English Directed Writing: Speech: Writing Introduction

Name: __________________________
Grade: 7Date: ___________________________

A basic speech format is simple. It consists of three parts:

1. An opening or introduction
2. Body
3. Ending

Memorable Ways To Open A Speech

After hours of preparation, the moment to deliver your speech has arrived. You’re standing before
the podium, all eyes on you, with confidence that no one could take away. Then you begin…

“Hello, everyone. Thank you for having me. My name is ______ _______, and I am going to be
speaking to you today about _______. To begin, _______ is important because…”

Suddenly people begin shifting in their seats, checking their phones, reading the program, talking to
one another and doing anything but paying attention to you.

Your opening often determines how long the audience will “tune in” to your talk.

How do you effectively open a speech or presentation to prevent this from happening? Here are
some effective methods to open a speech or presentation:

 Famous Quote

The quote, and person quoted, should be relevant to your presentation.

Example: Abraham Lincoln once said, “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left
by those who hustle.”

“What are you waiting for?”

 “What If” Scenario:

Immediately drawing your audience into your speech works wonders. Asking a “what if” question
invites the audience to follow your thought process.

“What if we were all blunt? How different would our everyday lives be? What would happen if we
said what was on our minds, all day every day?”

 “Imagine” Scenario

A similar method, but more relevant for sensational examples. It puts your audience members
directly into the presentation by allowing each member to visualize an extraordinary scenario.
“Imagine jumping out of a skydiving plane and discovering your parachute doesn’t work. What
memories would flash before you? Now imagine the parachute opened. How differently would you
act when you landed?”

 Rhetorical or literal Question

Ask a rhetorical or literal question. When someone is posed with a question, whether an answer is
called for or not, that person intuitively answers.

“Who wouldn’t want to live on an exotic island?”

 Statistics

Use a surprising, powerful, personalized statistic that will resonate with the audience to get your
message across right away. It has the potential to trigger the audiences’ emotional appeal.

“Look to your left. Now look to your right. One of your seatmates will ___________.”
“In this room, over 90 percent of us are going to _________.”

 Explain the purpose:

Tell them what you’ll be telling them.

Let’s Practice Writing the Opening/Introduction to a Speech

Task 1:

As a Prefect of your School, write a speech to be delivered in school assembly highlighting the
importance of cleanliness suggesting that the state of cleanliness reflects the character of its
citizens.

Your speech must include the following:

 What is cleanliness?
 Why the cleanliness is important?
 What are the benefits of cleanliness?

Directions: After reading the task 1, Please follow the guidelines given below and and fill in the
boxes with required information.

A. Get Audience’s Attention

 Share a brief story or example that directly relates to the speech.
 Mention a startling statement, statistic or fact.
 Start with a question, quotation, or familiar saying that has to do with the topic of the speech.
B. State The Topic

C. Relate To Audience
• People pay attention to things that concern them.
• You might refer to a common experience, fear, or situation with which everyone is familiar.
• Challenge the audience with a question, invitation or quiz.

D. Preview Main Points

• Simply list the points in the order they will be presented.

E. Now Write an introductory/opening Paragraph:

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 Task 2:

You are Head girl / Head boy of your school. You are deeply disturbed by the rising cases of
aggressive behaviour of students in your school. You decide to speak during the morning assembly
about it. Write a speech on ‘Indiscipline in Schools’.

Your speech must include the following:

 What are the cases of aggressive behaviour?

 What is your personal experience?
 Give your suggestions to control the situation.

A. Write an introductory/opening Paragraph:

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