benefits should be preserved for future generations. 
• If Americans should get to vote for who serves on the Supreme Court. 
• If Congress should have term limits. 
• If the Electoral College should be abolished. 
• How minorities are represented in Congress. 
• If private for-profit prisons should be banned or heavily regulated. 
• If the police should be required to operate their body cameras at all times. 
• If people imprisoned for marijuana offenses should be let out in states where cannabis is now legal. 
• Abortion 
• Free Education In America 
• Right To Marry 
• Racism And Poverty In America 
• Food Deserts And Malnutrition 
• Substance Abuse And Crime Rates 
• The Right To Housing 
• Wage Inequality 
• Crime Recidivism Reduction 
• Child Labor 
• Agricultural Integrity 
• Taxing Religious Institutions 
• Prostitution 
• Minimum Wage 
• Common Sense Gun Control Laws 
• Gender And Sexual Orientation Discrimination 
• Violence In Media 
• Paid Maternity And Paternity Leave In America 
• What skills do entrepreneurs need to be successful? 
• How to motivate and engage employees at work. 
• Top indicators of business success. 
• How to make money using your passion. 
• The importance of good financial planning for businesses. 
• How companies can create loyal customers for life. 
• Why businesses need to create a powerful brand image in today’s competitive market. 
• Tips for people who want to start their own business. 
• How to create a home office. 
• Why do some companies have high turnover rates? 
• If incentivized customer reviews are unethical. 
• If businesses should be held responsible for false advertising. 
• If businesses should be allowed to lobby people in Congress. 
• Ethical marketing practices for new businesses. 
• How to balance owning a business and starting a family. 
• Women entrepreneurs in America. 
• Do companies have a responsibility to help manage inflation?
• The disparity between CEO and employee pay. 
• If the existence of billionaires is ethical. 
• How businesses can cultivate positive company culture. 
• The scariest thing you ever did and how you overcame your fear. 
• A difficult decision you had to make and why you made the choice you did. 
• Your favorite teacher and what you learned from them. 
• Something you learned about yourself that improved your life. 
• A regret that you have and what you wish you would have done instead and why. 
• Something valuable you broke or lost and how it made you feel. 
• Someone you admire in your personal life and what they taught you. 
• Your ambitions and why you want to achieve them. 
• A family member you looked up to as a child and why. 
• The most exciting thing you’ve ever done and if you would do it again. 
• The type of job you want to hold in the future and why. 
• Specific expertise you hold and how it can provide value to your community. 
• Charities or social initiatives you support and why. 
• What your favorite motivational quote is and why. 
• Something that makes you unique and distinguishes you from other people. 
• The historical figure you most look up to and why. 
• A time you failed at something you tried but learned an important lesson from the experience. 
• A close call you had with something and how the situation might have turned out differently. 
• Somewhere you would visit in the world and why you would go there. 
• Something you learned watching television or listening to the radio that changed your life. 
• Graduation Speeches 
• Valedictorian Speeches
• Independence Day Speeches 
• Wedding Toasts
• Eulogies 
• Speeches For Beauty Pageants 
• Pep Rally Speeches 
• Award Acceptance Speeches 
• Introduction Speeches 
• Presentation Speeches 
• Farewell Speeches 
• Dedication Speeches 
• Commemorative Speeches 
• Retirement Speeches
• Welcome Speeches 
• Birthday Speeches 
• Tribute Speeches 
• Keynote Addresses 
• Anniversary Speeches 
• Bar/Bat Mitzvah Speeches 
• If traveling to Hawaii is ethical. 
• If it’s dangerous for women to travel internationally alone. 
• How travel can be educational. 
• If vacations have a positive impact on emotional and psychological health. 
• How travel can help prevent burnout. 
• The dangers of drinking tap water when traveling to other countries. 
• If there should be more travel accommodations for plus-size people. 
• How viruses spread on cruise ships. 
• Top reasons people travel. 
• How to manage travel frustrations like missed flights and canceled reservations. 
• What to do if there’s an emergency while traveling. 
• Ethical tourism in poor countries. 
• How to get to know a country’s customs when traveling. 
• The impact of traveling on the economy. 
• How American tourism impacts politics. 
• The intersection between travel and religion. 
• How the COVID-19 pandemic affected the travel industry. 
• What travel means to you. 
• If young children should be allowed to travel to dangerous places. 
• How to navigate currency exchange issues when traveling. 
• How COVID-19 impacted public education in America. 
• The benefits of e-learning for children of different ages and education levels. 
• If corporal punishment should be allowed in schools with or without parental consent. 
• If sodas and energy drinks should be allowed in high schools. 
• The different types of learning styles and how these play a role in public education. 
• The impact of public school on child socialization. 
• If schools should abolish homework policies. 
• How elementary and middle schools should treat young trans students. 
• The role of the Internet in American education today. 
• How schools can provide more support to students with learning disabilities. 
• If special education in schools is actually beneficial to students who are struggling in class. 
• Comparing American schools to educational institutions in other countries. 
• If students should be taught sex education in schools and if so, to what degree? 
• If high school students should have access to condoms at school. 
• If college should be free. 
• Why teachers of all grade levels don’t make enough money in America. 
• If a student’s grades are an indicator of their intelligence. 
• If students should be required to learn etiquette at a certain age. 
• If public education institutions should implement school uniform policies. 
• If the pressures of school have a negative impact on kids who should be enjoying their childhood. 
• The definition of trauma and how it impacts young children. 
• How emotional abuse impacts psychological development in children. 
• How dissociative disorders work to protect the brain from the impact of severe trauma. 
• How reverse psychology works. 
• The greatest contribution to modern psychology in history. 
• How people with different personality disorders experience the world. 
• The psychological relationship between parents and their children. 
• The intersection between sleep and psychology. 
• The differences between psychology and psychiatry. 
• How psychologists benefit society and human development. 
• How child psychology differs from adult treatment modalities. 
• How psychological treatment has changed over the years. 
• If basic psychology should be a required high school or college course. 
• How violent movies and television impact human psychology.
• How short and long-term memories form. 
• The impact of bullying on child psychological development. 
• The psychological impact of childhood neglect. 
• If antidepressants are overprescribed.
• The comorbidity of trauma and personality disorders. 
• If birth order affects a child’s psychological development. 

Looking for more? You might also be interested in our list of the best report writing topics .

• How Trix cereal discriminates against rabbits by making their cereal for kids. 
• If plants have feelings and if vegans are committing acts of vegetable cruelty. 
• Why the grass might literally be greener on the other side of a fence. 
• How to be good at being lazy. 
• Why lying well can be considered a talent. 
• How being annoying can be considered an art. 
• How to fail at a job interview. 
• Tell a story about a joke that didn’t go over well. 
• Compare Instagram to real life. 
• If regifting is an ethical practice.
• Why clothing companies don’t put pockets in women’s clothes. 
• Why bad pickup lines work better than traditionally good pickup lines. 
• Why a cartoon character should be elected President. 
• A practical guide to surviving the zombie apocalypse. 
• If internet surfing counts as an aerobic workout. 
• Why kids shouldn’t have to clean their rooms. 
• The worst business slogans and why. 
• The correct way to offend someone. 
• How to cheat at the game of Life. 
• A list of the worst gifts ever. 

