Essay Writing: Speech Writing - SS2 English Lesson Note

Essay writing is the process of writing a long, formal piece of nonfiction that presents the writer's argument or point of view on a particular topic. Essays typically follow a clear structure, with an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should grab the reader's attention and state the essay's thesis statement.

Speech writing is the process of writing a speech that is intended to be delivered to an audience.

Speeches typically have a clear purpose, such as to inform, persuade, or entertain.

Speeches should be well-organized and easy to follow.

The language in a speech should be clear, concise, and engaging.

Speeches should be delivered in a way that is confident and persuasive

Features of Speech Writing

• Clarity: Speeches should be clear and easy to understand. The language should be simple and straightforward, and the ideas should be presented in a logical order.
• Conciseness: Speeches should be concise and to the point. The speaker should avoid rambling or going off on tangents.
• Engagement: Speeches should be engaging and interesting to the audience. The speaker should use humor, anecdotes, and other techniques to keep the audience's attention.
• Persuasion: Speeches that are intended to persuade should be well-argued and convincing. The speaker should use evidence and logic to support their points.
• Delivery: The delivery of a speech is just as important as the content. The speaker should speak clearly and confidently, and they should make eye contact with the audience.

Common mistakes to avoid during speech writing:

• Using outdated expressions or overly used ones. This will make your speech sound stale and boring.
• Using jargon or technical terms that your audience may not understand.If you must use jargon, be sure to explain it in plain language.
• Being too wordy. Get to the point and avoid rambling.
• Using passive voice. Active voice is more engaging and persuasive.
• Making claims that you can't support. Be sure to have evidence to back up your assertions.
• Being too negative or pessimistic.People are more likely to be persuaded by positive messages.
• Being too self-promotional. Focus on the message, not yourself.
• Reading your speech from a script.This will make you sound robotic and unengaged.
• Not practicing your speech enough.This will lead to mistakes and make you look unprepared.

Some additional tips for avoiding common speech writing mistakes:

• Know your audience. Tailor your speech to their interests and needs.
• Be clear about your purpose. What do you want your audience to learn or do after hearing your speech?
• Organize your speech logically. Start with a strong introduction, build your argument in the body, and summarize your key points in the conclusion.
• Use vivid language. This will help your audience visualize your message.
• Tell stories. Stories are a great way to engage your audience and make your message memorable.
• Use humor. Humor can help to break the ice and make your speech more enjoyable.
• Practice, practice, practice! The more you practice, the more confident you will be when you deliver your speech