Section 2: Formal Speeches

This section aims to develop students’ skills and confidence in formal speech situations.

Activities cover three speech situations – the informative speech, the persuasive speech and the entertaining speech. For each speech format there are a series of activities culminating in the presentation of a formal speech to the whole class. Preparation Cards have been provided below, which can be used by students as they practise their speeches.

For the informative and persuasive speeches a peer evaluation sheet is included. This is to encourage students to learn to critically evaluate other students and to give each student the opportunity for feedback from peers. This should complement any formal teacher feedback rather than replacing it.

There is no evaluation sheet for the entertaining speeches because of their subjective nature.

Now that you have written your speech you need to get ready to present it.
The following is a list of guidelines for presenting your speech. Practise your speech
with a partner, then, with their help, write yes or no next to each guideline.

• Speak clearly
• Stand straight and look at your audience
• Vary your voice and look at your audience
• Keep note use to a minimum
• Keep speech time close to the set limit
• Use facial expressions and gestures for emphasis

Now, practise your speech again, focusing on improving any area which you wrote a
‘no’ next to. Be ready to present your speech to the class.

Now that you have written your speech you need to prepare to present it. Remember
that the key here is to be persuasive – both with what you say and how you say it.

• Speak clearly
• Stand straight and look at your audience
• Vary your voice and look at your audience
• Use facial expressions and gestures for emphasis

Now, practise your speech again, focusing on improving any area which you wrote a
‘no’ next to. Be ready to present your speech to the class.