If you liked this post, you might also find these essays about being a student helpful.

The three main types of persuasive speeches are value-based, policy-based, and emotional-based. Value-based speeches argue a certain concept based on its merits, while a policy persuasive speech argues for a certain course of action. Emotional-based speeches seek to elicit a certain response from the audience by evoking an emotional reaction.

Some people find that focusing on their breathing helps to calm their nerves, while others find visualization exercises like picturing the audience in their underwear to be a helpful way to diffuse the tension. Others say that simply accepting that they will be nervous and embracing that feeling is the best way to get through it.  

Looking for more? Check out our round-up of the best inspirational books !

Meet Rachael, the editor at Become a Writer Today. With years of experience in the field, she is passionate about language and dedicated to producing high-quality content that engages and informs readers. When she's not editing or writing, you can find her exploring the great outdoors, finding inspiration for her next project.

View all posts

Effective Speech Writing

The Importance of Theme

• Teaching Resources
• An Introduction to Teaching
• Tips & Strategies
• Policies & Discipline
• Community Involvement
• School Administration
• Technology in the Classroom
• Teaching Adult Learners
• Issues In Education
• Becoming A Teacher
• Assessments & Tests
• Elementary Education
• Secondary Education
• Special Education
• Homeschooling
• M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Florida
• B.A., History, University of Florida

Writing speeches for graduation, class assignments, or other purposes consists of a lot more than finding a few inspirational quotes and possibly a funny story or two. The key to writing good speeches lies in using a theme. If you always refer back to this theme, the audience will respond positively and remember your words. This does not mean that inspirational quotes are not important, but they should be integrated into your speech in a way that makes sense.

Choosing a Theme

The first task that a public speaker needs to focus on before they do any actual writing is the message they are trying to convey. My inspiration for this idea came from the speeches of John F. Kennedy . In his Inaugural Speech , he chose to focus on freedom. He addressed many different topics, but always came back to this idea of liberty.

When asked to be the guest speaker at a National Honor Society induction recently, I decided to focus on how an individual's daily decisions add up to reveal that person's true character. We can not cheat in the small things and expect these blemishes to never surface. When the real tests in life occur, our character will not be able to withstand the pressure because we have not chosen the harder path all along. Why did I choose this as my theme? My audience consisted of Juniors and Seniors at the top of their respective classes. They had to meet stringent requirements in the areas of scholarship, community service, leadership, and character in order to be accepted into the organization. I wanted to leave them with one idea that might make them think twice.

How does this relate to you? First, you must decide who will make up your audience. In a graduation speech, you are addressing your fellow classmates. However, parents, grandparents, teachers and administrators will also be present. While you will be focusing on people your age, what you say must be in line with the dignity of the ceremony itself. Remembering that, think of the ONE thought with which you want to leave your audience. Why only one idea? Mainly because if you reinforce a single point instead of focusing on a number of different ideas, your audience will have a greater tendency to remember it. A speech does not lend itself to having many themes. Stick with one really good theme, and use each point you make, your theme reinforcers, to bring that idea home.

If you would like some ideas for possible themes, look at the world around you. What are people concerned about? If you are speaking about the state of education, find one central idea that you feel strongly about. Then return to that idea with each point you make. Write your individual points to reinforce your idea. To return to the graduation speech, check out these top ten themes to use when writing your speech.

Utilizing Theme Reinforcers

Theme reinforcers are simply the points that a speechwriter uses throughout his or her speech to "reinforce" the central idea they are trying to get across. In Winston Churchill's famous commencement address to Westminster College in 1946, we find him emphasizing over and over again the need for cooperation against tyranny and war. His speech covered serious problems with which the post-war world was faced, including what he termed as the "iron curtain" that had descended across the European continent. Many say that this speech was the beginning of the " cold war ." What we can learn from his address is the importance of continually reiterating one idea. The effect that this speech had on the world is almost incalculable.

On a more local note, I used the four requirements necessary to become a member of NHS as my four points. When I discussed scholarship, I returned to my idea of daily decisions and said that a student's attitude towards learning is increased positively with each personal decision to focus on the task at hand. If a student enters a class with the attitude that they want to learn what is being taught, then their efforts will shine forth in true learning. I continued in this vein for each of the other three requirements. Of course, this does not mean that throughout the speech the same words are repeated over and over. The hardest part of writing any speech is to approach the main theme from many different angles.

Wrapping it All Together

Once you've picked your theme and chosen the points you want to emphasize, putting the speech together is fairly simple. You can organize it first in outline form, remembering to return at the end of each point to the theme you are trying to get across. Numbering your points sometimes helps the audience remember where you are and how far you have left to travel before the climax of your speech. This climax is the most important part. It should be the last paragraph, and leave everyone with something to think about. One great way to bring your ideas home is to find a quote which aptly embodies your theme. As Jean Rostand said, "Certain brief sentences are peerless in their ability to give one the feeling that nothing remains to be said."

Quotes, Resources and an Unconventional Idea

Find great quotations and other speech writing resources . The tips found on many of these pages are awesome, especially the strategies for giving the speeches themselves. There are also many unconventional ideas that can be incorporated into speeches. A great example of this occurred during a graduation speech by a Valedictorian which incorporated music throughout. She picked three different songs to represent the students' elementary, middle, and high school years and played them softly while she went through memories for the class. Her theme was a celebration of life as it was, is, and will be. She ended with a song of hope and left students with the idea that there was a lot to look forward to in the future.

Speech writing is all about knowing your audience and addressing their concerns. Leave your audience with something about which to think. Include humor and inspirational quotes. But make sure that each of these are integrated into the whole. Study the great speeches of the past to find inspiration. The joy that you will feel when you have given a speech that has inspired people is amazing and worth the effort. Good luck!

Inspiring Speech Example

The following speech was delivered during an induction to the National Honor Society. 

Good Evening.

I am both honored and flattered to have been asked to speak for this wonderful occasion.

I congratulate each of you and your parents.

Your achievements in the realms of Scholarship, Leadership, Community Service, and Character are being honored here tonight by your induction into this prestigious society.

An honor such as this is a wonderful way for the school and community to recognize and celebrate the choices, and sometimes the sacrifices, you have made.

But I believe that what should make you and your parents the most proud is not the actual honor itself, but what you had to do to get it. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The reward of a thing well done is to have done it." Any recognition is just the icing on the cake, not to be expected but definitely to be enjoyed.

However, I challenge you not to rest on your laurels but to continue to strive towards even loftier goals.

The four requirements for membership in which you have excelled: scholarship, leadership, community service, and character were not chosen at random. They are the core of a fulfilled and fulfilling life.

