SPEECH WRITING CLASS: XI

A speech is an effective way of communicating a message to a large audience. It is one of the ways of
spreading awareness regarding social issues or giving information regarding other important issues.
As a form of writing, a speech is similar to an article except that it begins with a formal address to the
audience, is more conversational in tone and concludes with a ‘Thank you’. A speech is written for a
specific purpose like informing, persuading/convincing or entertaining an audience.

COMPONENTS OF A SPEECH

Introduction: It begins with greeting the Chief Guest / Principal / teachers and other listeners. It may
include a striking statement, a saying or anything else which will immediately make the audience
interested. Then the topic of the speech will be announced along with the occasion, if required.

Elaboration of the topic: It includes a sequence of ideas to build up to the summing up and
conclusion. You may include examples, evidence or data to support the ideas.

Summing up: Summarise the most important points in your speech but do not repeat them.

Conclusion: Depending on the purpose of your speech, conclude with a call for an action, an appeal, a
warning, a request and an expression of thanks.

POINTS TO BE KEPT IN MIND

EXAMPLES:

Question 1. Media has a strong hold on society. Write a speech in 120-150 words, on how media
influences public opinion, to be delivered in the school assembly. You are Mahek/Mritunjay.

Answer: Respected Principal Sir, honourable teachers and my dear friends, I, Mahek Prasad of class
Xl-C, will enlighten you today on the fact that the media has a stronghold on society.
It influences public opinion significantly because people consider true whatever the media depicts,
whether it is the electronic media like TV and Radio, social media like Facebook and Twitter, cyber
media like the Internet and e-mail, or the print media like newspapers and magazines. However, in
some cases, the actual situation is totally different from what is depicted in the media. Media
dramatizes the information to serve its own ends, and usually to gain popularity.
Everybody, yes everybody, are exposed to different forms of media. People are not always able to
separate fact from opinion and believe or disbelieve what they see, hear, or read. This moulds their
opinions and actions, thus enabling the media to have a stronghold on society.
Over reporting as well as under-reporting can lead to misinformed opinions. It is for the journalistic
community to take initiative and seek to address the various concerns regarding the profession. The
public also should be discerning enough to separate facts from opinions and form one’s viewpoint
accordingly.
Thank you.

Question 2. Peer pressure is useful for the development of an individual. If there is no peer pressure
at all then there would be no goal or aim to succeed. Write a speech on the topic -‘Is Peer Pressure
Beneficial or Not?’ to be delivered on account of the Children’s Day celebration in your school. (120-
150 words)

Answer: Respected Principal Sir, honourable teachers, and my dear friends, on the occasion of
Children’s Day, I am going to present my views on the topic ‘Is peer pressure beneficial or not?’
Peer pressure is beneficial as long as we know our limits. It is all up to us to be so strong, so firm, so
unshakable, and filled with conviction of not going on the wrong track.
Peer pressure is not always bad. Peers may teach you good habits and encourage you to follow them.
Looking at what others do can help you bring a positive change in your way of thinking. Your peers,
their choices, and ways of life give you a glimpse of the world outside the four walls of your house.
What they think about things in life, how they perceive situations, how they react in different
circumstances can actually expose you to the world around them. Being part of a larger group of peers
exposes you to the diversity in human behaviour. This makes you reflect on your behaviour and know
where you stand. Peer pressure can lead you to make the right choices in life.
Your peers can, thus, influence the shaping of your personality in a positive way. Moreover, it’s not
pressuring every time, sometimes it’s an inspiration, which makes you change for good.
Thank you.

Question 3. Racism is bad. Anyone and everyone can be exposed to racism. Write a speech in 120-150
words on the topic ‘Racism’ to be delivered in the morning assembly of your school.

Answer: Respected Principal Sir, honourable teachers and my dear friends, good morning!
Why must I choose whom to befriend according to the colour of their skin? Is there anything written
anywhere that makes one race above another? I am going to present my views on the topic ‘Racism’
today.
I am nobody to judge other people. In fact, we all are unique in our own way and we all should be
judged on our individual and personal qualities.
We have lots of people who are filled with hatred-hatred pointed especially at the colour of the skin.
But where does all this hatred come from? God has never conceived hate. Did he make us different just
to see hatred and war? I don’t think so. Why can’t we carry out Martin Luther King’s dream about a
world in peace and without any kind of racism?
Racism works against the principle of being equal and the right of all people to be treated fairly.
Hating people because of their colour or other factors is wrong. We all have to stay together and thus,
we need to make the effort to embrace and accept other cultures. This can start with the simple act of
friendship. Let us start today.
Thank you.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS:

1. You are Priya/Piyush. You are a member of the Environment Club of your school. After visiting
many places you have realized that it is the need of the hour to protect environment. You decide to
create awareness among the students. Write a speech in 120-150 words on ‘Environmental
protection’ to be delivered in the morning assembly.

2. You are Ankit/Ankita. You have to deliver a speech on the topic “Education Gives One Power”. You
have jotted down the following notes:
Education trains mind—sharpens skill and abilities—Education: a source of power— improve self—
be independent—earn money—ignorance to knowledge—removes superstition—develops a free
spirit—important for women: gives them freedom from social ills—independent—responsible.
Write your speech in 120-150 words.