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Persuasive Speech: I Should Be the Next School Prefect

I should be your next school prefect because I have all the best things to offer the position and the establishment. To start with, I have an engaging and positive attitude that makes it easy to relate to students and staff. Not only that, but I am cheerful and love to take on new challenges. I have plenty of experience working with others in a leadership role so I am prepared to take on this duty with all the necessary achievements and requirements under my belt.

One of my main jobs will be working with the students and staff at the school to help them deal with both positive and negative issues that arise on campus. I will help each one of them give voice to their needs and wants so that we can work together to create the perfect school environment for everyone. I will meet with the headmaster on a regular basis to problem solve and come up with solutions to issues that students might be having at school. Each and every student should know that I am on their side and promise to make school as great as it can be for them.

When it comes to my qualifications, I believe I have what it takes to make a great leader. I have a confidence that makes it simple for me to speak before a crowd in a proficient and knowledgeable way. I enjoy answering questions about myself and am always willing to discuss issues and assist in finding a solution. I am easy to talk to and promise to take each issue seriously so that students feel heard and understood, no matter what they might be facing. I am good at communicating what needs to be done as well as my appreciation for the help that others give me. I’m not afraid to ask for help when I need it and would rather admit it than try to solve a problem alone, only to find out that I’m not equipped to do so without assistance. I am also able to plan large events, such as holiday parties and enjoy working as part of a team. I am able to share ideas and tasks with my group and am able to give up some control for the good of everyone involved. You will always find me open and willing to talk, both about the good and the bad.

As a prefect, I want to help the school be the best it can be by partnering with students, staff and parents to ensure that each problem is solved and make the school a fun and educational environment for each and every student that attends. I want to take on the role of prefect so that I can continue in this tradition and use my talents and time to create the perfect school for anyone. Each student will feel happy and at home at school and parents will be assured that their child will be safe on campus and will get a superior education while they are here.

In summary, I love what being a prefect means for me and my fellow students. I want this experience to further enhance my life and my experience, but I also want to share what I have to offer with other students. This school has provided me with so many opportunities and chances to learn and I feel like it’s my duty to give back by becoming a prefect and giving something back to the school and the students and staff that are here on a daily basis. Thank you!

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10 School Prefect Speech Outline Examples (PDF)

The speech outline examples below will guide you to write a good speech as the head prefect of your school. They are sample speech templates I’ve personally used to achieve amazing results with my English essay writing class over the years.

Do you teach English Language in a senior high school or even junior high? These speech outline examples will make your work a lot easier.

HOW TO ANALYZE AN ESSAY TOPIC TO AVOID DEVIATION

Head Prefect Speech Outlines

Plan/Outline:

3. Advice: (i) Study   (ii) Friends / Social life   (iii) Home.

       (i) Communal labour – clearing

Public education on benefits and ways of preservation

Lesson One of Christian Religious Studies Textbook for High Schools

Closing remarks.

Plan /Outline:

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20 Ways to Start Your Head-Prefect Speech with Impact

In this article, I have outlined 20 opening statements that can help you start your Head Prefect speech as well as an orator and someone ready for business.

Table of Contents

That’s One Loud Cheer For Someone Who’s Only Privileged

“ That’s one loud cheer for someone who’s only privileged ” is a good way to start your Head Prefect speech. You are going to get a loud cheer while you are called upon as the winner of the polls or something. Using this statement is a nice way to get them happy before you start your speech.

I Feel Like I Am POTUS Already 

Looking across the room i can tell it is nothing but a privilege to be on this podium as your head prefect , there’s no way i can start my speech without first expressing my utmost gratitude to you, yes you, and you, and you, and all of you .

“ There’s no way I can start my speech without first expressing my utmost gratitude to you, yes you, and you, and you, and all of you ” will also help you start your Head Prefect speech with the impact you seek. The statement comes with some drama as you will need to point to random members of the audience while you say the other part of the statement.

Whew! I Barely Had Any Sleep Preparing For Today

I had penned down a few well-researched thoughts but i believe you all will want to listen to words from a genuine heart and not something rehearsed and rehashed.

If you want to get your listeners interested in your speech or start in a way that hits hard, then using this line is a surefire way to do so. The trick is to prepare for your speech but make it look like you weren’t going to work with your prepared notes. When I am done with my speech, everyone often wonders how my unpreparedness was that impactful. You should try it.

This Hall Is Larger Than I Thought. My Feet Are Almost Giving Way

Please, allow me to start by saying you all are nothing but the best and i am only privileged to be standing here, i don’t think i deserve that round of applause as much as you all do.

Modesty always wins, that’s why a statement like “ I don’t think I deserve that round of applause as much as you all do ” will be a good start to your speech. In this example, you are not just showing how modest you are but turning it around to appreciate your audience.

In A World Where You Can Be Anything, I Have Decided That Just For Your Sake, I Am Going To Be A Leader Who Listens

Believe Me When I Say The Thought Of Being Your Leader Humbles Me 

All i can say is that you should only listen to me if you want a student body that you can be proud of, i thought long and hard about how huge the responsibility of being head prefect can be but i became assured that with this support, nothing will be too difficult to handle.

Celebrating the support from your audience is another good way to start your Head Prefect speech. This example mentions your recognition of the enormous task ahead of you but showcases faith in the support you will be getting. The good thing is, it could intensify the level of support the students were willing to provide before.

Four-Point Agenda – Discipline, Collaboration, School Community Engagement, And Mentorship. These Will Be The Cardinal Values Of Our Government And I Dare To Say It Is Possible

This statement requires some drama. I’d recommend lifting four fingers as you begin. It mustn’t be a four-point agenda, it could be three, five, six, or as many as you want. The idea is to give your audience an idea about the vision of your administration.

I Am Convinced That The Best Leaders Are Not The Most Talented But The Most Determined. And I Am Determined Not Just To Lead But Serve

Happy students and teachers are the product of proactive intermediaries and intermediation. this administration will ensure effective communication between you, students, and our school’s management, i know everyone’s eager to hear what i’ve got to say. there’s just one thing i want to drive home – exemplary leadership which is what we are going to be about.

Everyone would want to hear what your speech would be about. You can try to patronize them by saying “ I know everyone’s eager to hear what I’ve got to say .” Then, follow up with “ There’s just one thing I want to drive home – Exemplary Leadership which is what we are going to be about .” What such a line does it to give them hope about your leadership and what it would be about?

While I Walked Up The Podium, I Realized The Task At Hand And I Want To Assure You That I And These Prefects Will Not Fail You 

Many things define a leader but there’s none without followers. looking at this room, i am confident there are followers, very supportive ones too, your belief in our vision is something i will do everything in my capacity to repay. i owe you that duty.

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Head Prefect Speech Essay

Delivering a head prefect speech is not merely a formality; it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impression on your peers and contribute to the school community. As you step onto that stage, you hold the attention and hopes of your fellow students in your hands. This essay delves into the art of crafting a head prefect speech that goes beyond words – a speech that resonates, motivates, and reflects your dedication to leading your school with integrity and purpose. Let’s explore the essential components that will help you create an impactful speech that leaves a mark.

Table of Contents

How To Write An Essay On Topic Head Prefect Speech

Step 1: collect ideas about topic.

Before we start, let’s gather some exciting ideas for our head prefect speech:

• Introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and sharing why you want to be head prefect.
• Qualities: Highlight the qualities that make a good leader – like responsibility, kindness, and being a good listener.
• Plans and Ideas: Talk about your ideas to improve the school – like organizing fun events, supporting classmates, and keeping the school clean.
• Teamwork: Emphasize the importance of teamwork and how you’ll work together with other prefects and teachers.
• Role Model: Share how you’ll be a role model for your classmates and inspire them to be their best.

Step 2: Making Essay Outline:

1. Introduction

Introduce the concept of preparing a head prefect speech and its importance in showcasing leadership skills.

2. Expressing Interest

Explain why you want to be head prefect and what inspired you to take on this role.

3. Qualities of a Leader

Discuss the important qualities that a leader should have, such as responsibility, kindness, and the ability to listen.

4. Plans and Ideas

Share your creative ideas for making the school a better place, including organizing events, supporting classmates, and maintaining cleanliness.

5. Commitment to Teamwork

Highlight how teamwork is essential and how you’ll collaborate with other prefects and teachers.

6. Being a Role Model

Explain how you’ll set an example for your peers, motivating them to excel and contribute positively to the school.

7. Gratitude and Confidence

Express gratitude for the opportunity to stand for the head prefect and convey your confidence in fulfilling the responsibilities.

8. Final Thoughts

Summarize the main points and reiterate your dedication to serving as a responsible and inspiring head prefect.

Writing the Essay On Head Prefect Speech

Introduction:.

Imagine being the hero of your own story, standing in front of everyone to share your ideas and dreams. That’s what creating a head prefect speech feels like. So, put on your thinking cap, and let’s set off on this exciting journey of crafting a speech that reflects our leadership aspirations.

Expressing Interest:

For example – you’re the main character in a grand adventure, and being the head prefect is your mission. Why do you want this role? It’s like finding that special treasure in a game – something that motivates you to step up and make a difference. For me, the idea of being head prefect fills me with a sense of responsibility and excitement. I want to help make our school an even better place for all of us.