The most important thing to remember is that each of these characteristics are the sum of many individual decisions. They embody a positive attitude backed by purpose. The only way to achieve your purpose is to take small actions everyday. In the end, they all add up. My hope for you is that you will cultivate this attitude backed by purpose in your own life.

Scholarship is much more than just getting straight A's. It is a life-long love of learning. In the end it is a sum of small choices. Each time you decide you WANT to learn something, the experience will be so rewarding that the next time becomes easier.

Soon learning becomes a habit. At that point, your desire to learn makes getting A's easier while taking the focus off of grades. The knowledge can still be hard to gain, but knowing you've mastered a difficult subject is an awesome reward. Suddenly the world around you becomes richer, full of learning opportunities.

Leadership is not about being elected or appointed to an office. The office does not teach someone how to be a leader. Leadership is an attitude cultivated over time.

Are you one to stand up for what you believe in and 'face the music' even when that music happens to be unpleasant? Do you have a purpose and follow that purpose to get the ends you desire? Do you have a vision? These are all questions that true leaders answer in the affirmative. But how do you become a leader?

Each small decision you make takes you one step closer. Remember the goal is not to get power, but to get your vision and your purpose across. Leaders without visions can be likened to driving in a strange town without a road map: you are going to wind up somewhere, it just might not be in the best part of town.

Many see community service as a means to an end. Some might see it as a way to get service points while socializing, while others may view it as an unfortunate (and often inconvenient) necessity of high school life. But is that true community service?

Once again true community service is an attitude. Are you doing it for the right reasons? I'm not saying there won't be Saturday mornings when you would rather sleep your heart out than paint your heart out.

What I'm talking about is that in the end, when it is all done, and you are once again well-rested, you can look back and realize that you did something worthwhile. That you helped your fellow man in some way. Remember as John Donne said, "No man is an island entire of himself."

Finally, character.

If there is any one thing that is evidenced by your daily choices it is your character.

I truly believe what Thomas Macaulay said, "The measure of a man's real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out."

What do you do when no one's around? The teacher steps out of the room for a moment while you are taking a test after school. You know exactly where in your notes the answer to question 23 is. Do you look? Minimal chance of being caught!

The answer to this question is the key to your true character.

For while being honest and honorable when others are watching is important, being true to yourself is tantamount.

And in the end, these private day-to-day decisions will eventually reveal your true character to the world.

All in all, are making the tough choices worth it?

While it would be easier to slide through life without a purpose, without a code, it would not be fulfilling. Only by setting difficult goals and achieving them can we find true self-worth.

One final thing, each person's goals are different, and what comes easy to one may be difficult for another. Therefore, do not squash others' dreams. This is a surefire way to know that you aren't working towards fulfilling your own.

In conclusion, I congratulate you for this honor. You are truly the best of the best. Enjoy yourself, and remember as Mother Teresa said, "Life is a promise; fulfill it."

• 100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students
• Memorable Graduation Speech Themes
• How to Give an Impromptu Speech
• 5 Tips on How to Write a Speech Essay
• How to Write and Structure a Persuasive Speech
• How to Write a Graduation Speech as Valedictorian
• Give a Speech People Remember
• Inspirational Quotes from Mother Teresa
• Audience Analysis in Speech and Composition
• 50 Topics for Impromptu Student Speeches
• Awesome Quotes by Famous People
• Ted Sorensen on the Kennedy Style of Speech-Writing
• Definition and Examples of Linguistic Accommodation
• How to Speak Shakespearean Verse
• Focusing in Composition
• Topic In Composition and Speech

Resources you can trust

How to write a good speech

An advice sheet with information and tips for students to use when they write a speech. The key features of speech writing are covered and include having an inspiring opening and ending, using emotive language and including facts and figures. 

The resource also includes a planning grid template. 

All reviews

Have you used this resource?

WILLIAMS PAT

Resources you might like

• Our Writers
• How to Order
• Assignment Writing Service
• Report Writing Service
• Buy Coursework
• Dissertation Writing Service
• Research Paper Writing Service
• All Essay Services
• Buy Research Paper
• Buy Term Paper
• Buy Dissertation
• Buy Case study
• Buy Presentation
• Buy Personal statement

Speech Writing

The 10 Key Steps for Perfect Speech Writing

16 min read

People also read

Understanding Speech Format - Simple Steps for Outlining

How to Start A Speech - 13 Interesting Ideas & Examples

20+ Outstanding Speech Examples for Your Help

Common Types of Speeches that Every Speechwriter Should Know

Good Impromptu Speech Topics for Students

Entertaining Speech Topics for Your Next Debate

Understanding Special Occasion Speech: Types, Steps, Examples and Tips

Introduction Speech - A Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

How to Write the Best Acceptance Speech for Your Audience?

Presentation Speech - An Ultimate Writing Guide

Commemorative Speech - Writing Guide, Outline & Examples

Farewell Speech - Writing Tips & Examples

How to Write an Extemporaneous Speech? A Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting the Perfect Graduation Speech: A Guide with Examples

Writing a good speech is tough. Many get stuck not knowing how to organize their thoughts, leading to boring speeches. 

Our guide breaks it down step by step, so you can write speeches that really connect. Plus, we’ve added some topics, examples, and tips to inspire you and give you a kickstart. 

So, let’s start with the basics!

• 1. What is Speech Writing?
• 2. Elements of Good Speech Writing
• 3. How to Write a Speech?
• 4. Speech Writing Format
• 5. Types Of Speech Writing 
• 6. Speech Writing Topics
• 7. Speech Writing Examples
• 8. Speech Writing Tips

What is Speech Writing?

A speech is a verbal presentation given to an audience as a means to express ideas, share information, or persuade others. A speech can serve various purposes such as informing, persuading, entertaining, or inspiring the listeners.

Speech writing is the process of creating a clear and organized script for a spoken presentation. This involves planning the content, choosing the right tone, and structuring the speech so the message is communicated clearly to the audience.

Speech writers carefully choose words , phrases , and rhetorical devices to maximize the impact of the spoken words. They aim to engage, inform, persuade, or inspire the listeners. Good speech writing is a skill that requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail.

Elements of Good Speech Writing

Writing a great speech is all about getting a few things right. Let's break down what makes a speech really work:

• Clear and to the Point: Make sure your message is crystal clear and focused. Know what you want to say and stick to it.
• Know Your Audience: Understand who you're talking to. What do they care about? What do they already know? Customize your speech to fit their interests and level of understanding.
• Start Strong: Grab your audience's attention from the get-go. Use a catchy opening line or an interesting fact to hook them in right away.
• Keep it Organized: A good speech flows smoothly from one point to the next. Divide it into sections—beginning, middle, and end—and make sure each part connects logically to the next.
• Stay on Topic: Don't overload your speech with too much information. Stick to your main message and use examples that support it.
• End Strong: Finish your speech with a bang. Summarize your main points and leave your audience with something to think about or act on.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse your speech until you're confident. Pay attention to your pace, tone, and body language to make sure you're delivering your message effectively.

