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Speech is a medium to convey a message to the world. It is a way of expressing your views on a topic or a way to showcase your strong opposition to a particular idea. To deliver an effective speech, you need a strong and commanding voice, but more important than that is what you say. Spending time in preparing a speech is as vital as presenting it well to your audience.
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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.
How to Write a Speech?
Writing a speech on any topic requires a lot of research. It also must be structured well to properly get the message across to the target audience. If you have ever listened to famous orators, you would have noticed the kind of details they include when speaking about a particular topic, how they present it and how their speeches motivate and instill courage in people to work towards an individual or shared goal. Learning how to write such effective speeches can be done with a little guidance.
How Do You Begin a Speech?
1: Which of the sentences below is grammatically correct?
The way you start your speech can set the tone for the remainder of it.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
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Self-Introduction
When you are writing or delivering a speech, the very first thing you need to do is introduce yourself. When you are delivering a speech for a particular occasion, there might be a master of ceremony who might introduce you and invite you to share your thoughts. Whatever the case, always remember to say one or two sentences about who you are and what you intend to do.
Introductions can change according to the nature of your target audience. It can be either formal or informal based on the audience you are addressing. Here are a few examples.
Addressing Friends/Classmates/Peers
- Hello everyone! I am ________. I am here to share my views on _________.
- Good morning, friends. I, _________, am here to talk to you about _________.
Addressing Teachers/Higher Authorities
- Good morning/afternoon/evening. Before I start, I would like to thank _______ for giving me an opportunity to share my thoughts about ________ here today.
- A good day to all. I, __________, on behalf of _________, am standing here today to voice out my thoughts on _________.
The Opening Statement
It is said that the first seven seconds are all that a human brain requires to decide whether to focus on something. So, it is evident that a catchy opening statement is the factor that will impact your audience. Writing a speech does require a lot of research, and structuring it in an interesting, informative, and coherent manner is something that should be done with utmost care.
When given a topic to speak on, the first thing you can do is brainstorm ideas and jot down all that comes to your mind. This will help you understand what aspect of the topic you want to focus on. Keeping that in mind, you can start drafting your speech.
An opening statement can be anything that is relevant to the topic. Use words smartly to create an impression and grab the attention of your audience like,
- Asking an Engaging Question
Starting your speech by asking the audience a question can get their attention. It creates an interest and curiosity in the audience and makes them think about the question. This way, you would have already got their minds ready to listen and think.
- Fact or a Surprising Statement
Surprising the audience with an interesting fact or a statement can draw the attention of the audience. It can even be a joke; just make sure it is relevant. A good laugh would wake up their minds and they would want to listen to what you are going to say next.
- Adding a Quote
After you have found your topic to work on, look for a quote that best suits your topic. The quote can be one said by some famous personality or even from stories, movies or series. As long as it suits your topic and is appropriate to the target audience, use them confidently. Again, finding a quote that is well-known or has scope for deep thought will be your success factor.
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Structuring the Speech
To structure your speech easily, it is advisable to break it into three parts or three sections – an introduction, body and conclusion.
- Introduction: Introduce the topic and your views on the topic briefly.
- Body: Give a detailed explanation of your topic. Your focus should be to inform and educate your audience on the said topic.
- Conclusion: Voice out your thoughts/suggestions. Your intention here should be to make them think/act.
Choice of Words
While delivering or writing a speech, it is essential to keep a note on the language you are using. Choose the right kind of words. The person has the liberty to express their views in support of or against the topic; just be sure to provide enough evidence to prove the discussed points. See to it that you use short and precise sentences. Your choice of words and what you emphasize on will decide the effect of the speech on the audience.
When writing a speech, make sure to,
- Avoid long, confusing sentences.
- Check the spelling, sentence structure and grammar.
- Not use contradictory words or statements that might cause any sort of issues.
Authenticity
Anything authentic will appeal to the audience, so including anecdotes, personal experiences and thoughts will help you build a good rapport with your audience. The only thing you need to take care is to not let yourself be carried away in the moment. Speak only what is necessary.
Writing in 1st Person
Using the 1st person point of view in a speech is believed to be more effective than a third person point of view.
Tips to Write a Speech
- Understand the purpose of your speech: Before writing the speech, you must understand the topic and the purpose behind it. If the speech has to be inspiring, entertaining or purely informative review it.
- Identify your audience: When writing or delivering a speech, the audience plays the major role. Unless you know who, your target audience is, you will not be able to draft a good and appropriate speech.
- Decide the length of the speech: Whatever be the topic, make sure you keep it short and to the point. Making a speech longer than it needs to be will only make it monotonous and boring.
- Revising and practicing the speech: After writing, it is essential to revise and recheck as there might be minor errors which you might have missed. Edit and revise until you are sure you have it right. Practice as much as required so you do not stammer in front of your audience.
- Mention your takeaways at the end of the speech: Takeaways are the points which have been majorly emphasized on and can bring a change. Be sure to always have a thought or idea that your audience can reflect upon at the end of your speech.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Speech
1. How to write a speech?
Ans. Writing a speech is basically about collecting, summarizing and structuring your points on a given topic.
2. Why is it important to introduce ourselves?
Ans. It is essential to introduce yourself while writing a speech, so that your audience or the readers know who the speaker is and understand where you come from.
3. What are the 5 major steps in speech writing?
Ans. Consider your topic and audience; examine or research the 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.