Qualities of a Leader:

Now, let’s talk about what makes a great leader. Imagine a hero who’s kind, responsible, and a great listener. Leaders are a bit like heroes – they guide, support, and inspire others. I believe that a leader should be responsible, like a superhero protecting the city. They should also be kind, showing empathy and understanding. And just like a hero listens to everyone’s ideas, a leader should listen to the voices of their classmates. Plans and Ideas: Think of this – you’re the strategist in a game, coming up with cool ideas to make the game world even more fun. Being head prefect means having the chance to come up with exciting plans for our school. How about organizing fun events that bring us all together? We can have sports days, talent shows, and even charity drives. And let’s not forget about keeping our school clean and beautiful – it’s like taking care of our game world, making it a better place for everyone.

Commitment to Teamwork

Being part of a good team, they all work together for a planned goal. As head prefect, I want to be a team player, just like a hero who teams up with other characters to save the day. I’ll work closely with my fellow prefects and teachers to make our ideas come to life. Teamwork is like the secret power that makes everything better.

Being a Role Model:

Think a while for yourself as a character people look up to, like a mentor or a guide. That’s what being a role model is all about. As head prefect, I want to be a positive role model for all of you. I’ll lead by example, showing kindness, respect, and enthusiasm. Just like a character who inspires others to be their best, I want to motivate my classmates to excel in studies, sports, and all aspects of school life.

Gratitude and Confidence:

Standing here, preparing to deliver this speech, I feel a mix of gratitude and confidence. I’m grateful for the chance to stand for head prefect, and I’m confident in my ability to carry out the responsibilities. It’s like that moment in a game when you’re ready to face the final challenge with determination and a positive attitude.

Final Thoughts:

As we wrap up this journey of crafting a head prefect speech, remember that leadership is like being the main character of your own story. Expressing interest, embodying qualities, sharing ideas, working as a team, and being a role model are all parts of this exciting adventure. So, let’s embrace this opportunity to make a positive impact on our school, inspire our friends, and lead by example. Together, we’ll create a story filled with growth, friendship, and a shared desire to make our school the best it can be.

Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

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Student Council Speeches

By:  Susan Dugdale  

How to write a winning speech: a template, guidelines, plus example speeches

Student Council Speeches mark the end of an election campaign.

Will yours be successful?

The final answer is in the hands of your fellow students. It's entirely their decision.

However, up until they mark their voting papers 'yes' or 'no' you have the potential to make their choice of candidate for the upcoming year 'you'.

How to write a great student council speech 

Use the quick links below to find what you need to write a great student council speech, whether it's the President, Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer role you're after.

• the primary purpose of your speech
• a template that includes all the necessary elements of a good Student Council speech
• points to consider carefully before you write
• an example Student Council President speech
• an example Student Council Vice President speech
• an example Student Council Secretary speech
• an example Student Council Treasurer speech
• a printable speech planner and outline to download
• vital tips for rehearsal . These make the difference between looking and sounding polished and bumbling.
• a link to a collection of videoed student council speeches
• how to manage anxiety about speaking in front of others

Understanding your speech purpose

Understanding the nature or purpose of your speech could make all the difference between winning and losing.

Student Council speeches are persuasive speeches . Their ultimate goal is to get you the YES vote.

To help you achieve that use the template, (framework or pattern), below to cover all the essential elements you need to pull together.

In addition, it will structure your speech logically, and effectively, from its opening through to its close.

(I've turned the template into a printable enabling you to plan and outline your speech efficiently and easily. You can download it from the link further down the page.)

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Student Council speeches template

• Greeting - Attention Getter - The Hook You'll need an opening statement or rhetorical  question to sit your audience up with open ears and minds. For more see: How to write a speech introduction: 12 of the best ways to start.  
• Who you are - your name, your place or grade in the school, and maybe, your hobbies or interests, and the clubs or teams you're a member of. For example, Amnesty International, the speech and debate club, cross-country and basketball. And if you've used a campaign slogan work it in. It'll jog people's memories. 'Ah, yes, that person!', they'll think. Being known and familiar gives you a head start.
• What you want - the role you are campaigning for: President, Vice President,  Treasurer, Secretary, Historian...
• What you are going to do for the audience - benefits to them in exchange for their vote. (Brief summary -you will expand this in the body of your speech.)
• Credibility - your qualification or expertise establishing your fitness for the role you want. (Brief summary - you will expand this in the body of your speech.)
• Transition leading to...
• Your Main Idea 1 - For example: your goal for the role, what you want to achieve, how you plan to do it, the benefits to your audience - what painful problem(s) will you solve for them, your fitness for the job, transition to...
• Main Idea 2 - Supporting ideas - details and examples - transition to...
• Main Idea 3 - Supporting ideas - details and examples - transition to...

NB. Only include a second and third idea if you have time to expand on them. If not, move through to the conclusion.

• Summary of main points
• Re-statement of what you want - to be elected to the role you're running for
• Re-statement of the benefits to the audience
• Closer, clincher, call for action

Points to consider BEFORE you write your speech

You'll make a better job of completing the printable student council speech template if you  take the time to go through the points below.

And then, read the student council speech examples, before you start to write.

Research the role

Think about your audience, what tone or choice of vocabulary is best suited to them.

Avoid trying to impress with either 'big' words or use of slang. Both are traps! Be yourself. Authentic. Real.

Keep your language conversational rather than overly formal and use smaller rather than large sentences.

Try using active rather than passive words. These convey enthusiasm. For examples, see this page on using action verbs . You'll discover how to go from boring bla bla bland to dynamic excitement.

What 'hook' will you use to get them to listen? Humor? Humor is good if it is relevant and inclusive rather than exclusive. (No 'in' jokes!).

Your goal in the role you want

Avoid setting up expectations that you will deliver beyond your capability. :-)

It might be very tempting, but can you really reduce school hours, increase academic standards, introduce a range of exciting new extracurricular activities, as well as have a 'green day' and a movie night every month? Please keep it real!

Your credibility or qualifications

Now is not the time either to be shy or arrogantly big-headed! Let the audience know how right you are for the role you want.

Set yourself apart from other candidates by sharing compelling personal stories or anecdotes that both support your pitch, and show you understand the key issues that matter to your fellow students.

Your school's requirements

If your speech does not meet pre- established criteria in any way you may find it is returned to you edited. It's safer to find out what those criteria are BEFORE writing to avoid having to re-write or worse, being disqualified entirely.

Mockery and personal insults are not clever. They boomerang back on you, letting your audience know you're not to be trusted and neither are you ready for leadership.

Readily acknowledging the skill and expertise of your fellow candidates sincerely in a way that doesn't demean yourself, or them, shows an open mind and maturity.

Aim to have your speech ready BEFORE the deadline.

Give yourself time to prepare thoroughly, including time to review of your opponents' campaigns. That can be very useful for seeing their strengths as well as their weaknesses, which you can then respond to in your own material.

Student Council President speech example 

Here's a sample student council speech. I've written it from the perspective of someone running for President.

As you read it, imagine it said aloud. That will help you get the rhythm and flow of language. The speech is between 3 - 4 minutes long, depending on how quickly you speak.

Vote Sophia Clarke for Student Council President

"I’ve got a question for you. I’m not asking you to shout your answer out, or raise your hand. All I’m asking is that you give it room in your mind. Let it sit for a bit, and have a think about it.

My question is – do you believe like I do, that all of us deserve the opportunity to make the best of ourselves? Not second best, 3 rd , or even, highly commended. The BEST.

I’m Sophia Clarke. I’m in the 12 th  grade, and I’m running for president. My vision is that each student is enabled to develop the skills and confidence to become the bigger, better version of themselves. The best they can be.  Regardless of who they are, and what they need to achieve that.

It’s an audacious goal. Some would say an idealistic, rather than a realistic, one.

However I say it’s awesome. And that you’re intelligent people who realize that reaching any goal starts with taking the first step.

So let me remind you why choosing me, Sophia Clarke, for president, is also choosing a better chance for yourself, and everyone else to grow.

I know you, and I know your needs well. I’ve served on your behalf in multiple roles through my years here; secretary, auditor, public relations officer, and have successfully taken on multiple issues. You’ll know some of those through directly benefiting from them.

It was me who was behind the push to get a regular anti-bullying program running throughout the school. That was two years ago, and now the  Teens Against Bullying  message underpins what we expect and strive for in our every day dealings with each other.

We know incidents of bullying are far fewer as a result. As our orange tee shirts say we ‘choose kindness, acceptance and inclusion’ for each other, and our selves.

Who has been involved in our mentoring-homework program? Either as a buddy-tutor or as a student getting a helping hand? And who, like me, is passionate about making sure that everybody gets a fair go?

In the past year, under my watch that program has escalated. We have over 50% more tutors across more subject areas and more students taking up the offer of help. That is a fabulous outcome for everybody. Truly win-win.

A tick in the box alongside my name is a tick for the continued growth of those programs. Their value is proven. They allow each of us to grow and experience the strength and confidence that comes from knowing that we can make a positive difference in other people’s lives as well as our own.

When you vote me for President you get my capacity to organize, to liaise, to listen and to speak, working for the benefit of everybody.

A 'yes' for me is a 'yes' for appreciating and celebrating diversity.

A 'yes' for me, Sophia Clarke for President, is 'yes' to a better you.

And together that is a 'yes' to a better life, and a better school, for all of us."

Student Council Vice President speech example

Like the speech above, this one runs to approximately 4 minutes when said aloud. Try it and see.

Nod your head if you've heard of the phrase '2nd fiddle' or '2IC'.

What about 'sidekick'?

Not booting a ball in from a sideline but a trusty partner to whoever it is who has the leading role. Like Robin is for Batman.

