Characteristics of a Speech

1
Characteristics of a Speech

• By Mary Ellen Hunt
• E.J. Hayes Middle School
• Literacy Coach/Writing Cluster Leader
• October 2006
• Adapted from Sylvia Abell
• Kentucky Writing Program
• Summer 2000

2
Who are some audiences for my speech?

• Holiday crowds, such as July 4th or Memorial Day
• Attendees at special occasions like weddings,
  reunions, or graduation
• A group of people who need to be trained in
  special information
• A group gathered to recognize a special event,
  award, or person
• A group that you want to request to take specific
  action, such as councils, boards, clubs, or
  committees

3
Why would I write a speech?

• Entertain
• Move to action
• Inform
• Demonstrate
• Refute a point

• Celebrate
• Introduce
• Give recognition
• Show appreciation
• Persuade
• Eulogize

4
What are some specific needs of the audience
listening to my speech?

• The audience needs to hear the proper tonethere
  is a big difference between a eulogy and a
  wedding toast.
• The audience needs lots of stories, examples, and
  interesting anecdotes to make the speakers point
  come alive.
• The audience needs to trust that any information
  you give them is accurate and honest, so you
  should briefly cite your sources either during
  the speech or at the end.

5
How can I start my speech off in an interesting
way?

• Use a story
• Use a joke (only if appropriate!)
• Give a compliment (honest, not insincere)
  compliment to the audience
• Refer to the importance of the occasion
• Point out a startling statistic or fact
• Ask a rhetorical question (this is overused, so
  try something else first)

6
How can I support the ideas in my speech?

• Statistics
• Stories
• Details
• Contrasts
• Examples
• Personal reflections
• Connotative (emotional) language

7
How can I organize my speech effectively?

• Use a graphic organizer, power point, or visual
  aid (posters, pictures, etc.) for the audience to
  look at while you speak
• Give the main ideas in both the introduction and
  the conclusion
• Use strong transitions and reminders throughout
  the speech

8
What kind of language should I use in my speech?

• Make sure your sentence structure and diction
  suit the purpose (so, no slang at a professional
  speech)
• You can use connotative language to appeal to the
  emotions, logic, or humor of your audience