Speech Writing Mr. Jeffery Boggan

Speech writing differs from essay writing: Repetition is useful Sentences should be short The listeners cannot go back and “re-hear” a speech like a reader can re-read a written work.

Speech and Essay Writing are Similar Use of vivid language Use of active language Use of revision Use of poetic devices Structurally similar

Begin the Process… Analyze your audience—know the “who, what, where, when, and why” situation for each speech you have to give.

Determine Your Speech Purpose What is the occasion? Write a purpose statement—a statement that guides the speech writing process. Ex: The purpose of my speech is to inform my audience.

Gather Information About Your Topic Begin with what you already know. Brainstorm possible topics. Consider research locations. Begin research.

Reflect Upon Research and Determine Speech Set-up Decide upon an appropriate organizational pattern. Write a working thesis statement. A working thesis statement reflects what you think your speech will be about. It can change as you progress through the writing process

Organize Research Into Topics Different speech organization patterns must be considered: choose the best for your topic: Topical Chronological Cause to effect, effect to cause Spatial Monroe’s Motivated Sequence

Thesis Statements Like in an essay, a speech thesis is a statement that gives the main idea of a speech. In a speech, the thesis must include the main topics that will be covered. Main idea: Who I am. Main topics: past experiences Present experiences Goals for the future Thesis: Who I am is a direct result of my past and present experiences as well as my ambitions for the future.

Write Your Speech Write a detailed outline which includes most of your speech written out—including any research citations. In the process, rewrite your thesis statement if necessary.

The Body of a Speech The body is split up into sections called “Main Heads.” A main head is equivalent to a body paragraph in an essay. Use 3-4 main heads in a speech.

Main Head Set-Up Begin with a topic sentence: A sentence that introduces the main topic of a main head. Ex: A sweatshirt represents how education has influenced who I am today.

Develop Your Main Head Use solid supporting details and explain how each detail proves your topic/thesis. A good rule of thumb is three supporting details, but you may have two solid choices that would sufficiently support the Main Head’s topic.

Ex. Supporting Detail Ideas The sweatshirt represents the 24 years I have spent in school. It also represents the different universities I have attended. Finally, the sweatshirt represents my past six years as a teacher. (Each of these examples would also need to be explained.)

End With a Clincher/Transition A clincher is a sentence that wraps up the Main Head. You should also provide a transition into the next main head. Ex. This sweatshirt represents my past and who I have become well, but my family also has impacted who I am and will be.

Introduction Begin by getting your audience’s attention Ask a question Make a reference (refer to people in the audience, the situation, physical surroundings, other speakers, the occasion) Make a startling statement Give a quotation Tell a story

Intro continued After the Attention Getter, use a “link” This statement connects your attention getter to your topic introduction so that your listeners are not confused. It also connects the audience to the topic It makes them motivated to listen

Intro continued After the link, introduce your topic For this speech, introduce yourself! You are the topic Then spend some time leading to your thesis—a little more info about the topic Directly address the audience, and give them a reason to listen. “Pay attention for the next five minutes to find out how I am so much more than the teacher who stands before you each day.” Then present your thesis statement.

The Conclusion Begin by restating your thesis in a new way Summarize the main point of each of your main heads. Provide closure by referring back to your attention getter, by providing food for thought, or by calling for action Remember, you can repeat attention getting devices here or provide food for thought.

Between Writing and Presenting Practice your speech from your detailed outline. Create speaking notes containing only memorable words and phrases.

Practice!!!! Practice many times using any visual aids for your speech. Time yourself!