Lesson 2: Writing Your Speech
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Workshop Scenario:
Please think of yourself in the following scenario as you complete this workshop.
Imagine that your school has decided to cut funding for arts programs, including music, theater, and visual arts.
You decide to write a speech that will change their minds.
At the end of this workshop, you will create a persuasive speech that effectively communicates your thoughts and ideas on the importance of arts programs in schools, using various public speaking skills.
In the past lesson: you learned about public speaking, the different types, and the benefits of improving your public speaking skills.
In this lesson: you will learn how to identify your target audience, write your speech purpose, and outline your speech which are very important components of your final speech. Be sure to take good notes.
As you read this lesson: think about a time when a speaker used a call to action to motivate their audience to take action based on what they learned in the speech.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, participants will be able to
Evaluate the purpose of using an audience persona to tailor a message for a specific audience and formulate a definition of "audience persona."
Compare and contrast the purposes of speeches to inform, persuade, entertain, inspire, and commemorate.
Apply the components of a speech outline (introduction, main points, conclusion) to create an outline for a given speech topic.
Important Questions to Answer While Reading
In order to be successful in this lesson, you must be able to answer these important questions.
How important is it to know your audience's pain points and motivators when preparing a speech? How can this information be used to tailor a speech to make it more effective?
Why is it important to understand the purpose of your speech before writing it? How does this understanding impact the content and delivery of the speech?
Identify the Target Audience
It is important to know your audience before writing your speech. You want to gather information about your target audience, such as their goals, key pain points, education, etc. Marjorie North says gathering this information “…will help you determine your choice of words, level of information, organization pattern, and motivational statement.”
One way to get to know your audience is with an audience persona. An audience persona is a detailed description of your ideal audience member.
Here are some example characteristics to consider:
Age?
Education?
Cultural backgrounds, races, ethnicities, nationalities?
Socioeconomic status?
Geographic location?
Prior knowledge/proficiency related to subject/content?
What do they care about?
How do they like to communicate?
What are their problems?
Emotional: beliefs, habits of thinking, curiosity level, creativity?
Motivation?
Here is an example audience persona below:
With this audience persona in mind, a speaker could tailor their speech to address Stacy's pain points and provide actionable advice and inspiration to help her achieve her goals. They could use examples and stories that resonate with Stacy's interests and experiences and offer insights and strategies relevant to her situation.
Write your purpose
You also want to understand the purpose of your speech before you begin writing your speech or presentation.
Lisa Martin from Lisa Martin International says, “The most effective speakers begin with strong self-belief and define the purpose of their presentation - - what to achieve for the audience and themselves.”
To do this, ask yourself the following questions:
What do I want to achieve with this speech?
What is the main message or point I want to convey to my audience?
Who is my audience, and what do they already know about the topic?
What do I want my audience to think, feel, or do due to my speech?
Create your main points and put them in logical order.
After you have answered the questions above, you can plan your main ideas for the speech. Start to put these main ideas in the most effective manner to attain your specific purpose. The transitions between each main point should make sense. Your main points should be organized so that it tells the story you want to tell.
Outline Your Speech
Create an outline for your speech with an introduction, main points, and a conclusion. This will help you stay organized and focused when you're practicing. A public speaking expert, Marjorie North, says to “grab attention at the beginning, and close with a dynamic end.”
An outline can be used during your speech. North says an outline can help you jog your memory and keep your speech on point. Do not read from a script because your interpersonal connection with the audience will be fractured.
Begin your speech with a startling statistic, an interesting anecdote, or a brief quotation. Remember, you will want to get the audience’s attention in the first thirty seconds of your presentation because it sets the tone for the rest of your speech. During the first few moments of your presentation, your audience will form opinions about you and your message, so you want to make a strong impression.
End your speech with a summary and a strong, memorable statement that your audience will remember.
Here is an example outline for volunteers:
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A. Attention getter: Start with a story, an interesting anecdote, a startling statistic, or a concise quotation highlighting the need for volunteers in your community.
B. Introduce the topic of your speech and preview your main points.
C. Thesis statement: State your main argument and why it is important.
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A. Point 1: Explain the benefits of volunteering, such as personal growth, skill development, and social connections.
1. Provide examples or anecdotes to illustrate your point.
2. Use data or statistics to support your argument.
B. Point 2: Address common misconceptions about volunteering, such as the idea that it takes too much time or is only for retirees.
1. Provide counterarguments and evidence to refute these misconceptions.
2. Use personal stories or examples to show how volunteering can be accessible and rewarding for anyone.
C. Point 3: Discuss the positive impact that volunteers can have on their communities and the world.
1. Provide specific examples of volunteer efforts that have made a difference.
2. Use emotional appeals to connect with your audience and inspire them to take action.
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A. Acknowledge potential objections to your argument, such as the idea that volunteering is not feasible for everyone.
B. Address these objections with counterarguments and evidence.
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A. Summarize your main points and restate your thesis.
B. Provide specific steps that your audience can take to get involved in volunteering.
C. Use a strong emotional appeal to motivate your audience to take action.
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A. Recap your main points and end with a memorable statement that leaves a lasting impression.
B. Thank your audience for their attention and consideration.
Closing Assessment
What steps are involved in using an audience persona to design and deliver a speech that connects with the intended audience?
How effective do you think the example outline provided is in achieving its purpose? Can you think of any improvements that could be made?
Identify a speech you have given or heard recently and determine its purpose.
Discussion Question
Directions: Please answer the following question in the comment section below and interact with learners from around the world.
Describe a time when a speaker used a call to action to motivate their audience to take action based on what they learned in the speech. How did the speaker make you feel? What did you learn about public speaking from recalling that experience?
Please read and reply to other learners’ answers in the forum by stating if you agree or disagree with their answers and why. Your replies should offer new substantiated ideas or thoughtful questions.
Workshop created by Darcy Rice
or try a prompt below!
