Speech Writing Handout

Types of Speeches
Before writing your speech, it’s important to know what kind of speech you are giving. Here are the three
main types of speeches:
1. Informative Speech
An informative speech aims to educate the audience about a specific topic. The focus is on providing
clear and factual information. Examples include:
• A presentation on climate change.
• A lecture about the history of a place or event.
• A demonstration on how to do something.
Key points for an Informative Speech:
• Stick to facts and objective information.
• Use clear and simple language.
• Organize the information logically (chronologically, thematically, etc.).
2. Persuasive Speech
A persuasive speech seeks to convince the audience to accept a certain point of view or take a specific
action. The goal is to persuade the audience through logical arguments and emotional appeal. Examples
include:
• A speech encouraging people to adopt environmentally-friendly habits.
• A political speech arguing for a specific policy.
• A motivational speech inspiring people to pursue their dreams.
Key points for a Persuasive Speech:
• Present strong, well-researched arguments.
• Appeal to both the audience’s logic (facts) and emotions (values, beliefs).
• Call to action: Ask the audience to do something or change their viewpoint.
3. Entertaining Speech
An entertaining speech is meant to amuse, inspire, or emotionally move the audience. This type of
speech often includes stories, humor, or dramatic elements. Examples include:
• A toast at a wedding.
• A humorous speech at a school event.
• A speech delivered during a graduation ceremony.
Key points for an Entertaining Speech:
• Use humor or emotional storytelling.
• Keep the tone light or heartfelt, depending on the occasion.
• Focus on engaging and connecting with the audience.
Once you’ve identified the type of speech you’re writing, follow these five key principles to ensure your
speech is impactful and well-crafted.
Principles of Effective Speech Writing
Effective speech writing is key to delivering a memorable and impactful speech. When writing a speech,
there are several principles you should focus on to ensure your message is clear, well-received, and
appropriate for your audience. These principles include:
1. Audience Profile
Your audience is the most important consideration in speech writing. To communicate effectively, you must
tailor your message to fit the people listening. Here’s what to keep in mind:
• Who are they? Consider the demographic details of your audience: age, gender, cultural
background, education level, and interests. Grade 11 students are often writing speeches for
classmates, teachers, or the school community, so keep this in mind.
• What do they know? Understand what your audience already knows about your topic. Avoid using
too much jargon or technical terms unless you are sure your audience is familiar with them.

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• What do they need? Think about what your audience expects to learn or feel from your speech.
Are they looking for information, inspiration, or entertainment?
Tip: If you’re addressing younger students, use simple, direct language. For a more professional audience,
you may want to employ a formal tone and more complex ideas.
2. Logical Organization
A good speech has a clear structure that guides the listener from one idea to the next. The most common
structure for speeches is:
• Introduction: Grab your audience’s attention right away. You can use a powerful quote, a thought-
provoking question, or an interesting fact related to your topic.
• Body: Present your main ideas logically. Each main point should have supporting details like
examples, facts, or personal anecdotes. Transition smoothly from one point to the next.
• Conclusion: Summarize your key points and end with a strong statement or call to action. Your
conclusion should leave a lasting impression.
Tip: Stick to the "Rule of Three" – this means focusing on three main points to keep your speech clear and
manageable. For instance, in a speech about climate change, your three points could be: causes, effects,
and solutions.
3. Duration
The length of your speech matters. If your speech is too long, you may lose the attention of your audience;
if it’s too short, you may not fully convey your message. Here’s how to manage the duration:
• Know your time limit: Stick to the time given for the speech. If you have 5 minutes, plan your
content to fit within that limit.
• Pace yourself: Practice delivering your speech at a comfortable speed. Rushing through will
confuse your audience, while speaking too slowly can make them lose interest.
• Cut unnecessary details: Focus only on the most important points and avoid going off-topic. If
something doesn’t add value to your message, remove it.
Tip: Aim for about 120-150 words per minute. For a 5-minute speech, that’s around 600-750 words.
4. Word Choice
Choosing the right words is essential for ensuring your speech is understood and engaging. Keep in mind:
• Clarity: Use clear, straightforward language to ensure your message is understood by everyone.
Avoid overly complex vocabulary unless necessary, and explain any specialized terms.
• Tone: Match your word choice to the tone of your speech. For formal speeches, use professional
and respectful language. For more casual or entertaining speeches, you can use humor or informal
expressions, but still maintain respect and politeness.
• Emotion: Use powerful, evocative words when you want to inspire or move your audience. Words
like "hope," "courage," and "transformation" can evoke strong emotions.
Tip: Use rhetorical devices like metaphors, similes, or repetition to make your speech more engaging. For
example, Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous use of repetition in "I have a dream" reinforced his message.
5. Grammatical Correctness
Good grammar ensures your speech is professional, polished, and easy to understand. Here’s what to
watch for:
• Sentence Structure: Vary your sentence structure to keep the audience’s attention. Use a mix of
short, impactful sentences and longer, more detailed ones.
• Tenses: Keep your tenses consistent. If you’re talking about a past event, stick to the past tense
throughout the relevant sections.
• Pronouns: Be clear with pronouns like "he," "she," "it," or "they" to avoid confusion about whom or
what you’re referring to.
• Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure the subject and verb in your sentences agree in number (e.g.,
"She runs" vs. "They run").
Tip: Proofread your speech carefully, or have someone else review it for mistakes. Grammatical errors can
distract your audience from your message.

