PRINCIPLES OF SPEECH WRITING Make your speech memorable by using these strategies: surprise

The following are the components of the speech writing process. the audience, use vivid descriptive images, write well-crafted and
Audience analysis memorable lines, and use figures of speech.
- entails looking into the profile of your target audience. This is REHEARSING gives you an opportunity to identify what works and
done so you can tailor-fit your speech content and delivery to your what does not work for you and for your target audience
audience. The profile includes the following information. PRINCIPLES OF SPEECH DELIVERY
demography (age range, male-female ratio, educational Types of Speech According to Purpose
background and affiliations or degree program taken, nationality, 1. An INFORMATIVE SPEECH provides the audience with a clear
economic status, academic or corporate designations) understanding of a concept or idea. The lectures of your teachers
situation (time, venue, occasion, and size) are the best examples of this type.
psychology (values, beliefs, attitudes, preferences, cultural and 2. An ENTERTAINMENT SPEECH amuses the audience. The
racial ideologies, and needs) humorous speeches of comedians and performers are the best
The purpose for writing and delivering the speech can be examples of this type.
classified into three—to inform, to 3. A PERSUASIVE SPEECH seeks to provide the audience with
entertain, or to persuade. favorable or acceptable ideas that can influence their own ideas
 An informative speech provides the audience with a and decisions. The campaign speeches of the running candidates
clear understanding of the concept or idea presented by for government posts are the best examples of this type.
the speaker. ORGANIZING AND DELIVERING A MEMORIZED SPEECH
 An entertainment speech provides the audience with Tips in Memorizing a Speech
amusement. 1. BREAK IT DOWN! You cannot memorize a speech in one
 A persuasive speech provides the audience with well- sitting. If your speech has four paragraphs, you should focus on
argued ideas that can influence their own beliefs and one paragraph at a time. Once you have memorized the first
decisions. paragraph, focus on the next one.
The TOPIC is your focal point of your speech, which can be 2. BUILD IT UP! After memorizing the speech in snippets, you
determined once you have decided on your purpose. need to put them together. Recite the first paragraph and move on
NARROWING DOWN A TOPIC means making your main idea to the second. After this, recite the first and second paragraphs
more specific and focused. and move on to the third. The next thing you know, you have
DATA GATHERING is the stage where you collect ideas, completed your speech.
information, sources, and references relevant or related to your 3. SPEAK OUT! Do not memorize the speech silently. When you
specific topic. recite your speech over and over while memorizing it, your brain
WRITING PATTERNS, in general, are structures that will help you multitasks and aids your memory retention.
organize the ideas related to your topic. Examples are 4. IDENTIFY KEYS! Identify a key point in every paragraph. Even
biographical, categorical/topical, causal, chronological, if you miss out some of the words in the actual speech delivery,
comparison/contrast, problem-solution, and spatial. you can easily expound on the key points.
An OUTLINE is a hierarchical list that shows the relationship of 5. HAVE A BREAK! After memorizing some parts of your speech,
your ideas. take a break for some hours or for a day. After this, recite the
The BODY OF THE SPEECH provides explanations, examples, or speech again. This will test how well you can recall what you think
any details that can help you deliver your purpose and explain the you have memorized.
main idea of your speech. 6. RECORD AND LISTEN! Record yourself delivering the speech
The INTRODUCTION is the foundation of your speech. Here, your and listen to it over and over again. Like a song, the speech will
primary goal is to get the attention of your audience and present get stuck in your head.
the subject or main idea of your speech. 7. USE NOTE CARDS! Write one key point on one note card.
The CONCLUSION restates the main idea of your speech. Bring these note cards wherever you go and take them out
Furthermore, it provides a summary, emphasizes the message, whenever you have extra time to memorize, especially during idle
and calls for action. times of the day.
