A speech is written to be heard. Hook your audience in the first sentence with a striking fact, a question or a story. Speak directly to them with you and we.
Use rhetorical devices: rhetorical questions (How many more warnings do we need?), the rule of three, repetition for emphasis and emotive language. Balance them with facts and examples.
End with a clear call to action: tell the audience exactly what you want them to do. Read your speech aloud to check its rhythm.
Worked example
Which is the best opening for a speech about volunteering?
- Openings should grab attention.
- A striking question involves the audience immediately.
Answer:“What if one hour of your week could change someone's life?”
Key words
- hook
- an opening that grabs attention
- call to action
- telling the audience what to do
- rhetorical device
- a technique used to persuade
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: W.8.1