Or like, {name of your country's Vice President or Prime Minister} is for {name of country's President or Prime Minister} or {name of your school's Vice Principal} is for {name of your school's Principal}!

Well, that's what I aspire to - to become the trusty, tried and true sidekick to the President on our student council.

My name is Jason Hull. I'm in Grade 12 and proudly standing in front of you today as a candidate for the role of Vice President. Yes, I am asking you to give me something of immense value - your vote.

I know what the issues, here at {name of school} are. As part of my campaign, I've interviewed you, and listened. I promise your ideas will be acted on.

Afterall I've trained for this role, put in the time. You know, I know how to get things done.

Last year I served as Secretary and the year before that I was a representative for the committee - proof that I'm committed to bettering our school environment not just for you, but for everybody!

With your support, I'll be your go-to guy when you want to make sure that your opinions and feedback reach the decision-makers.

One of my main goals as your Vice President is to champion your initiatives: amongst others, that's the library extensions you told me about, the desire for healthier food choices in our cafeteria, and the urgent need to increase and diversify the workforce and out-reach opportunities that so many of you mentioned.

Whether you're passionate about improving our school facilities, or enhancing our community involvement, I'll be there to guide and help you. 

In the role of Vice President, I will work alongside the President fulfilling my duties to the best of my ability. 

Together, we'll make sure that your concerns, and hopes are not just heard but actively pursued. Not 'I' will make sure, but 'we'.

There is no 'I' in we, and that too, is a prerequisite of the Vice President's position: the capacity to put aside ego and to work productively for the good of all.

Because together, we, the Vice President, the President and the other council members, are stronger and can achieve more.

The Vice President role may be a support act but it's a vital one.  To succeed in it, collaboration is key. I promise to work hand in hand not only with the President but also with the entire student council team, our teachers, and our administration on your behalf.

Unity is strength. More than ever, we need to nurture understanding, kindness and respect for each other. Regardless of your grade, interests, or background, I want every one of you to feel valued and heard.

That's a goal many would say is impossible.

However, I say, we need to be the difference we want to see in the world. And to borrow those famous words of Helen Keller's: "Alone we can do so little. Together we can so much."

It would be an honor to be your voice, your eyes and your ears as Vice President.

So, I ask you, will you trust me to have your best interests at heart? Will you enable me to work on your behalf?

And are you willing to give me, Jason Hull, your vote for best sidekick, aka. Vice President?

I'll take those smiles, as a 'Yes'.

Example Student Council speeches for Secretary and Treasurer

Click the link to read an:

• example Student Council speech for the role of Secretary . Plus, an overview of the Secretary's main tasks and responsibilities.
• example Student Council speech for the role of Treasurer . Plus, an overview of the Secretary's main tasks and responsibilities.

(This page was getting far too long to include them both here. ☺)

Get the printable student council speech outline

Click on the image below to open a downloadable printable student council speech planner and outline pdf. (Please note it will open in a new window.)

Your completed outline will provide both the structure and the content you need to efficiently write your speech.  

After you've finished writing your speech

Now that you've finished writing, you're ready to begin work on your delivery: how you present the speech to your audience.

The first step in that process is making sure your speech fits comfortably into whatever time you've been allocated.

After that comes rehearsal. The information you need for both steps is below.

Timing and word count

Student Council Speeches are generally brief: around 1-4 minutes long which isn't a lot of time! That's between approximately 150 - 600 words at an average speaking rate of 150 words per minute.

To be safe say your speech out loud as if you were delivering it for real and time it. In some schools going overtime can result in being disqualified.

Going faster to fit everything in

Please do not be tempted to say it faster to get everything you planned said. As a strategy it doesn't work. You'll end up gabbling: speaking far too quickly and people won't be able to understand what you're saying.

Cutting out extra material

If you have got too much material for the time limit, cut it. Choose the least important ideas to let go of first. Then move on to rephrasing to reduce the number of words used to express a point.

When you think it's done, repeat the test. Say it out loud as if you were actually giving it, and time it.

If you're now within the allotted time, you are ready for rehearsal.

For more about word count see: how many words per minute in a speech

How to rehearse your speech

Please, please  rehearse your speech ! Do not be tempted to wing it. The more you rehearse the easier it will be to deliver it well.

Remember it is only 1 to 4 minutes long! In that time your goal is to have your audience ready to vote for you.

You can help them make that decision by being confident and prepared. You will show that through:

• your speaking style  - natural, sincere, fluent, understandable (clear and able to be heard without straining)
• your body language  - relaxed, open gestures, good eye contact and smiling
• your personal grooming or presentation  because how you look 'speaks' too. Make sure that your clothing and general grooming supports your speech because, like it or not, you will be judged on both!

Go to: how to rehearse a speech properly .

 Videoed Student Council speech examples  

How do other people handle a Student Council speech? What's their content and delivery like?

Are they funny? Formal? Too hurried? Confident? Familiar with the audience?

It can help to look at what others have done. Even if it's only to decide their way will not be your way!

Click the link to access a collection ten videoed student council campaign speeches from the 2018 student council executive board candidates for Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, Pennsylvania, USA. 

At the foot of the article you'll find links to the videos of the school's 2015, 2016 and 2017 student council campaign speeches.

A word of warning

Ps. panic not.

If you find yourself getting anxious over the thought of delivering your speech, please check this page for help.

• How to deal with acute public speaking anxiety: 14 ways that will help

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Head Boy & Head Girl Speeches: A Student’s Top 10 Tips

In GCSE by Think Student Editor June 21, 2021 5 Comments

For many students, creating and delivering a speech is a daunting task. Creating a successful speech can be difficult in terms of structuring and what to include. In order to be successful, you first need to understand what a speech is. A speech is a dialogue delivered to an audience either formally or informally. There are many aspects of a speech you need to consider in order to captivate your audience and give your speech a professional edge. Hopefully, these 10 tips I have put together will give you some guidance.

If you find yourself struggling to write your speech or with the prospect of delivering it, I urge you to continue reading the rest of this article for 10 top tips for writing and presenting your head boy or head girl speech.

1. Planning is key

To create a successful speech, it is important that first you plan. Many students will just dive straight into writing their speech. Creating a plan will allow you to structure your speech and allocate specific information into specific sections. This will enable you to remain organised which will make writing your speech a much easier task.

When planning your speech, you should include an introduction, a main section and a conclusion. In your introduction, you should introduce yourself and the main reasons why you would like the role of head boy or head girl.

Following this, you should have a main section in your speech. This will be the bulk of your speech. Within this, you may wish to use subheadings to further divide your speech.

You should discuss reasons why you would like the role of head boy or head girl and what qualities you have that would make you a suitable candidate. For example, you may discuss what you would introduce to your school or sixth form to make it better for students or what you think needs to be improved and why this change would be necessary.

Furthermore, you will need to end your speech with a conclusion. This should summarise why your peers should choose you as their head boy or head girl and how you will make a difference. Finally, thank your audience for their time and for listening.

For more information about planning a speech check out  this article by wittcom .

2. Consider your audience

It is important when writing a speech that you consider your audience. To define your audience, you could consider age, gender and school year group for example. Your audience is important as it will influence the tone of your speech and the type of language you choose to use in it.

If your audience are students in your year group at school or sixth form, you may choose to use humour and more simplistic language in your speech. This will ensure your audience understands your speech and find it enjoyable to listen to.

If your audience was a mix of sixth form students and teachers for example, you may choose to use more complex and sophisticated language within a more formal structure to make your speech sound more professional.

It is especially important to consider your audience if they will determine whether or not you achieve the role of head boy or head girl.

3. Consider the tone

When both creating and presenting your speech, it is important to consider the tone you use. You may decide to give your speech a humorous, passionate or serious tone to name a few. However, the tone you choose to use will indicate certain feelings including joy, humour, sadness or optimism. Your audience can also influence your use of tone.

For a speech to become a head boy or head girl, many students will aim to use a humorous tone to engage their audience, combined with a passionate tone to underpin their desire to achieve the role.

Your choice of tone can also present your speech as well-mannered and respectful so is an important aspect to consider.

Your tone is not just evident in your written piece, but also when you deliver your speech. When you speak, the pace at which you talk and the tone of your voice can impact the meaning of the words you say.

Furthermore, if you use the same tone throughout your speech, it can become boring to your audience. Therefore, the use of a humorous tone for example, will enable you to adapt the tone of your voice making you sound more passionate about what you are discussing.

4. Use persuasive language

Using persuasive language is important, especially when creating a head boy or head girl speech. You want to persuade your audience to choose you for the role and therefore, make yourself stand out.

Using techniques such as rhetorical questions can help to persuade your audience. Additionally, the use of personal anecdotes can help to persuade, for example you could talk about something that happened to make you want to apply for the role of a head boy or head girl.

Furthermore, you could find out what your peers want to change within your school or sixth form and then discuss how you will change this in your speech. Students will recognise this issue as something they are not happy with and this may persuade them to choose you as the head boy or head girl, because you are representing their opinions.

5. Memorise parts of your speech

Some students may decide to remember their speech in full and recite it to their audience. Although this would demonstrate the students dedication, many students would probably find this a difficult task. Instead, it is best to try and remember key points from within your speech.

Remembering several key points will allow you to show a level of dedication to your speech. It also means you will not just be reading your entire speech off a piece of paper meaning you can make eye contact with your audience. Although many pupils may feel anxious at the prospect of making eye contact, this will demonstrate your engagement with the audience. Furthermore, it means your audience are more likely to listen to you and feel persuaded by your message.