EDITING/REVISING your written speech involves correcting errors ORGANIZING AND DELIVERING A IMPROMRTU SPEECH
in mechanics, such as grammar, punctuation, capitalization, unity, a. BRIDGING. This entails building a connection between what
coherence, and others. Andrew Dlugan (2013), an award winning you do know and what you do not know.
public speaker, lists six power principles for speech editing. Topic You are asked about your reaction on the conflict in
EDIT FOR FOCUS Russia.
“So, what’s the point? What’s the message of the speech?” Problem You have no knowledge about the existing conflict in
Ensure that everything you have written, from introduction to Russia because you do not follow it.
conclusion, is related to your central message. Solution Find a way to bridge what you don’t know and what
EDIT FOR CLARITY. you do know.
“I don’t understand the message because the examples or Response “I would imagine the conflict in Russia to be like a
supporting details were confusing.” conflict in my own family. The following are some
Make all ideas in your speech clear by arranging them in logical steps that I observed in patching up
order (e.g., main idea first then supporting details, or supporting the conflict, which, in a micro level, may be
details first then main idea). considered by the Russian government…”
EDIT FOR CONCISION. B. REFRAMING. This means rephrasing or redefining the topic
“The speech was all over the place; the speaker kept talking into something that you want to talk about. This usually occurs if
endlessly as if no one was listening to him/her.” you think the topic is inappropriate or it is not meant for you.
Keep your speech short, simple, and clear by eliminating unrelated Topic You are asked to compare two forms of government:
stories and sentences and by using simple words. democratic and parliamentary
EDIT FOR CONTINUITY. Problem You think that it is not right for you because you are a
“The speech was too difficult to follow; I was lost in the middle.” science major.
Keep the flow of your presentation smooth by adding transition Solution Find a pair of anything that you think is worth
words and phrases. comparing. You can compare natural science and
EDIT FOR VARIETY. social science in terms of concepts and processes, or
“I didn’t enjoy the speech because it was boring.” computers and humans in terms of capacity and
Add spice to your speech by shifting tone and style from formal to efficiency.
conversational and vice-versa, moving around the stage, or adding Response “This question reminds me of the complexities in
humor. differentiating two concepts in science. These are
EDIT FOR IMPACT AND BEAUTY. natural science and social science. Just like
“There’s nothing really special about the speech.” democratic and parliamentary, these two differ in
terms of concepts and processes…”
c. PLAYING DEVIL’S ADVOCATE. This refers to you standing on A. CHRONOLOGICAL PATTERN. This can be used if you want to
the opposite side. present the history, evolution, or development of your topic in a
Topic You are asked whether or not the government should sequential order, from past to present or beginning to end.
allocate a bigger budget for national defense. B. SPATIAL PATTERN – this pattern is used when you want to
Problem You have no idea about the defense system and you talk about the physical structure of
are more knowledgeable with education. an object or the way things fit together in a certain space
Solution Say no to defense and yes to education. (Glendale Community College;
Response “Instead of allocating more money to national University of Washington Tacoma). Topics that deal with
defense, why not allot it to education? Let me tell you geography fit this pattern best.
why education should be prioritized…” C. Topical/Categorical Pattern. This can be used if you want to
EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEECH inform your audience about the
• IS IT A QUESTION OF FACT? main features, descriptions, or categories of your topic.
This type of question is typically answerable by “Yes” or “No.” It D. CAUSE-EFFECT PATTERN. This can be used if you want to
revolves around whether something is true or not, existent or not. show the causal relationship of events or phenomena.
Example: Is Syria’s crisis a problem of the whole world? E. COMPARISON-CONTRAST. This can be used if you want to
• IS IT A QUESTION OF VALUE? compare objects, events, or concepts
It is centered on whether a topic is good or bad, moral or immoral, underscoring their similarities and differences.
just or unjust. ORGANIZING AND DELIVERING A PERSUASIVE SPEECH
Example: Is it better for the European nations to step in and aid The form of communication that people of diverse
Syria or ignore the country’s civil crisis? backgrounds mostly engage in. This kind of speech can center on
• IS IT A QUESTION OF POLICY? any arguably interesting topic under the sun. When you deliver
It is focused on what policy or rule should be followed. your persuasive speech, your primary goal is to influence the
Example: Should European countries enforce laws to thoughts, feelings, actions, and behaviors or attitudes of your
accommodate Syrian refugees? listeners (Gamble & Gamble, 2012).
