Speech Writing

Speech writing is not easy. A speech writer needs to know what his/her goal is. Luckily, most speeches come in only a few types. Some speeches are used to inspire or inform, others are used to persuade, introduce, or entertain. As you watch President Obama's speech, consider what you think his goal is in giving this speech.

When writing a speech, a speech writer uses what is called Rhetorical technique or Rhetoric.

Rhetoric is broken down into three distinct tactics to persuade or inspire a listener or reader.

1. Logos (logic): this is the logical, sense argument inherent in the speech. Logic appeals to our rational mind. It makes us think and in thinking, we understand how one thing causes another. Listen for facts or statistics, listen for examples, listen for the word "think" or "consider". When you hear these type of words, that's the speech writer telling you that he/she is using logos. Good speech writers are subtle.

2. Pathos (heart/passion): this is the heart-felt argument in the speech. Pathos appeals to our feelings. It makes us sympathize or consider the argument for how it can affect us as listeners or readers. Listen for personal accounts, personal challenges, listen for words like "imagine" or "feel". Listen for the speaker to sympathize with his/her audience. Listen for testimony (opinions from famous role models). Often a speaker will use second person POV to help create pathos.

3. Ethos (confidence/strength of character): this is the speaker's skill and confidence that what he or she is saying is important, relevant, or necessary for a listener or reader. A good speaker sounds like he or she KNOWS what the issue is all about, that the subject is well researched and the speaker is knowledgeable. Also, watch the speaker's eyes, his posture, the way he stresses his words, the way he delivers the speech. Is there anaphora in the speech (a repetition of a phrase or statement)? This builds pace and stresses the important parts of an argument.

These three rhetorical techniques, by the way, are also used in essay writing. Next time you write an English paper or Social Studies paper, try using rhetoric to create your essay.

Check here for tips on writing and delivering speeches!

Today we will begin writing speeches. Please write a 2-3 page speech (double spaced) concerning one of the following themes:

Elements of Raising A Well-Adjusted and Highly Motivated Child Today
(What are some of the family elements that must exist while raising a well-adjusted and highly motivated child today?)

Youth Wish List for Changes for the World
If you could lead the world for a day, what three (3) changes that impact youth would you make and why?

The Importance of a University degree
What is the importance of a university degree?

Impact of African-American Inventors
African-American inventors: what impact did the invention have on our lives in the 19th and 20th centuries? Research one of these and explain its significance.

Offering of Advice for Elders from Generation Y
If you could give three (3) pieces of advice to the elder generation, what would that advice be and why would that advice be important?

HOMEWORK: End of Sudden Fiction: We will be getting a new book next week. Please complete the rest of Sudden Fiction on your own.