a speech about what your school needs most

10 School Prefect Speech Outline Examples (PDF)

The speech outline examples below will guide you to write a good speech as the head prefect of your school. They are sample speech templates I’ve personally used to achieve amazing results with my English essay writing class over the years.

Do you teach English Language in a senior high school or even junior high? These speech outline examples will make your work a lot easier.

And if you happen to be a parent who likes to homeschool your child there’s so much you can take from here to assist your ward to write great school prefect speeches.

HOW TO ANALYZE AN ESSAY TOPIC TO AVOID DEVIATION

Head Prefect Speech Outlines

Plan/Outline:

3. Advice: (i) Study   (ii) Friends / Social life   (iii) Home.

       (i) Communal labour – clearing

Public education on benefits and ways of preservation

Lesson One of Christian Religious Studies Textbook for High Schools

Closing remarks.

Plan /Outline:

Photo by Kane Reinholdtsen on Unsplash

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• My School Speech

Speech For Students on My School

Schools are considered as the temple of knowledge for students. Schools prepare the students to be future leaders and help them to face problems without any fear. Schools help students in understanding the importance of discipline and time management. 

Similarly, my school played an important role in shaping my life. The values and the character I developed during my school days helped me in facing the world and understanding the problems. 

Below my school speeches are given, a long speech on my school and a short speech on my school. Students can refer to this speech and prepare for any debate or essay writing competitions. 

Long Speech on My School

Good morning everyone! I would like to give a small speech about my school. As we all know schools are the temples of learning that teach students many things. School provides a balanced education which helps in improving the student’s both physically and mentally growth. Besides academics, there is a wide range of skills learned at school which includes good behaviour, communication skills, responsibility, time management, and sports skills. 

Schools are the first place where we learn new things. It is the place where new friends are made and those friendships sometimes are carried on throughout life. Schools are considered as heaven on earth and it is very hard to imagine the world without schools. 

Schools are the first place where we learn about various new things which help in our growth. Schools help us to learn how to balance life properly. Similarly, my school played an important role in my life. The man I am today is all because of what I learned during my school days. 

I studied in an all-boys school which was established in 1979. It has a very old building which looks like a huge mansion. It is the oldest school in my town. It has a history of producing toppers to the country. It has a  building which stands tall and has a renowned name across the city and  I am sure it will be for many years to come. 

For the past 30 years, my school has a track record of producing the highest number of toppers in the board exams, and that’s the reason many students want to get into it. 

The unique quality of my school is that it not only focuses on only academics but also gives a lot of importance to sports. 

When it comes to sports my school has the biggest playgrounds in the city for various sports like badminton, cricket, volleyball, throwball and many more. Because of this reason every year, an inter-level sports competition is held in my school’s playground. Fortunately, I was also part of the badminton team that won 2nd place at the all-school badminton championship. The various competitions held at my school help me realize the importance of fitness in my life and I want to thank my school for that.

In addition to the sports competition, various science competitions were also held annually in my school. Different science projects were presented and the best one was awarded a cash price and a trophy. During these competitions, students’ presentation and public speaking skills were tested. Despite being shy I participated in the competition but lost it as I was not very good at presenting my science project. During that time my teachers helped me and pointed out the mistakes which I made. It helped me a lot in the future as I worked on those mistakes and now I am not afraid. I thank my teachers for that. 

To conclude this speech, all I want to say is that I loved attending my school. It was my second home. A home where my friends were like my family members who cared for and loved each other. I feel lucky to have such friends in my life. It was the place where I felt enthusiastic to learn new things. A place where I learned the skills which helped me in facing the challenges fearlessly. Last but not least I would like to thank my teaching and non-teaching staff who were always polite and helped me whenever I needed them. 

Short Speech on My School

Good morning everyone! Today I would like to give a speech at my school. As we know schools are the temples of learning that teach students many things. Schools provide a balanced education that helps in improving a student both physically and mentally. 

Besides academics, different skills are taught at school that includes sports skill, communication skills, time management, and so on. Similarly, my school played an important role in my life. The man I am today is all because of what I learned during my school days. 

I studied in an all-boys school which was established in 1979. It is the oldest school in my town. It has a history of producing toppers to the country. It has a building that stands tall and has a renowned name across the city.

My school has a track record of producing the highest number of toppers in the board exams. The unique quality of my school is that it not only focuses on only academics but also gives a lot of importance to sports.

My school had the biggest playground in the city and because of that every year an inter-school competition is held in various sports like kabaddi, cricket, volleyball and so on. The winners are handed a trophy and a cash prize. 

Science competitions are also conducted in my school that test the ability of students’ presentation and public speaking skills. The winner of the competition was handed a trophy and a scholarship problem for further studies. 

To conclude this speech, all I want to say is that I loved attending my school. It was my second home. A home where my friends were like my family members who cared for and loved each other. A place where I learned the skills which helped me in facing the challenges fearlessly. Last but not least, I would like to thank my teaching and non-teaching staff who were always polite and helped me whenever I needed them. 

10 Lines on My School Speech In English

Schools are the first place where we learn new things. It is the place where new friends are made and those friendships sometimes are carried on throughout life.

Schools are considered as heaven on earth and it is very hard to imagine the world without schools. 

Schools help in learning new things which helps in the growth of a student.

For many years, my school had a record of producing the highest number of toppers and that’s the reason many students want to get into my school. 

My school was a complete package that taught me the importance of self-discipline in life. 

The teaching and the non-teaching staff at my school are very polite. They are always ready to help students.

My school has the largest playground in the city and that’s the reason every year inter-level sports competitions are held.  

Every year science competitions are held at my school that aims at improving the public speaking and the presentation skill of the students. 

The winner of the science competition is given a cash prize and a trophy. 

I love attending my school and it’s like my second home. A home where my friends are like my family members.

School Speech For Students

A school is one of the only places which act as a temple of education. The place is not only for teaching the students the many facts of life but also to have them develop their brains. With the schools playing an important role in a student’s life, many institutions require the students to write or give a speech on the topic “My School”. This might be introduced at any point of time in a student’s life. They may be asked to do this when they are in the 1st standard or when they are in the 10th standard. The marks, scores, or grading system may vary as per the students who are chosen to participate. 

Students can have a good preparation regarding such speeches which can make them realize their own potential for giving such speeches. These can also build their confidence. 

Teachers - A Helping Hand  

Students might be asked to give a long speech or a short speech. It all depends on the decision that the school has taken. Though it might be a competition among students, the teachers are encouraged to get involved as well. They can most certainly help the students in the whole process.

The duty actually falls onto the English teachers. They are the ones who can help the students more effectively. They can have the students take the step forward on their own and give the best speech without any grammatical or vocabulary errors. 

FAQs on My School Speech

1. Can the students mention the history of the school in their My School speech?

Yes, the students can definitely mention the history of the school in their My School speech. This is more of practice when they are giving a long speech that requires them to tell all about their school. One thing that they must keep in mind is to not make it boring, but interesting. The students are required to let the speech go in flow, from the very beginning and tell all about the changes and advancements that have happened over the years.

2. What is the best way to learn a My School speech?

Students, who are selected to give a My School speech can do so in an easy manner. They must first mention or take the pointers that must be included in their speech. They can then take the help of their teacher to structure the speech in such a way that it goes with a flow and they can easily remember it. They can also learn the speech in chronologically set lines which can remind them about the topics that were to be followed by another.

3. How can a student prepare for their best My School speech?

There are many approaches to prepare the best My School speech. A student may ask for somebody’s help. They can make a list of the things that must be included, all of which might be about achievements, academic success, the environment, or anything related. They can talk about the marvelous journey of their school as well. The students are, in fact, encouraged to talk about all they get to learn as well as about their teachers and how good they are.

4. Do the students only have to mention the academics of a school in their My School speech?

When it comes to giving a My School speech, it is not always necessary to mention only the academics. A student can also mention the many other things that help them get ahead in their school or just things that they simply like. Students may mention the attitude of the school staff in their My School speech along with the many amenities that they get to enjoy on a regular basis. They can also go forth with mentioning the type of platform that their school provides them.

5. How can one keep their My School speech short?

The students, in order to keep their My School speech short, ask for the help of their teachers. They can do this on their own as well, but it is always a good idea to take their teacher’s opinion. They must make sure that they are talking in the to the point manner that goes a long way in keeping their speech short. They must also ensure that their speech does not contain any unnecessary information that does not help the structure of the whole speech.

How To Write A Speech On Education (With Sample Speech)

Hrideep barot.

• Speech Writing

“Education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world.” 

These words by Nelson Mandela pretty much sum up the importance of education in the life of human beings. Without education, human beings wouldn’t have arrived at the stage they are right now, and it is unlikely that we will be able to continue our missions to space progressively without education. 

And yet the truth remains that many, many people across the world do not have the right or ability to receive an education. Many of these people might be able to do great things if only they had the means to do so.

In such a scenario, it becomes important to spread awareness about education. Delivering speeches is one of the best ways to do so, as through speeches one can make a more personal connection with the people attending & make it more likely that they will actually do something about it.

However, it’s also true that education is a topic that many, many people have spoken about. In such a scenario, you might find yourself wondering what you can do to make your speech stand apart from all the ones that came before. 

Don’t worry, that’s what we’re here to help you with.

By keeping in mind a few things like finding a unique angle, incorporating stories and props, making sure to include concrete elements, and making your audience go beyond listening to feel something, you can easily deliver an unforgettable speech on education.

Tips To Keep In Mind While Writing A Speech About Education 

1. Find A Unique Angle 

Education is a topic that people have spoken about time and again. What this means is that if you deliver a speech about education without adding a different point of view to it, then the chances are your audience is going to find your speech bland or boring and not pay attention.

So, find a unique angle for the speech. Draw on your personal experiences and ask yourself: is there anything about this topic that I can see but others can’t?

2. Include Concrete Elements 

Concrete details or elements include things like facts, statistics, etc. 

If you don’t include concrete elements in your speech, then chances are that your speech will become abstract and hard to believe really fast.

So, make sure to back up your arguments with relevant information. 

Wondering how to add facts to your speech without making it drab? Check out our article on 11 Steps To Add Facts To A Speech Without Making It Boring.

3. Use Language & Concepts Familiar To The Audience

Often, speakers have this misconception that the bigger or more difficult words they use, the better or smarter they’re going to sound. This cannot be further from the truth.

While using complicated words or concepts might make you sound smarter, they also increase the chances that you won’t be able to formulate a connection with the audience. 

After all, if they can’t understand what they’re saying, how will they connect with it?

4. Incorporate Storytelling & Props 

Stories are a GREAT way to make your speech more personal and engaging. And props, if used alongside your story, can take it to the next level. 

So, make sure to incorporate appropriate personal stories and props in your speech. Make sure that your prop is relevant to the speech, and not merely an accessory. 

5. Make Them Feel, Not Just Hear 

If you truly want your audience to be impacted by your speech, then you need to make them feel more deeply about it. You need to make them go beyond hearing and actually feel for you and the topic. 

This can be done by sprinkling throughout your speech elements like humor, stories, props, videos, real-life testimonials, interacting with them…

The list goes on. 

What matters is going above and beyond. You want to make your words mean more than their meaning. 

6. Use Humor

Humor is a great way to take any speech to the next level. Like stories, jokes are a great way to form a connection with the audience and make your speech more memorable.

However, one thing to keep in mind here is to make sure that your humor is relevant to the topic at hand. Don’t just add jokes for the sake of adding them: make sure that they relate to your speech in some way.

7. Don’t Have Too Many Points

While it’s important to make sure that your speech covers all aspects that it needs to cover, you don’t have to include too many points in your speech. This will make it difficult for the audience to figure out what, exactly, is the central theme or main message that you want them to take away.

You can have one or two key takeaways and divide those main points into multiple individual points. This will allow for better structure of your speech, whilst also making it easier to view it from multiple angles.

Ways To Begin Your Speech On Education 

1. Open With A Story 

This is a tried and tested way to open your speech. As mentioned before, it’s imperative you incorporate stories into your speech if you wish to make a personal connection with the audience and make them feel for your speech.

And what better place to add a story than right at the opening of your speech? 

For example:  My parents spent their entire savings on my brother’s education, but for me, they wouldn’t even spare a…

For more ideas on how to incorporate stories in your speech, check out our article on 9 Storytelling Approaches For Your Next Speech Or Presentation.