ENTERTAINMENT SPEECH Qualities of an Effective Persuasive Speech
How to Make your Speech Entertaining 1. Well-defined goal
To make your speech entertaining, you may: - What is your specific goal in mind?
• tell jokes; - Do you expect your audience to think differently, act differently,
• share funny stories; or both, after they listen to your speech?
• dramatize experiences; and 2. Clear main point
• recall a scary story. - Is the main point of your speech clear to you?
ORGANIZING AND DELIVERING AN INFORMATIVE SPEECH - Is it specific and focused?
Types of Informative Speeches 3. Sufficient supporting ideas
Types Descriptions Specific Purpose - Do you have factual statements, reliable sources, or solid
Examples evidence to support your main point?
Speech about This focuses Yourself To inform the - Do you have enough number of supporting statements?
objects on audience 4. Logical reasoning (concrete reasons why your listeners should
or people tangible items about support your ideas)
like your - How will you state your arguments?
gadgets, background, - Will you use any of the following?
products, interests,  deductive (general evidence to specific)
structures, or and ambitions  inductive (specific evidence to general)
people.  causal (cause/s and effect/s, or vice versa)
Visual aids  analogy (compared to things or situations)
may be 5. Effective and powerful ways to gain the attention of your
necessary. audience
Speech about This focuses First aid To inform the - Do you use any of the following effective techniques to grab
processes on a audience the attention of your listeners and engage them in your speech?
process or about how  powerful and relevant question
sequence first aid for an  striking statistics
of events. ankle sprain is  shocking incident
Visual aids administered  memorable anecdotes
are  humorous observations or experiences
necessary. 6. Compelling ideas to make your target audience feel and think
Speech about This focuses Martial Law To inform the - Do you appeal to your listeners’ minds?
events on an audience - Do you appeal to your listeners’ hearts?
event that about the 7. Salient motives to target the salient needs of your audience
happened, impacts of - Do you motivate your audience by incorporating ideas and
is happening, Martial thoughts important to their growth and development as
or Law on individuals?
might happen economy and Types of Claims in Persuasive Speech
in the politics 1. Speech that Questions Fact
future. - This type questions the existence of a particular event or
Speech about This focuses Big Bang To inform the happening. In this case, the persuasive speaker poses questions
concepts on Theory audience of fact, derives conclusions from different sources of information,
beliefs, about the and attempts to convince the audience to believe in his/her ideas.
knowledge, development 2. Speech that Questions Value
theories, of - This type focuses on questions of value regarding topics on the
principles or the Big Bang self, family, friendship, religion, government, freedom, love, and
ideas. Theory money, among others. In this case, the persuasive speaker (1)
Organizational Patterns makes a statement or claim which reflects his/her judgment, (2)
An informative speech can follow different patterns of attempts to convince his/her audience of his/her judgment, and (3)
organization to arrange and frame the justifies it based on standards.
details effectively. 3. Speech that Questions Policy
- This type questions the current state of things which can impact
the future. In this case, the persuasive speaker asks relevant
questions that can help in making a decision on whether or not c. Practice more often so you can deliver your speech with
something should be implemented, observed, or done. conviction.
Organizational Patterns You can do this by exposing yourself more often to
The following are some of the suggested patterns that speaking situations such as reciting and reading announcements
you can use to organize your persuasive in class, introducing people in a program, hosting events,
speech. participating in debates, or acting as a spokesperson of a group
1. A. F.O.R.E.S.T. (anecdotes, facts and figures, opinion, 2. How to use evidence
rhetorical questions, emotive language, superlatives, tripling) a. Specify evidence.
