Speech

A Speech is a formal talk that a person delivers to his audience. It must have the capacity to hold the attention of the audience with a proper
choice of words, expressions and examples. At the same time care should be taken not to deviate from the main subject. You must keep in
mind that it is a speech and you need to begin the draft with addressing the audience and conclusion should be with a sentence thanking the
audience.

♦ Remember:

WHO you are writing the speech for (i.e., who your audience is).
WHAT your speech is going to be about (its topic) and the main points in order of importance.

♦ Note:
It is important to note that the written speech should consist of small sentences having not more than 10 to 12 words in a sentence.

♦ Value Points:

How do you start writing a speech? The following would be how the format and the content would flow:

1. A speech has no title, no paragraphs. It flows in a continuous manner

2. Always start with greeting your audience, an introduction of yourself and what your topic of speech is
going to be. Start off by introducing the topic to the audience. The introduction part of the speech is the
most important part. It is this part which decides the impact of the speech. The introduction should not
be very lengthy. You can also start with a quote related to the topic and then come to the greeting.

3. Do not write the speech in points format.

4. Keep in mind, as already stated, the occasion of the speech and the nature of the audience. The main
topic should be taken up as quickly as possible.

5. Use concrete terms and tangible examples. Avoid abstract phrases which are quite vague. Use
rhetorics where necessary.

6. Use simple and familiar language.

7. The conclusion plays a very important role in the success of a speech. Give your own conclusion on
the topic in a telling manner. Say thank you for the opportunity and end on a hope-filled note

Total marks – 5 marks

Format – 1 mark

Content – 3 marks

Expression – 1 mark

 OPENING LINE- This includes salutations, introduction and the topic. Make sure you do not mention your personal details (your
own name, school name, etc.).
 Example- Respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends! Today, I (name given in the question) stand before you all to speak on
the topic “(given in the question)”.
OR you could start with a quote related to the topic and then go with the salutations and introduction.

 BODY- It is the main part of your writing piece.

 It is always prescribed that you begin with a short introduction on the topic, it’s meant to be precise.

 Then you need to explain the current situation, the problems (if any) and whether after any corrective actions, betterment in the
situation has been observed or not.

 It may include advantages/ disadvantages depending upon the topic in question.

 Now here, it is important you follow a sequence. It is possible that you have too many points or very few points. When you have a lot
of varied points, it is better you choose a few best ones and write a line on each. In case you have very few already, explain them in
at least two lines each.

 You have to strictly follow the prescribed word limit in a limited time frame so just do not go on writing and writing. Word limit
prescribed is 120-150 words.

 MOST IMPORTANT- Always begin with your strongest point. You can accommodate the weaker ones in between and end with
another strong point.

 Feel free to give your personal opinion in one or two lines.

 It is very important that you do not deviate from the topic. There are chances you may get ideas linking from one to another that may
deviate you from the main point. You have to refrain from doing so.

 SOLUTION/CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH- Now, it is to be remembered that wherever you elaborate a problem, you always have to
mention the steps being taken to improvise the situation and suggest a few solutions as well.

Now, it would be great if you could add a few quotes relating to motivating the people to take action.
Here also, the rule of STRONG-WEAK-STRONG applies.

 Last but not the least, the concluding line, thanking the audience for their cooperation and their patience. It is very important to
conclude what you’ve started. Never leave a speech or for that matter, any of your answer open-ended.

Samples
Question 1.
Nowadays just about everyone owns a cell phone but most of the users do not follow even the basic rules of cell phone conduct. They are
seen speaking loudly, taking a phone call in the middle of a meeting or even at a funeral etc. Write a speech in 120-150 words to be
delivered in the assembly of your school to appraise the fellow students of cell phone etiquette.

Answer:

Nowadays almost everyone owns a mobile phone but many users have no knowledge of the basic rules of cell phone conduct. Good
Morning everyone, I, ABC, have come before you all to appraise you of cell phone etiquette. It is actually necessary to follow a few guidelines
regarding the use of cell phones. Your cell phone does not have to go everywhere you go. There are times when you should never answer
your cell phone, especially in places of worship and funeral homes. At the very best they should be on the vibrate mode in these places. Use
your soft voice and do not yell into your cell phone. Be courteous to others’ right of not being disturbed by your megaphone range voice. In
social situations where you are entertaining friends or clients, do not have long cell phone conversations as it gives the impression that you
do not value the time and presence of the person in front of you. If your phone rings while you are driving, wait till you have pulled over
before you answer or return the call. Your life and the life of the people around you is of much more value than your phone call. Be a
responsible cell phone user, be aware of your surroundings before making or receiving a call and have respect for those around you. This
will help others to appreciate your good judgment and consideration. With this thought I end my speech. I would like to thank you all for
giving me an opportunity to express myself. Have a great day!