2. Make Them Go ‘A-Ha’ 

Another awesome way to open your speech is by surprising your audience. This will awaken them, and snap their attention to where it needs to be: on you. 

This adds doubly to your credit if your speech is on a seemingly monotonous topic like education where the audience enters with certain expectations about the speech already in place. 

There are many ways to do this. Stories with a twist are one. Another would be incorporating a joke. Yet another way would be to pull out a prop. Or you could even say a surprising statement that seems to go against the topic when you first hear it.

For example:  I don’t think education is important. Unless…

3. Common-Ground Open 

A common ground opening is imperative if there is a gap between you and your audience. If, for example, you’re an aged professor from a reputed university and the audience is teenagers from a local high school, then there are going to be gaps in how you and the audience perceive the world. 

You can bridge this gap in a couple of ways. One would be making a personal connection or making them see that you are similar in certain aspects. This can be done by using humor, incorporating stories, or even making a pop culture reference. You can also open with a shared goal or interest. 

For example:  When I was in high school, all I wanted to do was get out of it.

4. Open With A Show Of Hands 

Another great way to open your speech is by asking questions–particularly show of hands questions. 

This works in two ways: asking the question piques your audience’s attention and gets their thoughts rolling. On the other hand, show-of-hands provides them with a chance to move their body, which aids in making them more aware of their surroundings i.e you. 

For example:  How many of you wish you could get out of this classroom right now?

5. Open With An Image Or Prop 

Images tell stories. And stories, as mentioned above, are one of the best ways to open your speech. 

You can open your speech by showing the audience an image of something and then asking them a question about it or presenting a startling fact about it. Alternatively, you could also open your speech by employing a relevant prop. 

For example:  Start off with an image of a refugee in a school.

Need more inspiration for how to open your speech? Check out our article on 10 Of The Best Things To Say In Opening Remarks.

Sample Speech On Education

Title: The Missing Ramp

On a school field trip in grade 3, I met my long lost twin. Or so I thought, anyway. The boy I met wasn’t actually my twin by blood. But he was my exact replica in every other aspect: from the color of our hair and eyes to the kind of jokes we liked to make and the cartoons we loved to watch and the fact that we both felt a little out of place in the big strange world. We were similar in more aspects than we could count, more than I can remember now. However, we were significantly different in one important aspect: While I was a ten year old, happy-go-lucky kid that hated going to school, he was a ten year old, happy go-lucky kid for whom school was a distant dream. You see, Andrew–the boy I thought was my twin–had a locomotor disability. He had to use a weelchair to be able to move around. However, there was only one school in our little town, and the school had no ramps or elevators, making it impossible for him to navigate by himself the five floors that it comprised. Not only this, but there were no washrooms available for him, either. His mother could not afford to lose her job in town, not with the already soaring cost of his treatement. Her meagre salary meant that a private tutor was out of question. Besides, she thought, what was the point of uprooting her entire life to move to another town or city when–according to her–there was no point in educating her child when he could not do anything with it? And so, despite the fact that he was perfectly capable of learning at par with the rest of us, Andrew never got an education. Imagine that. Imagine being unable to go to school when all the other kids around you are doing so because the school does not have a ramp. It sounds absurd, right? However strange or unreal it may sound, it’s the reality of the lives of many, many children with disabilities. It’s not that they’re unwilling to learn or their parents are unwilling to send them to school. It’s the lack of facilities–many of which the rest of us take for granted–which make it impossible for them to attend school. And even when the facilities are available. Even then, many, many children with disabilites are unable to achieve the education that is their basic right. An estimated one in three out-of-school children have a disability. There are between 93 million and 150 million children with disabilities worldwide. And yet, WHO estimates that in many, many countries across the world, having a disability more than doubles the chances of a child never attending school. While accessibility remains the key factor that inhibits children with disabilities from attending school, there are many, many other factors that come into play. Inflexible teacher training & support is another factor that comes into play. As does inflexible curriculum and poor structure and plan. However, another key factor that prevents children with disabilites from attending school has less to do with the physical elements of education, and more with the mindset and mentality of other people. That is, it has to do with the attitude of children and teachers in school towards children with disabilites. Often, children with disabilites are scorned and made fun of by their peers. And this is not limited to students alone. The teachers, too, might share a callous attitiude and be inflexible in their approach. I had a teacher in my school who refused to change her ‘ alphabetical seating plan’ to allow a deaf girl sit in the first bench so that she could lip-read her instructions. What this means is that many times, the children themseleves might not be willing to go to school from the fear of how their peers and teachers might react to or treat them. While delivering speeches about making education accessible to all or how it is the fundamental right of every person, we tend to make grand statements and all the big steps that we need to–or should–take in order to actually make education more accessible to people. And yet, while making all those grandoise proclamations, we often overlook the little steps that each and every single one of us needs to take. In seeing the ‘big picture’, we ignore the all the little snapshots that go into making it. And yet, it is this little things that make the most difference. A missing ramp–that’s all it took to make a child miss out on his dream of going to school. I don’t think any words sum up my words better than something Annie Campbell said: “We can teach our children to flap their wings, but conditions have to be just right for them to fly.” Our children are ready to take the leap and fly. Now it is upon us to determine what the sky will be like: full or rain or brimming with sunshine.

Different Angles To Cover Your Speech From

There are many different angles to cover your speech from. Some of them have been mentioned below.

• Accessibility Of Education
• The Digital Divide
• Peer Pressure
• Online Education vs. Offline Education
• Education Of Girl Child
• Education Schemes
• Mental Health Of Students
• Effectiveness Of Curriculum
• Classroom Learning vs. Real Life Experiences
• Teaching Strategies
• Education For People With Disabilities
• Bullying In Schools
• Importance Of Physical Education For Students
• Vocational Studies & Their Importance
• Rising Cost Of Education
• Privatization Of Education
• Factors Affecting Student Performance
• Importance Of Arts & Language Education
• Importance Of Field Trips
• Technology In The Classroom
• Importance Of Public Speaking For Students
• Different Learning Styles
• Impact Of Social Media On Learning

Sample Speech Topics On Education

Here are some examples of topics for your speech on education.

1 What affects the performance of kids in school? 2. Significance of compulsory attendance 3. Homeschooling: Benefits and drawbacks 4. How is literacy different from education? 5. What does the future of the education industry look like? 6. How does Switzerland have the best education system? 7. How to ace college application essays? 8. Guide to optimize daily planner: Your guiding light to lead a productive life 9. Use the power of storytelling to make history lessons ‘fun’ 10. How to unlock the potential of your subconscious mind to memorize things better? 11. Beating distractions: How to make the most of online classes? 12. Sleep deprivation is not ‘cool’: How to improve your grades through proper sleep? 13. A Step-by-Step Guide to writing a stellar research paper 14. Why periodic assessment of teachers is necessary 15. The need for psychologists and therapists in school 16. Why positive peer pressure can be a game-changer 17. Why sports should be a graded component in schools 18. The need for adequate sleep 19. Why application-based learning is necessary 20. Shorter school days for the win 21. Why recreational reading is also important 22. The need for sex education in school

To conclude, while writing a speech on education, you need to make sure that your speech isn’t bland or overused. By keeping in mind a few things like finding a unique angle, incorporating stories and props, making sure to include concrete elements, and making your audience go beyond listening to feel something, you can easily deliver an unforgettable speech on education.

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• Speech Writing /

1-Minute Speech on My School for Students

• Updated on  
• Jul 2, 2024

School is a vital part of our lives. It serves as a starting point for our general growth in addition to being a place to acquire reading and writing skills. It helps us learn about the world and moulds our personalities. It’s the perfect starting point for our understanding of the real world. Schools are academic institutions where students are taught about various knowledge aspects. As a student, we are often told to write an essay or present a speech at my school. Speech on my school requires you to write some basic details and features of your school, how your life at school was or is, things you have learned there and what was the best part of your school life. Below we have discussed a 1-minute speech on my school for students with a paragraph and some lines that you can add to your speech on my school.

Table of Contents

• 1 1-minute Speech on My School
• 2 Paragraph On My School
• 3 10 Lines to Add in My School Speech

Also Read: 1-minute Speech on Books for Students

1-minute Speech on My School

Also Read: 1-minute Speech on Introverts vs Extroverts

Paragraph On My School

Also Read: Speech on Beauty Is In The Eyes of The Beholder

10 Lines to Add in My School Speech

Here are 10 easy lines for my school. Feel free to add them to your ‘My School Speech’ to impress your teachers and friends.

• My school has the largest playground in the entire city.
• My school is listed among the top 10 schools in the state.
• My school is known for quality education and has some of the best teachers in the country.
• My school has classes from nursery to 12th
• My school is located in the heart of the city.
• My school organizes a lot of cultural and community activities.
• My school participates in many social activities.
• I was the most intelligent student in my school.
• My school used to serve us mid-day meals.
• My school has one of the best canteens in the city.

Also Read: Speech On How To Tackle A Bad Habit

Also Read: How to Prepare for UPSC in 6 Months?

Ans: My school is listed among the best schools in the city and has several features. My school has a reputation for producing some of the wonderful students because of its teaching system and the teachers, who put their heart and soul into educating their students. My school had classes from nursery to 12th, with hundreds of teachers, two libraries for juniors and seniors, a canteen with a sitting area, a large assembly hall, and a playground. Apart from my classrooms, I spent most of my time in the playground, where I used to play soccer. I was a striker and was known for my good sportsmanship. My school life is full of adventure and educational activities, where I made some lifelong friends. I wish everyone gets a school like mine.

Ans: Here are some quotes on my school:  -‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. – Nelson Mandela -‘The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go. – Dr. Seuss – ‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’ – William Butler Yeats

Ans: School trips, lunch, gossip, daydreaming, forgetting your homework and giving excuses, parent-teacher conferences, punishments, exam results, and all those lifelong memories with friends are some of the best memories of school life.

Related Articles

For more information on such interesting speech topics for your school, visit our speech writing page and follow Leverage Edu.

Shiva Tyagi

With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

224 School Speech Topics for All Grades [High School, Middle School, Elementary]

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

In this article:

High School

Middle school, elementary school, school speech topics checklists, list of school speech topics.