Now that you know what elements make a good speech, let’s look into the steps to write one.

How to Write a Speech?

Writing a good speech that engages your audience requires careful planning and execution. 

Whether you're preparing a persuasive presentation or an informative talk the following ten steps will guide you from the initial concept to the final delivery:

Step 1: Define Your Purpose and Audience

Begin by identifying the main objective of your speech. Are you looking to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire your audience? Understanding your purpose will shape the tone, content, and structure of your speech.

Know your audience's demographics, interests, and expectations. Consider factors such as age, education, beliefs, and cultural background. Tailor your speech to resonate with your specific audience.

Step 2: Choose a Topic

Select a topic that aligns with your purpose and audience's interest . Ensure your topic is not too broad or too narrow. You should be able to cover it effectively within your allotted time.

Step 3: Research and Gather Information

Thoroughly research your chosen topic . Utilize reputable sources such as books, articles, academic journals, and trusted websites.

Take detailed notes during your research to have a wealth of information and supporting evidence for your speech.

Step 4: Create a Strong Thesis or Central Message

Your thesis statement is the core message of your speech. It should be clear, concise, and specific. It encapsulates the key idea you want to convey to your audience. This statement will guide the content and structure of your speech.

Step 5: Develop an Outline

Divide your speech into three main sections: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion . Each section serves a distinct purpose.

Outline the main points you want to cover within the body of the speech. Organize them logically, and ensure each point supports your thesis.

Step 6: Write the Introduction

Craft a compelling introduction that captures your audience's attention . Use a hook, such as a relevant quote, story, or question, to pique their interest.

Provide context to help your audience understand the topic, and introduce your thesis statement to set the direction for your speech.

Step 7: Build the Body

In this section, expand on the main points outlined earlier. Each main point should be a clear and distinct idea.

Support your points with evidence, examples, and data. Use transitions to guide your audience smoothly from one point to the next, creating a coherent flow.

Step 8: Craft a Memorable Conclusion

Summarize the key points you've made in the body of your speech. Reiterate your thesis statement to reinforce your central message .

End with a compelling closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on your audience. This can be a call to action, a thought-provoking statement, or a memorable quote.

Step 9: Edit and Revise

Review your speech for clarity , grammar , and coherence . Check for any inconsistencies or unclear language and make the necessary changes.

Step 10: Practice and Rehearse

Practice your speech multiple times to become familiar with the content and the order of your points.

Work on your delivery skills , including tone, pace, and body language. Practicing in front of a mirror or recording yourself can help you identify areas for improvement.

Bonus Step: Get Feedback

If possible, conduct a practice run in front of a small audience. This can be friends, family, or classmates.

Listen to their feedback and address any concerns or suggestions. Incorporating feedback can significantly enhance your speech.

Speech Writing Format

Creating an impactful speech requires following a structured speech format to ensure that your message is conveyed clearly and engages your audience. 

Here is a standard speech writing pattern to guide you through the process:

1. Introduction:

• Hook: Start the speech with a compelling hook, such as a question, quote, anecdote, or startling fact, to grab the audience's attention.
• Provide Context: Give your audience a brief overview of the topic and its relevance.
• Thesis Statement: Present your central message or thesis statement, which sets the direction for the speech.
• Main Points: Divide the body of your speech into two to five main points or sections, each supporting your thesis statement.
• Supporting Evidence: For each main point, provide supporting evidence, data, examples, or anecdotes to make your argument compelling.
• Transitions: Use clear transitions between points to maintain a smooth and coherent flow throughout the speech.

3. Conclusion:

• Summarize Key Points: Briefly recap the main points you've covered in the body of your speech.
• Restate Thesis: Rewrite your thesis statement to reinforce your central message.
• Closing Statement: End with a memorable closing statement that leaves a lasting impression, which can be a call to action, a thought-provoking idea, or a final quote.

To get started, you can check out this speech writing template:

Learn more about speech format in this insightful read to get a better understanding!

Types Of Speech Writing 

There are many types of speeches , and they are combined into different categories. We will take a look at some basic types of speech writing:

Informative Speeches

Persuasive speeches, entertaining speeches, motivational speeches, special occasion speeches.

Now, let's explore each type in more detail:

An informative speech aims to educate or provide information to the audience. These speeches typically focus on facts, data, and explanations.

Examples: Informative speeches can cover a wide range of topics, such as scientific discoveries, historical events, technological advancements, or explanations of complex concepts.

A persuasive speech aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. These speeches often employ persuasive techniques and emotional appeals.

Examples: Persuasive speeches can address issues like climate change, social justice, political candidates, or consumer choices, urging the audience to support a particular stance or take action.

Entertaining speeches are designed to amuse and entertain the audience. They often include humor, anecdotes, and storytelling.

Examples: Stand-up comedy routines, humorous storytelling, and funny anecdotes are examples of entertaining speeches.

Motivational speeches are meant to motivate and uplift the audience. They often incorporate personal stories, motivational quotes, and themes of resilience and hope.

Examples: Speeches by notable figures like Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" address social change. Others like commencement speeches inspire graduates to embrace the future.

Special occasion speeches are delivered during specific events or celebrations. These speeches can include toasts, eulogies, wedding speeches, and more.

Examples: A eulogy at a funeral, a wedding toast, or a commencement address at a graduation ceremony are all examples of special occasion speeches.

Speech Writing Topics

The topic is the first and foremost thing that you need to write a speech. Here are some amazing speech-writing topic ideas to help you get started.

Persuasive Speech Topics

• The impact of climate change on our future
• Social media and mental health: is it time for regulation?
• The importance of vaccination in preventing disease outbreaks
• The ethics of artificial intelligence and privacy
• The benefits of renewable energy for a sustainable future

Find more persuasive speech topics in our extensive list.

Demonstration Speech Topics

• How to create a delicious and healthy smoothie bowl
• DIY home renovation: painting techniques and tips
• The art of crafting homemade natural soap
• Mastering Yoga: a guided sun salutation sequence
• Gardening for beginners: planting your first vegetable garden

Impromptu Speech Topics

• If I could travel anywhere in the world right now, I would go to...
• The most influential person in my life and why.
• What superpower I wish I had and how I'd use it.
• A book that changed my perspective on life.
• The best piece of advice I've ever received and how it impacted me.

For more inspiring topics check out our impromptu speech topics blog!

Entertaining Speech Topics

• The art of dad jokes: Making people laugh with cheesy humor.
• Embarrassing moments at family gatherings: A humorous take.
• Hilarious autocorrect fails in text messaging.
• The funny side of pets and their quirky behaviors.
• Epic food mishaps in the kitchen: Tales of culinary disasters.

Check out our blog for more entertaining speech topics !

Informative Speech Topics

• The science behind Covid-19 vaccines
• Exploring the history and impact of the internet
• The art of sustainable gardening and urban farming
• Understanding cryptocurrency and blockchain technology
• The wonders of space exploration: mars missions and beyond

Find more interesting topics for informative speeches to get inspired.

