Develop Your Public Speaking and Debating Skills

⁠Public Speech Guide

Gain the confidence to express yourself effectively. Explore our comprehensive guides on different motion types, public speaking techniques, and debating strategies.

How to Write Good Public Speeches

Writing a good public speech involves clarity, purpose, and engagement.

Tips for Writing a Good Speech
Be Authentic

Speak from the heart and be genuine. Audiences connect with speakers who are authentic and passionate about their subject.

Avoid jargon or overly complex terms. Your speech should be accessible to a wide audience, so use language that is easy to understand.

Avoid going off-topic or adding unnecessary details. Keep your speech focused on the core message to maintain the audience’s attention.

Once you’ve written your speech, read it aloud and revise it. Check for clarity, flow, and impact. Edit out any unnecessary sections to keep the speech engaging and concise.

Step 1: Define the Purpose

The first step in crafting an effective speech is to identify the purpose. Your speech should have a clear goal, which will guide your content, tone, and delivery. There are three primary purposes of a speech:

Tips for Writing a Good Speech

Inform

Objective: Share knowledge, facts, or explain an idea
Example: "Today, I will talk about the importance of renewable energy in combating climate change."
Approach: Focus on providing clear, factual information. Use data, examples, and illustrations to clarify concepts. Your goal is to ensure the audience leaves with a better understanding of the subject.

Persuade

Objective: Convince the audience to adopt your viewpoint or take action.
Example: "I urge you to support policies that reduce carbon emissions to preserve our planet."
Approach: Your speech should focus on compelling arguments and evidence that demonstrate the need for action or change. This type of speech often appeals to logic (logos), emotions (pathos), and credibility (ethos). Make a strong case, address counterarguments, and encourage the audience to act on your recommendation.

Inspire

Objective: Motivate or uplift your audience, encouraging them to achieve something or embrace a new mindset.
Example: "Together, we can overcome any challenge, and today marks the first step toward a brighter future."
Approach: Use powerful, positive language. Your tone should be uplifting and motivating. You might share personal stories, historical examples, or success stories to inspire and energize your audience. This type of speech aims to stir emotions and encourage action.

A well-structured speech keeps your audience engaged and ensures that your message is clear and impactful. The basic structure includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction

The introduction is your chance to grab the audience’s attention and set the tone for your speech.

Start with a hook Begin with something that captures the audience's attention immediately. This could be a thought-provoking question, a powerful quote, an anecdote, or an interesting fact. Example: “Did you know that over 8 million tons of plastic enter our oceans every year? Imagine the impact this has on marine life.”

State your main idea clearly. After the hook, clearly state your main point or purpose. This is the thesis of your speech. Example: “Today, I want to discuss why we must reduce plastic usage to protect our oceans.”

Set Expectations Briefly outline what your audience can expect from your speech. This helps them follow along and understand your structure. Example: “I will explain the dangers of plastic pollution, share possible solutions, and discuss how we can make a difference together.”

Body

The body of your speech is where you expand on your main idea, providing evidence and supporting arguments. It’s important to organize your points logically and ensure each point contributes to your overall message.

Organize into 2–3 key points Focus on 2-3 major points you want to make. Avoid overwhelming the audience with too much information. Each point should be concise and impactful. Example: “First, I’ll talk about the environmental damage caused by plastic. Second, I’ll discuss the solutions that can help reduce plastic waste. Finally, I’ll explain the role each of us can play in solving this issue.

Use evidence, examples, or stories to support each point. For each point, provide examples, facts, or stories that back up your argument. This will make your speech more convincing and relatable. Example: “In a recent study, researchers found that marine animals are ingesting plastic at an alarming rate, causing harm to their health and ecosystems.”

Connect with the Audience Engage your audience with rhetorical questions, relatable examples, or stories. Make them feel like they are part of the issue you’re discussing. Example: “Have you ever used a plastic bottle and tossed it into the trash without thinking about where it ends up?

Conclusion

The conclusion is your final chance to leave a lasting impression. It should summarize your key points and motivate the audience to act or think differently.

Summarize your Message Briefly restate your main idea and the points you’ve made. Reinforce the importance of your message. Example: “We’ve seen the harmful effects of plastic on our oceans, but there are solutions available, and each of us has the power to make a difference.”

End with a Memorable Statement or Call to Action Finish your speech with something impactful. This could be a call to action, a thought-provoking question, or a powerful closing line that resonates with your audience. Example: “I challenge each of you to make one change today—whether it’s reducing your plastic consumption or supporting policies to ban single-use plastics. Together, we can protect our oceans for future generations.”

Matter (Content)

Matter refers to the substance or content of your speech. This includes the ideas, information, arguments, and examples that you present to your audience.
To make your speech credible and impactful, ensure the content is relevant, accurate, and well-researched. The content should resonate with your audience’s interests and needs.

Be Relevant

Make sure your speech addresses issues that are timely and important to your audience.

Be Accurate

Use verified facts and avoid making unsupported claims.

Be Clear and Concise

Avoid overloading the audience with too much information. Stick to key points that support your message.

Manner refers to the way you deliver your speech. It encompasses voice modulation, body language, and how you engage with your audience.
The delivery can make or break your speech. A well-delivered speech, regardless of its content, will leave a stronger impression.