• Girls are under more pressure in high school.
• Schools must not sell unhealthy foods.
• Cyberbullies should be suspended from school.
• Peer pressure will help students grow.
• Parents must not pay kids for good grades.
• Students don’t spend enough time reading books.
• Class sizes make a big difference.
• Schools must get involved with obese students weight issues.
• All students should join the gym.
• Schools should offer rewards for good test scores.
• Cheerleading isn’t a sport.
• The media is to blame for the pressure of girls wanting perfect bodies.
• Mass-shooting in schools can be prevented.
• 16 is an appropriate age to start dating.
• The in crowd is usually the most insecure group.
• Failing is a blessing in disguise.
• Students do not know how to live in the moment.
• Fashion isn’t all that important.
• The methods used to deal with bullies are not effective.
• Private schools are not better than government schools.
• Co-ed schools are better than single-gender schools.
• Recess time must be extended.
• Standardized tests are not a measure of a students ability.
• Textbooks shouldn’t be replaced by technology in high schools.
• Students shouldn’t be graded for gym.
• Birth control should be available at schools.
• Cheating at school is getting worse.
• Sugary drinks should not be sold at school.
• Healthy school lunches are a lost cause.
• Boys hide their body image pressure.
• Smoking makes students outcasts.
• ‘Name and shame’ does not change teenage behaviour.
• Bystanders must be held responsible for not intervening when there is trouble at school.
• Gay students need older gay role models.
• It should be illegal for under 21’s to buy cigarettes.
• Grouping students by ability only benefit the smartest ones.
• Students are less religious than their parents.
• It is important to have a mix of friends to socialize with.
• Kids purposely make parenting hard.
• Helping a friend isn’t always good.
• Not every teacher has the ability to inspire students.
• High school kids don’t need helicopter parents.
• High schools don’t recognize a student’s full potential.
• Class sizes should not exceed 20 students.
• Extra online classes are worth it.
• School should be all year round.
• Parents embarrass their kids too much.
• Attractive students have an advantage over others.
• Students have no interest in government matters.
• Hard work is more important than talent.
• The morning after pill shouldn’t have an age restriction.
• Group work in class should be kept small.
• The best way to learn is alone.
• Teachers don’t use technology to its full potential.
• Dropping out of high school should be an illegal offense.
• The racial make up of a school is important.
• Outings to museums have no educational value.
• Creativity isn’t something that can be taught.
• Students have too much workload.
• Untidy handwriting is a sign of intelligence.
• Student’s interests will change in high school.
• It is important to take career assessment tests.
• Students do not have to get involved with everything in high school.
• Weekend jobs make students more responsible.
• It is important that students volunteer in fields of interest.
• Students must know their place in the classroom.
• Teachers want to create leaders.
• Tutors are necessary even with good grades.
• Locker room talk is demeaning to female students.
• Driving must be taught in High School.
• Plagiarism is getting out of hand.
• The importance of not being a follower.
• Students should focus school work ahead of a social life.
• Students should leave a team if they are never chosen to play.
• Leaving high school with no clear career path isn’t a bad thing.
• Students should always have condoms with them.
• Never shrug off small assignments.
• High school should be treated as if it were a job.
• Web filters at school are not restrictive enough.
• There is too much focus on sports in high schools.
• All students should get involved in exchange programs.
• Group projects only cause conflict.
• Teachers should be allowed to refuse problem students in their classes.
• Principals don’t help develop teachers enough.
• Corporal punishment is abuse.
• Robotics now and in the future – is it helpful in the daycare business?
• Your most embarrassing moment at school and the way you saved your face, solve and fix the awkward situation.
• Amazing discoveries or facts you have never heard of before and like to introduce to your class.
• Adventure racing and famous heroes on motorbikes – so-called off the road movie clips could be nice video aids Such as Steppenwolf.
• Astronomical signs and their meanings. Make it personal by asking a volunteer to give all the info you need.
• Nursing your parents when they get older. Lots of young people do that in their spare time, and they do not often speak about it. Take a chance and show them the world of voluntary care by friends, children, and neighbors.
• Islands in Oceania, in the tropical Pacific Ocean region. There where the date line starts.
• Railroads and trains from 1850, and great train builders and engineers is a high school speech topic to work out.
• How to visit and enjoy an art museum with an audio guide tour on your ears.
• Strange experiences in a restaurant or bar and the moral lesson you draw after that.
• Hurricanes, how they start and their international accepted standards for name giving (boys and girls names from a to z).
• Food photography is much difficult than you think.
• A narrow escape from trouble …
• How to organize surprise parties.
• Why are television soaps popular – did you know a whole team of scenarists writes the storylines – often three per edition?
• I want a new law on … Well feel free to repair and remedy abuses.
• What do you think about often when you enter the school?
• What have you always wanted to do and did not have the courage to ask or really act?
• What would you like to change and why? This one is especially good as graduation input and output.
• Things we can’t understand.
• What are your community activities?
• Suggestions for a school field trip in the autumn.
• Dream explanation, ask for dreams, explain them. Consult dream reading professional and keep away from the shabby occult business.
• Rhetorical questions, Socratical debating techniques.
• Great places to go in the world.
• Hiking trails nobody knows and you want to share.
• See Europe in seven days after high school!

Middle school speech topics for public speaking and oral writing assignments from outdoor activities to Greyhound racing and Rodeo riding to sports games. I have brought into being several themes, suggestions and easy to develop ideas for school:

• My hobby and pet peeves.
• Free time activities that you can recommend.
• What brands or products are popular in this school and why?
• Unusual experiences in the last year.
• Outdoor activities, and indoor activities on a rainy day.
• Why we are no longer kids but are called young adults.
• Suggestions for fun weekends.
• Animation characters and their voices.
• Antarctica research of penguins.
• Aviation pioneers.
• Celebrities, actors, and actresses.
• Computer games are great middle school speech topics if you have an interested audience who likes to game at home.
• Flying discs tricks on the beach side.
• Foreign flags and their story – perhaps you should play the anthems too for a full picture.
• Reasons to abandon grounding rules.
• Rodeo riding: how to survive more than 30 seconds on the riding machine 🙂
• Strange world records set in history.
• Skateboarding tips and tricks, safe on the sidewalks.
• Greyhound racing and the bet systems that are used.
• The world would be a better place if … (fill in your highest dreams)
• Environmental problems in our community.
• Fashion trends in the last century.
• Pen pals or email pals; how traditional patterns have changed.
• My favourite sports games on television.
• My checklist for if you move to another town.
• Kid cooking is cool – if you know how to prep recipes 🙂
• My trip abroad to Europe or Latin-America.
• Monitoring butterflies in the field outside and in our garden.
• Aztec masks and their amazing stories and secrets hidden inside.
• Mythological monsters such as the Minotaur and Nymphs.
• How to organize a fun weekend for the whole family.
• If I was born hundred years ago, I would be …:
• African masks and their meaning in holy rituals.
• Ancient Chinese emperors and their interesting uniform and dress looks.
• The Ice Age; when, how and the causes are good K-6 subjects to come across.
• Pollution sources in our world, and what to do about them in a cost-friendly way at home.
• A Day In the life of a kid in Ancient Rome, compare it with your own modern life.
• Discovering caves are cool grade 6 speech topics to tell something more and show them the work of speleologists.
• Traditional fairy tales from around the world – remember the thick book of the Grimm Brothers?
• Puppets and their funny looking but indeed very serious theatrical performances from Java, Indonesia.
• The Diary of Anne Frank (book or movie) and the meaning today.
• My penpal or better: email-pal from the other side of the world.
• The secrets of the Egypt King Tutankhamun.
• If I was a journalist, I should investigate …
• If I won one million dollars, I would …
• When I am grown up I want to become a / an …
• Last weekend I was at …
• The funniest thing that ever happened to me this month or year.
• Things that make you happy right away if you have the power to buy or dictate.
• Ways I use to relax.
• Favorite sports moments.
• The character I want to be in a movie the hero with heroic courage / or the villain who gets the worst of it in the end.
• My most memorable vacation trip till now.
• The best summer camp games I have ever played and enjoyed very much.
• My favorite spot in the woods near our cabin.
• Your most favorite memories are also great grade 6 speech topics too to talk about in school.
• When you take a walk in the woods, you can see more than you might think …
• Recipes for kids, orally like your favorite meals and food.
• Cool home computer games I like to play, criticize, review and share in class.
• The day I was sick and I must see the doctor.
• Pot and care for a plant or small vegetable ishard labor and needs patience.
• How to make a marionette puppet – a grade 8 speech topic for the artistic
• Birds in our backyard, you’re perplexed about the miles they flew to get there.
• Oceans of the world: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic gulf streams.
• A ride in a truck for transporting heavy objects.
• What is a decent dress code for a serious dinner at official moments:
• My musical instrument and the lessons I take.
• Why giraffes have long necks.
• Animals I should take in Noah’s Ark – and the philosophy behind it.
• Why I like to dance my favorite dance.
• I cope with fear of public speaking for this grade 8 speech by … (secret tactic)
• Magic tricks with simple playing cards for every unexpected occassion.
• Exotic fruits and vegetables in grocery stores; look up where they come from.
• Best 3D paper models: cars, robots, spaceships, airplanes, buildings.
• Things to expect when your mother is pregnant.
• Birds, bears and rabbits spend the winter by sleeping, why?
• My first visit to a dentist: the correct way to brush and floss your teeth.
• Family members I admire: uncles, aunts, nieces or nephews.
• Music festivals and the big logistics puzzle of the organizing parties involved.
• History of the Panama Canal, and the way the pilotage handle very big ships.
• How does global warming affect the icebergs?
• If I was my father or mother for one day.
• My favorite era in history.
• What’s in my room at home.
• The school field trip I would like to make.

Elementary school speech topics on animal keeping, favorite things to do at home or the playground and specific hints that lead to innumerable variations:

• What makes me happy.
• Our last vacation trip.
• Fairy tale characters you would like to talk with.
• Magic tricks you can show.
• Funny things my pet has done. A great quantity of this special theme is to be sorted out of animals and keeing them at home. Do consult your atending if you may bring an animal in class. In case of hesitation – do not cross this line:
• My favorite family story.
• Oceans in the world.
• My neighbourhood.
• Funny Halloween costumes, inspires to lots of funny elementary school speech topics.
• A visit to the doctor, dentist.
• How does it feel to wake up an being a giant?
• Places I lived.
• Why I want to travel in space to the interstellair universe.
• The best paper airplanes withput less folding work.
• How boomerangs return to their sender.
• Circus clowns in all sorts and characters.
• My one-day internship at the fire department.
• Fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
• The best fishing spots.
• My best birthday ever.
• I am good at …
• This is the song I like to sing every day is: …
• Making puzzles of thouands pieces and the tricks I have learned.
• Police uniforms or fire department attire outfits.
• What can you see in the zoo?
• Musical instruments in an full orchestra.

School speech topics tips for verification and 1-2-3 step checking at the secondary middle, high and elementary public speaking homework assignments on teaching skills. In a nutshell: they are easy to answer questions to make a better choice for creating the best result.

Also on this page, you will discover tips to concrete communication issues and education resources. They lead you in the right direction; you only have to use your fantasy.

Let the imaginary juices flow in your brains!

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

Read all my checks for writing subjects and after you have completed that task follow all secure education idea links to the online education lists I have shaped and modified in class education material:

More aggravated lists of themes and valuable information regarding different subjects for future generations education are below. As well as a summary of the implications and / or requirements of what you have found, and school speech topics you could analyze in class.

You can sort out any ideas you like to talk about in oral lessons, scan the possible suggestions and think about what your audience like to hear you talking about: cite short passages and quotation excerpts from well-known experts in the field of research, or refer to good knowledge illustrations and sustainable proof.

Learn to gather material from outside sources about your thread for grades 9 through 12 learning, and deliver your opinion strongly and concisely. Give plain reasons for something you believe. Foster support for your solution, theory or device.

This is principally beneficial for achieving higher education institute assertiveness when you are on stage and put two or more views together, and provide a reason for putting them together by logical reasoning. Another method is approaching the subject matter in both positive and negative lights.

Tracing how something has induced artificially from an earlier state to its current form could welcomed by higher pedagogic instructors.

Next tip: workout extensive information on indoor and outdoor recreation activities to tempt your public to explore other activities than dating, dancing and drinking in a local bar.

Sports is a candidate for finding senior graded school speech topics. E.g. sport as profession to earn a living. With a scientific twist you make it more sophisticated, and because you’re highly qualified and have an actively learning attitude you are able to get their thesis commitment.

Some moves that matter in lower classes are the so-called critize teaching skills, often described as asking and wondering through critical inquiry:

You can help your teacher and fill her or him with enthusiasm by going extracurricular in proposing a particular judgment on a certain top topicality and examen the validity of the arguments by criticizing. This has been in practice in the late seventies – when things went the old-fashioned and more severe way 🙂 – but this technique has made a terrific comeback and is now used in grades 5 through 8 homework assignments.

Many of my visitors look for sixth grade inspiration, or class 6 if you live in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, Primary 5 or 6 in Singapore, and 6ГЁme in France for example. Anyway, in what country you are right now does not matter; all school speech topics are created for children in the range of eleven and twelve years old.

The same holds good for class conversations of (usually) thirteen to fourteen years old who try to cover explanations of various objects and their meaning in the accustomed world of the eight grade population.

Children speak the truth, is often said 🙂 And that saying is more than true. Give them something to chew on in public – from colouring plates to planting and caring for trees – and it is so easy, a younger persons can do it 🙂

More for girls and boys – although it depends on the specific age or progress of the pupils – can be found at this index number two. Help them to be able to get to know the material, and to make the first steps on the path of learning the rudimentary public speaking skills (that are valuable for their whole life).

I have shaped a list that also contains some reference information for nursery and primary and kindergarten material.

10 Tips to Write the Best High School Valedictorian Speech

Ceremonial Speech Topics

9 thoughts on “224 School Speech Topics for All Grades [High School, Middle School, Elementary]”

The topics are 1: the worst day in my life 2: how can we take care of our elders at home. 3: good qualities about your classmates. 4: how I learnt cycling. 5: if you are alone at home and a stranger enters what would you do.

My topic ideas are: Why I hate speeches (for middle school or elementary school) My favorite type of music (for elementary school) Why parents shouldn’t spank their children and better ways to punish children (for elementary school)

The key to success is positive thinking

My favorite holiday

Wow. Just wow.

mental health is an important issue

“Prayer should be compulsory”…that’s my suggestion of a topic

At school there should be a free period where you can do anything you want

Why is the canteen so expensive?

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How to write a good speech in 7 steps

By:  Susan Dugdale  

- an easily followed format for writing a great speech

Did you know writing a speech doesn't have be an anxious, nail biting experience?