Motivational Speech Topics

• “I’m proud of you my son” someday, my dad will say this to me
• Positive thinking boosts your self-confidence.
• It is perfectly fine for a boy to cry.
• Same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt a child
• I will make my parents proud

Looking for more inspirational speech topics? Read our motivational speech topics blog to get inspired!

Speech Writing Examples

When it comes to learning the art of speech writing practical guidance is important. To show effective speech writing 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#2                                   

Here is another example of speech writing class 11:

For additional samples, read through our speech examples blog!

Speech Writing Tips

Follow these tips for writing a speech that not only informs but also inspires and persuades.

• Audience Analysis: Before you start, conduct a thorough audience analysis. Understand their interests, knowledge, and expectations.
• Engaging Speech: Craft an engaging speech that captures your audience's attention from the start. Use rhetorical questions or captivating anecdotes.
• Short Sentences: Keep your sentences concise and easy to follow. Short sentences are more impactful.
• Connect with the Audience: Make your audience feel involved. Use relatable examples and stories to establish a connection.
• Great Speech Structure: Organize your speech with a clear structure, including an introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Rhetorical Questions: Utilize rhetorical questions to stimulate thought and engagement.
• Memorable Sentence Structures: Create memorable sentence structures that stick in their memory and the audience remembers the key message.
• Public Speaking: Remember that public speaking requires practice, so rehearse your speech multiple times to boost confidence and delivery.

Moving towards the end , for effective communication, speech writing is a skill that can empower you to inform, persuade, and inspire your audience. This comprehensive guide has walked you through the essential steps, outlines, and examples to help you craft a compelling and memorable speech.

If you think you are good at speaking but not so good at writing and this thing bothers you a lot, then there is no harm in getting some help. We at MyPerfectWords.com can save you from embarrassment by helping you write an outstanding speech. 

With our custom essay writing help , you'll get a speech that not only communicates your message effectively but also grabs your audience's attention. So request ‘write my speech’ and buy speech today!

In need of instant speech help? Try our free AI tool, Essay Typer , to perfect your speechwriting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good sentence starter for a speech.

In speech writing starting lines play a crucial role. You can start your speech with the following:

• Thought provoking question: "Have you ever wondered what it takes to change the world?"
• A powerful quote: "As Nelson Mandela once said, 'It always seems impossible until it's done.'"
• A surprising fact: "Did you know that every minute, over 500 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube?"
• An engaging story: "Let me tell you about a young girl who defied all odds to achieve her dreams."

What are the 10 principles of speech writing?

• Clarity: Make sure your message is clear and easily understandable.
• Purpose: Define the main objective of your speech and stick to it.
• Audience Awareness: Understand your audience's demographics, interests, and expectations.
• Structure: Organize your speech into introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Content Relevance: Choose topics and information that are relevant and meaningful to your audience.
• Engagement: Use storytelling, humor, and rhetorical devices to keep your audience interested.
• Authenticity: Speak sincerely to establish trust and connection with your audience.
• Language: Use simple and concise language appropriate for your audience.
• Impact: Deliver a memorable message that leaves a lasting impression.
• Practice: Rehearse your speech multiple times for smooth delivery and confidence.

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

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.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Speechwriting 101: Writing an Effective Speech

Whether you are a communications pro or a human resources executive, the time will come when you will need to write a speech for yourself or someone else.  when that time comes, your career may depend on your success..

J. Lyman MacInnis, a corporate coach,  Toronto Star  columnist, accounting executive and author of  “ The Elements of Great Public Speaking ,”  has seen careers stalled – even damaged – by a failure to communicate messages effectively before groups of people. On the flip side, solid speechwriting skills can help launch and sustain a successful career.  What you need are forethought and methodical preparation.

Know Your Audience

Learn as much as possible about the audience and the event.  This will help you target the insights, experience or knowledge you have that this group wants or needs:

• Why has the audience been brought together?
• What do the members of the audience have in common?
• How big an audience will it be?
• What do they know, and what do they need to know?
• Do they expect discussion about a specific subject and, if so, what?
• What is the audience’s attitude and knowledge about the subject of your talk?
• What is their attitude toward you as the speaker?
• Why are they interested in your topic?

Choose Your Core Message

If the core message is on target, you can do other things wrong. But if the message is wrong, it doesn’t matter what you put around it.  To write the most effective speech, you should have significant knowledge about your topic, sincerely care about it and be eager to talk about it.  Focus on a message that is relevant to the target audience, and remember: an audience wants opinion. If you offer too little substance, your audience will label you a lightweight.  If you offer too many ideas, you make it difficult for them to know what’s important to you.

Research and Organize

Research until you drop.  This is where you pick up the information, connect the ideas and arrive at the insights that make your talk fresh.  You’ll have an easier time if you gather far more information than you need.  Arrange your research and notes into general categories and leave space between them. Then go back and rearrange. Fit related pieces together like a puzzle.

Develop Structure to Deliver Your Message

First, consider whether your goal is to inform, persuade, motivate or entertain.  Then outline your speech and fill in the details:

• Introduction – The early minutes of a talk are important to establish your credibility and likeability.  Personal anecdotes often work well to get things started.  This is also where you’ll outline your main points.
• Body – Get to the issues you’re there to address, limiting them to five points at most.  Then bolster those few points with illustrations, evidence and anecdotes.  Be passionate: your conviction can be as persuasive as the appeal of your ideas.
• Conclusion – Wrap up with feeling as well as fact. End with something upbeat that will inspire your listeners.

You want to leave the audience exhilarated, not drained. In our fast-paced age, 20-25 minutes is about as long as anyone will listen attentively to a speech. As you write and edit your speech, the general rule is to allow about 90 seconds for every double-spaced page of copy.

Spice it Up

Once you have the basic structure of your speech, it’s time to add variety and interest.  Giving an audience exactly what it expects is like passing out sleeping pills. Remember that a speech is more like conversation than formal writing.  Its phrasing is loose – but without the extremes of slang, the incomplete thoughts, the interruptions that flavor everyday speech.

• Give it rhythm. A good speech has pacing.
• Vary the sentence structure. Use short sentences. Use occasional long ones to keep the audience alert. Fragments are fine if used sparingly and for emphasis.
• Use the active voice and avoid passive sentences. Active forms of speech make your sentences more powerful.
• Repeat key words and points. Besides helping your audience remember something, repetition builds greater awareness of central points or the main theme.
• Ask rhetorical questions in a way that attracts your listeners’ attention.
• Personal experiences and anecdotes help bolster your points and help you connect with the audience.
• Use quotes. Good quotes work on several levels, forcing the audience to think. Make sure quotes are clearly attributed and said by someone your audience will probably recognize.

Be sure to use all of these devices sparingly in your speeches. If overused, the speech becomes exaggerated. Used with care, they will work well to move the speech along and help you deliver your message in an interesting, compelling way.

