sample speech igcse

Whatmakesagoodspeech?

A speech is a planned and practised text that you will need to perform in front of other class members. It should be approximately two minutes, although your teacher will make this clear. Speech topics range from the more serious ‘Present a global issue affecting the planet in the twenty-first century’, or the light-hearted ‘Persuade the class to watch a film of your choice.’ No matter what the topic, you will need a clear message with a concise argument. It is no use shrugging your shoulders and saying ‘I don’t know.’ You will need to be proactive with your research and opinions.

Watch the following video on Michelle Obama:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-YYnz7JHVc

How well written is the speech?

How does she perform the speech?

Obama has clearly structured her speech. She has memorised the planned words.

• Use of pauses

Obama allows for audience reaction and response. It is is easy to fear pauses, but let the audience have time to consider the message of your speech. Note that she does not stutter or stumble over her words.

• Use of voice

Obama considers where the emotion in her voice should lie. As she is discussing her children, her voice sounds warmer and more emotional.

• Use of hand movement

Obama does not keep her hands still. She allows herself to show her emotion through her hand gestures. You need to keep still but allow yourself to express feeling.

How should you structure your speech?

You must structure your speech according to purpose and topic:

• Introduction - clearly state your view and
• Arguments - provide 3 clear arguments. They should all strengthen and build upon your introduction. Think of each argument as a hamburger:

Each detail should be well researched. Provide statistics for your audience that are useful and support your argument. Your ‘colourful vocabulary’ should adhere to the purpose of your speech.

• Conclusion - reiterate your argument clearly. Ensure you end with a strong finish.

What is Standard English?

There are two types of English: Standard English and non-Standard English. Standard English is widely considered to be the ‘correct’ form of the language, whilst the non-Standard form is a more informal form of the language.

Look at these two sentences:

• 2mrw I go 2 the cinema 4 my brthday.
• Tomorrow, I will go to the cinema for my birthday.

Which is Standard and which is non-Standard?

• 2mrw I go 2 cinema 4 brthday (non-Standard)
• Use of numbers instead of letters
• Incorrect spelling
• Use of tense is incorrect
• Lack of accurate grammar
• Lack of accurate punctuation
• Tomorrow, I will go to the cinema for my birthday (Standard)
• Letters are used
• Correct spelling
• Tense is correct
• Accurate grammar
• Accurate punctuation

It is incredibly important that the speech is written in Standard English, so that you sound professional and formal.

It’s important to practise your speech and not just use the tips for memorising:

• Use a video recorder or phone and record yourself. Watch the tape and ensure you are looking still and confident.
• Practise in front of the mirror. You can add different body movements to show your confidence.
• Ask the family to be an audience. They will probably love to be involved in your school project. It does not matter how well they speak English but they can tell you if you are standing still and looking confident!

Remember to write a list of possible questions down that you might be asked by your teacher or fellow students. You must plan the answers.

You will be nervous on the day and the words will probably escape you. Your classmates will all be feeling exactly the same.

• Stand confidently
• Do not fidget
• Speak loudly and clearly
• Do not be scared to show emotion in your voice
• Do not laugh

You need to look professional when you are performing your speech.

You will be assessed immediately and feedback should be provided straight away. There are a few official forms to complete, so try not to be surprised if your teacher is writing lots of notes. You may even be asked to peer assess other members of the class.

Writing Speeches for IGCSE First Language English

What will this course cover.

On this course, we will examine how to write a speech. This could appear on your First Language English IGCSE Paper 1 (Q3).

Study with me for free today!

This course includes:

• A video lesson
• A* Exemplar
• Review quiz

Course Content

Sarah O’Rourke

I’ve been teaching for nine years, working in the UK and in China. I have a Master’s degree in Education and an Undergraduate degree in English language and literature.

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Writing a speech

Topic outline.

The purpose of a speech is often to inform or persuade an audience. 

Speeches are usually written to be spoken directly to an audience and can be used to entertain, influencing the listeners that the viewpoint of the speaker is correct. 

Speeches can also be used to encourage the audience to take action or to change their behaviour in some way; for example, to join a particular school club or society, or to recycle more. 

The ways you use language and vocabulary when writing the words of a speech will depend on the audience and the purpose you are writing for; for example, in a speech to a group of teachers and parents giving your views on a recent proposal, formal language is most appropriate.

• think about the audience that the speech is for  – are you giving your speech to a group of people you know, or do not know, or a mixture of both? If you know your audience well, you may be able to relax a little, but a speech is still a formal kind of talk and would usually not include slang
• whether your audience are likely to disagree with what you say – you will need to consider any possible objections and deal with them. Use language carefully to make objections seem less significant; for example, using phrases like ‘A few people may still think, however’
• the reason you are giving this speech and how you feel about this topic  – try to imagine the words of your speech as you would speak them out loud. Your tone of voice must match your message, so choose words that appeal to the emotions of your listeners. Focus on what you want your audience to know and feel by the end of your speech
• how to engage your listeners  – f or example, you might use inclusive words or phrases like ‘we’, ‘all of us’ and ‘our’ to make your listeners feel that you are all on the same side.
• Plan where you want to finish your speech and how you will get there before you start writing – t h e structure of a speech is usually in three parts. For example: 
• An opening that grabs your audience's attention and makes the overall topic of your speech clear  – for example, pose a question to the audience where you can predict the answer.
• A well-structured, supported and developed argument –  for example, to support your argument you might use real life examples or anecdotes.
• A powerful conclusion  –  for example, group your final words or ideas in threes to help make them memorable or end with a thought- provoking question or image and thank your audience for listening.
• Organise your ideas into paragraphs as appropriate – this will help you to develop and support your points convincingly, to build your argument and/or offer a full explanation of a particular point of view.
• S how the connectio ns between ideas in sentences and paragraphs  –  where a new point or idea follows on from what you have already said you might use linking words or phrases such as, ‘in addition’, ‘likewise’ or ‘similarly’.
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