How to Write a Speech (WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Language)

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How to Write a Speech

Speech-writing is another common task given as one of the two writing questions in Component 2, Section B. If you are given a speech to write, the purpose will normally be to persuade, inform or entertain.

The following guide to writing a speech in your Eduqas GCSE exam includes:

Key features of a speech
Persuasive writing

Key features of a speech

If you are given a speech or talk as one of your tasks, you may be asked to direct it to your class or students in your school or college, or it could be something more formal intended for broadcast. The language and tone of your speech will be determined by the task and subject, but the following are the basic features of a speech that you could include in your response:

Speech or talk

In a speech or talk you should:

Address the audience directly throughout
Engage the audience in your introduction:
- Outline the topic
- Use persuasive devices, such as rhetorical questions, to hook the audience and get them thinking
Structure your speech logically, building your arguments persuasively:
- Speeches or talks will use persuasive language features
- Use the acronym DAN FOREST PIE to remember these
- To offer a balanced view, include an objection to the argument in a separate paragraph
Include your audience using inclusive pronouns (“we”, “us”, “our”)
Finish by circling back to your original argument, calling your audience to action if appropriate

You should aim to write a brief introduction and at least four main paragraphs, each starting with a different topic sentence (and making a different point). One possible structure for a speech could be:

Introduction	Greet your audience and introduce the topic (and your point of view if appropriate to the task) Use personal and inclusive pronouns to involve your audience, e.g., “you” or “we” Engage your audience using a rhetorical question
Paragraph 1	Start your paragraph with a topic sentence Offer some context, background or relevant information which sets the scene for your audience
Paragraph 2	Use a connective and another topic sentence Provide an anecdote to offer an example which proves your argument This builds rapport with your reader by engaging with them on a personal level
Paragraph 3	Use a contrasting connective and a topic sentence to offer a counter-argument (if appropriate) You can use this to show that you understand your reader and have considered their concerns
Paragraph 4	Use a connective and a topic sentence to make your final point or argument Offer more evidence to back up this argument For example, statistics, a “witness” statement or a quote from an “expert” (these can be invented as long as they are believable)
Conclusion	End your speech with an emotive plea or solution to the issue Circle back to your original point or argument Ending your letter on a single sentence, perhaps using a triplet, is effective

Exam Tip

Rhetorical questions are commonly used as a persuasive device, but avoid over-using any one technique, as this will make your writing sound much less sophisticated. Always consider the reason why you are using a technique and the effect you want to achieve. Do not just use techniques for the sake of using them.

Persuasive writing

A speech is often more persuasive than other forms of writing. You are trying to persuade your audience that your point of view is valid, and sometimes encourage them to join you.

Here are some tips for how to make your speech persuasive:

Write in the first person (write from your own perspective)
Use personal and inclusive pronouns:
- Using words such as “we” and “us” builds rapport between you and your audience and makes them feel involved
Present your opinions as facts; as a truth that should not be challenged
Be passionate but not aggressive:
- Use emotive language and imperatives to call your audience to action
Decide on your position and stick to it
Make sure you do not sound like an advertisement

As an example, let’s consider the following introduction to a speech about GCSEs:

Eduqas GCSE English Language exam question writing a speech

This example uses a number of persuasive devices, but in a sophisticated way in order to set out what the purpose of the speech is. It addresses the audience directly through the use of inclusive pronouns, but only uses one rhetorical question, which makes it more effective.

So remember, the basic features of a speech or talk that the examiner would expect to see are:

A clear introduction:
- This needs to be engaging and motivating
- It should introduce what the speech is about, address the audience directly and use a persuasive device to hook the audience
A well structured argument:
- Paragraphs begin with topic sentences and are effectively linked
- Objection to the argument is handled in a paragraph
A dynamic and memorable conclusion

You can find a full worked example on our Speech Model Answer page.

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