Master the art of speech writing for school assemblies, competitions, and public speaking events. Learn to structure persuasive speeches that engage audiences and deliver powerful messages.
✅ Recommended for: Class 9-10 (Board Exam Focus) | School Assembly | Competitions | Public Speaking | Leadership Roles
1. What is Speech Writing?
The Challenge: Students often write speeches as essays, forgetting they need to be spoken aloud with audience engagement techniques.
Board Exam Reality: CBSE allocates 5 marks for speech writing (120-150 words). You need to show understanding of format, content, and oral delivery features.
A speech is a formal address delivered to an audience. Unlike articles or essays, speeches are written to be spoken aloud, requiring special elements like direct audience address, rhetorical devices, and oral cues.
Example Difference:
Essay: "The importance of education cannot be overstated in modern society."
Speech: "Good morning respected teachers and dear friends! Have you ever wondered why education shapes not just careers, but characters?"
Key Characteristics of an Effective Speech:
- Oral Format: Written to be spoken, not just read
- Audience Engagement: Directly addresses listeners
- Clear Structure: Introduction, body, conclusion with signposts
- Rhetorical Devices: Uses repetition, questions, pauses for effect
- Appropriate Tone: Formal yet conversational
- Time Awareness: 2-3 minute delivery (120-150 words)
- Memorable Ending: Leaves lasting impression
2. Types of Speeches (Board Exam Focus)
Board exams typically ask for these 4 types of speeches. Each has specific conventions.
| Type | Purpose | Occasion | Key Features | Common Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Persuasive | Convince audience to accept viewpoint or take action | Debates, campaigns, awareness programs | Strong arguments, evidence, emotional appeals, call to action | Environmental issues, social reforms, policy changes |
| Informative | Educate audience about a topic | School assembly, seminars, presentations | Clear explanations, facts, statistics, examples | Science topics, historical events, current affairs |
| Inspirational | Motivate and inspire audience | Annual day, graduation, award ceremonies | Personal stories, uplifting messages, quotes, future vision | Success stories, overcoming challenges, future goals |
| Ceremonial | Mark special occasions or honor people | Welcome/farewell, teacher's day, independence day | Formal tone, gratitude, achievements, cultural references | Welcome addresses, farewell speeches, festival greetings |
Quick Identification:
• "Deliver a speech to convince students..." → Persuasive
• "Give a speech explaining the importance of..." → Informative
• "Inspire your classmates with a speech on..." → Inspirational
• "Welcome the chief guest on Annual Day" → Ceremonial
3. Speech Structure & Format (Board Exam: 120-150 words)
Every speech must follow this specific structure to score full marks.
| Part | What to Include | Approx. Words | Must-Have Elements | Marks Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salutation | Greeting the audience | 10-15 words | Respected teachers, dear friends, honorable guests | 0.5 mark |
| Introduction | Hook + purpose statement | 25-30 words | Question, quote, startling fact, personal anecdote | 1 mark |
| Body Paragraph 1 | First main point with examples | 30-35 words | Clear argument, evidence, real-life example | 1 mark |
| Body Paragraph 2 | Second main point or solution | 30-35 words | Additional perspective, statistics, expert opinion | 1 mark |
| Conclusion | Summary + call to action | 20-25 words | Restate main message, inspire action, memorable closing | 1 mark |
| Thank You | Closing courtesy | 5-10 words | "Thank you" or similar closing phrase | 0.5 mark |
Word Count Strategy:
1. Salutation: 12 words
2. Introduction: 28 words
3. Two Body Paragraphs: 65 words (30+35)
4. Conclusion: 22 words
5. Thank You: 8 words
6. Total: 135 words (perfect within limit)
Delivery time: 135 words ÷ 100 words per minute = 1.35 minutes (ideal)
4. Rhetorical Devices for Powerful Speeches
These techniques make speeches memorable and persuasive.