For more information on how to remember your speech, check out  this page by scotthyoung .

6. Prepare to answer some questions

After you deliver your speech, your audience may wish to ask you some questions. Therefore, it is useful to prepare some answers to potential questions to make you feel more confident.

Questions may involve you reiterating on something you commented on or an issue you raised. Likewise, it may be concerning why you wish to be head boy or head girl, or what makes you different from all the other candidates.

Your ability to answer questions will demonstrate your passion for the role of head boy or head girl whilst showing your audience you will be reliable within the role. It will further demonstrate your passion for the role and help to keep your audience engaged.

For more information on how to prepare answers for questions you may be asked, check out this useful website.

7. Rehearse

You may have heard the phrase ‘practice makes perfect’. Well this is most definitely true with speeches. The more you practice and rehearse your speech, the more confident and successful your speech will be when you deliver it to your audience.

One way you could do this is by rehearsing your speech in front of an audience, such as family or friends. They may even be able to give you some feedback including ways in which you could improve your speech. This will help you to feel more confident on the day whilst allowing you to become more familiarised with your speech.

Furthermore, you could practice your speech to yourself in front of a mirror. Its also useful to practice your pronunciation of words and if there is a particular word you struggle to pronounce, it may be worth removing this from your speech.

Practicing your pronunciation will enable you to sound more fluent when delivering your speech. The more you rehearse your speech, the more confident you will become, meaning the more professional your speech will sound.

8. Adopt some simple healthy habits

Before delivering your speech, adopting healthy habits can have positive impacts on your performance.

On the day before and the day of your speech, aim to eat wholegrains, fruit such as berries or eggs. These foods can improve brain function and memory. However, just before delivering your speech, eat lightly or not at all as a full stomach can lower your energy levels.

Furthermore, apples can help to promote a clearer voice so is a better option just before your speech.

You should also avoid drinks containing dairy, caffeine and soft drinks straight before your speech as these can negatively affect your speech and pronunciation.

You should also take a bottle of water with you when delivering your speech to help keep you hydrated and to prevent your throat from going dry.

Light exercise before your speech such as gentle jogging or a brisk walk can have positive impacts on your mood and brain function, whilst the fresh air can help to relieve anxiety. If you are someone who often feels anxious before delivering a speech to an audience, you may benefit from practicing some breathing exercises. This will help you to keep yourself calm and confident when talking.

Finally, an early night sleep the night before you deliver your speech will help you to feel energised the next morning and give you a positive mindset.

For more information on how to adopt healthier habits ahead of your speech, take a look at  this article by nosweatpublicspeaking .

9. Consider your personal appearance

When delivering your speech to your audience, your appearance can speak many words. If you look presentable and smart during your speech, your audience will be more likely to listen and feel engaged.

First impressions are important, especially when you are attempting to achieve a role like head boy or head girl. Therefore, if you dress smartly and look presentable you will look like you are taking your speech more seriously. This will demonstrate to your audience your passion for the role of head boy or head girl and both your capability as well as determination.

It is also important to carry yourself in a positive way. If your audience feels that you are taking the role seriously and are a responsible student, they may be more likely to choose you as their head boy or head girl.

10. Go for it

Finally, my last tip is to just go for it. Try your best to speak clearly and slowly whilst making eye contact with your audience throughout your speech. This will show you are engaged with your audience and wish to meet their interests if you get the role of head boy or head girl.

Also, be polite towards your audience and most importantly smile. After all, your personal appearance includes your body language too, and the way in which you present yourself to your audience. You want to show others your best qualities and that you will represent them within the role of head boy or head girl.

Most importantly, enjoy delivering your speech to your audience. It is a chance for you to gain experience of delivering a speech and your skills when creating a speech. Make sure that you take the experience in a positive way and enjoy it.

One final word…

Although students often worry about delivering a speech to an audience, there is really no need to. It is a chance for you to demonstrate your passion for becoming a head boy or head girl whilst showcasing your very best qualities.

It is also an experience in which you can practice and learn how to structure a speech, prepare and then deliver your speech to an audience. It is important that you remember to enjoy the experience and take away the positives from it, especially if you achieve the role of head boy or head girl.

Hopefully, these top 10 tips that I have provided you with will help you to get the most out of your speech and to be successful and more confident in your future speeches. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice and encouragement 

I am very interested in this discussion

Lets give it a go!

Nice article!!

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How to write a speech that your audience remembers

Whether in a work meeting or at an investor panel, you might give a speech at some point. And no matter how excited you are about the opportunity, the experience can be nerve-wracking . 

But feeling butterflies doesn’t mean you can’t give a great speech. With the proper preparation and a clear outline, apprehensive public speakers and natural wordsmiths alike can write and present a compelling message. Here’s how to write a good speech you’ll be proud to deliver.

What is good speech writing?

Good speech writing is the art of crafting words and ideas into a compelling, coherent, and memorable message that resonates with the audience. Here are some key elements of great speech writing:

• It begins with clearly understanding the speech's purpose and the audience it seeks to engage. 
• A well-written speech clearly conveys its central message, ensuring that the audience understands and retains the key points. 
• It is structured thoughtfully, with a captivating opening, a well-organized body, and a conclusion that reinforces the main message. 
• Good speech writing embraces the power of engaging content, weaving in stories, examples, and relatable anecdotes to connect with the audience on both intellectual and emotional levels. 

Ultimately, it is the combination of these elements, along with the authenticity and delivery of the speaker , that transforms words on a page into a powerful and impactful spoken narrative.

What makes a good speech?

A great speech includes several key qualities, but three fundamental elements make a speech truly effective:

Clarity and purpose

Remembering the audience, cohesive structure.

While other important factors make a speech a home run, these three elements are essential for writing an effective speech.

The main elements of a good speech

The main elements of a speech typically include:

• Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for your speech and grabs the audience's attention. It should include a hook or attention-grabbing opening, introduce the topic, and provide an overview of what will be covered.
• Opening/captivating statement: This is a strong statement that immediately engages the audience and creates curiosity about the speech topics.
• Thesis statement/central idea: The thesis statement or central idea is a concise statement that summarizes the main point or argument of your speech. It serves as a roadmap for the audience to understand what your speech is about.
• Body: The body of the speech is where you elaborate on your main points or arguments. Each point is typically supported by evidence, examples, statistics, or anecdotes. The body should be organized logically and coherently, with smooth transitions between the main points.
• Supporting evidence: This includes facts, data, research findings, expert opinions, or personal stories that support and strengthen your main points. Well-chosen and credible evidence enhances the persuasive power of your speech.
• Transitions: Transitions are phrases or statements that connect different parts of your speech, guiding the audience from one idea to the next. Effective transitions signal the shifts in topics or ideas and help maintain a smooth flow throughout the speech.
• Counterarguments and rebuttals (if applicable): If your speech involves addressing opposing viewpoints or counterarguments, you should acknowledge and address them. Presenting counterarguments makes your speech more persuasive and demonstrates critical thinking.
• Conclusion: The conclusion is the final part of your speech and should bring your message to a satisfying close. Summarize your main points, restate your thesis statement, and leave the audience with a memorable closing thought or call to action.
• Closing statement: This is the final statement that leaves a lasting impression and reinforces the main message of your speech. It can be a call to action, a thought-provoking question, a powerful quote, or a memorable anecdote.
• Delivery and presentation: How you deliver your speech is also an essential element to consider. Pay attention to your tone, body language, eye contact , voice modulation, and timing. Practice and rehearse your speech, and try using the 7-38-55 rule to ensure confident and effective delivery.

While the order and emphasis of these elements may vary depending on the type of speech and audience, these elements provide a framework for organizing and delivering a successful speech.

How to structure a good speech

You know what message you want to transmit, who you’re delivering it to, and even how you want to say it. But you need to know how to start, develop, and close a speech before writing it. 

Think of a speech like an essay. It should have an introduction, conclusion, and body sections in between. This places ideas in a logical order that the audience can better understand and follow them. Learning how to make a speech with an outline gives your storytelling the scaffolding it needs to get its point across.

Here’s a general speech structure to guide your writing process:

• Explanation 1
• Explanation 2
• Explanation 3

How to write a compelling speech opener

Some research shows that engaged audiences pay attention for only 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Other estimates are even lower, citing that people stop listening intently in fewer than 10 minutes . If you make a good first impression at the beginning of your speech, you have a better chance of interesting your audience through the middle when attention spans fade. 

Implementing the INTRO model can help grab and keep your audience’s attention as soon as you start speaking. This acronym stands for interest, need, timing, roadmap, and objectives, and it represents the key points you should hit in an opening. 

Here’s what to include for each of these points: 

• Interest : Introduce yourself or your topic concisely and speak with confidence . Write a compelling opening statement using relevant data or an anecdote that the audience can relate to.
• Needs : The audience is listening to you because they have something to learn. If you’re pitching a new app idea to a panel of investors, those potential partners want to discover more about your product and what they can earn from it. Read the room and gently remind them of the purpose of your speech. 
• Timing : When appropriate, let your audience know how long you’ll speak. This lets listeners set expectations and keep tabs on their own attention span. If a weary audience member knows you’ll talk for 40 minutes, they can better manage their energy as that time goes on. 
• Routemap : Give a brief overview of the three main points you’ll cover in your speech. If an audience member’s attention starts to drop off and they miss a few sentences, they can more easily get their bearings if they know the general outline of the presentation.
• Objectives : Tell the audience what you hope to achieve, encouraging them to listen to the end for the payout. 

