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Making a speech

Using rhetorical devices can improve anyone’s speech making. A good speech is essentially an argument designed to influence or persuade its listeners.

Here is a list of some techniques that you can use to build your own influential speech.

  1. Distinguish premises and conclusion – in other words be clear about the starting point of your argument and where you want to end up.
  2. Present your ideas in a natural order – each idea should flow on from the next; don’t jump around from one disconnected point to another.
  3. Start from reliable premises – the ‘premise’ is really the point of your speech. What are you trying to persuade people to do / believe / think?
  4. Be concrete and concise – too many words stop people listening. Concrete images give listeners something to picture in their minds as they listen.
  5. Use consistent terms – hold your original premise in mind throughout the speech. Be consistent about what you want from your listeners but avoid boring repetitions.
  6. Re-iterate your conclusion – Punch home your conclusion so no one is in any doubt about the meaning and purpose of your speech.

So, what do you feel strongly about? Use your knowledge and understanding of rhetoric to write a compelling and powerful speech about something that matters to you.

For more examples of great speeches, go to:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/series/greatspeeches