At GCSE level students are often asked to write a speech and present it within certain time limit before their class. The speech has to be informative, grammatically and stylistically correct and compelling. As practice shows, some students get baffled on getting such a task, as they have little idea how to set about writing. However, given that they keep in mind some basic tips, they are sure to succeed.
First of all, if you have an opportunity to choose the topic for your speech, focus on the areas that you are interested in, since it is always easier to speak about something you are accustomed with. As long as it meets your teacher’s requirements, it can be on virtually any topic imaginable. In case you are given a particular subject, it would be a good idea to brainstorm the topic and gather material from various sources – Internet, magazines and books. It will help you single out the arguments that you should include in your speech.
When writing your speech, ensure it has a clear-cut structure – introduction, main body and conclusion, as this pattern is logical and easy to follow. Address the audience directly and remember that a little bit of humor is always appreciated, since it helps to jerk up the listeners. Avoid using too long sentences and a lot of scientific terms, or you will lose your audience. Lastly, ensure that the first sentences of your introduction capture the interest and that your conclusion reaches a certain aim – to call for action or entertain.
All in all, do your best to prepare a speech that is both engaging and well-reasoned. Most importantly, however, practise your speech at home and try not to read it, as there is nothing worse than a monotonous presentation!