Unsure? Don't be.

You may have lived with the idea you were never good with words for a long time. Or perhaps giving speeches at school brought you out in cold sweats.

However learning how to write a speech is relatively straight forward when you learn to write out loud.

And that's the journey I am offering to take you on: step by step.

To learn quickly, go slow

Take all the time you need. This speech format has 7 steps, each building on the next.

Walk, rather than run, your way through all of them. Don't be tempted to rush. Familiarize yourself with the ideas. Try them out.

I know there are well-advertised short cuts and promises of 'write a speech in 5 minutes'. However in reality they only truly work for somebody who already has the basic foundations of speech writing in place.

The foundation of good speech writing 

These steps are the backbone of sound speech preparation. Learn and follow them well at the outset and yes, given more experience and practice you could probably flick something together quickly. Like any skill, the more it's used, the easier it gets.

In the meantime...

Step 1: Begin with a speech overview or outline

Are you in a hurry? Without time to read a whole page? Grab ... The Quick How to Write a Speech Checklist And come back to get the details later.

• WHO you are writing your speech for (your target audience)
• WHY you are preparing this speech. What's the main purpose of your speech? Is it to inform or tell your audience about something? To teach them a new skill or demonstrate something? To persuade or to entertain? (See 4 types of speeches: informative, demonstrative, persuasive and special occasion or entertaining for more.) What do you want them to think, feel or do as a result of listening the speech?
• WHAT your speech is going to be about (its topic) - You'll want to have thought through your main points and have ranked them in order of importance. And have sorted the supporting research you need to make those points effectively.
• HOW much time you have for your speech eg. 3 minutes, 5 minutes... The amount of time you've been allocated dictates how much content you need. If you're unsure check this page: how many words per minute in a speech: a quick reference guide . You'll find estimates of the number of words required for 1 - 10 minute speeches by slow, medium and fast talkers.

Use an outline

The best way to make sure you deliver a perfect speech is to start by carefully completing a speech outline covering the essentials: WHO, WHY, WHAT and HOW.

Beginning to write without thinking your speech through is a bit like heading off on a journey not knowing why you're traveling or where you're going to end up. You can find yourself lost in a deep, dark, murky muddle of ideas very quickly!

Pulling together a speech overview or outline is a much safer option. It's the map you'll follow to get where you want to go.

Get a blank speech outline template to complete

Click the link to find out a whole lot more about preparing a speech outline . ☺ You'll also find a free printable blank speech outline template.  I recommend using it!

Understanding speech construction

Before you begin to write, using your completed outline as a guide, let's briefly look at what you're aiming to prepare.

• an opening or introduction
• the body where the bulk of the information is given
• and an ending (or summary).

Imagine your speech as a sandwich

If you think of a speech as a sandwich you'll get the idea.

The opening and ending are the slices of bread holding the filling (the major points or the body of your speech) together.

You can build yourself a simple sandwich with one filling (one big idea) or you could go gourmet and add up to three or, even five. The choice is yours.

But whatever you choose to serve, as a good cook, you need to consider who is going to eat it! And that's your audience.

So let's find out who they are before we do anything else. 

Step 2: Know who you are talking to

Understanding your audience.

Did you know a  good speech is never written from the speaker's point of view?  ( If you need to know more about why check out this page on  building rapport .)

Begin with the most important idea/point on your outline.

Consider HOW you can explain (show, tell) that to your audience in the most effective way for them to easily understand it.   

Writing from the audience's point of view

To help you write from an audience point of view, it's a good idea to identify either a real person or the type of person who is most likely to be listening to you.

Make sure you select someone who represents the "majority" of the people who will be in your audience. That is they are neither struggling to comprehend you at the bottom of your scale or light-years ahead at the top.

Now imagine they are sitting next to you eagerly waiting to hear what you're going to say. Give them a name, for example, Joe, to help make them real.

Ask yourself

• How do I need to tailor my information to meet Joe's needs? For example, do you tell personal stories to illustrate your main points? Absolutely! Yes. This is a very powerful technique. (Click storytelling in speeches to find out more.)
• What type or level of language is right for Joe as well as my topic? For example if I use jargon (activity, industry or profession specific vocabulary) will it be understood?

Step 3: Writing as you speak

Writing oral language.

Write down what you want to say about your first main point as if you were talking directly to Joe.

If it helps, say it all out loud before you write it down and/or record it.

Use the information below as a guide

(Click to download The Characteristics of Spoken Language  as a pdf.) 

You do not have to write absolutely everything you're going to say down * but you do need to write down, or outline, the sequence of ideas to ensure they are logical and easily followed.

Remember too, to explain or illustrate your point with examples from your research. 

( * Tip: If this is your first speech the safety net of having everything written down could be just what you need. It's easier to recover from a patch of jitters when you have a word by word manuscript than if you have either none, or a bare outline. Your call!)

Step 4: Checking tone and language

The focus of this step is re-working what you've done in Step 2 and 3.

You identified who you were talking to (Step 2) and in Step 3, wrote up your first main point.  Is it right? Have you made yourself clear?  Check it.

How well you complete this step depends on how well you understand the needs of the people who are going to listen to your speech.

Please do not assume because you know what you're talking about the person (Joe) you've chosen to represent your audience will too. Joe is not a mind-reader!

How to check what you've prepared

• Check the "tone" of your language . Is it right for the occasion, subject matter and your audience?
• Check the length of your sentences. You need short sentences. If they're too long or complicated you risk losing your listeners.

Check for jargon too. These are industry, activity or group exclusive words.

For instance take the phrase: authentic learning . This comes from teaching and refers to connecting lessons to the daily life of students. Authentic learning is learning that is relevant and meaningful for students. If you're not a teacher you may not understand the phrase.

The use of any vocabulary requiring insider knowledge needs to be thought through from the audience perspective. Jargon can close people out.

• Read what you've written out loud. If it flows naturally, in a logical manner, continue the process with your next main idea. If it doesn't, rework.

We use whole sentences and part ones, and we mix them up with asides or appeals e.g. "Did you get that? Of course you did. Right...Let's move it along. I was saying ..."

Click for more about the differences between spoken and written language .

And now repeat the process

Repeat this process for the remainder of your main ideas.

Because you've done the first one carefully, the rest should follow fairly easily.

Step 5: Use transitions

Providing links or transitions between main ideas.

Between each of your main ideas you need to provide a bridge or pathway for your audience. The clearer the pathway or bridge, the easier it is for them to make the transition from one idea to the next.

If your speech contains more than three main ideas and each is building on the last, then consider using a "catch-up" or summary as part of your transitions.

Is your speech being evaluated? Find out exactly what aspects you're being assessed on using this standard speech evaluation form

Link/transition examples

A link can be as simple as:

"We've explored one scenario for the ending of Block Buster 111, but let's consider another. This time..."

What follows this transition is the introduction of Main Idea Two.

Here's a summarizing link/transition example:

"We've ended Blockbuster 111 four ways so far. In the first, everybody died. In the second, everybody died BUT their ghosts remained to haunt the area. In the third, one villain died. His partner reformed and after a fight-out with the hero, they both strode off into the sunset, friends forever. In the fourth, the hero dies in a major battle but is reborn sometime in the future.

And now what about one more? What if nobody died? The fifth possibility..."

Go back through your main ideas checking the links. Remember Joe as you go. Try each transition or link out loud and really listen to yourself. Is it obvious? Easily followed?

Keep them if they are clear and concise.

For more about transitions (with examples) see Andrew Dlugan's excellent article, Speech Transitions: Magical words and Phrases .

Step 6: The end of your speech

The ideal ending is highly memorable . You want it to live on in the minds of your listeners long after your speech is finished. Often it combines a call to action with a summary of major points.

Example speech endings

Example 1: The desired outcome of a speech persuading people to vote for you in an upcoming election is that they get out there on voting day and do so. You can help that outcome along by calling them to register their support by signing a prepared pledge statement as they leave.

"We're agreed we want change. You can help us give it to you by signing this pledge statement as you leave. Be part of the change you want to see!

Example 2: The desired outcome is increased sales figures. The call to action is made urgent with the introduction of time specific incentives.

"You have three weeks from the time you leave this hall to make that dream family holiday in New Zealand yours. Can you do it? Will you do it? The kids will love it. Your wife will love it. Do it now!"

How to figure out the right call to action

A clue for working out what the most appropriate call to action might be, is to go back to your original purpose for giving the speech.

• Was it to motivate or inspire?
• Was it to persuade to a particular point of view?
• Was it to share specialist information?
• Was it to celebrate a person, a place, time or event?

Ask yourself what you want people to do as a result of having listened to your speech.

For more about ending speeches

Visit this page for more about how to end a speech effectively . You'll find two additional types of speech endings with examples.

Write and test

Write your ending and test it out loud. Try it out on a friend, or two. Is it good? Does it work?

Step 7: The introduction

Once you've got the filling (main ideas) the linking and the ending in place, it's time to focus on the introduction.

The introduction comes last as it's the most important part of your speech. This is the bit that either has people sitting up alert or slumped and waiting for you to end. It's the tone setter!

What makes a great speech opening?

Ideally you want an opening that makes listening to you the only thing the 'Joes' in the audience want to do.

You want them to forget they're hungry or that their chair is hard or that their bills need paying.

The way to do that is to capture their interest straight away. You do this with a "hook".

Hooks to catch your audience's attention

Hooks come in as many forms as there are speeches and audiences. Your task is work out what specific hook is needed to catch your audience.

Go back to the purpose. Why are you giving this speech?

Once you have your answer, consider your call to action. What do you want the audience to do, and, or take away, as a result of listening to you?

Next think about the imaginary or real person you wrote for when you were focusing on your main ideas.

Choosing the best hook

• Is it humor?
• Would shock tactics work?
• Is it a rhetorical question?
• Is it formality or informality?
• Is it an outline or overview of what you're going to cover, including the call to action?
• Or is it a mix of all these elements?

A hook example

Here's an example from a fictional political speech. The speaker is lobbying for votes. His audience are predominately workers whose future's are not secure.

"How's your imagination this morning? Good? (Pause for response from audience) Great, I'm glad. Because we're going to put it to work starting right now.

I want you to see your future. What does it look like? Are you happy? Is everything as you want it to be? No? Let's change that. We could do it. And we could do it today.

At the end of this speech you're going to be given the opportunity to change your world, for a better one ...

No, I'm not a magician. Or a simpleton with big ideas and precious little commonsense. I'm an ordinary man, just like you. And I have a plan to share!"

And then our speaker is off into his main points supported by examples. The end, which he has already foreshadowed in his opening, is the call to vote for him.

Prepare several hooks

Experiment with several openings until you've found the one that serves your audience, your subject matter and your purpose best.

For many more examples of speech openings go to: how to write a speech introduction . You'll find 12 of the very best ways to start a speech.

That completes the initial seven steps towards writing your speech. If you've followed them all the way through, congratulations, you now have the text of your speech!

Although you might have the words, you're still a couple of steps away from being ready to deliver them. Both of them are essential if you want the very best outcome possible. They are below. Please take them.

Step 8: Checking content and timing

This step pulls everything together.

Check once, check twice, check three times & then once more!

Go through your speech really carefully.

On the first read through check you've got your main points in their correct order with supporting material, plus an effective introduction and ending.

On the second read through check the linking passages or transitions making sure they are clear and easily followed.

On the third reading check your sentence structure, language use and tone.

Double, triple check the timing

Now go though once more.

This time read it aloud slowly and time yourself.

If it's too long for the time allowance you've been given make the necessary cuts.

Start by looking at your examples rather than the main ideas themselves. If you've used several examples to illustrate one principal idea, cut the least important out.

Also look to see if you've repeated yourself unnecessarily or, gone off track. If it's not relevant, cut it.

Repeat the process, condensing until your speech fits the required length, preferably coming in just under your time limit.

You can also find out how approximately long it will take you to say the words you have by using this very handy words to minutes converter . It's an excellent tool, one I frequently use. While it can't give you a precise time, it does provide a reasonable estimate.

Step 9: Rehearsing your speech

And NOW you are finished with writing the speech, and are ready for REHEARSAL .

Please don't be tempted to skip this step. It is not an extra thrown in for good measure. It's essential.

The "not-so-secret" secret of successful speeches combines good writing with practice, practice and then, practicing some more.

Go to how to practice public speaking and you'll find rehearsal techniques and suggestions to boost your speech delivery from ordinary to extraordinary.

