CLASS:XI
SUBJECT:ENGLISH
TOPIC:- SPEECH WRITING
WHAT IS A SPEECH?
A Speech is a formal talk that a person delivers to
his audience. It must have the capacity to hold
the attention of the audience with a proper
choice of words, expressions and examples. At
the same time care should be taken not to
deviate from the main subject. You must keep in
mind that it is a speech and you need to begin
the draft with addressing the audience and
conclusion should be with a sentence thanking
the audience.
♦ Remember
• WHO you are writing the speech for (i.e., who
your audience is).
• WHAT your speech is going to be about (its
topic) and the main points in order of
importance. ♦
Note:
• It is important to note that the written speech
should consist of small sentences having not
more than 10 to 12 words in a sentence.
Value Points:
• Greet your audience and introduce the topic
you are speaking on.
• The introduction part of the speech is the
most important part.
• It is this part which decides the impact of the
speech.
• Do not give a separate title for the speech.
• Keep in mind, as already stated, the occasion
of the speech and the nature of the audience.
• The introduction should not be very lengthy.
• The main topic should be taken up as quickly
as possible.
• Use concrete terms and tangible examples.
• Avoid abstract phrases which are quite vague.
• Use simple and familiar language.
• The conclusion plays a very important role in
the success of a speech.
• Give your own conclusion on the topic in a
telling manner.
• Marking scheme is the same as for the Article.
Write ‘Thank you’ at the end of your speech.
Format for Speech Writing:-
• A perfect speech must consist of :-
• HEADING- The heading should be catchy and in not
more than 5-6 words. You can go as creative as you
want with this one just make sure you do not devote
too much time on it in the exam.
• OPENING LINE- This includes salutations, introduction
and the topic. Make sure you do not mention your
personal details (name, school name, etc.).
• Example- Respected Principal, teachers and my dear
friends! Today, I (name given in the question) stand
before you all to speak on the topic “(given in the
question)”.
• OR you could start with a quote related to the topic
and then go with the salutations and introduction.
• BODY- It is the main part of your writing piece.
• It is always prescribed that you begin with a short
introduction on the topic, it’s meant to be precise.
• Then you need to explain the current situation, the problems
(if any) and whether after any corrective actions, betterment
in the situation has been observed or not.
• It may include advantages/ disadvantages depending upon
the topic in question.
• Now here, it is important you follow a sequence. It is
possible that you have too many points or very few points.
When you have a lot of varied points, it is better you choose
a few best ones and write a line on each. In case you have
very few already, explain them in at least two lines each.
• You have to strictly follow the prescribed word limit in a
limited time frame so just do not go on writing and writing.
• MOST IMPORTANT- Always begin with your
strongest point. You can accommodate the
weaker ones in between and end with another
strong point.
• Feel free to give your personal opinion in one
or two lines.
• It is very important that you do not deviate
from the topic. There are chances you may get
ideas linking from one to another that may
deviate you from the main point. You have to
refrain from doing so.
• SOLUTION/CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH- Now, it is to be
remembered that wherever you elaborate a problem,
you always have to mention the steps being taken to
improvise the situation and suggest a few solutions as
well.
• Now, it would be great if you could add a few quotes
relating to motivating the people to take action.
• Here also, the rule of STRONG-WEAK-STRONG applies.
• Last but not the least, the concluding line, thanking
the audience for their cooperation and their patience.
It is very important to conclude what you’ve started.
Never leave a speech or for that matter, any of your
answer open-ended.