Writing the middle of a speech

The body of your speech is the most information-dense section. Facts, visual aids, PowerPoints — all this information meets an audience with a waning attention span. Sticking to the speech structure gives your message focus and keeps you from going off track, making everything you say as useful as possible.

Limit the middle of your speech to three points, and support them with no more than three explanations. Following this model organizes your thoughts and prevents you from offering more information than the audience can retain. 

Using this section of the speech to make your presentation interactive can add interest and engage your audience. Try including a video or demonstration to break the monotony. A quick poll or survey also keeps the audience on their toes. 

Wrapping the speech up

To you, restating your points at the end can feel repetitive and dull. You’ve practiced countless times and heard it all before. But repetition aids memory and learning , helping your audience retain what you’ve told them. Use your speech’s conclusion to summarize the main points with a few short sentences.

Try to end on a memorable note, like posing a motivational quote or a thoughtful question the audience can contemplate once they leave. In proposal or pitch-style speeches, consider landing on a call to action (CTA) that invites your audience to take the next step.

How to write a good speech

If public speaking gives you the jitters, you’re not alone. Roughly 80% of the population feels nervous before giving a speech, and another 10% percent experiences intense anxiety and sometimes even panic. 

The fear of failure can cause procrastination and can cause you to put off your speechwriting process until the last minute. Finding the right words takes time and preparation, and if you’re already feeling nervous, starting from a blank page might seem even harder.

But putting in the effort despite your stress is worth it. Presenting a speech you worked hard on fosters authenticity and connects you to the subject matter, which can help your audience understand your points better. Human connection is all about honesty and vulnerability, and if you want to connect to the people you’re speaking to, they should see that in you.

1. Identify your objectives and target audience

Before diving into the writing process, find healthy coping strategies to help you stop worrying . Then you can define your speech’s purpose, think about your target audience, and start identifying your objectives. Here are some questions to ask yourself and ground your thinking : 

• What purpose do I want my speech to achieve? 
• What would it mean to me if I achieved the speech’s purpose?
• What audience am I writing for? 
• What do I know about my audience? 
• What values do I want to transmit? 
• If the audience remembers one take-home message, what should it be? 
• What do I want my audience to feel, think, or do after I finish speaking? 
• What parts of my message could be confusing and require further explanation?

2. Know your audience

Understanding your audience is crucial for tailoring your speech effectively. Consider the demographics of your audience, their interests, and their expectations. For instance, if you're addressing a group of healthcare professionals, you'll want to use medical terminology and data that resonate with them. Conversely, if your audience is a group of young students, you'd adjust your content to be more relatable to their experiences and interests. 

3. Choose a clear message

Your message should be the central idea that you want your audience to take away from your speech. Let's say you're giving a speech on climate change. Your clear message might be something like, "Individual actions can make a significant impact on mitigating climate change." Throughout your speech, all your points and examples should support this central message, reinforcing it for your audience.

4. Structure your speech

Organizing your speech properly keeps your audience engaged and helps them follow your ideas. The introduction should grab your audience's attention and introduce the topic. For example, if you're discussing space exploration, you could start with a fascinating fact about a recent space mission. In the body, you'd present your main points logically, such as the history of space exploration, its scientific significance, and future prospects. Finally, in the conclusion, you'd summarize your key points and reiterate the importance of space exploration in advancing human knowledge.

5. Use engaging content for clarity

Engaging content includes stories, anecdotes, statistics, and examples that illustrate your main points. For instance, if you're giving a speech about the importance of reading, you might share a personal story about how a particular book changed your perspective. You could also include statistics on the benefits of reading, such as improved cognitive abilities and empathy.

6. Maintain clarity and simplicity

It's essential to communicate your ideas clearly. Avoid using overly technical jargon or complex language that might confuse your audience. For example, if you're discussing a medical breakthrough with a non-medical audience, explain complex terms in simple, understandable language.

7. Practice and rehearse

Practice is key to delivering a great speech. Rehearse multiple times to refine your delivery, timing, and tone. Consider using a mirror or recording yourself to observe your body language and gestures. For instance, if you're giving a motivational speech, practice your gestures and expressions to convey enthusiasm and confidence.

8. Consider nonverbal communication

Your body language, tone of voice, and gestures should align with your message . If you're delivering a speech on leadership, maintain strong eye contact to convey authority and connection with your audience. A steady pace and varied tone can also enhance your speech's impact.

9. Engage your audience

Engaging your audience keeps them interested and attentive. Encourage interaction by asking thought-provoking questions or sharing relatable anecdotes. If you're giving a speech on teamwork, ask the audience to recall a time when teamwork led to a successful outcome, fostering engagement and connection.

10. Prepare for Q&A

Anticipate potential questions or objections your audience might have and prepare concise, well-informed responses. If you're delivering a speech on a controversial topic, such as healthcare reform, be ready to address common concerns, like the impact on healthcare costs or access to services, during the Q&A session.

By following these steps and incorporating examples that align with your specific speech topic and purpose, you can craft and deliver a compelling and impactful speech that resonates with your audience.

Tools for writing a great speech

There are several helpful tools available for speechwriting, both technological and communication-related. Here are a few examples:

• Word processing software: Tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or other word processors provide a user-friendly environment for writing and editing speeches. They offer features like spell-checking, grammar correction, formatting options, and easy revision tracking.
• Presentation software: Software such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides is useful when creating visual aids to accompany your speech. These tools allow you to create engaging slideshows with text, images, charts, and videos to enhance your presentation.
• Speechwriting Templates: Online platforms or software offer pre-designed templates specifically for speechwriting. These templates provide guidance on structuring your speech and may include prompts for different sections like introductions, main points, and conclusions.
• Rhetorical devices and figures of speech: Rhetorical tools such as metaphors, similes, alliteration, and parallelism can add impact and persuasion to your speech. Resources like books, websites, or academic papers detailing various rhetorical devices can help you incorporate them effectively.
• Speechwriting apps: Mobile apps designed specifically for speechwriting can be helpful in organizing your thoughts, creating outlines, and composing a speech. These apps often provide features like voice recording, note-taking, and virtual prompts to keep you on track.
• Grammar and style checkers: Online tools or plugins like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor help improve the clarity and readability of your speech by checking for grammar, spelling, and style errors. They provide suggestions for sentence structure, word choice, and overall tone.
• Thesaurus and dictionary: Online or offline resources such as thesauruses and dictionaries help expand your vocabulary and find alternative words or phrases to express your ideas more effectively. They can also clarify meanings or provide context for unfamiliar terms.
• Online speechwriting communities: Joining online forums or communities focused on speechwriting can be beneficial for getting feedback, sharing ideas, and learning from experienced speechwriters. It's an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and improve your public speaking skills through collaboration.

Remember, while these tools can assist in the speechwriting process, it's essential to use them thoughtfully and adapt them to your specific needs and style. The most important aspect of speechwriting remains the creativity, authenticity, and connection with your audience that you bring to your speech.

5 tips for writing a speech

Behind every great speech is an excellent idea and a speaker who refined it. But a successful speech is about more than the initial words on the page, and there are a few more things you can do to help it land.

Here are five more tips for writing and practicing your speech:

1. Structure first, write second

If you start the writing process before organizing your thoughts, you may have to re-order, cut, and scrap the sentences you worked hard on. Save yourself some time by using a speech structure, like the one above, to order your talking points first. This can also help you identify unclear points or moments that disrupt your flow.

2. Do your homework

Data strengthens your argument with a scientific edge. Research your topic with an eye for attention-grabbing statistics, or look for findings you can use to support each point. If you’re pitching a product or service, pull information from company metrics that demonstrate past or potential successes. 

Audience members will likely have questions, so learn all talking points inside and out. If you tell investors that your product will provide 12% returns, for example, come prepared with projections that support that statement.

3. Sound like yourself

Memorable speakers have distinct voices. Think of Martin Luther King Jr’s urgent, inspiring timbre or Oprah’s empathetic, personal tone . Establish your voice — one that aligns with your personality and values — and stick with it. If you’re a motivational speaker, keep your tone upbeat to inspire your audience . If you’re the CEO of a startup, try sounding assured but approachable. 

4. Practice

As you practice a speech, you become more confident , gain a better handle on the material, and learn the outline so well that unexpected questions are less likely to trip you up. Practice in front of a colleague or friend for honest feedback about what you could change, and speak in front of the mirror to tweak your nonverbal communication and body language .

5. Remember to breathe

When you’re stressed, you breathe more rapidly . It can be challenging to talk normally when you can’t regulate your breath. Before your presentation, try some mindful breathing exercises so that when the day comes, you already have strategies that will calm you down and remain present . This can also help you control your voice and avoid speaking too quickly.

