ICSE Class 10 Comprehension and Composition Revision Notes for Speech Writing

Introduction to Speech Writing

What is a Speech? 

A speech is a spoken discourse or an expression of ideas that is delivered in front of an audience by the speaker.

A speech can perform one or more of the following functions:

• To convince the audience: 'Reasons why I Believe Indians don‟t have Civic Sense'
• To provoke the audience to take an action: 'Report Corruption to Kill Corruption'
• To inspire the audience: 'Do One Good Deed A Day'
• To inform the audience: 'Beauty Magazines Promote Low Self-esteem'

Format of a Speech

Like other forms of composition, a speech also comprises an introduction, supporting ideas and a conclusion.  

The format of a speech: 

 Example: 

How to Write a Speech

• Before one starts writing, ask three questions: 
  • What is the purpose of the speech? 
  • Who is the audience? 
  • How long will the speech last?

• Engage in brainstorming and uncover all the points that could be made in the speech. 

• Structure your writing. Divide your speech into three paragraphs that have an introduction, a body and a conclusion. The introductory paragraph should also contain an address or a greeting to the audience (refer to the example on page 2). 

• Always state the purpose behind the speech. 

• Create a rough outline of the speech before writing.

• Write from the perspective of the listener, not the speaker. Good speeches are written keeping the audience in mind.

• Use pronouns such as „You‟ and „We‟ to address the audience. This adds a personal touch to the speech. 

• Refer to yourself in the first person by using pronouns such as „I‟ and „Me‟.

• Use repetitions of words and phrases to create an impact. 

• Make use of transition words and phrases to connect points in a smooth and logical manner. 

• Make the speech memorable by using metaphors, similes and other analogies.

• As a speaker, exhibit moral conviction in your speech. Employ a sombre tone to address a serious topic. Do not use humour or sound flippant when talking about a sensitive issue. This will affect your credibility as a speaker.

• Ask rhetorical questions for maximised effect. Rhetorical questions are those that are asked to make a point rather than to elicit an answer in order to get a kind of response you expect from the audience.   

• In the concluding paragraph, state your vision for the future or your hopes. 

• Conclude the speech by thanking the audience or by stating a powerful quote.