Question 2.
Regular practice of yoga can help in maintaining good health and even in the prevention of so many ailments. Write a speech in 120-150
words to be delivered in the morning assembly on the usefulness of yoga.

Answer:
Good morning Respected Principal Ma’am, Teachers and my dear Friends. I, ABC, have come before you all to speak on the usefulness of
yoga. Yoga means the experience of unity with one’s inner being. Yoga is the Sanskrit word for “union”. It has been a practice that uses
postures and breathing techniques to induce relaxation and improve strength. In the last few years, the benefits of yoga have gained
acknowledgement and popularity the world over. Yoga has now become a way of life with the aim ‘a healthy mind in a healthy body.’ Man is
a physical, mental and spiritual being and yoga helps to promote a balanced development of all the three. Other forms of exercises like
aerobics, jogging etc. assure only physical well-being. They have little to do with the development of the spiritual body. Yogic exercises
recharge the body with cosmic energy which facilitates attainment of perfect equilibrium and harmony, promotes self-healing, removes
negative blocks from the mind and toxins from the body and also reduces stress and tension. One feels rejuvenated and energized with
yoga. Yoga’s popularity worldwide is because people have realized the essence of self-contentment and inner peace and understand that
yoga is the only and best way to attain these two essentials. Yoga also helps in the prevention of ailments like hypertension, diabetes,
arthritis etc. With its numerous benefits to control the body and the mind the usefulness of yoga cannot be denied or overlooked.
Thank you!

Question 3
As Mukul / Mahima of Alps Public School, write a speech to be delivered in school assembly highlighting the importance of
cleanliness suggesting that the state of cleanliness reflects the character of its citizens. (120-150 words)

Answer:

In the words of the great John Wesley,

“Cleanliness is next to godliness”
Good Morning respected principal, teachers, and my dear friends. Today, I, Mukul/Mahima, stand before you all, to highlight the
importance of cleanliness. Cleanliness is the state or quality of being clean or being kept clean. It is essential for everyone to learn
about cleanliness, hygiene, sanitation and the various diseases that are caused due to poor hygienic conditions. It is crucial for
physical well-being and maintaining a healthy environment at home and at school. An unclean environment is an invitation for a lot
of mosquitoes to breed in and spread deadly diseases. On the other hand, not maintaining personal hygiene leads to a lot of skin
problems and decreased immunity. The habits learnt at a young age get embedded into one's personality. Even if we inculcate
certain habits like washing hands before and after meals, regular brushing and bathing from a young age, we are not bothered
about keeping public places clean. For this, on 2nd October, 2014, the Indian Prime Minister launched a nation-wide cleanliness
campaign, “Swachh Bharat” to provide sanitation facilities to every family, including toilets, solid and liquid waste disposal systems,
village cleanliness, and safe and adequate drinking water supply. Teachers and students of schools are joining this ‘Clean India
Campaign’ very actively with great fervour and joy. Good health will ensure a healthy mind, which will lead to increased overall
productivity resulting in higher standards of living, thus developing the economy. It will boost India’s international image. Thus, a
clean environment is a green environment with less people falling ill. Cleanliness, hence, is defined to be the emblem of purity of
mind.

Thank you.

Practice Exercises

1. You are Ali/Alia, Head girl / Head boy of your school. You are deeply disturbed by the rising cases of aggressive
behaviour of students in your school. You decide to speak during the morning assembly about it. Write a
speech on ‘Indiscipline in Schools’. (120 – 150 words)
2. Write a speech in 120-150 words on ‘Benefits of early rising’ to be delivered by you in the morning assembly of
your school. You are Karuna/Karan, Head Girl/Head Boy.
3. Write a speech in 120-150 words on ‘Awareness about Organ Donation’ to be delivered by you in the morning
assembly of your school. You are Kalpana/Karan, Secretary of the Karuna Club of your school.
4. Media has a stronghold on society. Write a speech in 120-150 words on how media influences public opinion to be
delivered in the school assembly.
5. You are Sampreet, an educationist. You have noticed that the youth of today are often unable to cope with stress and
become frustrated and bitter. Write a speech in 120-150 words to be delivered at a college function on ‘Youth, their
problems and solutions’.