Speech writing is the centrepiece of any formal gathering or event. It is the moment when the key speaker addresses the audience to deliver a message aligned with the occasion’s theme or purpose.
Unlike an introductory speech, the main speaker typically does not need a further introduction, as this would have already been handled. This type of speech must be carefully crafted to engage the audience, clearly communicate the core message, and leave a lasting impression.
Title Speech Writing
The title of a main or general speech should be specific and informative, providing a snapshot of the speaker, the event, and the speech’s purpose.
Example Titles:
- Speech Delivered by the Minister of Education at the Awards Giving Ceremony Held at Arakan Girls Secondary School on 14th October 2015.
- Keynote Address Delivered by Dr. Sarah Johnson at the International Women’s Conference Held at Lusaka Civic Centre on 8th March 2024.
The title is the first impression of your speech, so it must be precise and relevant to the occasion.
Main Features of Speech Writing
A successful speech engages its audience from start to finish. Achieving this requires:
a) Acknowledging the Audience: Use respectful and engaging phrases tailored to the context:
- “Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow citizens.”
- “Honorable members of parliament, Mr. Speaker, Sir.”
- “Distinguished colleagues and dear students.”
Illustration: At a corporate seminar, you might start with:
- “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this exciting event where we explore innovative strategies for success in business.”
b) Protocol and Order: When addressing an audience, start with individuals of the highest social or professional rank and proceed in descending order. For instance:
- “Your Excellency, the President, the Honorable Minister of Education, distinguished guests, and all protocol observed…”
c) Self-Introduction: Whether you need to introduce yourself depends on the familiarity of the audience:
- If the audience knows you, skip the introduction.
- If the audience is unfamiliar, briefly introduce yourself, e.g., “Good morning. My name is Dr. Jane Doe, and I’m here to discuss sustainable farming techniques.”
Structure of a Main or General Speech
The structure of speech writing includes the following components: Introduction, Main Body, and Conclusion.
1. Introduction
The introduction sets the tone and establishes a connection with the audience. It typically includes the following elements:
a) Protocol Acknowledgments and Greetings: Begin by observing protocol, acknowledging key individuals in the audience in order of rank. This is a sign of respect and professionalism.
- Example: “Your Excellency, the President of the Republic, Honourable Ministers, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning.”
b) Self-Identification (if necessary): Introduce yourself if the audience is unfamiliar with you.
- Example: “For those who may not know me, I am Dr. Michael Banda, Director of the National Health Research Institute.”
c) Purpose of the Speech: Clearly state why you are addressing the audience. This provides context and prepares them for what to expect.
- Example: “Today, I am here to discuss the progress we have made in the fight against climate change and to outline actionable steps for our future.”
Tips for a Strong Introduction:
- Use a hook to grab attention. This could be a powerful quote, a startling statistic, or a short anecdote.
- Example: “Every minute, an acre of forest is lost to deforestation. Imagine the impact if we all acted to reverse this trend.”
- Keep the introduction concise yet impactful.
2. Main Body
The main body is where the core message of the speech is delivered. It should be well-organized, logical, and engaging. Depending on the purpose, it may include the following elements:
a) Chronological Order or Logical Flow: Organize your points in a sequence that is easy for the audience to follow. This could be chronological (past, present, future) or thematic (problem, cause, solution).
Example Outline for a Speech on Education:
- Current Achievements:
- Highlight recent successes in education.
- Example: “In the past five years, we have increased the national literacy rate by 15%, thanks to our dedicated educators and government policies.”
- Challenges:
- Address current challenges or areas of concern.
- Example: “Despite these achievements, many rural schools still lack basic infrastructure, which hinders effective learning.”
- Solutions and Future Plans:
- Propose actionable steps to address challenges.
- Example: “We plan to allocate 20% of the national budget to education, ensuring that every school has access to electricity and modern learning tools by 2025.”
b) Use Facts, Statistics, and Examples: Support your points with evidence to add credibility and impact.
- Fact: “Over 70% of students who attended technical colleges last year found employment within six months.”
- Example: Share a success story to illustrate your point.
- “I recently visited a rural school in Eastern Province where students, despite limited resources, achieved a 95% pass rate in their exams.”
c) Engage the Audience: Involve your audience by asking rhetorical questions, using inclusive language, or inviting them to imagine scenarios.
- Example: “Imagine a future where every child has access to quality education regardless of their background.”
d) Address Emotional and Logical Appeals: Balance emotional storytelling with logical arguments to connect with the audience on multiple levels.
- Emotional Appeal: “Think about the child who walks 10 kilometers every day to school, determined to create a better future.”
- Logical Appeal: “Studies show that every dollar invested in education yields a tenfold return in economic growth.”
3. Conclusion
The conclusion wraps up the speech and leaves the audience with a clear takeaway. It typically includes:
a) Summary of Key Points: Briefly recap the main ideas covered in the speech.
- Example: “In summary, we have celebrated our achievements, acknowledged the challenges ahead, and committed to actionable solutions for a brighter future.”
b) Call to Action, Advice, or Encouragement: Motivate the audience to take action or embrace your message.
- Example: “Let us all work together to ensure that no child is left behind in our pursuit of quality education for all.”
c) Closing Remarks: End with a memorable statement, quote, or thank-you note.
- Example: “As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ Thank you for your attention, and let us make this vision a reality.”
Illustrations and Examples
Scenario 1: Speech on Environmental Conservation
- Introduction: Start with a quote: “The Earth is what we all have in common.” Greet the audience and outline the purpose of discussing the urgent need for conservation.
- Main Body: Highlight the impact of deforestation, share statistics on endangered species, and propose solutions such as tree-planting drives and policy reforms.
- Conclusion: Summarize the importance of collective action and encourage everyone to participate in a nationwide conservation program.
Scenario 2: Graduation Speech
- Introduction: Begin with protocol acknowledgments and a warm greeting to students, parents, and staff.
- Main Body: Reflect on the students’ journey, acknowledge their achievements, and inspire them for the future with stories of resilience and success.
- Conclusion: Congratulate the graduates and leave them with a motivational quote: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”
Tips for Writing and Delivering a Main Speech
- Understand Your Audience: Tailor your message to their interests, values, and expectations.
- Use Clear and Concise Language: Avoid jargon and keep sentences straightforward.
- Practice Your Delivery: Rehearse multiple times to ensure a confident and smooth presentation.
- Incorporate Visual Aids: If appropriate, use slides or props to emphasize key points.
- Connect Emotionally: Use storytelling and vivid imagery to engage your audience.
Conclusion
A main or general speech is a powerful platform to communicate ideas, inspire action, and create meaningful connections. By following a structured approach, using clear examples, and engaging the audience effectively, you can craft and deliver a speech that resonates and achieves its intended purpose.