Below are the rules in applying this pattern. You can do this by citing statistics, research studies, and
(1) Anecdotes. Begin your speech with a personal story, other valid and credible information.
observation, or experience. b. Avoid outdated evidence.
(2) Facts and figures. Provide striking statistics that can support You can do this by reading and digging new evidence to
your ideas. keep yourself updated on the significant facts and figures.
(3) Opinion. Add in your opinion. You can begin your statement c. Choose reputable or credible sources for your evidence.
with, “I believe that…”. You can do this by carefully identifying and evaluating
(4) Rhetorical questions. Think of and add engaging rhetorical your sources.
questions (i.e., questions 3. How to use reasoning
which do not intend to elicit answers, but to make a point). Avoid logical fallacies or errors in reasoning.
(5) Emotive language. Appeal to your audience’s emotion. You can do this by studying the types of logical fallacies.
(6) Superlatives. Use superlatives to exaggerate an idea. The following are some of the most common errors in
(7) Tripling. The rule of three in the English writing principle reasoning.
simply entails using three words together to reinforce your point. • Ad Hominem: This happens when you attack the character of a
This may add to the effectiveness of your persuasion. A classic person instead of
example is Julius Caesar’s statement: “Veni, vidi, vici” (I came, I his argument.
saw, I conquered). • Circular Argument: This happens when the idea of a stated
2. Problem-Solution argument is repeated.
Here’s how: • False Analogy: This happens when two things, which might be
(1) Identify the problem. alike in some respects, are compared and assumed to be similar
(2) Provide a solution, which will show the practicality of your in other ways.
proposal. • False Authority: This happens when a statement of someone
3. Problem-Cause-Solution who is not an expert in the field in question is being used in an
Below are the rules in applying this pattern. argument.
(1) Identify the problem. • False Cause and Effect: This happens when the connection
(2) Analyze the root causes of the problem. between two consecutive events are not clear.
(3) Provide a solution to the problem. • Hasty Generalization: This happens when a conclusion is drawn
4. Comparative Advantages from insufficient evidence.
Below are the rules in applying this pattern. • Red Herring: This happens when the answer does not address
(1) Identify the problem. the question.
(2) Present at least two solutions to the problem. 4. How to use emotional appeal
(3) Compare the two in terms of practicality and feasibility. a. Internalize what you are saying.
5. Monroe’s Motivated Sequence The audience will be more convinced of your message if
Alan Monroe, a professor from Purdue University, created you also show conviction in what you are saying.
an outline for making speeches based on the psychology of b. Use emotion appropriately.
persuasion (Ehninger, Monroe, & Granbeck, 1978). Although a well-executed emotional appeal can be used
This outline is known as Monroe’s Motivated Sequence. as a strong weapon in persuasive speech, take note to use it only
Here’s how to apply this technique. when appropriate to the message.
1. Grab the attention of the audience by identifying the challenge
you plan to confront, or the problem you plan to address.
2. Establish the need or urgency to address the identified
challenge or problem.
3. Present possible solutions to your audience to satisfy the
need.
4. Help your audience visualize. Use vivid words to convince your
audience about the benefits they can gain from the solutions you
presented.
5. Engage the audience to participate in promoting change through
a call for action.
METHODS OF PERSUASION
Consider what Lucas (2011) writes about how the
audience can be persuaded by a speaker. The audience can be
persuaded by the following reasons.
• They perceive that the speaker has credibility.
• They are convinced by the evidence presented by the speaker.
• They are convinced by the speaker’s reasoning.
• Their emotions are touched by the speaker’s ideas or use of
language.
The following are some tips on how to enhance your
credibility, how to use evidence, how to use reasoning, and how to
observe ethics and emotional appeal in a persuasive speech.
1. How to enhance your credibility
a. Explain how you became an expert on the topic.
You can do this by sharing how well you read,
investigated, or researched the topic
b. Connect your experiences, beliefs, values or attitudes with your
audience’s.
You can do this by telling your audience that you have
the same experiences, beliefs, values or attitudes.