Speech Writing

Write a speech people actually remember

Every strong speech has the same three parts. What changes is how you build them.

Introduction

You have about fifteen seconds to earn attention. Choose one hook and commit to it.

Story
Open in a scene: a place, a moment, a problem. People lean in for stories.
Question
Ask something the audience silently answers for themselves.
Fact
A short, surprising fact reframes how they hear everything after it.
Quote
Use a quote only if it is short and genuinely relevant.
Statistics
One number, clearly sourced, beats five vague ones.

Body

Two or three main points, each with support. Order them so the strongest lands last.

Arrange ideas
Chronological, problem–solution, or cause–effect. Pick one and stay in it.
Examples
Make abstract points concrete with a real school-level example.
Evidence
Reports, data, expert statements — always with a year and source.
Facts
Verify everything you plan to state as fact.
Transitions
'That brings me to…', 'But here is the problem…' — guide the listener.
Arguments
State the claim, give the reason, give the proof, restate the claim.

Conclusion

Never end by trailing off. Land the plane.

Summary
One sentence per main point, no new information.
Powerful ending
Return to your opening image — the audience feels the circle close.
Call to action
Tell them exactly what to do next, in one clear sentence.
Thank you
Say it calmly, hold your position for two seconds, then leave.

Speech structures

Pick the structure that matches your purpose.

  • Explain clearly

    Informative Speech

    1. 1Introduction
    2. 2Information
    3. 3Examples
    4. 4Summary
    5. 5Closing

    Aim for three main points — audiences remember three.

  • Change a mind

    Persuasive Speech

    1. 1Hook
    2. 2Problem
    3. 3Evidence
    4. 4Solution
    5. 5Call to action

    Address the strongest objection before your conclusion.

  • Move hearts

    Inspirational Speech

    1. 1Story
    2. 2Challenge
    3. 3Lesson
    4. 4Hope
    5. 5Ending

    One honest personal story beats ten borrowed quotes.

  • Defend a side

    Debate Speech

    1. 1Opening statement
    2. 2Arguments
    3. 3Evidence
    4. 4Counterarguments
    5. 5Conclusion

    Signpost clearly: 'My first argument…', 'To my opponent's point…'.

  • Think fast

    Extempore Speech

    1. 1Take 30 seconds to pick one angle
    2. 2Opening line + three quick points
    3. 3Time management: 20% opening, 60% body, 20% close

    A simple structure delivered calmly always beats a clever structure delivered in panic.

  • Diplomatic

    MUN Speech

    1. 1Country policy
    2. 2Opening address
    3. 3The global issue
    4. 4Research
    5. 5Evidence
    6. 6Solutions
    7. 7Diplomatic language
    8. 8Formal closing

    Example theme: 'How France Reduced Poverty'. Build such a speech only on verified national policy documents, UN data and published statistics — never on assumptions, invented figures or fictional claims. Delegates lose credibility instantly when evidence cannot be sourced.

  • Example: Jawaharlal Nehru

    Historical Personality Speech

    1. 1Biography
    2. 2Achievements
    3. 3Leadership
    4. 4Interesting facts
    5. 5Quotes
    6. 6Conclusion

    Stick to well-documented facts and widely published quotations; say 'it is said that' when a story is anecdotal.