How to ghostwrite a great speech for someone else

Ghostwriting a speech requires a unique set of skills, as you're essentially writing a piece that will be delivered by someone else. Here are some tips on how to effectively ghostwrite a speech:

• Understand the speaker's voice and style : Begin by thoroughly understanding the speaker's personality, speaking style, and preferences. This includes their tone, humor, and any personal anecdotes they may want to include.
• Interview the speaker : Have a detailed conversation with the speaker to gather information about their speech's purpose, target audience, key messages, and any specific points they want to emphasize. Ask for personal stories or examples they may want to include.
• Research thoroughly : Research the topic to ensure you have a strong foundation of knowledge. This helps you craft a well-informed and credible speech.
• Create an outline : Develop a clear outline that includes the introduction, main points, supporting evidence, and a conclusion. Share this outline with the speaker for their input and approval.
• Write in the speaker's voice : While crafting the speech, maintain the speaker's voice and style. Use language and phrasing that feel natural to them. If they have a particular way of expressing ideas, incorporate that into the speech.
• Craft a captivating opening : Begin the speech with a compelling opening that grabs the audience's attention. This could be a relevant quote, an interesting fact, a personal anecdote, or a thought-provoking question.
• Organize content logically : Ensure the speech flows logically, with each point building on the previous one. Use transitions to guide the audience from one idea to the next smoothly.
• Incorporate engaging stories and examples : Include anecdotes, stories, and real-life examples that illustrate key points and make the speech relatable and memorable.
• Edit and revise : Edit the speech carefully for clarity, grammar, and coherence. Ensure the speech is the right length and aligns with the speaker's time constraints.
• Seek feedback : Share drafts of the speech with the speaker for their feedback and revisions. They may have specific changes or additions they'd like to make.
• Practice delivery : If possible, work with the speaker on their delivery. Practice the speech together, allowing the speaker to become familiar with the content and your writing style.
• Maintain confidentiality : As a ghostwriter, it's essential to respect the confidentiality and anonymity of the work. Do not disclose that you wrote the speech unless you have the speaker's permission to do so.
• Be flexible : Be open to making changes and revisions as per the speaker's preferences. Your goal is to make them look good and effectively convey their message.
• Meet deadlines : Stick to agreed-upon deadlines for drafts and revisions. Punctuality and reliability are essential in ghostwriting.
• Provide support : Support the speaker during their preparation and rehearsal process. This can include helping with cue cards, speech notes, or any other materials they need.

Remember that successful ghostwriting is about capturing the essence of the speaker while delivering a well-structured and engaging speech. Collaboration, communication, and adaptability are key to achieving this.

Give your best speech yet

Learn how to make a speech that’ll hold an audience’s attention by structuring your thoughts and practicing frequently. Put the effort into writing and preparing your content, and aim to improve your breathing, eye contact , and body language as you practice. The more you work on your speech, the more confident you’ll become.

The energy you invest in writing an effective speech will help your audience remember and connect to every concept. Remember: some life-changing philosophies have come from good speeches, so give your words a chance to resonate with others. You might even change their thinking.

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

10+ interpersonal skills at work and ways to develop them

How to write an impactful cover letter for a career change, what are analytical skills examples and how to level up, 6 presentation skills and how to improve them, what is gig work and does it make the dream work, how to pursue jobs versus careers to achieve different goals, how to be more persuasive: 6 tips for convincing others, drafting an effective reference request email, why is there a labor shortage 5 ways it could impact you, how to write an executive summary in 10 steps, 18 effective strategies to improve your communication skills, the importance of good speech: 5 tips to be more articulate, how to pitch ideas: 8 tips to captivate any audience, how to give a good presentation that captivates any audience, anxious about meetings learn how to run a meeting with these 10 tips, writing an elevator pitch about yourself: a how-to plus tips, how to write a memo: 8 steps with examples, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

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How to Write the Perfect Speech Every Time

The key to giving a great speech is actually writing a great speech. All the speech-related advice out there focuses on our collective (and completely rational) fear of public speaking . What if I told you that delivering a speech is a whole lot easier when you know that the writing is airtight and kick-ass? Welcome to my TED Talk.

We’ve all sat through some drab commencement speakers, or perhaps your company’s last town hall featured some less-than-rousing monologues. Despite all the speakers who have caused us to nod off in our seats, writing a good speech doesn’t have to be as hard as it looks.

I spoke with speechwriter Chandler Dean , director at West Wing Writers . Whether you’re trying to inspire some graduates, get a promotion, and/or achieve world domination, here’s what you need to know to write the best possible speech for all your persuasion-related needs.

The basics: Good speeches all follow the same formula

Dean shares that the vast majority of persuasive speeches all follow one basic structure: Monroe’s Motivated Sequence . To craft an effective speech, try to follow this five-step structure:

Attention. Hook your audience.

Problem. Present the issue that you’re going to address.

Solution. Offer ways to solve the problem.

Vision. Help your audience visualize your solution (more on that below).

Call to action. Close out your speech by giving the audience action items.

The beauty of Monroe’s Motivated Sequence is that you use it all the time without even realizing it. For instance, Dean pointed out that I used it myself when I messaged him requesting an interview. Even though this flow of persuasion is probably already natural to you, the five steps are a useful checklist to make sure you’re not skipping anything in your speech.

Spell things out for your audience

Dean explains the old adage of telling people your main point three times: “Tell them what you’re about to say, say the thing, and then tell them what you just said.”

Dean explains that although this might make your speech look repetitive on paper, keep in mind that this argument is meant for the ear, not the eye. The reason this is so important is that in a live, oral medium, people can’t go back and re-read the most important bits.You need to be a little redundant in order to help your audience organize and process what you want them to hear.

So, let me reiterate: Hit home your main point not once, not twice, but three times.

Tips and tricks to take your speech to the next level

Dean offers up these final reminders to ensure your speech is as compelling as possible.

Address the elephant in the room. If there’s anything out-of-the-ordinary about the event you’re speaking at, address it up top and your audience will find you more relatable

Write chronologically. Information should be relayed to the audience in the order that it happened, unless you’re deliberately withholding details for effect

Use visual metaphors. Find language that evokes some kind of visual, rather than speaking in abstract or theoretical terms. Dean brings up Conan O’Brien’s speech to the Harvard Class of 2000 as a fun example of using specificity to paint a picture. This not only grabs your audience’s attention, but ensures they remember what you say.

Tailor your speech to your audience. Remember who your audience is, and use details to speak to them specifically. Eric Schnure , author of The Political Speechwriter’s Companion calls these moments “howdahells,” as in “ How the hell did they know that? ” If you can find something specific to address that your specific audience finds relatable, that goes a long way to endearing you to the crowd.

Brevity. Use the fewest words possible to make your point. Done.

Finally: Is your speech running long? Do what my editors do and cut out all the adverbs . Quickly!

If you want to see these tips in action, check out Dean’s own close reading of his eighth grade graduation speech .

Follow Dean on Twitter @chandlerjdean .

What are common questions asked at a school prefect interview and how can you provide impressive answers?

Common questions asked at a school prefect interview can vary, but here are some examples along with tips on how to provide impressive answers:

Why do you want to be a prefect?

• This question aims to understand your motivation and commitment to the role. Be honest and highlight your desire to contribute to the school community, support fellow students, and make a positive impact [1] .

What qualities do you think make a good prefect?

• Showcase your understanding of the responsibilities and qualities required for the role. Mention traits such as leadership, responsibility, good communication skills, approachability, and the ability to work well with others. Provide examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these qualities [1] .

What responsibilities do you think you will hold as a prefect?

• Demonstrate your knowledge of the prefect role by mentioning specific responsibilities such as assisting teachers, organizing events, mentoring younger students, promoting a positive school culture, and being a role model. Show enthusiasm for taking on these responsibilities and explain how you plan to fulfill them effectively [1] .

How would you handle conflicts or disciplinary situations as a prefect?

• Emphasize your ability to remain calm, fair, and unbiased when dealing with conflicts. Mention your willingness to listen to all parties involved, mediate discussions, and find peaceful resolutions. Highlight your understanding of the importance of maintaining a positive and respectful school environment [1] .

How do you manage your time and prioritize your commitments?

• Discuss your organizational skills and time management strategies. Explain how you balance your academic workload, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments. Provide examples of situations where you successfully managed multiple responsibilities and achieved positive outcomes [2] .

How would you contribute to improving the school community?

• Share your ideas for initiatives or projects that could enhance the school community. This could include organizing charity events, promoting inclusivity and diversity, implementing mentorship programs, or creating platforms for student voices to be heard. Show enthusiasm and a genuine interest in making a difference [2] .

Tell us about a time when you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.

• Share a specific example of a challenge you encountered and explain the steps you took to overcome it. Highlight your problem-solving skills, resilience, and determination. Discuss the lessons you learned from the experience and how it has shaped you as an individual [2] .

Remember, it's important to be authentic, confident, and well-prepared for the interview. Practice your answers beforehand and consider how your experiences and qualities align with the expectations of a prefect role.

Learn more:

• Questions asked in prefect interviews - The Student Room
• THE LION - Prefects 2019 - Questions

Continue the conversation

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Mastering the Art of Fundraising Speeches: Tips and Best Practices

Donors, sponsors, grantmakers, lend me your ears! Are you ready to give a rousing fundraising speech that results in more dollars for your cause? We’ve got you covered with inspiring tips and best practices, along with some examples to inspire you. Read on!

Let’s face it: public speaking isn’t easy. It’s especially difficult when you aren’t sure how to give the best possible speech you can. When it comes to fundraising speeches, a lot can be on the line. Reaching your fundraising goal , supporting your important work… It’s easy to feel the pressure. 

We’re here to help you understand how a fundraising speech works, what it should include, and how you can give the best one possible. We’ll also share some examples you can use to get started. 

It’s time to raise more with the power of your voice! 

What is a Fundraising Speech?

A fundraising speech is one you give at an event or public gathering that both educates your audience about your organization’s mission and encourages them to step up and give. Ultimately, the goal of a fundraising speech is to convert audience members into donors – preferably long-term or recurring donors . 

