SPEECH SCRIPT
The
key to presenting the perfect speech is preparation and practice. World leaders
don’t just stand up and make up a speech on the spot - they carefully prepare
beforehand. They even employ people to write their speeches, although remember,
this is not an option at school! Speech is basically an oral discourse. But
students should also know how to write a speech.
An
effective speech needs to:
- Use the English language skillfully - as you have time to prepare your speech in advance, you can show off your English language skills and vocabulary.
- Be memorable - former Prime Minister Tony Blair was famous for making a speech that included the phrase “Education, education, education”. This use of repetition made the speech memorable and helped his audience identify his key point.
- Make people think - you may have heard of Martin Luther King who repeated the phrase “I have a dream” when he campaigned for equal rights for black Americans. This was a speech designed to inspire and connect with his audience.
TIPS
FOR SUCCESSFUL SPEECHES
Volume
Your
listeners will switch off if they can’t hear you. Use a loud and clear voice,
and if you’re unsure if your audience can hear you at the back - just ask “Can
you hear me at the back?”
Pace
If
you speak too quickly, you won’t be clear. If you speak too slowly, your
audience is likely to go to sleep. Vary your pace for effect and use dramatic
pauses where appropriate.
Pitch
and tone
If
you speak like a robot, in the same boring tone, your audience will quickly
drift off. Speak naturally and use the pitch of your voice to show your
emotions.
Facial
expression
You
don’t have to gurn at your audience! But if you don’t look like you’re
interested in what you have to say, your audience won’t be either.
Gesture
and movement
Again,
keep it natural, but if you stand like a statue, you won’t be very interesting
to watch or listen to. On the other hand, too much arm flapping and leg hopping
will distract your audience from the point you’re trying to make.
Visual
aids
Use
them, but use them effectively. They need to be big enough to see, interesting
to look at and relevant to what you are talking about. Don’t be tempted to make
a big poster to hide behind!
Vocabulary
Choose
words that are interesting, descriptive and appropriate to your audience. Don’t
baffle your audience with jargon or slang or lots of big words that are too
difficult for anyone else to understand.
Grammar
If
it’s appropriate to your audience and task, try to use Standard English. You
don’t have to be too formal or put on a silly accent, just speak in a way that
is easy for everyone to understand.
Getting
over nerves
Most
people feel nervous about speaking formally in front of other people.
Here are some tips to help you conquer
your nerves:
- Write your speech out in full and read it several times - this will help you gain confidence in the content.
- Prepare small cards with key points of your speech. By now you should be familiar with your speech so these points will help you keep to your structure. Avoid the temptation to read your speech in full - the idea is to test your speaking skills, not your reading skills!
- Practice your performance before the real thing. Try practicing at home on your own, and then in front of family or friends. If you have visual aids, be sure to practice using them.
- On the day, take a deep breath, smile and try to enjoy it.
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