More News & Resources

Measuring and Communicating the Value of Public Affairs

July 26, 2023

Benchmarking Reports Reveal Public Affairs’ Growing Status

November 16, 2023

Volunteer of the Year Was Integral to New Fellowship

Is the Fight for the Senate Over?

New Council Chair Embraces Challenge of Changing Profession

October 25, 2023

Are We About to Have a Foreign Policy Election?

Few Americans Believe 2024 Elections Will Be ‘Honest and Open’

Rural Americans vs. Urban Americans

August 3, 2023

What Can We Learn from DeSantis-Disney Grudge Match?

June 29, 2023

Laura Brigandi Manager of Digital and Advocacy Practice 202.787.5976 |  [email protected]

Featured Event

Digital media & advocacy summit.

The leading annual event for digital comms and advocacy professionals. Hear new strategies, and case studies for energizing grassroots and policy campaigns.

Washington, D.C. | June 10, 2024

Previous Post Hiring Effectively With an Executive Recruiter

Next post guidance on social media policies for external audiences.

Public Affairs Council 2121 K St. N.W., Suite 900 Washington, DC 20037 (+1) 202.787.5950 [email protected]

European Office

Public Affairs Council Square Ambiorix 7 1000 Brussels [email protected]

Contact Who We Are

Stay Connected

LinkedIn X (Twitter) Instagram Facebook Mailing List

Read our Privacy Notice | Terms of Use | COPYRIGHT 2024 PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNCIL

• Browse All Content
• Upcoming Events
• On-Demand Recordings
• Team Training with ‘Membership Plus+’
• Earn Your Certificate
• Sponsorship Opportunities
• Content Search
• Connect with Our Experts
• PAC & Political Engagement
• Grassroots & Digital Advocacy
• Communications
• Social Impact
• Government Relations
• Public Affairs Management
• Browse Research
• Legal Guidance
• Election Insights
• Benchmarking, Consulting & Training
• Where to Start
• Latest News
• Impact Monthly Newsletter
• Member Spotlight
• Membership Directory
• Recognition

How to help your child write a speech (without doing it for them)

Associate Professor in Education, Deakin University

Disclosure statement

Joanne O'Mara receives funding from The Australian Research Council and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Deakin University provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

View all partners

It’s hard for parents to help kids with homework without doing it for them . It can be especially difficult to work out where to start when your child is preparing a speech for school.

You might find your child is procrastinating more about getting started with a speech than about other homework. This could be because they are anxious about it.

Having something that they want to say to their class can help to increase your child’s confidence and motivation when they deliver the speech. A positive speechmaking experience can increase confidence for next time, which is why some schools teach public speaking in a systematic way.

It’s important to keep in mind that public speaking has two parts to it: writing the speech, and delivering it.

Here are some tips for how to help your kid with both aspects of preparation.

Read more: What's the point of homework?

Writing the speech

First, help your child find something they want to say to their audience.

When a child is delivering a speech to the class, they are being listened to, observed, and watched by their peers. Most other classwork is only read by the teacher. In a speech, they are sharing their ideas with the whole class.

That’s why it is really important they own what they are saying, and say it in their own words.

It’s key they own the topic (if it is a free choice of topic) or that they own the stance they are taking (if the topic is set by the teacher).

As a parent, it’s tricky to support your child to find their own words to say – but it’s very important you don’t write the speech for them.

Help them to think about what they care about and what they think is important to share with their class.

Apart from the fact the teacher will spot a parent-written speech a mile away, if your child has no ownership of their speech, they will not care about communicating the ideas to the class.

Next, help your child to think about organising their ideas.

It’s good to have a hook or a catchy introduction into the main idea of the speech. That could be a rhetorical question, an anecdote or an amazing fact. They can then think of around three main points about the topic.

Ask your child questions that help them to think about some examples or evidence that support their ideas.

Finally, help them to finish their speech. Often, the ending might return to the beginning to round off the point being made – a kind of “I told you so”!

Delivering the speech – 4 tips for parents

1. Encourage your child to focus on communicating their idea to their audience.

If they focus on sharing their ideas, rather than worrying about themselves, everything will come together. Encourage them to think about looking at the audience and making sure everyone can hear them.

2. Practise the speed of delivery and time their speech.

One of the easiest things to practise that makes a big difference to the delivery of the speech is the pacing.

The big tip is to slow down. When speakers feel nervous they tend to speed up, sometimes just a little — but often students will deliver their speeches at breakneck speed, racing to just get it done so they can go and sit down.

I’ve listened to thousands of student speeches and have never heard one delivered too slowly. But I have heard many that sound like a horse-race call.

3. Be an affirmative audience to their speech.

Listen to your child practise when they feel ready to share with you, but don’t push them if they are resistant.

Focus on building their confidence by talking to them about the moments you felt they were connecting with you as an audience member. Be appreciative of their jokes or show you share their feelings about ideas they care about.

Your children seek your approval – don’t be stingy with it.

4. If they are feeling confident, suggest they work on nuancing their delivery.

Once they are feeling confident about delivering the speech, the child can add variety and texture.

For instance, they might slow down for emphasis on certain words, add a pause after asking a question, or think about some moments where they might speak more softly or loudly.

Variation will add interest to the delivery of the speech and help to grab and keep the audience’s attention. It also helps further convey your child’s ideas.

Good support takes time

It’s hard to get the balance right when supporting your child to prepare their speech. The trick is to understand that it will take more than one sitting.

So, plan for a few chunks of time, and work on building their ideas and enthusiasm.

Read more: Should parents help their kids with homework?

• Primary school
• Speech writing
• Primary schooling
• Children's literacy

Head of School, School of Arts & Social Sciences, Monash University Malaysia

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Clinical Teaching Fellow

Data Manager

Director, Social Policy

Public Speaking Tips For Kids

The speeches are written and practiced at home. This year I created a template for the kids to help make a start on their speech. The template not only helps them plan out the content for their speech, but gives them tips on how to define the purpose, research and practise their speech.

I used this template with all three kids – prep, year three and year five. The level of guidance needed by each child varied and I naturally I spent the most time with the six year old as this is the first time he has had to write and present a speech.

Not every element of the template will necessarily need to be completed and depends on the topic. For example the prep child chose “Kids have fun when….” from the list of topics for his class. This topic requires no research to be done as he is an expert in knowing how kids have fun!

The kids may also need more room than for the “middle” section, depending on how long their speech is to be. We simply turned over the page and wrote on the back.

