Speech: Form

Speech: Form

Choosing the Right Form

  • A speech is an oral presentation given to an audience, often in a formal context.
  • It could be informative, persuasive, argumentative or commemorative, depending on its purpose.
  • The form of the speech should align with its purpose and the speaker’s intended impact on the audience.

Structuring a Speech

  • A well-structured speech often follows a common format: an introduction, body and conclusion.
  • The introduction engages the audience, presents the topic, and sets the tone for the speech.
  • The body develops the speaker’s ideas in a logical order, often using topic sentences to guide the audience.
  • The conclusion summarises key points, reinforces the speaker’s stance, and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

Purpose and Content

  • The content of the speech should be relevant and supportive to the speaker’s purpose.
  • It could involve presenting facts in an informative speech, arguing a case in a persuasive or argumentative speech, or telling a story to inspire in a motivational speech.
  • Proper research, credible sources, and organised points can support the speech’s content.

Language and Tone

  • The language and tone of rhetoric should match the formality and context of the speech.
  • For standard English, a neutral or formal tone may be appropriate in most occasions.
  • In an informal or inspiring speech, the speaker may use a conversational tone, personal anecdotes or emotional appeals to engage with the audience.

Use of Rhetorical Devices

  • The essence of a speech lies in the speaker’s rhetoric - their use of language to persuade or impress.
  • Clever use of rhetorical devices such as anaphora, irony, and metaphor can draw the audience in.
  • The selection of these devices should be purposeful and contribute to the impact of the speech.

Public Speaking Techniques

  • Effective delivery techniques should accompany a good speech.
  • Proper use of voice projection, pace, intonation, and body language can complement the content.
  • Eye contact, gestures, and pauses for emphasis can enhance the speaker’s message and keep the audience captivated.

Adapting to Feedback

  • Always be open to adapting and improving the speech based on feedback.
  • Feedback might come from rehearsing in front of others or from self-evaluation.
  • Changes for improvement could range from content modification to delivery improvements.