Voice Modulation

Use changes in pitch, tone, and volume to add emphasis and avoid sounding monotone.

Body Language

Maintain an open posture, make appropriate gestures, and use facial expressions that match the tone of your message.

Engagement

Engage with your audience through eye contact and ask questions to keep them involved.

Method refers to how you organize and structure your speech. It includes the flow of ideas, transitions, and the overall coherence of your argument.A well-structured speech is easier to follow and more persuasive. A logical flow ensures your audience stays engaged and understands your key points.

Clear Structure

Start with an engaging introduction, followed by a well-organized body, and finish with a memorable conclusion.

Transitions

Use clear transitions between points to guide the audience through your argument.

Recap Key Points

In your conclusion, summarize your main points to reinforce the message.

Matter, Manner, and Method

This framework is essential for crafting effective and impactful speeches. Each component—matter, manner, and method—ensures that your speech is not only meaningful but also engaging and well-organized.

Ethos, Pathos, Logos

These three rhetorical appeals form the foundation of persuasive speech. They help establish your credibility, connect emotionally with your audience, and make logical arguments.

Ethos (Credibility)

Ethos refers to the credibility of the speaker. It is the trust you establish with your audience, demonstrating your expertise, reliability, and character.If your audience doesn’t trust you, they won’t be convinced by your arguments.

Establish Expertise

Mention your qualifications or experience related to the topic.

Be Authentic

Be genuine and transparent with your audience to build trust.

Share Values

Show that you share common values or concerns with your audience.

Pathos appeals to the emotions of the audience. It involves connecting with your audience on an emotional level to inspire or persuade them.Emotional engagement can motivate your audience to take action or shift their perspectives.

Tell Stories

Use personal anecdotes or real-life examples that evoke emotions.

Use Vivid Imagery

Describe situations or scenarios that stir emotions.

Appeal to Values

Tap into the audience’s core beliefs or concerns.

Logos refers to the use of logic, facts, statistics, and reason to support your arguments.Logical arguments make your speech more persuasive and credible. They appeal to the audience’s rational side.

Use Facts and Data

Support your points with reliable statistics and studies.

Present Clear Arguments

Ensure your arguments are structured logically and follow a coherent line of reasoning.

Address Counterarguments

Acknowledge opposing views and show why your argument is stronger.

Voice Modulation

Effective voice modulation ensures your speech is engaging and holds the audience’s attention.

  1. Pitch: Vary your pitch to avoid a monotonous delivery. A higher pitch can convey excitement, while a lower pitch can add gravity to serious points.
  2. Pace: Speaking too quickly can confuse the audience, while speaking too slowly can bore them. Maintain a steady pace and slow down for emphasis.
  3. Volume: Speak loud enough for everyone to hear you, but don’t shout. Adjust your volume to match the tone of your message.
  4. Pause: Pausing briefly after important points allows your audience to absorb the information and adds emphasis to your words.

Your body language communicates just as much as your words. Non-verbal cues can enhance or detract from your message.

  1. Posture: Stand tall with an open posture to convey confidence. Avoid slouching or crossing your arms.
  2. Gestures: Use hand movements to emphasize points, but avoid overdoing it. Natural gestures help make you appear more relatable and confident.
  3. Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with different sections of the audience to make them feel engaged and involved.
  4. Facial Expressions: Ensure your facial expressions match the emotion of your speech. Smiling, for example, conveys warmth and friendliness.

It’s normal to feel nervous before speaking, but with the right techniques, you can manage anxiety effectively.

  1. Prepare Thoroughly: The more you practice, the more confident you will feel. Familiarize yourself with the content and anticipate difficult sections.
  2. Start Small: Begin by practicing in front of friends or family before addressing larger groups.
  3. Breathe: Deep breathing exercises can help calm your nerves and steady your voice.
  4. Positive Visualization: Imagine yourself delivering a successful speech to boost your confidence.
  5. Focus on the Message: Shift your focus away from your nerves and towards the importance of the message you’re delivering.

A speech should be both clear and engaging to capture and maintain the audience’s attention.

  1. Speak Clearly: Enunciate your words, avoid mumbling, and project your voice.
  2. Use Stories: Relatable anecdotes or examples make your speech more engaging and memorable.
  3. Ask Questions: Pose rhetorical or direct questions to involve the audience and encourage them to think about the subject.
  4. Use Visual Aids: Visuals like slides or props can help clarify complex ideas, but keep them simple and relevant to the message.
  5. End Strongly: Conclude with a powerful statement or a call to action to leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Tips on Voice Modulation, Body Language, Managing Anxiety, and Enhancing Clarity

Practical Exercise

Select a Prompt

Choose a speech topic, such as “Why education should focus on creativity over memorization.”

Write Your Speech

Use the steps outlined above to structure and write your speech. Ensure that your content is relevant, your arguments are strong, and your message is clear.

Deliver and Record

Practice delivering your speech aloud. Record yourself and review the video to identify areas for improvement, such as clarity, body language, or voice modulation.

Get Feedback

Present your speech to a small group (friends, family, or peers) and ask for constructive feedback. Use their suggestions to refine your delivery.