How to Write a Speech

Here is the judging sheet followed by teaching notes that the children have been given to help them write and prepare their speech.

Topic:  Kainui Speech Contest         Term 4

Write and deliver a speech on the following topic:  “The most inspiring person in my life”

Achievement Objectives.
Level 3 Speaking Interpersonal Speaking Talk clearly in small and large groups about experiences, events, and ideas, organising material effectively and attending to others responses.		Level 4 Speaking Interpersonal Speaking Talk coherently in small and large groups about experiences, events, information, ideas and opinions, organising material effectively and questioning and supporting others.
In achieving the objectives of understanding and using visual language, students should:
Exploring Language Identify and discuss language features and their effects in a range of texts, and use theses features in speaking and recording, adapting them to topic, purpose and audience.	Thinking Critically Discuss and interpret spoken texts, considering relevant personal experiences and other points of view.		Processing Information Select assemble and interpret information, using appropriate technology.

Essential Skills
Communication Work and study	Information Self management

Judging Sheet		Excellent	Very Good	Good	Fair
Speech Preparation
1.	Introduction : Includes an effective introduction stating a purpose	5	4	3	2
2.	Body:
	a. Ideas clearly & logically developed	10	8	6	4
	b. Material suitable to subject	5	4	3	2
	c. Originality in development	5	4	3	2
3.	Conclusion: The speech was effectively summarised	5	4	3	2
Delivery
4.	Physical Aspects:
	a. Platform presence stance, personal presentation	10	8	6	4
	b. Eye contact – gestures, facial expression	5	4	3	2
	c. Discreet use of cue cards	5	4	3	2
5.	Voice: Pitch, volume, projection	10	8	6	4
6.	Language: Pronunciation, enunciation, vocabulary	10	8	6	4
7.	Personality: Rapport with audience	10	8	6	4
Over-all Effectiveness
8	Speech value, achievement of purpose	10	8	6	4
9.	Timing:	10	8	6	4
Total Points (Possible 100)

How to Prepare a Speech

1. Decide on a topic.

2. Research the topic.

3. Organise ideas:

• What is the purpose of the speech?
• Wake up the audience with an interesting introduction – a thought provoking or outrageous statement, strange facts about your topic, a joke.
• Include three or four main ideas. Each idea is different from the last but flows to the next. You should show some evidence of research i.e. using factual information.
• Finish with an ending which is about the purpose of the speech. You could repeat the main points you have covered.

4. Write the speech to fill the allotted time.

5. Make some cue cards with the speech, or the main points, written out.

6. Practice, practice and practice some more, in front of the mirror.

Some Questions to Ask Yourself about Your Speech

• Is there a gripping introduction?
• Is the content clearly ordered?
• Does it have a logical sequence?
• Is there evidence of research? Have you found and included information about your topic?
• Does your speech amuse or entertain?
• Is your speech interesting?
• Do you think your audience will want to listen to it?
• Does the conclusion bring the speech together?

Things to Practice with Your Speech

• Become so familiar with your speech that you can have eye contact with the audience.
• Try and appear relaxed yet confident.
• Practice looking at your audience.
• Practice using your cue cards keeping them discrete and referring to them occasionally.
• Try and make your face look interesting and alive.
• Speak clearly – no ‘ums’. (Diction)
• Speak so the person in the back row of the audience will hear. (Volume)
• Try to practice with a pleasant tone. (Resonation)
• Vary your expression (Tune)
• Keep a momentum going but do not hurry your words. (Pace)
• Practice placing pauses for effect. (Pace)