Speech Writing

Similar to essay writing

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

Different from essay writing

• Should be even more clearly organized than an essay
• No more than three main points
• More Repetition (Not only . . . , Not only . . . , Not only . . .)
• More Repetition
• Should state best points more than once, but with different words
• Intro should draw them in and tell them what you will say (but not “I’m going to speak about . . .”)
• 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.
• Introduction should have a thesis statement, but first should have a hook (a catchy opening)
  • Hook ideas
    • thought provoking statistics (surprising, or especially meaningful)
    • fictional description of the future
    • anecdote (humorous story)
    • thought provoking story
    • ask a rhetorical question (avoid unless you have a really good one)
    • thought provoking quotation
    • Have you ever . . . (put your audience in your shoes)
    • Two contrasting viewpoints: show both and then argue why one sees it accurately and the other is naive, misinformed, etc.
• 15% - 20% facts
• 85% - 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 . . . .
• Use power language--make the way you write persuasive as well (mature academic voice, precise verbs, speech style)
• Appeal to logos (logic), pathos (emotion), and ethos (allow your confidence and thorough research to show you are worth believing)

Introduction

• Catchy opening: statistic, quotation (from history, literature, politician, etc.), anecdote, metaphor

etc. that is thought provoking;

• Thesis, basic outline for speech

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
• 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 resonates in your audience's minds