The Quick How to Write a Speech Checklist

Before you begin writing you need:.

• Your speech OUTLINE with your main ideas ranked in the order you're going to present them. (If you haven't done one complete this 4 step sample speech outline . It will make the writing process much easier.)
• Your RESEARCH
• You also need to know WHO you're speaking to, the PURPOSE of the speech and HOW long you're speaking for

The basic format

• the body where you present your main ideas

Split your time allowance so that you spend approximately 70% on the body and 15% each on the introduction and ending.

How to write the speech

• Write your main ideas out incorporating your examples and research
• Link them together making sure each flows in a smooth, logical progression
• Write your ending, summarizing your main ideas briefly and end with a call for action
• Write your introduction considering the 'hook' you're going to use to get your audience listening
• An often quoted saying to explain the process is: Tell them what you're going to tell them (Introduction) Tell them (Body of your speech - the main ideas plus examples) Tell them what you told them (The ending)

TEST before presenting. Read aloud several times to check the flow of material, the suitability of language and the timing.

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Speech introductions

The introduction and conclusion of a speech are essential. The audience will remember the main ideas even if the middle of the speech is a mess or nerves overtake the speaker.  So if nothing else, get these parts down!

Introduction

The introduction gives the audience a reason to listen to the remainder of the speech. A good introduction needs to get the audience’s attention, state the topic, make the topic relatable, establish credibility, and preview the main points. Introductions should be the last part of the speech written, as they set expectations and need to match the content.

Attention getters

The first few sentences of a speech are designed to catch and maintain the audience’s attention. Attention getters give the audience a reason to listen to the rest of the speech. Your attention getter helps the audience understand and reflect on your topic.

• Speaker walks up to stage with notes stuck to hands with jelly.
• Did you know there is a right way to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?
• Rob Gronkowski once said, “Usually, about 2 hours before a game, I stuff in a nice peanut butter and jelly [sandwich] with chocolate milk.”
• A little boy walks in from a long day at school, telling his mom that he is starving. His mom is confused because she knows she sent him to school with a full lunch. As she opens his lunch box, she sees his peanut butter and jelly, with the grape jelly smeared on the side of the bag. She realizes there has to be a better way to make a PB&J.
• Bring in a clear sandwich bag with jelly seeping through the bread of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Logical orientation

Once the audience is invested in the speech, logical orientation tells the audience how the speaker will approach and develop the topic.

• Peanut butter on both sides of the bread with jelly in the middle is the best way to make a PB&J.
• PB&Js have developed a bad reputation, because of the jelly making the bread soggy and hands sticky.

Psychological orientation

Like the logical orientation of a speech, the psychological orientation is also going to provide the audience with a map for how and why the topic is being presented.

• Most of us remember our moms – dads too – packing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in our lunches. We also remember how the jelly did not just stay in the sandwich, but became a new stain on our shirts and the glue that held all the playground dirt to our hands.
• We can end this torture for future generations by making sure all parents are aware of the best way to make a PB&J.
• I have eaten numerous PB&Js myself, but my real authority on the topic comes from being a mom of two boys and the maker of many PB&Js.

Both the logical and psychological orientations give the audience a road map for the speech ahead as well as cues for what to listen to. This will help the audience transition from the introduction to the main points of the speech.

Beebe, S. A., & Beebe, S. J. (2012). A concise public speaking handbook . Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Lucas, S. (2012). The art of public speaking . New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Sprague, J. & Stuart, D. (2013). The speaker's compact handbook, 4th ed . Portland: Ringgold, Inc.

Vrooman, S. S. (2013). The zombie guide to public speaking: Why most presentations fail, and what you can do to avoid joining the horde . Place of publication not identified: CreateSpace.

How To Talk About Your School In English

Table of Contents

Introduction

Talking about your school in English could be a common topic of conversation.

Or maybe part of the IELTS test if you are preparing for that.

But whatever your needs, this guide will show you exactly how to talk about your school in English.

Dive right in…

Vocabulary for Describing Your School — The Basics

First things first.

Let’s look at some basic words and phrases about school and school life.

Below you can find most of the words and phrases you will need to describe your school

All the words and phrases have example sentences below. You should practice these by speaking them out loud.

Do this regularly and you will definitely see improvement in your English speaking skills!

Academic Facilities

The academic facilities are the physical spaces that are used in schools by the teachers and students. The buildings and spaces in the school.

Classroom: Noun. A room in a school or educational institution where a teacher teaches and students learn.

Of course, your school has classrooms. These are the rooms where all the classes take place.

Below are some sentences you can use to talk about classrooms in English.

Can you believe how hot it gets in our classroom during the summer?

I always sit near the window in the classroom to get some natural light.

The walls of our classroom are covered with colourful posters to make it more inviting.

Our classroom is a bit small, but we manage to fit all our desks and chairs in.

It’s amazing how technology has changed the way we learn in the classroom.

Hey, do you know where the classroom for the maths test is? I can’t find it anywhere!

I left my backpack in the classroom yesterday, and luckily it was still there when I went back for it.

The classroom was so noisy during the group activity that the teacher had to remind everyone to keep their voices down.

In my school, the classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and comfortable seating.

In our modern classrooms, each student has access to a personal computer for interactive learning.

The classrooms are equipped with modern chairs and desks and ample natural light, creating an ideal environment for studying.

Our school believes in active learning, so the classrooms are designed to encourage group discussions and collaborative projects.

The art classroom is a vibrant space filled with easels, paints, and sculptures for students to unleash their creativity.

I appreciate how our classrooms are equipped with audiovisual tools, making lessons more engaging through multimedia presentations.

Library: Noun. A place where books, magazines, and other resources are kept for people to borrow, read, or study.

Most schools have a library. You can find many books in this large room.

Now try the following sentences about the word library.

I spent my entire afternoon at the library, reading a fascinating mystery novel.

The library is a great place to study quietly, especially during exam week.

I borrowed a couple of history books from the library to help with my research project.

Do you know if the library is open on Sundays? I need to return these books.

I often lose track of time when I’m exploring the shelves in the library.

Our school library boasts an extensive collection of both fiction and non-fiction books.

The library is a quiet sanctuary where students can immerse themselves in a world of knowledge and exploration.

Our school library offers online databases in addition to physical books, ensuring access to a wide range of resources.

The librarians are always ready to assist students in finding the right materials for their research projects.

During exam weeks, the library extends its hours to accommodate students seeking a peaceful space for focused study.

I love spending time in the reading corner of the library, engrossed in my favourite novels.

Laboratory: Noun. A special room or facility equipped with tools, instruments, and equipment for scientific experiments, research, and practical learning.

The laboratory — or lab for short — is used for science classes. The lab might have more specialised equipment that the teachers and students may need for the physics, chemistry or biology classes.

Practice the examples below.

We conducted an interesting chemistry experiment in the lab today, and it was quite successful.

The lab can be a bit intimidating with all the advanced equipment, but the teacher is really helpful.

I accidentally spilt a chemical in the lab during our chemistry class, but luckily my classmate helped me to clean it up quickly.

Our physics lab requires us to record precise measurements to analyse the data accurately.

Working in the lab allows us to apply the theories we learn in class to real-world scenarios.

I spend a lot of time in the chemistry laboratory, conducting experiments and learning practical skills.

The biology laboratory is equipped with microscopes and specimens for hands-on exploration of living organisms.

In the chemistry lab, we do experiments that not only teach us the concepts of chemistry, but also develop our practical skills.

Our physics lab has advanced equipment that allows us to perform experiments to understand the laws of motion.

Assembly Hall

Assembly Hall: A designated indoor space, often within a school, intended for gatherings, meetings, performances, lectures, and other communal activities.

When I was at school, we had to go to the big assembly hall every morning where the headmaster or other teachers would tell us some important information.

Do you have an assembly hall?

Look at the example sentences below.

Our assembly hall is where we gather every morning for the school announcements.

I like the assembly hall because it’s big and can fit all the students and teachers.

We had a really fun dance performance in the assembly hall last week.

The assembly hall is also used for important meetings with the principal.

I sometimes feel nervous speaking on the stage in the assembly hall.

The assembly hall has comfortable seats, so it’s nice during long presentations.

We had a science fair in the assembly hall, and all the projects were displayed there.

Our school’s talent show is held in the assembly hall, and it’s always so entertaining.

The assembly hall has a big screen where we watch educational videos.

Sometimes we practice for the school play on the assembly hall stage.

The assembly hall is a bit cold, so I always bring a jacket for longer events.

Lecture Hall

Lecture Hall: Noun. A large room or auditorium in an educational institution where a teacher or professor gives lectures to a group of students.

Your school might have a lecture hall. Not all schools have one of these. But if your school does the sentences below may be useful to you.

Try the sentences below.

The lecture hall was packed with students eager to hear the guest speaker’s presentation.

I always make sure to arrive early for my morning classes in the lecture hall to get a good seat.

The acoustics in the lecture hall are excellent, so even students in the back can hear clearly.

Our professor uses a projector and screen in the lecture hall to display important slides.

I find it easier to concentrate during lectures in the lecture hall rather than in smaller classrooms.

The lecture hall is where we attend large group discussions or debates on complex topics.

The lecture hall provides a great space for guest speakers to share their expertise and insights with all the students and teachers.

Our school’s lecture hall is equipped with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to enhance the learning experience.

The lecture halls are also used for panel discussions and debates, to encourage the students to have intellectual exchange.

I find the large lecture hall ideal for subjects that require in-depth explanations and discussions among all the students and teachers.

Now You Try!

• Can you describe your school and the rooms or buildings it has?
• What are the classrooms like in your school?
• Do they have ‘cutting edge technology’?
• Do you have a library in your school?
• Is it well-stocked with a wide selection of books?
• Do you have science classes in a lab?
• What kind of equipment do the lab classes have?
• Is there a lecture hall in your school?
• What happens there?

Use the above example sentences and try to make sentences of your own.

Describe the academic facilities of your school.

Write the sentences down in your vocabulary notebook.

Then practice by speaking them out loud.

Check out my other great guides on the following topics.

How To Talk About The Living Room In English

The Beginner’s Guide To Talking About Books In English

Fast Food — a complete English lesson plan

Campus Features

The area where the school is and all the grounds of the school is called a campus. Usually, the school campus provides some other facilities and features for the students to use.

Playground: Noun. An outdoor area designed for recreational activities and play, typically found in schools, parks, or childcare centres.

Usually, a school will have a playground. This is a large area where students can play sports or play games. Or just relax between classes.

Now check out the sentences below about playgrounds.

During recess, the playground is buzzing with kids playing tag and swinging on the swings.

I remember spending countless hours in the playground during my school days.

The new playground equipment they installed last year has made recess time even more enjoyable.

We used to have the best games of soccer in the playground after school.

The playground is a vibrant space where students gather during breaks for games and relaxation.

The playground buzzes with energy during breaks, as students engage in soccer matches, basketball games, and tag.

The playground’s vibrant mural adds an artistic touch to the space, creating a cheerful atmosphere.

During recess, the playground becomes a hub of activity with students playing Frisbee, jumping rope, and socializing.

The swings and jungle gym in the elementary school playground provide a fun and safe environment for younger students.

I often unwind in the serene corner of the playground, enjoying the fresh air and serene surroundings.

Sports Facilities

Sports Facilities: Noun, plural. Physical spaces and amenities designed for various sports and recreational activities.

Some schools these days have excellent sports facilities. Maybe a field for playing football, rugby or cricket.

Or a tennis court for tennis. Maybe a basketball court.

And some schools even have a swimming pool.

What does your school have in terms of sports facilities?

Check out the examples below talking about sports facilities.

Our school’s sports facilities include a gymnasium where we have basketball matches and indoor workouts.

I’m planning to practice my serves at the tennis court this afternoon.

The swimming pool is my favourite spot on hot days at school – it’s so refreshing!

The gymnasium is equipped with treadmills, weights, and exercise machines for a complete workout.

I enjoy playing doubles with my friends on the tennis court after school.

Our school offers state-of-the-art sports facilities, including a gymnasium, tennis courts, and a track.

Our school’s state-of-the-art gym hosts not only basketball games but also fitness classes for students.

The tennis courts are a popular spot for students to improve their racquet skills and engage in friendly matches.

The track around the sports field is where students jog, run, and even organize charity runs for various causes.

Our school’s swimming pool is not only used for physical education classes but also for competitive swimming events.