Public Speaking Tips For Kids – A Checklist

I have listed below the elements the template covers:

• Topic and Time: Choose something that you are interested in.
• How long do you have to talk for?
• Audience: Who will you be talking to and who will be judging.
• Subject and purpose: What is the aim of your speech – to persuade, inform, entertain, etc. Brainstorm ideas note them down. Note personal stories you can add to make it more interesting.
• Research: Not just internet, newspapers, magazines, library, family friends etc.
• Structure: Ask yourself the question – ‘At the end of the speech I would like my audience to…….
• Beginning: Brief, capture the attention of the audience and establish the subject and purpose of the speech. Don’t just restate the topic. Add your personality and make it unique, many others may be talking on the same topic.
• Middle: Sets out your ideas, shares your research, includes examples to support your topic. For your time limit work out how many points / paragraphs you can include. Work on having a powerful statement to lead into each new point / paragraph.
• End: Short statement relating back to the topic and sums up the subject and purpose of the speech. Make it brief, but memorable. Try including a memorable line that the audience can take away with them. Memorise your conclusion, so your last couple of sentences can be delivered with confidence and with full eye contact with the audience.
• Practice: By yourself first. Time it and edit your content so it first with the time restraints.
• Palm Cards: Then make palm cards for key points only. Keep cards to a minimum and number them.
• Dress rehearsal: Practice using palm cards, first by yourself, then either in front of family or even video your self.

Are school mornings stressful for you?

Are any of these scenarios familiar to you:

• Are your school mornings currently a harder version of Groundhog Day?
• Do you sleep a bit longer than planned in the mornings then rush to get you and the kids ready?
• Do you wake up to a house that is already in a state of mild chaos?
• Do the kids end up buying their lunches more than you planned because you ran out of time or food?
• Do you drop the kids off at school with you feeling frazzled and the kids grumpy?

Then my super simple system will help revolutionise your school mornings! Sign up to my E-news and receive my guide here .

• Our Mission

Strategies for Giving Secondary Students Plenty of Practice Writing

Frequent practice is key when it comes to improving writing skills, and teachers can foster this growth by requiring students to write often.

Writing can be difficult to start. You can be filled with ideas, yet finding the combination of words that brings ideas to life can take time. Even among those who are confident in their writing skills, compositions rarely come together in one attempt. No matter how good the first draft looks, the ones that follow will be better by far.

Translating these ideas for students is complicated. However, there is one aspect that’s simple, concrete, and impactful in how much it can help student writers build experience and confidence in their skills. The answer is… write often. Writing is a muscle that needs constant exercise. With more endurance, students can get more crafting done within set time periods.

Collecting lots of content becomes a reservoir of ideas and sample writings that students can use to practice the author’s craft along with the writing process. What follows are different strategies that engage students in getting out their thoughts by building a collection of writing pieces that they can use for a variety of purposes throughout the year. With increased stamina, there’s much that writers can complete for a variety of purposes and audiences.

Quick Write–Free Write Combo

How do we assist writers when it comes to generating ideas and capturing them on the page? The following combo strategy is a reliable way to help writers accomplish this goal for expression. An important first step is to warm up the students with a conversation about the topic. For example, it could be based on a reading or a video. Structured discussion protocols can aid the focus and engagement. Immediately after the warm-up conversation, have the students dive into the writing combo.

Set the timer for two to four minutes, depending on the newness of this strategy to the learners. Have them write without pausing, anything they recall from the warm-up conversation, plus any insights they picked up since. It’s important that writers do not stop to fix grammar or spelling. Just capture thoughts and ideas. When time is up, they review their writing and underline or highlight at least three different passages and/or phrases that resonate for them.

For step two, students complete the free write. Double the time allocated for the quick write. Learners select one of their chosen passages and post it below the quick write content. As writers, they expand on their choice with more details, context, and perspective. They can pause to think about what and how they want to write something. If they run out of things to write, they can pick another passage to copy down and continue the process. By the end of this combo, writers will have a rough draft to expand and shape as part of the writing process.

Pictures as Muses

Constructing ideas can feel like an exercise in abstractions. Pictures provide concrete context for writers to study, pull out details, and compose connections and speculations that fire up one’s intellect and imagination across any subject area. The optimal picture has lots of detail, has contrasting viewpoints, and/or reflects a thought-provoking context.

The image at left represents climate change, and the image at right represents a story starter: “I followed the music into the woods. A voice sang in my head, ‘What took you so long?’”

Other sources for pictures include The Mysteries of Harris Burdick , by Chris Van Allsburg; online photo galleries; and websites of news outlets.

Teacher Modeling

Many students believe in the myth that their teachers are perfect writers, requiring only one draft. Teachers modeling their imperfect early drafts with think-alouds about their writing process can have a positive impact on student writers. Share decisions about the author’s craft, such as word-choice changes and expanding details based on the target audience. Showing the imperfections helps students see in real time how writers improve the content through rounds of revisions and edits. Use drafts that you complete by participating in the strategies above alongside your students.

You can share your original draft to demonstrate through think-alouds how to edit and revise ideas. Use generative AI as a thought partner. Its purpose is to give feedback based on specific author’s craft questions, suggestions for adding content, and grammar checks. The intent is to model how to make the writer’s original content even better, and not to automate a first draft. View an example generative AI author craft conversation in this PDF .

Make Work Public

Having a publication deadline and an accessible location for the results can motivate writers to use the writing process. Submissions to the teacher have no other witnesses, unless the work will be published in a public area such as a classroom blog, a hallway, or by an outside organization. The act of submitting student writing for consideration counts as publication because an outside audience is viewing the work. Not only the best work is published. Instead, any work that fulfills the minimum requirements of quality should be published. The message to students is “Your thoughts matter.”

These strategies give student writers much practice through meaningful purpose and intention. As they collect writing pieces from the exercises, they can draw on the ideas to practice the author’s craft and to compose their best draft for publication. Try these exercises yourself to know how students will feel. As with any workout, take time to reflect on their volume of content creation and crafting to show them their growth as writers.

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Welcome to the Purdue Online Writing Lab

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

The Online Writing Lab at Purdue University houses writing resources and instructional material, and we provide these as a free service of the Writing Lab at Purdue. Students, members of the community, and users worldwide will find information to assist with many writing projects. Teachers and trainers may use this material for in-class and out-of-class instruction.

The Purdue On-Campus Writing Lab and Purdue Online Writing Lab assist clients in their development as writers—no matter what their skill level—with on-campus consultations, online participation, and community engagement. The Purdue Writing Lab serves the Purdue, West Lafayette, campus and coordinates with local literacy initiatives. The Purdue OWL offers global support through online reference materials and services.

A Message From the Assistant Director of Content Development 

The Purdue OWL® is committed to supporting  students, instructors, and writers by offering a wide range of resources that are developed and revised with them in mind. To do this, the OWL team is always exploring possibilties for a better design, allowing accessibility and user experience to guide our process. As the OWL undergoes some changes, we welcome your feedback and suggestions by email at any time.

Please don't hesitate to contact us via our contact page  if you have any questions or comments.

All the best,

Social Media

Facebook twitter.

AP Central for Educators

Supporting Students from Day One to Exam Day

Access free AP resources from anywhere.

Deadline: Free Score-Send Selections

Have students follow these steps to choose a free score-send recipient before the June 20 deadline.