Whereas an elevator pitch is a short and direct speech detailing your organization’s work, a fundraising speech is typically longer and more focused on the event or campaign. Usually, your audience for a fundraising speech knows at least a little about what you do – but they may not feel compelled to give yet. 

An effective fundraising speech entertains, connects, and ultimately encourages donations. 

5 Key Elements of a Successful Fundraising Speech

Let’s look at some key elements for a fundraising speech that brings in significant donations for your cause. 

Credibility of the speaker 

First and foremost, the person giving the speech matters. Effective fundraising speeches are typically given by the following: 

• Executive directors
• Board members with a connection to the cause 
• Development directors 
• Celebrities endorsing the organization 
• Beneficiaries of the organization’s work  

What do all of these speakers have in common? They have a certain level of credibility because of their familiarity with the organization. Speakers who are well-known to the audience, such as celebrity endorsers or local corporate partners , have an additional level of credibility. 

Credibility can also be built by things like:

• Believability. Is the speaker making sense? 
• Speaking ability. Is the speaker pleasant to listen to? 
• A clear message. Is the speaker getting to the point? 

A credible speaker is a powerful one – and a powerful one can help you receive more donations. 

Pro tip: Want to increase your organization’s credibility? Increase your transparency! Learn how in this blog . 

2. Emotional connection 

Aristotle defined rhetoric as the “available means of persuasion.” When it comes to fundraising, pathos, or an appeal to emotions, is a crucial part of persuading someone to donate to your cause. 

An effective fundraising speech connects with the emotions of the audience, inspiring sympathy and empathy. But… how does one accomplish this? 

Storytelling is an excellent way to connect with your audience’s emotions. Humans are hardwired to connect with characters in stories, which will inspire them to put themselves in the shoes of the people your organization helps. 

Pro tip: Gathering stories ethically is an important step in creating a successful fundraising speech. Read this blog to learn the best way to get compelling stories while protecting any vulnerable participants.  

3. An appeal to logic 

An emotional connection won’t be everything for some potential donors. Quantitative data – how many people you’ve helped, what percentage of your activities are successful, etc. – will appeal to logic and convince even the stiffest donors that your cause is worthy. 

Appealing to your audience’s logic can also include: 

• Statistics about the problem you’re solving 
• Information about why your process is different or more effective 
• How you use donated funds to get all of this done

Including clear logic in your speech will make it even more moving. 

4. A strong call to action

You’ve captured the attention of your audience and got them fired up about your cause. Now what? 

This is where your call to action comes in. What steps should they take to help you achieve your mission ?

This is where in-person fundraising comes in. 

For example, if you have a text-to-give campaign, you might end your speech by asking your audience to give $20 by texting your unique keyword to the text-to-give number. This is an easy way to encourage quick donations using a tool everyone has in their pocket – a smartphone! 

A donation kiosk helps you capture spontaneous, on-site donations. The Donorbox Live™ Kiosk app allows you to turn a tablet and card reader into a donation magnet. Donors can give using cards, smartphones, and smartwatches. 

Learn more about the Donorbox Live™ Kiosk app in this short video! 

Being specific about what you expect from your audience will ensure your speech is successful in actually generating donations. 

5. Matching the tone of the event 

A fundraising speech should complement the event at which it’s being given. For example, you wouldn’t want to get too gloomy at a fun, family golf tournament . Similarly, you wouldn’t want to crack jokes shortly after a slideshow demonstrating your work with victims of natural disasters. 

Hitting the right tone will ensure your speech is heard and appreciated. It also helps make the speech fit into the event smoothly, so your attendees have a seamless experience. 

Fundraising Speech Tips

Here are some tips to make your fundraising speech successful. 

Avoid cliches 

Fundraising speeches sound sincere when they avoid cliche phrases and ways of speaking. For example, which of the sentences below is more compelling? 

• “To address this problem, we decided to think outside of the box.” 
• “To address this problem, we built a team of creative problem-solvers to come up with a solution no one had thought of before.” 

The second one resonates more, right? Notice that we also slipped a little bit of storytelling in there by sharing the process for building a team. This allows audience members to see more of your story and is more personal than a cliche everyone has heard before. 

2. Practice – but don’t memorize 

A great fundraising speech should be practiced enough for the speaker to know all the beats and feel comfortable with the content, but it should never be memorized. 

Memorized speeches come off as rote and robotic. When you know the beats of your speech but fill in the rest with honest thoughts, your audience is more likely to connect with you – and give up their hard-earned dollars. 

3. Know your audience 

Knowing who your audience is should guide you as you create the perfect fundraising speech. For example, will your audience appreciate humor? Will they understand a reference? Do they agree with your ideology? 

Write for your audience to ensure your fundraising speech connects with those listening. 

Nonprofit Organization Speech Examples

Here are some brief fundraising speech examples to inspire you. 

A gala speech 

Welcome, everyone! Thank you for joining us at our 5th annual Spring Fling Gala. We have an evening of live music, dancing, and fabulous auction items ahead of us. I just want to take a few minutes to talk about what this evening is all about – our mission of bringing the arts to underserved children. 

Our programs have introduced over 30,000 children to the arts, whether that’s through music, painting, dancing, or acting. Children who experience the arts in elementary school are ten times more likely to graduate high school. They’re also more likely to develop crucial skills, like communication, creative problem-solving, and collaboration. Some of these children have never been able to express themselves – until now. 

But we can’t do this alone. This evening, I want you to dig deep and give all you can to help us bring magic to these children. The smiles on their faces bring me so much joy – and I know you feel the same way. You can give at any of the kiosks stationed around the room. And don’t forget to bid on your favorite silent auction items!

Together, we can change the lives of these children and build a better future for us all . 

2. A donor appreciation event speech 

Tonight is all about gratitude. We’re so grateful to you for supporting our work housing our unhoused neighbors with dignity and style. 

I want to tell you a quick story about Kyle. Kyle and his dog Samson were on the street for nine months. Let that sink in – nine months of sleeping on cardboard in an alley, scavenging for food, being treated like a second-class citizen. That wore down both his physical and mental health. Samson was in desperate need of care that Kyle couldn’t afford to give. 

Your support allowed our team of experts to intervene. We found an apartment for Kyle and furnished it with donations, adding every touch of comfort that we could to ensure it was a home and not just a house. Our partner animal shelter took Samson in and treated him so he was back on his feet and wagging his tail right away. Kyle now has a job at a local coffee shop, where he greets the community every day with a big smile. 

But our work isn’t finished. There are many more people like Kyle who need help to get back on their feet. Who want to be active members of our society, but have been downtrodden because no one has offered them that hand up. 

If everyone in this room donated just $20 tonight, we would have $3,000 to put toward our next case. To give, text “Home” to [phone number] and donate through our online donation form. 

Thank you so much for helping us create stronger, healthier communities. 

Conclusion 

Ultimately, a great speech is all about connecting with your audience. A great fundraising speech takes that a step further – you connect with your audience in a way that inspires them to give . 

Getting the speech right can feel intimidating! But it doesn’t have to. Use the tips and best practices outlined above to craft a moving speech that adequately represents your organization and encourages audience members to be generous. Check out the example speeches to get inspired. Most importantly, don’t stress about it. The perfect fundraising speech will come to you! 

Once you get your audience excited about giving to your cause, you must have an easy way for them to do so. Donorbox has comprehensive tools to collect donations online and in person. Whether you’re launching a crowdfunding campaign, selling tickets to your next event, collecting on-site donations with the Donorbox Live™ Kiosk app, or using text-to-give to collect spontaneous gifts, we have you covered. Learn more about all of our features and sign up today ! 

For more fundraising tips, check out the rest of our Nonprofit Blog . Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to receive the best of the blog in your inbox.

Lindsey Baker Bower

Lindsey spent years wearing many hats in the nonprofit world. Whether she was helping arts nonprofits with their messaging and content, planning a fundraising gala, writing an NEA grant proposal, or running a membership program with over 400 members, she learned how to navigate – and appreciate! – the fast-paced world of fundraising. Now, she loves sharing those hard-earned lessons with the Donorbox community.

Join the fundraising movement!

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Transcript: Biden’s speech explaining why he withdrew from the 2024 presidential race

President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, about his decision to drop his Democratic reelection bid. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Transcript of President Joe Biden’s address to the nation on July 24, 2024:

My fellow Americans, I’m speaking to you tonight from behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. In this sacred space, I’m surrounded by portraits of extraordinary American presidents. Thomas Jefferson wrote the immortal words that guide this nation. George Washington, who showed us presidents are not kings. Abraham Lincoln, who implored us to reject malice. Franklin Roosevelt, who inspired us to reject fear.

I revere this office, but I love my country more.

It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president. But in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think it’s more important than any title.

I draw strength and I find joy in working for the American people, but this sacred task of perfecting our union is not about me. It’s about you, your families, your futures. It’s about we the people, and we can never forget that. And I never have.

I’ve made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point, one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine our fate of our nation and the world for decades to come.

America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division. We have to decide, do we still believe in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice and democracy? In this moment, we can see those we disagree with not as enemies, but as fellow Americans. Can we do that? Does character in public life still matter?

I believe you know the answer to these questions because I know you, the American people, and I know this, we are a great nation because we are a good people.

When you elected me to this office, I promised to always level with you, to tell you the truth. And the truth, the sacred cause of this country, is larger than any one of us, and those of us who cherish that cause cherish it so much, a cause of American democracy itself must unite to protect it.

