(6/4) Speechology: The Science of Speech Writing.

Speech writing can be a daunting task. Not only do I have to create something, informative and entertaining but I need to present it in front of 24 pairs of judgemental eyes. But it doesn't need to be daunting. The process of speech writing can be broken down and although we can't bottle 'humour' and 'entertainment' we can make it easier for us to write an effective persuasive speech.

 

So here is the 8 step plan for effective speech writing. (Mr Abbott's speech writer start taking notes now)

 

1. The Introduction.

 An effective introduction boils down to three things. Hooking the audience, clearly introducing the issue and outlining your contention and supporting arguments.

 

 

2. The Hook.
Your introduction needs to include a hook, to grasp the audiences attention. You can't be persuasive if your audience is doodling in their margins. Make your audience take notice by including a anecdote, a relevant joke or cheeky quote. You either pretend to be someone else (called taking on a persona) to make your speech even more interesting.

 

3. Making your speech logical and easy to follow.

 You MUST make your speech easy to follow. This means signposting your ideas throughout your piece and ensuring that your ideas are logically sequenced throughout your speech.

 

4. Your speech must have a structure.

 Structure is important. This may seem obvious but a poorly structured speech can make it impossible to follow and difficult to understand. Signpost you ideas and employ a structure such as the one provided by your teacher.

 

5. Persuasive Language Techniques are boss.

 Include PLTs to help you engage your audience and to also make your speech persuasive.

 

6. Include Evidence.

Each of your ideas need to be supported by evidence. This can take the form of statistics, expert opinion or facts. These provide support for your ideas and validates your argument.

 

7. Speak clearly and in an engaging manner.

 Nothing is duller then a robot reading about euthanasia. Don't be a robot. Be expressive, fluent, engaging, look at the audience, vary your tone, speech with passion. Do not read from notes, do not memorize your speech, do not speak at one pace. Do not be a politician. 

 

8. Conclude your presentation with a <BANG> 

Leave the audience wanting more, with something to think about or a reason to take action. Our conclusion will be the last thing people hear of your. You must restate your contention but do it in an interesting way that engages the audience. Linking into an idea established in the introduction can be effective.