How to Write a Speech (Edexcel IGCSE English Language A)

Question 6 or 7 will ask you to write for a specific purpose and in a specific format. It is important to use the correct conventions of the format and directly focus your writing to its purpose, as the mark scheme rewards adapting tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences. 

This means: 

• The tone (the sound of the writer’s “voice”) is appropriate and convincing 

• The register (vocabulary and phrasing) is appropriately formal or informal, and suitable for the purpose

• The style of the writing (sentence structure and overall structure) is dynamic and effective 

The following guide will detail how to structure your response in the style of a speech. It is divided into:

• Key features of a speech

• Persuasive techniques

Key features of a speech

One of the formats you may be asked to write in for Section B is a speech. This may be a speech directed to your class or students in your school or college, or 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 which you could include in your response:

You might wish to structure your speech in the following way:

1. Directly address the reader or audience:

   1. Introduce the topic and your point of view

   2. Use personal and inclusive pronouns to involve your audience, e.g., “you” or “we” 

   3. Engage your audience using a rhetorical question

2. Your next paragraph should set out your argument

3. Provide an anecdote to offer an example which proves your argument:

   1. This builds rapport with your reader by engaging with them on a personal level

4. Further engage the reader on a personal level using a counter-argument

5. Offer more research or studies:

   1. This can be in the form of statistics, a witness statement, poll, or a “quotation from an expert”

6. End your speech with an emotive plea:

   1. Use emotive language to engage your reader

   2. Ending your response on a single sentence, perhaps using a triplet, is an effective conclusion

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:

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.