You know, in recent weeks it’s become clear to me that I needed to unite my party in this critical endeavor. I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future all merited a second term, but nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy, and that includes personal ambition.

So I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That’s the best way to unite our nation. I know there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, but there’s also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices, and that time and place is now.

What to know about the 2024 Election

• Democracy: American democracy has overcome big stress tests since 2020. More challenges lie ahead in 2024.
• AP’s Role: The Associated Press is the most trusted source of information on election night, with a history of accuracy dating to 1848. Learn more.
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Over the next six months, I’ll be focused on doing my job as president. That means I’ll continue to lower costs for hard-working families, grow our economy. I’ll keep defending our personal freedoms and our civil rights, from the right to vote to the right to choose. I’ll keep calling out hate and extremism, make it clear there is no place, no place in America for political violence or any violence ever, period. I’m going to keep speaking out to protect our kids from gun violence, our planet from climate crisis, is the existential threat.

And I will keep fighting for my for my cancer moonshot, so we can end cancer as we know it because we can do it. And I’m going to call for Supreme Court reform because this is critical to our democracy, Supreme Court reform. You know, I will keep working to ensure America remains strong and secure and the leader of the free world.

I’m the first president in this century to report to the American people that the United States is not at war anywhere in the world. We’ll keep rallying a coalition of proud nations to stop Putin from taking over Ukraine and doing more damage. We’ll keep NATO stronger, and I’ll make it more powerful and more united than at any time in all of our history. I’ll keep doing the same for allies in the Pacific.

You know, when I came to office, the conventional wisdom was that China would inevitably surpass the United States. That’s not the case anymore. And I’m going to keep working to end the war in Gaza, bring home all the hostages and bring peace and security to the Middle East and end this war.

We’re also working around the clock to bring home Americans being unjustly detained all around the world. You know, we’ve come so far since my inauguration. On that day, I told you as I stood in that winter — we stood in a winter of peril and a winter of possibilities, peril and possibilities. We were in the grip of the worst pandemic in the century, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War, but we came together as Americans, and we got through it. We emerged stronger, more prosperous and more secure.

Today, we have the strongest economy in the world, creating nearly 16 million new jobs — a record. Wages are up, inflation continues to come down, the racial wealth gap is the lowest it’s been in 20 years. We’re literally rebuilding our entire nation, urban, suburban, rural and tribal communities. Manufacturing has come back to America.

We’re leading the world again in chips and science and innovation. We finally beat Big Pharma after all these years, to lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors, and I’m going to keep fighting to make sure we lower the cost for everyone, not just seniors.

More people have health care today in America than ever before. And I signed one of the most significant laws helping millions of veterans and their families who were exposed to toxic materials. You know, the most significant climate law ever, ever in the history of the world, the first major gun safety law in 30 years. And today, violent crime rate is at a 50-year low.

We’re also securing our border. Border crossings are lower today than when the previous administration left office. And I’ve kept my commitment to appoint the first Black woman to the Supreme Court of the United States of America. I also kept my commitment to have an administration that looks like America and be a president for all Americans.

That’s what I’ve done. I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and still do, that the soul of America was at stake. The very nature of who we are was at stake and that’s still the case. America is an idea, an idea stronger than any army, bigger than any ocean, more powerful than any dictator or tyrant.

It’s the most powerful idea in the history of the world. That idea is that we hold these truths to be self-evident. We’re all created equal, endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights, life, liberty, pursuit of happiness. We’ve never fully lived up to it, to this sacred idea, but we’ve never walked away from it either and I do not believe the American people will walk away from it now.

In just a few months, the American people will choose the course of America’s future. I made my choice. I made my views known. I would like to thank our great Vice President Kamala Harris. She’s experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable. She’s been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people.

When you make that choice, remember the words of Benjamin Franklin. It’s hanging on my wall here in the Oval Office, alongside the bust of Dr. King and Rosa Parks and Cesar Chavez. When Ben Franklin was asked as he emerged from the convention going on, whether the founders have given America a monarchy or republic, Franklin’s response was “a republic, if you can keep it.” A republic if you can keep it. Whether we keep our republic is now in your hands.

My fellow Americans, it’s been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years. Nowhere else on earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as President of the United States, but here I am. That’s what’s so special about America.

We are a nation of promise and possibilities, of dreamers and doers, of ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things. I’ve given my heart and my soul to our nation, like so many others. I’ve been blessed a million times in return with the love and support of the American people. I hope you have some idea how grateful I am to all of you.

The great thing about America is here kings and dictators do not rule, the people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep faith, keep the faith and remember who we are. We’re the United States of America and there’s simply nothing, nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together.

So let’s act together, preserve our democracy. God bless you all and may God protect our troops. Thank you.

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How to Write an Acceptance Speech

Last Updated: March 21, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,104,083 times.

When you win an award or honor, it's traditional to share a few words. Writing an acceptance speech can be challenging, so it helps to brainstorm and prepare in advance. You should open your speech with a brief introduction of gratitude, move on to thanking your benefactors, and conclude your speech with some inspiration and optimism. This is your time to shine, but showing humility will leave your audience feeling truly pleased for you and your success.

Brainstorming Ideas

• After you make an initial list of people you want to thank, walk away and come back to the list later. There might be people you forgot to include that you'll remember at a later time.
• If you're worried about leaving someone important out of your speech, ask a close friend or coworker to help with your list. They might think of someone you forgot to include.

• For example, if you're receiving an award for your volunteer work, try searching “volunteer award acceptance speeches” in a search engine. If you're referencing speeches in a physical book, try to find a book that has the speeches organized by award type.

Writing Your Speech

• For example, you could write “I am so honored to be standing here today to receive this community leadership award. Serving my community has been a joy and a privilege that I am grateful for every single day. I wouldn't be able to do it if it weren't for all the amazing people in this city."

• You don't have to say someone's name to show you're thankful for them. For example, instead of thanking all of your coworkers individually, you could say “I can't express enough how grateful I am for all of my amazing colleagues.”
• You can thank the members of the organization giving you the award without listing off their names by saying something like “Thank you so much to the team at the New York Nonprofit Conference for recognizing me with this incredible award.”

• For example, if you're winning an award in recognition of your volunteer work with kids, you could mention how you think more work needs to be done to combat childhood illiteracy.
• Don't use your acceptance speech as a time to rant about your political viewpoints or talk heatedly about a controversial topic (unless it's directly connected to the award you're receiving). You'll likely alienate members of the audience and upset the organization that gave you the award.

Rehearsing Your Speech

• If there's someone mentioned in your speech that can't attend the event, invite them to practice with you. That way they get to hear your speech and you have someone to give you pointers.

• Notice how your voice sounds. Make sure you're speaking loud enough and that what you're saying is clear and understandable.

Writing Help

Community Q&A

• Make eye contact with members of the audience to appear more engaged. [11] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Bring a copy of your speech with you onstage. You might not need to use it, but it's helpful if you forget someone's name. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Avoid reading the copy of speech, but use notes and make sure to look up at the audience more tha you read what you write. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Avoid negative or apologetic statements during your speech. They can make you seem ungrateful. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 1

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• ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-prepare-an-accepta_b_9290348
• ↑ Lynn Kirkham. Public Speaking Coach. Expert Interview. 20 November 2019.
• ↑ https://www.gvsu.edu/ours/oral-presentation-tips-30.htm
• ↑ https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/10-tips-for-improving-your-public-speaking-skills/
• ↑ https://www.washington.edu/doit/presentation-tips-0

About This Article

To write an acceptance speech, start with a brief introduction that expresses your gratitude and makes a connection with your audience. Then, in the body of your speech, focus on the people that you want to thank. Try to avoid thanking too many people so your audience doesn't grow impatient by sticking with the people directly involved with the award and your immediate support system. Finally, conclude your acceptance speech on a brief, positive note and thank the audience one last time. To learn how to rehearse an acceptance speech, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Full Transcript of Biden’s Speech on Ending His Run for Re-election

“The best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” the president said in a rare Oval Office address. And he told voters, “History is in your hands.”

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President Biden delivered remarks from the Oval Office on Wednesday on his decision to abandon his bid for re-election. The following is a transcript of his speech, as recorded by The New York Times.

My fellow Americans, I’m speaking to you tonight from behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. In this sacred space, I’m surrounded by portraits of extraordinary American presidents. Thomas Jefferson wrote the immortal words that guide this nation. George Washington showed us presidents are not kings. Abraham Lincoln implored us to reject malice. Franklin Roosevelt inspired us to reject fear.

I revere this office, but I love my country more. It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president. But in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think it’s more important than any title. I draw strength and find joy in working for the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our union is not about me, it’s about you. Your families, your futures.

It’s about we the people. And we can never forget that. And I never have. I’ve made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point. On those rare moments in history, when the decisions we make now determine our fate of our nation and the world for decades to come, America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.

We have to decide: Do we still believe in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice and democracy. In this moment, we can see those we disagree with not as enemies but as, I mean, fellow Americans — can we do that? Does character in public life still matter? I believe you know the answer to these questions because I know you the American people, and I know this:

We are a great nation because we are a good people. When you elected me to this office, I promised to always level with you, to tell you the truth. And the truth, the sacred cause of this country, is larger than any one of us. Those of us who cherry that cause cherish it so much. The cause of American democracy itself. We must unite to protect it.

In recent weeks, it has become clear to me that I need to unite my party in this critical endeavor. I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future, all merited a second term. But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition.

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