The multi-purpose sports hall hosts a variety of activities, from indoor soccer matches to dance workshops.

Cafeteria: Noun. A designated dining area in schools, workplaces, or other institutions where people can purchase and consume meals or snacks.

Many schools have a cafeteria. The students need somewhere to eat lunch. Sometimes this place is called a refectory or canteen.

Now try the sentences below.

The cafeteria serves a variety of delicious meals, but I usually go for the pasta.

Let’s meet up in the canteen after class — we can get something to drink and have a chat.

The refectory is a great place to catch up with classmates over lunch. The cafeteria offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to cater to different preferences.

I like the warm atmosphere in the canteen, especially during rainy days.

The cafeteria serves a variety of delicious meals, and students often socialize there during lunchtime.

The cafeteria’s diverse menu caters to different dietary preferences, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

During lunchtime, the cafeteria buzzes with laughter and conversation as students enjoy their meals together.

The cafeteria’s comfortable booths and communal tables provide a comfortable space for students to gather and relax.

Students appreciate the cafeteria’s efforts to source locally grown produce, promoting sustainability and healthy eating.

The cafeteria staff organizes themed food days, introducing students to cuisines from around the world.

Student Lounge

Student Lounge: Noun. A comfortable and informal gathering space within an educational institution, often furnished with seating, tables, and amenities for students to relax, socialize, and unwind.

Speak out loud all the sentences below.

The student lounge is the perfect spot to relax between classes and play some board games.

I often grab a snack and study in the student lounge – it’s a more relaxed alternative to the library.

The student lounge has comfy couches where you can unwind and chat with friends.

I like the vibrant artwork and comfortable seating in the student lounge.

Our school’s student lounge is a hub of activity, with students socializing and working on group projects.

The student lounge is a relaxed area where we can study, unwind, and interact with fellow classmates.

The student lounge is furnished with comfortable couches and bean bags, making it a perfect spot for relaxation between classes.

The lounge offers a variety of board games, creating a social space where students can unwind and have fun.

During exam weeks, the student lounge transforms into a quiet study area, complete with individual study pods.

The student lounge also hosts club meetings and discussions, fostering a sense of community among peers.

I often spend my breaks in the student lounge, catching up on reading or engaging in conversations with friends.

• Can you talk about your school campus facilities and features?
• Is there a playground? Can you describe it?
• What do people do in the playground?
• What are the sports facilities in your school like?
• What kind of sports do the students do there?
• Can you use the gym after school?
• How would you describe the cafeteria?
• Do the students only eat there? Or do other things?
• Does your school have a student lounge?
• Can you describe it?

Describe the campus features and facilities of your school.

Staff and Personnel

Of course, the school is not just made up of buildings, rooms and other places.

There are people too.

Many different kinds of people work in your school.

Let’s take a look at the staff and personnel that work in the school.

Teacher: Noun. An educator or instructor who imparts knowledge, skills, and guidance to students.

You can’t have a school without teachers! The teachers are an essential part of the school.

Below are some things you can say to talk about the teachers in your school.

My history teacher is really passionate about the subject, and his classes are always engaging.

The teachers at our school go above and beyond to support students in their learning journey.

Ms Johnson is one of my favourite teachers because she makes learning maths fun and understandable.

The teachers are organizing a special event for Teacher Appreciation Week to celebrate their hard work.

Our school has a team of dedicated teachers who inspire us to reach our goals.

The teachers at my school are dedicated people who go the extra mile to support all of us students.

The teachers at our school create a supportive learning environment by offering extra help and personalized guidance.

Our history teacher’s passion for the subject is evident in the engaging stories and anecdotes they share during lectures.

Teachers actively encourage open dialogue, allowing students to ask questions and express their opinions freely.

I’m grateful to my maths teacher for patiently explaining complex algebra concepts until I can fully understand how to do it myself.

Our teachers’ dedication extends beyond the classroom, as they also organize extracurricular activities and clubs.

Principal (or Headmaster): Noun. The chief administrator or leader of an educational institution, such as a school or college.

The person at the head of the school is often called the principal. Or you may know this person as the headmaster.

Now check out the sentences below.

The principal announced a new initiative during the morning assembly to promote environmental awareness.

Our headmaster is known for his motivational speeches during important school events.

The principal’s open-door policy encourages students to share their ideas and concerns.

Our headmaster has been leading the school with a strong vision for academic excellence.

I had the opportunity to meet the principal when I received an award for my achievements in science.

Our principal is approachable and encourages students to voice their opinions and concerns.

Our headmaster is known for actively participating in school events, showing genuine interest in the students’ achievements.

The principal’s leadership style promotes open communication and transparency between the administration and students.

Our headmaster’s initiatives, such as creating a student suggestion box, demonstrate a commitment to improving the school.

The principal’s motivational speeches during school assemblies inspire students to aim high and pursue their passions.

I admire how the headmaster values student feedback and involves us in decision-making processes that affect the school.

Counsellor (or Counselor): Noun. A trained professional who provides guidance, support, and advice to individuals facing personal, emotional, social, or academic challenges.

Counsellor — British spelling.

Counselor — American spelling.

You see many counsellors in schools today. Does your school have these kinds of teachers? They can be very helpful to you.

Look at the examples below and try to speak them out loud.

The school counsellor provides valuable guidance to students facing academic or personal challenges.

I had a talk with the counsellor about my future career options, and it was really helpful.

Our counsellor organizes workshops to help students develop better study skills and time management.

The counsellor’s door is always open if you need someone to talk to about your concerns at school.

I’m grateful for the counsellor’s support during a tough time — they really listened and offered great advice.

The school counsellor provides guidance and support to students facing academic and personal challenges.

The school counsellor plays a pivotal role in providing emotional support and guidance to students during challenging times.

I regularly meet with the counsellor to discuss my academic goals and receive advice on course selection.

The counsellor organizes workshops on stress management and study skills, enhancing students’ overall well-being.

I appreciate how the counsellor creates a safe space for students to share their concerns and receive confidential support.

The counsellor’s guidance helped me navigate career options and make informed decisions about my future.

Administrative Staff

Administrative Staff: Noun, plural. The personnel responsible for managing and supporting the non-academic aspects of an organization, such as schools, universities, or businesses.

The administrative staff are the people that students usually do not see in the school. They work in the offices.

They are sometimes referred to as administration staff or simply admin staff or just admin.

You can try all the sentences below.

The administrative staff at our school work diligently behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly.

I had to go to the administration office to get a copy of my test results.

The admin staff is responsible for managing student records and enrolment.

The administrative team plays a crucial role in coordinating school events and activities.

I appreciate how responsive the admin staff is when I have questions about scheduling and registration.

The administrative staff efficiently handle tasks such as enrolment, scheduling, and record-keeping.

The administrative office is where students can obtain information about upcoming events, deadlines, and school policies.

The administrative staff’s friendliness and willingness to assist make the school environment welcoming and inclusive.

I’m impressed by how the administrative staff coordinates school trips and extracurricular activities, adding excitement to our daily lives.

• What kind of staff and personnel do you have in your school?
• What do they all do?
• What kind of teachers do you have?
• What subjects do they teach?
• What do you think of the principal?
• Does the principal talk to the students often?
• Does your school have a school counsellor?
• How does this person help the students?
• What other kind of staff does the school have?

Describe the staff of your school.

Subjects and Courses

We go to school to learn.

And we learn different kinds of subjects and courses while we are at school.

Let’s look at the different kinds of subjects we can learn at school.

Mathematics (Maths): Noun. The systematic study of numbers, quantities, shapes, patterns, and relationships using logic and abstract reasoning.

Maths — British English

Math — American English

Maths is usually an essential subject we learn in school. Maths is used often in our daily lives, so we need to have a certain amount of maths skills.

Try the following sentences below.

Maths has always been a challenging subject for me, but I’m determined to improve my skills.

I find solving equations in maths class to be both rewarding and satisfying.

Maths problems can be like puzzles that require logical thinking to solve.

I’m glad I have a patient teacher who takes the time to explain complex maths concepts.

Practising maths regularly is key to building confidence and proficiency in the subject.

Mathematics is challenging for me, but I appreciate the logical problem-solving skills it develops.

While maths can be quite challenging, I find satisfaction in unravelling complex equations and improving my logical reasoning.

Mathematics pushes me to think critically and approach problems methodically, honing skills that extend beyond the classroom.

English: Noun. A school subject focused on the study of the English language, including its grammar, vocabulary, writing, reading, and communication skills.

If you are in a non-English speaking country, you will no doubt have English classes.

There are English classes in English-speaking countries too.

In English, you have to study new vocabulary and grammar. You also have to develop your skills such as speaking, reading, writing or listening.

Try the examples below.

I enjoy reading English novels to improve my vocabulary and language skills.

Learning English grammar rules can be a bit challenging, but practice makes it easier.

Our English teacher encourages us to engage in discussions to enhance our speaking abilities.

English proficiency is often a requirement for international job opportunities and higher education.

Studying English opens doors to a world of literature, culture, and effective communication.

In English class, we explore the nuances of language through reading, writing, and lively discussions.

Mastering English empowers students to express their thoughts confidently and articulately.

English language skills are essential not only for academic success but also for thriving in a globalized society.

Through the study of English, students enhance their vocabulary, refine their grammar, and develop their critical thinking abilities.

Language or Languages

Language (or Languages): Noun, plural. A school subject that involves the study of a specific language or multiple languages, focussing on their grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, writing, and speaking skills.

In school, we may study other languages.

In my school, I had to study French and German.

What languages do you study?

Try the example sentences below.

I’m trying to broaden my horizons by studying a foreign language in addition to my native tongue.

Learning about various languages in school helps students appreciate the diversity of human communication.

Studying languages fosters an understanding of different cultures and traditions.

In language classes, students delve into grammar, syntax, and phonetics to master effective communication.

Language courses encourage students to think beyond their native tongue and embrace multilingualism.

Exploring the intricacies of languages equips students with valuable skills for cross-cultural interactions and global collaboration.

Science: Noun. A school subject dedicated to exploring and understanding the natural world through the subjects of chemistry, physics and biology.

You probably study science in your school. Maybe you have separate classes for chemistry, physics and biology.

Try to say all the example sentences below.

I’ve always been curious about the world around me, so studying science is a natural fit for me.

Chemistry experiments in the lab can be exciting, especially when you see unexpected reactions.

Physics has a way of challenging my mind and making me think about how things work in the universe.

Biology class is like a journey through the intricacies of life — from cells to ecosystems.

Exploring different branches of science, like biology, chemistry, and physics, is like unravelling the secrets of the universe for me.

I remember the first time I mixed chemicals in chemistry class — it felt like I was a scientist in my own mini-lab.

Physics formulas might seem daunting, but as I solve problems, I feel like I’m uncovering the mysteries of motion.

Learning about genetics in biology has given me a new perspective on how traits are passed down in my own family.

My interest in science started when I was young, and now I can’t imagine a world without exploring its wonders through chemistry, physics, and biology.

Dissecting a frog in biology class was both fascinating and a bit gross, but it showed me the complexity of life first-hand.

Doing science experiments is like being a mad scientist, and it’s so fun when things bubble and pop!

Science is like magic that explains how everything, from phones to rockets, actually happens.

Mixing stuff in chemistry makes you feel like a kitchen wizard, creating potions and stuff.

The periodic table is like a cheat sheet to help us understand the secrets of elements.

Learning about light and sound in physics is just fascinating to me.

Physics experiments make me feel like I’m discovering the secrets of the universe.

Biology is all about living things — bugs, animals, plants — you name it!

In biology class, we dive into the world of life and what makes living things exist in the world.

In science classes, we conduct experiments and explore the mysteries of the natural world.

In science classes, we delve into hands-on experiments that ignite curiosity and deepen our understanding of the natural world.

Studying science enables us to uncover the wonders of biology, chemistry, and physics through practical exploration.

Literature: Noun. A school subject that focuses on the study and analysis of written works, including novels, poems, plays, and other forms of creative expression.

Do you study the literature of your country in school? It is often considered an important thing to do. To understand the written word of our respective countries.

You can try using the sentences below. Speak out loud!

Exploring different types of literature allows me to dive into diverse worlds and perspectives.

Reading a captivating novel feels like embarking on an unforgettable adventure.

Poetry has a way of expressing emotions in a condensed and powerful form.

Storytelling through literature helps me connect with characters and their journeys.

