Writing a Speech or Talk

In this chapter, you will be shown how to write a speech or talk.

A speech is a formal talk one gives to an audience about a particular topic.
In order to deliver a speech or talk to others, you need to have some knowledge of the topic you are
about to write.
You must use the correct format of a speech or talk.
A speech or talk must have an opening address and a proper closing.

Strategy for Answering the Question

1. Begin your speech by greeting all the people present. You should greet them in order of
importance. For example, you should greet the principal before you greet the teachers and you should
greet the teachers before you greet the students.
2..You should use the correct format for a speech. A speech must have a greeting, a body and a
conclusion.
3. Elaborate on the notes given by using your own words and ideas.
4. Write a draft of your speech. Read through the draft and add extra points if necessary. Make sure
you have included all the points given in the question. Use your imagination, experience and
knowledge to elaborate on the points.
5. Make sure you use the correct tense.
6. Make suitable changes to your speech to make it more interesting. Then write out your final
composition.

7. When you have finished writing your speech, read through it to check for mistakes. Be sure that
there are no mistakes in grammar, punctuation and spelling. Make whatever correction if necessary.

Strategy for understanding the Question

(1) For this type of composition, you are required to write a speech or talk for a particular occasion.
(2) Study the question given carefully. Make sure you know who is supposed to give the speech or
talk, the type of audience and what the speech or talk should be about.
(3) Study the notes given carefully.

Guidelines and Tips

You will be given your role and the occasion of the speech/talk.
Make sure you know who the audience of your speech/talk is and what the speech should be about.
Greet the audience in order of importance. For example, you should greet the teachers, before you
greet the students.
Next, mention the purpose of your speech/talk. That will make the audience focus on the message in
your speech/talk.
Present your ideas as clarity as possible.
At the end of the speech/talk, thank your audience.
Besides using formal language in your speech/talk, you must write in the present tense.
The format of a speech is as follows: It consists of the Introduction, Body and Conclusion.
(Introduction): A very good afternoon to Mr Bernett Lim, the principal of SMK Northern
Maxwell , teachers and friends. Today, I would like to talk about the importance of discipline.
(Body - 1,2 and 3): ______...
(Body 2) ______...
(Body 3) ______...
(Conclusion): In conclusion, I strongly believe that discipline is an important factor in school.
Thank you.

Always remember:
Follow the guidelines in the above and below to write a speech:
1. Begin your speech by greeting your audience.
2. Greet your audience in order of importance:
(a) Principle, (b) Teachers and (c) Students
Example: Good morning to the principle, teachers and fellow students.
3. Mention the topic of your speech.
Example: Today, I would like to give a speech on ways that students can protect themselves from
crimes happening near or within the school.
4. Use the format of a speech.
5. Write your composition like a speech.
6. Body of speech: write the details of the topic.
7. Add the points that you have listed down.
8. Arrange your points in your outline.
9. Write your composition based on the outline.

Format
Follow the guidelines below to write a speech:
(Introduction, Body and Conclusion)
Introduction: Start with the opening address, introduce yourself and state the topic of the speech.
Body: Mention your points in order of importance.
Paragraph 1 - start with the more important details - give examples
Paragraph 2 - continue to other details - give more examples
Paragraph 3 - mention additional points
Conclusion: Close the speech well - thank audience