| Device | What It Is | Example | Effect | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhetorical Questions | Questions not meant to be answered | "Have we forgotten our responsibility toward Mother Earth?" | Engages audience, provokes thought | Introduction, transitions |
| Repetition | Repeating words or phrases | "We must act. We must change. We must lead." | Emphasizes points, creates rhythm | Key arguments, conclusion |
| Rule of Three | Presenting ideas in groups of three | "Education enlightens, empowers, and elevates." | Makes content memorable, persuasive | Main points, slogans |
| Personal Anecdote | Short personal story | "Last year, I witnessed plastic choking our local river..." | Builds connection, adds authenticity | Introduction, examples |
| Direct Address | Speaking directly to audience | "Each one of you can make a difference today." | Creates involvement, personal touch | Throughout speech |
| Contrast | Opposing ideas for emphasis | "We stand at a crossroads—progress or peril?" | Highlights choices, creates drama | Problem statements |
5. Writing for Delivery (Oral Features)
Speeches need special markers since they're spoken, not read silently.
| Feature | Purpose | How to Write It | Example | Marks Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pause Indicators | Show where to pause for effect | Use ellipsis (...) or separate sentences | "Think about it... (pause) Now act on it." | Shows understanding of oral delivery |
| Emphasis Markers | Highlight important words | Italics, bold, or underline in writing | "This is not just an option; it's a necessity." | Adds vocal variety |
| Audience Interaction | Engage listeners directly | Include questions, prompts for response | "Can I see a show of hands?" or "Repeat after me..." | Demonstrates audience awareness |
| Transition Phrases | Guide audience through speech | Clear signposts between sections | "Moving to my second point...", "Now let's consider..." | Creates logical flow |
| Pronunciation Aids | Help with difficult words | Phonetic spelling in brackets if needed | "sustainability (suh-stain-uh-bil-i-tee)" | Shows preparation |
6. Complete Examples with Different Speech Types
Example 1: Persuasive Speech (Most Common in Exams)
Topic: Deliver a speech on "The Importance of Saving Water" in the school assembly. (120-150 words)
Model Answer:
Good morning respected teachers and dear friends!
Have you ever imagined a day without water? No drinking, no cleaning, no life. Yet, we waste this precious resource daily. Today, I stand before you to emphasize why water conservation is not a choice but a responsibility.
Firstly, only 1% of Earth's water is drinkable. With population growth, demand increases while supply decreases. Bengaluru's recent water crisis warns us—cities can run dry.
Secondly, simple actions create big impacts. Turning off taps while brushing saves 6 liters per minute. Fixing leaks prevents thousands of liters of wastage annually.
Friends, every drop counts. Let's pledge: be water-wise warriors. Install rainwater harvesting, report leaks, spread awareness. Remember: we don't inherit water from ancestors; we borrow it from children.
Thank you.
Word Count: 140 words | Type: Persuasive | Marks: 5/5
Example 2: Inspirational Speech
Topic: Deliver an inspirational speech on "Overcoming Failure" for your classmates. (120-150 words)
Model Answer:
Dear friends and fellow students,
How many of you fear failure? (pause) Let me share a secret: failure isn't falling down; it's staying down. Every successful person has failed—repeatedly.
Thomas Edison failed 1,000 times before inventing the light bulb. When asked, he said, "I didn't fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps." That's perspective!
Our own exam results—sometimes disappointing—aren't endpoints. They're feedback. They show where to improve, what to learn.
So next time you face setback, remember: diamonds form under pressure. Oaks grow strong against wind. Champions rise after falls. Your current struggle is developing strength for your future success.
Let's embrace failure as a teacher, not an enemy. Thank you.
Word Count: 132 words | Type: Inspirational | Marks: 5/5
7. Common Board Exam Errors & How to Avoid Them
| Error Type | Wrong Example | Correct Version | Why It's Wrong | Marks Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missing Salutation | Starts directly with content | Begins with appropriate greeting | Ignores basic speech format | 0.5-1 mark |
| Essay Style | Formal, written language | Conversational, spoken style | Not written for oral delivery | 1-1.5 marks |
| No Audience Address | "One should conserve water." | "Friends, let's conserve water together." | Fails to engage listeners | 0.5-1 mark |
| Weak Opening | "I am here to talk about..." | Question, quote, or startling fact | Misses opportunity to hook audience | 0.5 mark |
| Abrupt Ending | Ends with last point | Clear conclusion + thank you | No proper closure | 0.5-1 mark |
| Too Long/Short | 80 or 200 words | 120-150 words | Ignores word limit instruction | 0.5-1 mark |
🎯 Speech Writing Challenge
Practice with different speech types. Write speeches within 120-150 words.