I’ve always been drawn to literature because it lets me escape into different realities, whether it’s through novels, poetry, or short stories.

When I read a novel, I become so engrossed in the plot that I lose track of time and feel like I’m part of the story.

Poetry has this magical ability to capture feelings and thoughts in just a few lines, making me appreciate the beauty of language.

Sharing my thoughts about a book with friends is one of my favourite ways to engage in conversations about literature and its impact.

Exploring classic literature has introduced me to different eras and cultures, enriching my understanding of history and society.

From reading bedtime stories as a child to analysing complex texts in literature class, my journey with literature has shaped my love for storytelling and words.

Reading novels is like making friends with characters and visiting different worlds.

Literature helps us understand people’s feelings and thoughts — it’s like a window into their minds.

I’m excited to write my own story for the creative writing assignment in literature class.

Analysing classic literature allows us to gain insights into different cultures and historical periods.

Literature discussions encourage us to think critically, analyse character motivations, and explore underlying themes.

History: Noun. A school subject that involves the study of past events, people, societies, and cultures.

Most schools want the students to learn and study the history of their own country. We need to understand where we came from and how we evolved into modern society.

Try to use the examples below.

Learning about history is like piecing together a puzzle of the past to understand the present.

Exploring significant historical events allows me to grasp the context that shaped our world today.

Studying ancient civilizations transports me to a time before modern technology and gives me a new perspective on human development.

History teaches us valuable lessons from the past that can guide us in making informed decisions for the future.

I’ve always been fascinated by history because it’s like exploring a treasure trove of stories, from wars and revolutions to the everyday life of people from different times.

When I delve into historical events, I can see the connections between different eras and understand how they’ve shaped the societies we live in now.

Ancient civilizations like Egypt and Rome captivate me with their achievements and innovations, making me wonder what life was like back then.

The lessons we learn from history’s triumphs and mistakes are vital for navigating the complexities of our modern world.

From visiting historical sites to reading first-hand accounts of events, my passion for history grows as I engage with its rich narratives.

Discussing historical figures and their contributions in class sparks conversations that show how history is more than just dates – it’s the story of humanity itself.

I love learning about ancient civilizations and the crazy things people did way back then.

Studying history is like piecing together a giant puzzle to figure out how we got here.

History is full of heroes, villains, and mind-blowing events that shaped the world we know.

Studying history helps us understand the events that have shaped our world and society.

Studying history is like unravelling a captivating narrative that helps us comprehend the influences that have shaped human civilization.

History classes provide a window into past cultures, conflicts, and societal shifts, enriching our perspective on the present.

Geography: Noun. A school subject that focuses on the study of the Earth’s physical features, landscapes, environments, and the relationships between human societies and their surroundings.

And just as we study the history of our respective countries, we should also study the geography of the country too. The main cities, the rivers, mountains, seas and lakes.

Try to use the sentences below.

Exploring geography is like embarking on a journey around the world without leaving the classroom.

Learning about different landforms, like mountains and rivers, makes me appreciate the diverse landscapes on Earth.

Reading maps and understanding coordinates gives me a sense of direction and helps me navigate both on paper and in real life.

Geography allows me to explore how geography influences cultures, traditions, and ways of life.

Geography has always fascinated me because it’s more than just maps — it’s about understanding how the world’s features and locations interact with each other.

Studying landforms in geography class makes me feel like an explorer discovering the Earth’s hidden wonders, even if I’m just sitting at my desk.

Reading maps isn’t just about finding locations; it’s about deciphering the stories of places and imagining the journeys that happen there.

Exploring the relationship between geography and culture helps me see how the environment shapes the ways people live and adapt.

From learning about climate patterns to discovering the geographic factors behind historical events, geography offers a holistic view of the world’s complexities.

Discussing global issues in geography class makes me realize the interconnectedness of our planet and the importance of responsible stewardship for its diverse regions.

Geography is like exploring the planet without leaving the classroom — from mountains to oceans!

I’m all about maps, countries, and discovering the coolest places on Earth in geography class.

Learning about different climates and cultures in geography feels like planning a worldwide adventure.

Geography teaches us how the Earth’s surface changes over time — it’s like nature’s time-lapse.

Geography classes involve learning about diverse landscapes, cultures, and global interconnectedness.

Through geography, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate relationships between people, places, and environments.

Art: Noun. A school subject dedicated to the exploration of creative expression through visual and artistic mediums.

At school, there is a strong emphasis on creative expression via drawing and painting. This is why we have art classes at school.

You can try to use the sentences below.

Art class is where I can let my creativity loose and turn ideas into colourful masterpieces.

I love getting messy with paints and pencils — art is all about expressing myself.

Art is like a magical realm where my imagination runs wild, and my ideas come to life.

Sculpting in art class feels like shaping my own little world out of clay.

I can’t wait to show off my latest art project — it’s like sharing a piece of my heart with everyone.

The art studio is a haven for creativity, where we experiment with various mediums and techniques.

The art studio is a sanctuary where I can freely experiment with various mediums, channelling emotions and creativity into my work.

Art class ignites my imagination and challenges me to think outside the box, fostering self-expression and originality.

Music: Noun. A school subject centred on the study and practice of musical elements, including rhythm, melody, harmony, and composition.

And as we study art, we may also study music as another form of creative expression. Many students learn to play a musical instrument at school.

Try to speak out the sentences below.

Music class is like a jam session where we learn to play awesome tunes and make melodies.

I’m in love with the beats and rhythms we explore in music — it’s like a language of its own.

Playing an instrument feels like casting a spell that makes everyone around groove to the music.

Music connects people in ways words can’t — it’s like a universal high-five of happiness.

I’m stoked for our upcoming concert — making music with friends is the ultimate coolness!

I play the violin in the school orchestra, and music class allows me to express myself through melodies.

Playing the violin in the school orchestra allows me to communicate emotions through melodies and harmonies, transcending language.

In music class, I explore rhythm, composition, and musical theory, unlocking new dimensions of creativity and self-discovery.

• What subjects do you study in school?
• How do you study maths in school?
• What about English?
• Or any of the other classes you have?

Describe the subjects you study at your school.

Extracurricular Activities

Your school may offer something called extracurricular activities.

These are often things that the students have an active interest in that they can do after school hours.

It could be a sport, drama or a reading club. Or it could be art or photography.

Let’s take a look at the different kinds of extracurricular activities!

Club: Noun. An organized group or activity within a school that is not part of the regular academic curriculum. Clubs provide students with opportunities to pursue specific interests, hobbies, or goals outside of regular classes.

Clubs can be great fun. This is where you can meet up with classmates and pursue an activity that you all enjoy.

Check out the examples below.

Photography Club:

Joining the photography club is like capturing memories in a snap and turning them into art.

In the photography club, we learn to frame the world through a lens and tell stories with images.

Taking photos is like freezing moments in time — it’s like creating our own personal time capsules.

The photography club is where shutterbugs like me gather to share tips and tricks for epic shots.

I can’t wait for our photo exhibit — it’s like showing the world how we see it through our cameras.

I’m a member of the photography club, where we learn about composition and capture stunning images.

Reading Club:

The reading club is where bookworms like me geek out over stories and discuss characters like they’re real.

I’m loving the reading club ’cause we dive into novels and then chat about them like we’re in a secret book club.

The reading club is like a portal to different worlds — I get to explore all sorts of adventures.

Talking about plots, twists, and favourite lines in the reading club is like hanging out with fellow story enthusiasts.

I’m excited about the next reading club meeting — it’s like stepping into a new adventure every time.

The reading club offers a space to immerse myself in literature, share insights, and engage in discussions with fellow book enthusiasts.

Dance Club:

Dance club is where I let loose and groove to the beat — it’s like a weekly dance party!

Dancing with friends in the dance club is like creating our own choreographed adventures.

The dance club is my happy place — it’s where I express myself through movement and music.

I can’t wait to show off our moves at the dance showcase — it’s like sharing our passion with everyone.

Other clubs:

Being a part of the drama club allows me to explore various roles and emotions on stage, enhancing my acting skills and confidence.

In the computer club, I delve into the world of programming, developing apps and websites while expanding my technical knowledge.

Through the gardening club, I connect with nature, learn about plant care, and contribute to the beauty of our school environment.

Sports Teams

Sports Team: Noun. A group of individuals who come together to participate in organized athletic competitions, representing a school, institution, or community.

No doubt your school has a sports team for the national sport of your own country. Could be football, basketball, cricket or table tennis.

Try out the example sentences below.

Football Team:

Playing on the football team is like being part of a tight-knit family that scores winning goals together.

Scoring a goal in a match feels like winning a mini-World Cup right there on the field.

Being on the football team means training hard, but the friendships and teamwork are worth it.

Soccer matches are like adrenaline-fuelled adventures — it’s like we’re writing our own sports story.

I’m psyched for our next match — the football team is all about friendly rivalry and endless fun!

Participating in the football team allows us to showcase our teamwork and strategy on the field, facing off against formidable opponents.

Basketball Team:

Joining the basketball team is like shooting hoops and making slam dunks with my buddies.

Scoring a three-pointer in a game is like hitting the jackpot — the crowd goes wild!

Being on the basketball team means practising dribbles and passes, but the thrill is worth it.

Basketball games are like fast-paced battles where we’re all aiming for victory.

I’m pumped for our upcoming tournament — the basketball team is pure energy and teamwork!

Our school’s basketball team practices regularly and competes against other schools in the region.

Cricket Team:

Playing on the cricket team is like stepping onto the pitch and becoming a star player.

Hitting a six in a cricket match is like sending the ball on a space mission — it’s epic!

Being on the cricket team means mastering batting, bowling, and fielding — it’s like being an all-rounder.

Cricket matches are like strategic battles, where every run and wicket counts toward victory.

I can’t wait for our match against our rival school — the cricket team is all about passion and sportsmanship!

Tennis Team:

Being on the tennis team is like serving aces and playing rallies with a bunch of tennis-loving friends.

Hitting a perfect backhand in a match is like nailing a secret move in a video game.

Tennis matches are like intense one-on-one duels. It’s all about skill, focus — and a bit of luck.

Playing doubles in the tennis team is like forming a dynamic duo to conquer the court.

I’m excited to show off my improved serves and volleys in our next match — the tennis team rocks!

Being a part of the tennis team hones our agility and precision as we engage in exciting matches and build lasting friendships.

Table Tennis Team:

Joining the table tennis team is like battling for supremacy in fast-paced ping-pong matches.

Nailing a tricky spin shot in a game is like pulling off a magic trick — it leaves opponents amazed.

Playing table tennis on the team means practising swift reflexes and honing precision shots.

Table tennis matches are like mini-marathons of agility and concentration — it’s like brain and brawn combined.

I’m eager for our tournament — the table tennis team is all about friendly rivalry and high-speed fun!

The swim team’s rigorous training regimen builds endurance and stroke precision, leading to personal growth and athletic achievement.

In track and field, we push our limits in various events, from sprints to hurdles, cultivating discipline and a sense of accomplishment.

Drama: Noun. An extracurricular activity within a school or community that focuses on theatrical performance, acting, and dramatic arts. Drama clubs provide students with a platform to explore and develop their acting skills, express themselves creatively, and engage in various aspects of theatre production.

If you feel the desire to express yourself on the stage, then the drama club is the place for you!

Do you get involved in school play productions?

Check out the examples below and speak them all out loud.

Drama club is my stage where I get to be someone else for a while and let my inner actor shine.

Acting in the drama club is like taking a magical journey into different characters’ lives.

The drama club is all about creating stories and bringing them to life with emotions and expressions.

Rehearsing for the play in the drama club is like building a puzzle — every line and movement fits perfectly.

I can’t wait to see the audience’s reactions during our performance — drama club is pure excitement!

Participating in school drama productions has helped me build confidence and improve my public speaking.

Through drama, I’ve learned to embody different characters, analyse scripts, and collaborate with fellow actors to create compelling performances.

Debate: Noun. An organized activity or club where participants engage in formal discussions or arguments on various topics, presenting and defending their viewpoints in a structured manner.

Debate clubs are very popular in schools these days. You can improve your public speaking skills and your ability to discuss a wide variety of topics.

You can try all the example sentences below.

Debating is like solving a puzzle of logic and persuasion. I love crafting my case.

The debate club is where we sharpen our minds and stand up for what we believe in.

I’m pumped for the next debate — it’s like a friendly clash of wits and ideas.

In the debate club, we turn conversations into exciting battles of logic and persuasion.