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Example of a Speech Outline
Topic: The Importance of Reading in the Digital Age
• Introduction:
o Hook: "Imagine a world where we stopped reading… what would we lose?"
o Overview: Briefly introduce why reading is still important in today’s tech-driven world.
• Body:
o Point 1: Reading fosters imagination and creativity.
o Point 2: It improves focus and concentration, which technology often disrupts.
o Point 3: Books provide deeper knowledge compared to quick internet searches.
• Conclusion:
o Summary: Reiterate the key benefits of reading.
o Call to action: "Let’s all commit to spending just 15 minutes a day with a book – our minds
will thank us for it!"
Different Kinds of Hooks for a Speech
1. Quote Hook. Start with a powerful or thought-provoking quote that ties into your speech’s theme.
This can instantly grab attention and set the tone.
Example:
o "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." — Nelson
Mandela
If you’re delivering a speech on the importance of education, this quote grabs attention and
provides a strong foundation for your argument.
2. Question Hook. Ask a rhetorical question or one that directly engages the audience. This makes
your audience think and draws them in by making them curious about the answer.
Example:
o "What would you do if you woke up tomorrow and all the technology in the world stopped
working?"
This hook could introduce a speech about technology dependence or modern life.
3. Anecdote Hook. Begin with a short, engaging story or personal anecdote that relates to your topic.
It can make your speech more relatable and emotionally connect with the audience.
Example:
o "I’ll never forget the day I almost gave up on my dream of becoming a doctor. I was standing
in the middle of the hospital, overwhelmed by the long hours, the stress, and the
responsibility."
This anecdote could lead into a motivational speech about perseverance and following
dreams.
4. Shocking Statement Hook. Start with a surprising fact or statistic that shocks the audience and
makes them want to hear more.
Example:
o "Did you know that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health issue at some point in their
lives?"
This shocking fact would immediately grab attention for a speech on mental health
awareness.
5. Statistic Hook. Use a relevant statistic to open your speech. Statistics provide immediate credibility
and can highlight the importance of your topic.
Example:
o "Over 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year."
This statistic can set the stage for a speech on environmental conservation or reducing
plastic waste.

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6. Definition Hook. Start by defining a key term or concept central to your speech. This helps clarify
the topic for the audience and establishes a foundation for what you’ll discuss.
Example:
o "Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the ability to act despite it."
This definition hook can introduce a speech on bravery or overcoming challenges.
7. Bold Statement or Claim Hook. Begin with a bold claim that you’ll support throughout your
speech. This instantly engages the audience by making them curious about how you’ll justify the
claim.
Example:
o "Social media is doing more harm than good to today’s youth."
This strong statement draws attention and sets up a speech where you argue the impact of
social media.
8. Metaphor or Simile Hook. Start with a creative comparison that captures the essence of your
speech topic. A metaphor or simile can make abstract ideas more relatable and memorable.
Example:
o "Life is like a marathon, not a sprint. It’s not about how fast you start but how you pace
yourself to finish strong."
This metaphor could lead into a speech about persistence or long-term success.
9. Imagery Hook
o Paint a vivid picture in the audience’s mind with descriptive language. This can draw them
into your speech by appealing to their senses.
Example:
o "Imagine standing on the edge of a cliff, the wind whipping around you, the ocean crashing
below. Your heart pounds as you take one small step forward..."
This image could introduce a speech on overcoming fear or taking risks.
10. Hypothetical Scenario Hook
o Create a "what if" scenario to make your audience imagine themselves in a situation. This
immediately grabs their attention and makes the speech feel more personal.
Example:
o "What if, in the next five minutes, someone offered you a million dollars but told you that
you'd have to give up all your friends and family in exchange?"
This hook might lead into a speech on the value of relationships over material wealth.
11. Humor Hook
o Open with a funny story, joke, or witty remark to break the ice and engage your audience. Be
sure the humor is appropriate for the occasion and audience.
Example:
o "I was so nervous about giving this speech that I almost faked a power outage just to get out
of it!"
This humorous hook can lighten the mood and put the audience at ease before starting a
speech on overcoming fear.

How to Choose the Right Hook:

• Consider Your Audience: Are they students, professionals, or community members? Choose a
hook that resonates with their interests and expectations.
• Match the Tone: The hook should match the overall tone of your speech (informative, persuasive,
or entertaining).
• Support Your Main Point: Your hook should smoothly lead into your main idea and set the stage
for what follows.

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