1. Persuasive Speech
Topic: Deliver a speech on "Say No to Plastic Bags" for an environment awareness campaign.
Respected teachers and dear friends,
Picture this: a plastic bag used for 15 minutes, polluting our planet for 500 years. Shocking, isn't it? Today, I urge you to join the war against plastic bags.
Firstly, plastic bags choke our environment. They clog drains causing floods, harm animals that mistake them for food, and release toxins when burned. Over 100,000 marine animals die annually from plastic ingestion.
Secondly, solutions exist. Carry cloth bags—they're reusable, stylish, eco-friendly. Support shops that charge for plastic bags. Spread awareness in your community.
Friends, change begins with us. Let's pledge: no more plastic bags. Choose cloth, choose earth, choose future. Together, we can turn the tide against plastic pollution.
Thank you.
Word Count: 138 words2. Informative Speech
Topic: Deliver a speech on "The Benefits of Yoga" for International Yoga Day celebration.
Good morning honorable principal, teachers, and dear students,
On this International Yoga Day, let's explore why this ancient practice remains relevant in our modern, stressful lives.
Firstly, yoga benefits physical health. It improves flexibility, strengthens muscles, and enhances posture. Regular practice reduces back pain, lowers blood pressure, and boosts immunity.
Secondly, yoga nurtures mental well-being. Breathing exercises calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety. Meditation improves focus—essential for our exam preparations. Studies show yoga practitioners report 30% less stress.
Moreover, yoga isn't just exercise; it's a lifestyle promoting balance and mindfulness. From corporate executives to students, everyone finds solace in its practice.
Let's embrace yoga not just today, but daily—for healthier bodies and peaceful minds. Thank you.
Word Count: 127 words3. Ceremonial Speech
Topic: Welcome the chief guest at your school's Annual Sports Day.
Honorable chief guest Mr. Sharma, respected principal, teachers, parents, and my fellow students,
A very warm welcome to our Annual Sports Day 2024! Today celebrates not just competition, but camaraderie, courage, and character building.
We're especially honored by our chief guest, Mr. Rajesh Sharma, former national volleyball champion. Sir, your journey from school courts to national podium inspires us to dream big and work hard.
Sports teach invaluable lessons: teamwork turns individuals into champions, discipline shapes destiny, and perseverance overcomes obstacles. As Pierre de Coubertin said, "The important thing is not winning but taking part."
May today's events showcase sportsmanship above scores. Let the games begin! May the best athletes win, but may all participants emerge as winners in spirit.
Thank you for joining us. Enjoy the events!
Word Count: 142 words9. Board Exam Quick Checklist
Before Writing:
✓ Identify speech type & occasion
✓ Decide appropriate salutation
✓ Brainstorm hook for opening
✓ Plan 2 main arguments/examples
✓ Note word limit: 120-150
While Writing:
✓ Start with salutation
✓ Use engaging opening question/fact
✓ Include direct audience address
✓ Add rhetorical devices
✓ End with strong conclusion + thank you
✓ Write for spoken delivery
Before Submission:
✓ Count words (120-150 range)
✓ Check salutation present
✓ Verify conversational tone
✓ Ensure logical flow with transitions
✓ Include thank you at end
✓ Review for oral features
📝 Practice Speech Writing
Master speech writing with exercises on persuasive, informative, inspirational, and ceremonial speeches!
Go to Speech Writing WorksheetIncludes 20+ speech topics • Step-by-step guidance • Model answers • Rhetorical device practice • Board exam pattern questions
