When you have to speak persuasively, the pressure is even greater.A lot of people don't know where to start when writing a speech.You can deliver a powerful and engaging speech if you choose a topic that you are passionate about.
Step 1: There is a compelling topic.
You should choose a compelling and interesting subject to talk about if you have the freedom to do so.The topic is important to you, but not so important that you can't keep your cool.If you can't decide on a topic, consider a controversial one.There will be a lot of interest in the topic of abortion or the gender wage gap.A persuasive speech can be written in favor of the new policy if your school recently adopted school uniforms.
Step 2: The pros and cons should be researched.
You need to understand your topic before you start writing.Do some research to find out why people disagree with you.You can refer to your notes when writing a speech if you keep track of your research in a notebook.The distraction that students face at school can be reduced by adopting a school uniform.It can be a financial burden for parents to buy lots of new clothes for their children.
Step 3: Know your audience.
Consider the point of view of the audience you are speaking to.Will the majority of the audience agree with you?Research ways to address the obstacles your audience may have with your argument.It is better to explain the negative aspects of your topic than to completely ignore them.If a parent is worried that providing uniforms for their children will become a financial burden, you could point out that uniforms are more cost effective in the long run.
Step 4: Local examples can help you engage your audience.
You can find examples of your topic from local sources.People who are in similar situations are more likely to empathise with each other.The real-life hardship of someone in their community will be more meaningful to them than a hypothetical hardship.If you argue an unpopular point, this is important.If you were trying to convince a room full of angry parents that school uniforms are in the best interest of their child, you could mention the ways in which uniforms have benefited a particular member of the community.
Step 5: An outline should be written.
Many amateur writers don't take this step.It is easier to write cohesively if you have a plan.It is possible to make an outline as simple as a list.For example, you could have a list of arguments for your topic followed by arguments against it.Less time will be spent on writing the speech if you spend more time on research and outlining.It is much easier to write if you are prepared.
Step 6: Establish a goal.
This can be called a thesis if you don't know what your goal is.You can write it out in big letters on a page of scrap paper.If you want to achieve that goal, you should be writing.It will help cut down on wordiness.You might want to convince elementary school parents that a school uniform would benefit their children.This goal requires that everything you write be relevant to it.
Step 7: Write how you would talk.
You should not write so formally that you sound weird.Don't write so casually that you sound insincere.Write as if you were having a serious conversation with someone you respect.You would not use overly wordy, flowery speech, but you wouldn't use bad language.As you write, read out loud.This technique will show you how your speech sounds.It's easy to spot awkward phrases.
Step 8: Introduce your audience to your point of view.
If the majority of your audience disagrees with you, this is important.Start by emphasizing your common ground with your audience.Make sure to relate the claims to the common ground you share.This will let your audience know that your argument is correct.Buying new clothes is expensive if you were arguing in favor of school uniforms.I can't afford to buy as much as I want.You save money when you have less clothing to buy.
Step 9: Evidence and empathy are used.
A powerful motivator is evidence.You're more likely to sway your audience in your favor if you can prove your point of view through carefully researched statistics.When persuading others, empathy is even more powerful.You can usually sway a person to your point of view by making them feel like real-life examples.To prove that school uniforms are beneficial for students, you can write about the personal experiences of a student who has benefited from the new uniform policy.
Step 10: Help your audience understand your point of view.
Think of your speech as a story about your argument.Phrases that paint a compelling picture of your topic should be included.Instead of saying that school uniforms reduce distraction for students, say that there are many students at L.B.J.Elementary are finding it easier to focus in class without the distraction of their peers.It is important to remind them of the reasons they should agree with you as you help them visualize your point of view.
Step 11: The conclusion and introduction should be written last.
You should state your position and explain your logic in your introduction.If you want to adequately introduce your entire argument, you need to write this section last.Your conclusion should be similar to your introduction.If it is important enough to mention, you should include it in the body of your speech.The writing between the introduction and the conclusion is referred to as the "body" of a speech or paper.A sentence that is compelling and strongly worded is what you should include in your introduction.Many parents are against the new uniform policy.If they knew how beneficial it was to our students, they wouldn't be against it.
Step 12: Don't forget your speech.
It doesn't have to be said word-for-word.It will be easier to deliver a speech if you know your words well.Reading from a piece of paper isn't as professional as reciting a speech from memory.You can carry notecards with key phrases written on them to help jog your memory if you are worried about forgetting your speech.Listen to your speech.You can do this in front of a group of friends or family.The more you practice, the better you will be.If you are worried about forgetting your speech, copy it onto your notecards.Write in large letters with one sentence per notecard.
Step 13: Speak slowly and clearly.
Everyone in the audience can understand what you're saying if you speak slowly.When they are nervous, many people speak quickly.Take a deep breath if you find yourself doing this.You don't want to take too long.Don't worry if you misplace a few words.If you make a mistake your audience will forgive you.It's important to finish the speech.
Step 14: Make eye contact with your audience.
You are showing that you are calm and confident when you make eye contact with another person.You want your audience to see that as well.They are more likely to take your arguments seriously if you are confident when you speak.If you are reading off of a notecard or an outline, make sure to look up frequently.If you are nervous, look over the audience.There is a spot on the wall over everyone's heads.Your audience will think you are making eye contact.
Step 15: Keep it short.
A short, to-the-point speech is better than a long one.If you speak longer than 30 minutes, you may lose their interest.To keep your speech short and manageable, try to be concise with your writing.A good example of a short speech is the Gettysburg Address.