Speech Writing

Similar to essay writing

• • introduction, thesis statement, developed body paragraphs, specific evidence to support your points, transitions, MAV, conclusion

Different from essay writing

• • Should be even more clearly organized than an essay

  • No more than three main points (generally)

  • 20% facts

  • 80% opinion, explanation, transitions, thesis, etc.

  • Be sure to show evidence of research and find just the right facts, opinions, quotations, etc. to support your clear opinion

  • humor is good (your own version, word play, irony, reduction to the absurd, rule of three)

  • originality is good

  • can be less formal, but don’t use slang unless for a specific reason

  • citations: According to a recent article in the New York Times, . . . Or Senator John McCain argues . . . .

  • Appeal to logos (logic), pathos (emotion), and ethos (allow your confidence and thorough research to show you are worth believing)

  • More Repetition (Not only . . . , Not only . . . , Not only . . .)

  • Should state best points more than once, but with different words

  • Use power language (repetition, parallelism, strong verbs, pausing, etc.) to add emphasis

  • Write a strong conclusion (link your introduction to the conclusion)

  • Introduction should have a thesis statement, but first should have a hook (a catchy opening) Hook ideas thought provoking statistics (surprising, or especially meaningful)

    • start with a true story or a fictional description of the future

    • anecdote (humorous story)

    • thought provoking story

    • ask a rhetorical question or series of questions

    • thought provoking quotation

    • Have you ever . . . (put your audience in your shoes)

    • Two parallel paragraphs

    • Two contrasting viewpoints: show both and then argue why one sees it accurately and the other is naive, misinformed, etc.

    • Start with an interesting series of statistics

    • Start with a metaphor

    • Intro should draw them in and tell them what you will say (but not “I’m going to speak about . . .”)

    • Start with a hook and then add your thesis statement after the hook

  • Body paragraphs persuade them in more detail

  • Conclusion repeats your main ideas , but make it especially eloquent. The conclusion in a speech is much more important than in an essay.

    • Conclusion should be short, reiterate main points, end with Thank You so the audience knows you’re finished

Persuasive Speech

• • Convince the audience that you’re right

  • Argue your opinion

  • Don't get angry or be so aggressive that you alienate people who have a different opinion: your goal is persuasion

  • Use persuasive words and style

  • Argue your thesis at the end of each section

  • In order to be respectful and not offensive, avoid generalizations, focus on facts and rational argument

  • Rely on power language to push your point rhetorically and to let your points resonate in your audience's minds