AP Annual Conference 2024

Join us in Las Vegas on July 24–26 for the AP Annual Conference.

The Latest in AP

AP Summer Institutes

Explore upcoming summer workshops to expand your teaching skills.

AP Alumni Network

Encourage seniors to join this network to advocate for future AP students. 

AP Courses and Exams

Find course and exam information, classroom resources, and instructions for completing the Course Audit.

Explore teaching resources and useful information for every AP subject.

AP Course Audit

Learn how to complete the Course Audit and get your course authorized.

Important Dates

POSTMARK JUNE 15

Deadline: Return AP Exam Invoices and Payments

Deadline: students use free score sends.

This is the deadline for students to access My AP and indicate or change the recipient of their free score report.

AP Scores Released

AP score reports are available to designated colleges, students, high schools, and districts.

Start and Expand Your AP Program

Bring ap to your school.

Learn how to get approved to administer AP Exams and offer AP courses at your school.

Build Your AP Program

Learn how to expand your AP program to offer more subjects and reach more students.

Professional Learning for Teachers

Deepen your instruction and elevate your students’ learning potential by participating in professional learning programs, both in person and online. Benefit from the experience of your colleagues through AP Mentoring and the AP Community.

Find Resources for Your Role

Find resources to enhance your instruction and support your students.

AP Coordinators

Find key dates, resources, and everything you need to administer exams.

Find key dates, teacher resources, and professional learning opportunities.

District Leaders

Find user guides, key dates, and resources to support teachers, parents, and students.

More to Explore

Ap community.

Connect online with colleagues, participate in discussions with experts, and share classroom-ready materials.

AP Coordinator Resources

Download the AP Coordinator’s Manual, guides for creating sections in AP Classroom, and additional resources.  

Have Questions?

Ap faq center.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the AP Program.

AP Contacts

Contact the AP Program with questions.

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

NEW: Classroom Clean-Up/Set-Up Email Course! 🧽

18 Examples of End-of-Year Letters to Students and Their Families (Plus Free Templates)

Tips and examples to craft letters for your students.

Saying goodbye to students can be so hard. After spending a whole year working together, it’s impossible to imagine our classrooms without them! One of the best ways to show them how much they mean to you is to write end-of-year letters to students. Take a look at some terrific examples from other teachers, and learn how to write your own. Plus be sure to fill out the form on this landing page to get a bundle of three printable end-of-year letters you can customize for your students.

How To Write End-of-Year Student Letters

Keep it short.

We make a lot of memories with our kids, but trying to create a highlight reel for everyone would be tough. It’s better to keep your end-of-year letters to students short and sweet. Even if it’s brief, it can be heartfelt.

Personalize

Even if you use a template, there are ways to customize your letters. Of course, you’ll want to address your notes to each student by name. Along with your signature at the bottom, though, you can mention one special thing you’ll remember about them so that it feels more personal.

Use a template

A template makes it easy to quickly customize letters for each of your students. Fill out the form on this page to get our free downloadable end-of-year letter templates!

End-of-Year Letter Examples and Ideas

Take a look at what other teachers have written to find more ideas for your own end-of-year letters to students and families.

FEATURED PICK

1. Personalized Heartfelt Letter

Use our free Google Docs template to easily customize letters for each of your students. You can personalize as much or as little as you’d like. Just fill out the form on this landing page to grab it along with two others featured below.

2. Goodbye Poem

Sometimes a poem can capture our feelings better than any letter ever could. This sweet letter is perfect for letting your students know how much they mean to you, while also reinforcing language skills. It’s a win-win!

Get it: Goodbye Letter

3. Letter With Picture

Including a photo of your student is an easy way to personalize your letter, plus it gives families a cute keepsake they’ll love to pull out and share years from now.

Get it: Easy End of Year Student Letter

4. ABC Farewell

This is an incredibly clever idea, and perfect for the early elementary grades. You could even personalize this by including the student’s name for the letter it starts with!

Get it: Clip Art and ABC Farewell

5. Poem With Colorable Picture

Pass these out on the last day of school and let kids color their pictures. The final result is a little bit of you and a little bit of them, all in one!

Get it: End of Year Poem

6. Personal Card

Choose some note cards you love and spend a few hours writing personal messages. This takes a little more time, but you only need a few short sentences to make students and their families feel really special.

Get it: Sending Letters Home

7. Great Expectations Poem

Here’s another sweet poem, with wonderful wishes for a student’s future. Jot a personal memory on the back to make it even more special.

8. Handwritten Note

You can use the same message over and over again, but handwriting it out makes it feel more personal. We love that these letters feature the students’ names in beautiful calligraphy at the top too.

Get it: Handwritten Letters

9. A Note for Older Kids

This end-of-year letter template has a design that works well for older students. Just fill out the form on this page to grab your free customizable Google Docs template.

10. Gold in Every Piece of Your Story

This collaborative letter is such a cool idea! Gather quotes, stories, and words of wisdom from various people who’ve interacted with your students over the last year, and gather them together into one sweet document they’ll cherish.

Get it: There Is Gold Letter

11. Mailbox Activity

Pair your end-of-year letters to students with this cute activity. Each student turns a paper bag into their own mailbox. Then, they write letters to each other to slip into the boxes, along with your own special deliveries.

Get it: Mailbox Activity

12. Family Letter

Parents and guardians will appreciate a letter at the end of the year too. Use it to sum up some of the great things that happened, and invite them to keep in touch in the future.

Get it: Good-Bye Letter

13. It’s Time To Say Goodbye Poem

Poems are popular for end-of-year letters, and this one by Debbie Clement is truly sweet. It’s perfect for preschool and early elementary, especially when you add your own short note to personalize it.

14. Preschool Days

Here’s another clever rhyme for young students, this one specific to preschool activities and learning. Personalize it with teacher names, and parents can tuck this into their child’s memory book as a keepsake.

Get it: Preschool Days Poem

15. AI Customized Letters or Poems

This is one of the ways ChatGPT can be a real time-saver for teachers! With just a few simple prompts, the program can write individualized letters for your students. One teacher even used it to write custom poems!

16. End-of-Year Bookmarks

When you turn your end-of-year letters into bookmarks, students can keep them close at hand for years to come.

Get it: Bookmarks

17. Free Printable Notes

Print simple notes on colorful paper, then flip them over and write a line or two on the back that’s customized for your student. Simple and so thoughtful!

Get it: Printable Notes

18. Short and Sweet Note

This end-of-year letter template’s design is perfect for a short and sweet message to elementary students. Get the free Google Doc template for this letter and two others when you fill out the form on this landing page.

Be sure to fill out the form on this page to get your free End-of-Year Student Letter templates!

Plus, 50 Free Printable End-of-Year Awards for Students .

Want more articles like this be sure to subscribe to our newsletters .

You Might Also Like

This Teacher Asked ChatGPT to Write a Personalized End-of-Year Poem for Each of His Students, and the Results Are Pretty Great

You can have personalized poems in minutes. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256