Being in the debate club is like solving a puzzle where words are the pieces that fit perfectly.

Debating is all about being convincing and respectful — it’s like friendly verbal sparring.

I can’t wait for our next debate — the club is like a brain gym where we flex our opinions and thoughts.

The debate club hones our argumentative skills and encourages us to express our opinions eloquently.

The debate club challenges us to construct compelling arguments, listen actively, and express our viewpoints eloquently and persuasively.

Engaging in debates sharpens our critical thinking, teaches us to analyse multiple perspectives, and equips us to engage in constructive discussions.

Music Groups

Music Groups: Noun. Organized clubs within a school that bring together students who share a common interest in creating and performing music. Music groups can encompass various genres and styles, such as choir, band, orchestra, jazz ensemble, and more.

Music club is another creative outlet for students who love music. You could join a band or learn a musical instrument.

Music club is where I jam out with friends and make melodies that lift spirits.

Rehearsing for our performance in the music club is like piecing together a musical puzzle.

Music club is like a sanctuary where notes and chords come together to create magic.

I’m excited to play my part in the music club’s upcoming concert — it’s all about harmony and good vibes.

The school offers various music groups, from choirs to rock bands, catering to diverse musical interests.

The school’s choir provides a harmonious outlet for my love of singing, allowing me to connect with fellow music enthusiasts.

Joining a music group has exposed me to diverse genres and musical techniques, broadening my appreciation for different forms of expression.

• What extracurricular activities do you study in school?
• Do you attend any of these clubs or activities?
• Do you have an interest in dance or art? Do you go to any of the dance or art classes after school?
• What kind of clubs would you like to see in your school?

Describe the extracurricular activities in your school.

Talking About School — Advanced Level

I have included FIVE more sections here that can help you talk about your school, your school life and how you are developing at school, at a much deeper level.

This is more advanced than in the previous sections!

Let’s take a look right now…

Talking About Your Daily Routine at School

Describing your daily routine at school is a fantastic way to engage in conversations and share insights into your academic life.

You could be asked to do this in an interview or in the IELTS test.

Here’s a comprehensive list of useful phrases and example sentences that English students and teachers can use to discuss your daily routines:

Vocabulary for Expressing Daily Routines

Attend classes

I attend four classes every day.

During lectures, I make sure to take detailed notes.

Participate in discussions

I actively engage in classroom discussions to enhance my understanding.

I set aside time every evening to study and review my notes.

Complete assignments

After classes, I focus on completing my assignments and homework.

Prepare for exams

As exams approach, I dedicate more time to preparing and revising.

Use study breaks

During study breaks, I like to stretch and grab a healthy snack.

Example Sentences:

My typical day starts with attending three classes in the morning, followed by a break for lunch.

After lunch, I participate in the debate club, where we discuss thought-provoking topics and practice persuasive speaking.

I usually take notes on my laptop during lectures to ensure I capture all the important information.

In the evenings, I set aside time to study and complete any assignments due the next day.

On Wednesdays, I have an early morning maths class, which is followed by a study session at the library.

During study breaks, I like to go for a short walk to clear my mind and recharge.

I find it helpful to use study breaks to review my notes and reinforce my understanding of the material.

Additional Phrases for Variation:

In the afternoon, I engage in group discussions with my classmates to exchange ideas.

After classes, I spend time in the library to research and gather resources for my upcoming project.

During our study group sessions, we review each other’s notes and quiz each other on the material.

I prioritize my assignments based on their deadlines, starting with the ones due sooner.

On Fridays, I attend a language club where we practice conversational skills and language exercises.

Look at the questions below. Try to answer them using the terms above and in full sentences.

• How do you typically start your day at school?
• What subjects or classes are part of your daily routine?
• Do you have any strategies for staying organized and managing your schoolwork?
• How do you manage your time during breaks between classes?
• Do you have any favourite spots to hang out during these times?
• How do you handle days when the class schedule is different or when there are special events?
• What resources do you utilize to ensure you’re up-to-date with assignments and upcoming exams?
• How do you find a balance between focusing on your studies and taking necessary breaks during the day?
• Do you have a preferred study routine or location when you need to complete assignments after school?
• How do you handle days when you find a particular subject challenging or less interesting than others?
• What role do technology and digital tools play in your daily school routine, if any?
• How do you wind down and transition from school mode to your personal time in the evenings?
• How do you ensure you’re maintaining a healthy work-life balance despite the demands of your daily school routine?

Discussing Your Favourite Subjects and Teachers

Engaging in conversations about your favourite subjects and teachers provides a glimpse into your academic interests and the teachers who inspire you.

Here’s an extensive list of phrases and example sentences that you can use to discuss your preferences and share your experiences:

Expressions for Describing Preferences:

• My favourite subject is…
• I have a strong liking for…
• I’m particularly drawn to…
• One subject I really enjoy is…
• I’m passionate about studying…
• When it comes to subjects, I’m most fond of…

My favourite subject is history because I’m fascinated by past events and their impact on the present.

I have a strong liking for mathematics; solving complex problems gives me a sense of accomplishment.

I’m particularly drawn to art and find immense joy in expressing my creativity through various mediums.

One subject I really enjoy is literature; analysing the themes and characters in novels is truly enriching.

I’m passionate about studying environmental science as it aligns with my concern for the planet’s well-being.

When it comes to my favourite school subjects, I’m most fond of music; playing instruments and composing melodies is my way of expressing emotions.

Expressing Admiration for Teachers:

• I’m inspired by the way my teacher…
• My teacher’s dedication to the subject…
• I greatly appreciate my teacher’s…
• One teacher I admire is…
• My teacher’s enthusiasm for the subject…
• I’m grateful for the guidance my teacher…

I’m inspired by the way my teacher connects historical events to current societal issues, making the subject come alive.

My teacher’s dedication to the subject is evident in their engaging lectures and willingness to help us understand challenging concepts.

I greatly appreciate my teacher’s approach of incorporating real-world examples to make the subject more relatable.

One teacher I admire is my English literature professor, who introduces thought-provoking texts and encourages critical thinking.

My teacher’s enthusiasm for the subject is contagious; their passion motivates me to delve deeper into the subject matter.

I’m grateful for the guidance my teacher provides in mathematics; their patient explanations help me overcome difficulties.

Additional Phrases and Prompts:

Use the following phrases and prompts to help you talk about your teachers.

• I find my chemistry teacher’s teaching style…
• My history teacher’s knowledge about different eras…
• What subject do you find most captivating, and why?
• Can you describe a teacher who has had a significant impact on your learning journey?
• In your opinion, what makes a teacher effective and inspiring?
• How has your favourite subject influenced your perspective on the world?

Favourite Subjects:

• What subjects do you enjoy the most and why?
• Can you describe what draws you to your favourite subjects? Is it the content, the way they’re taught, or something else?
• How do your favourite subjects make you feel engaged or excited about learning?
• Have your favourite subjects changed over time, or have they remained consistent throughout your school years?
• Do you have any specific career aspirations that align with your favourite subjects? If so, how do they connect?
• Are there any real-life applications or experiences that have deepened your interest in your favourite subjects?
• How do you balance your enthusiasm for your favourite subjects with the need to excel in other areas as well?
• Have you ever considered participating in extracurricular activities related to your favourite subjects?

Influential Teachers:

• Could you share a story about a teacher who significantly impacted your learning journey? How did they do so?
• Have any teachers played a role in helping you discover your favourite subjects or areas of interest?
• What teaching methods or approaches do your favourite teachers use that make a difference in your learning experience?
• Do you think your interactions with certain teachers have contributed to your overall enjoyment of school?
• Have you ever sought advice or mentorship from your favourite teachers beyond the classroom?
• How do your favourite teachers create a supportive and engaging classroom environment?
• Have your favourite teachers inspired you to consider pursuing careers or further education in certain fields?
• Have any particular teachers influenced your choice of favourite subjects?
• What qualities do you appreciate in a teacher?

Appreciating Qualities in Teachers:

• What qualities do you value the most in teachers who teach your favourite subjects?
• How do your favourite teachers make complex topics more understandable and enjoyable?
• Do you think a teacher’s passion for a subject has an impact on how much students enjoy that subject?
• How do your favourite teachers encourage active participation and open discussions in the classroom?
• What approaches do your favourite teachers take to accommodate different learning styles and abilities?
• Have you noticed any common traits among your favourite teachers that contribute to your positive learning experiences?
• How do your favourite teachers foster a sense of curiosity and critical thinking in their students?

Describing Extracurricular Involvement

Sharing your experiences and engagement in extracurricular activities can provide valuable insights into your interests and personal growth.

Here’s an extensive list of phrases and example sentences that you can use to discuss your involvement in extracurricular activities:

Vocabulary for Discussing Extracurricular Activities:

Join a club: I decided to join the drama club to explore my passion for acting.

Participate in: I actively participate in the debate club to enhance my public speaking skills.

Attend practice sessions: I attend regular practice sessions for the school’s choir, refining my vocal abilities.

Engage in rehearsals: Engaging in rehearsals with the dance troupe allows me to improve my coordination and performance.

Showcase performances: Our music ensemble showcases performances at various events throughout the year.

Contribute to: I contribute to the school newspaper as a writer, covering various topics of interest.

I joined the photography club, and we have regular photo shoots to capture captivating moments around the school.

I’m part of the school’s basketball team, and we have intense practice sessions to improve our teamwork and skills.

Participating in the school’s chess club allows me to engage in strategic gameplay and compete with fellow enthusiasts.

I attend practice sessions for the robotics club, where we work collaboratively to build and program innovative robots.

Engaging in rehearsals for the upcoming drama production is both challenging and exhilarating.

As a member of the environmental club, I contribute to initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability within the school.

Expressing Passion and Growth:

Being a part of the debate club has ignited my passion for public speaking and critical thinking.

Through my involvement in the art club, I’ve honed my artistic skills and discovered new creative techniques.

Joining the school’s science team has allowed me to delve deeper into scientific research and exploration.

The dance team has not only improved my physical fitness, but has also boosted my self-confidence.

I’ve seen significant personal growth since becoming a member of the leadership club; I now feel more confident in leading projects.

Asking About Extracurricular Involvement:

Use these questions to ask your classmates. You can ask each other and practice speaking about extracurricular involvement in your school.

• What extracurricular activities are you currently involved in?
• How has your participation in [activity] impacted your overall school experience?
• Can you describe any memorable experiences or achievements from your involvement in [club/organization]?
• What motivated you to join [club/organization] and what do you enjoy most about it?

Fulfilling Extracurricular Activities:

• Could you describe the extracurricular activities that bring you the most joy and fulfilment? What makes them special?
• How did you initially become interested in and involved with your favourite extracurricular activities?
• Have your preferences for extracurriculars evolved over time, or have you remained dedicated to certain activities?
• Do your extracurricular involvements align with any of your academic interests or career aspirations?
• Have you taken on leadership roles within your favourite extracurricular activities? If so, how has that experience been?
• How do you balance your academic responsibilities with your commitment to extracurricular pursuits?

Contribution to Overall Development:

• In what ways do your extracurricular activities contribute to your personal growth and development?
• How do you think your involvement in these activities enhances your social skills and interpersonal relationships?
• Have you noticed any positive impacts that your extracurricular activities have had on your academic performance?
• Do your extracurriculars provide you with a sense of balance and stress relief from your academic responsibilities?
• How have your extracurricular experiences helped you develop a well-rounded skill set for your future endeavours?
• Have you ever faced challenges or obstacles in balancing your time between academics and extracurriculars? How did you overcome them?

Skills Gained and Enhanced:

• What specific skills have you gained or improved upon through your participation in different clubs, teams, or groups?
• Have your extracurricular activities led to the discovery of talents or passions you might not have otherwise explored?
• How do the skills you acquire in your extracurricular activities complement the knowledge you gain in the classroom?
• Have any of your extracurricular involvements introduced you to new perspectives or cultures?
• Do you believe that the skills you develop through extracurriculars are transferable to your future career or educational pursuits?
• How do you balance the desire to excel in your chosen activities with the need to try new experiences and broaden your horizons?

Sharing School Achievements and Events

Discussing your school achievements and events provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase accomplishments and foster a sense of community.

Here’s a comprehensive list of phrases and example sentences that you can use to share your school’s achievements and upcoming events:

Vocabulary for Discussing School Events and Achievements:

Participate in competitions: I had the privilege of participating in the national science competition.

Engage in tournaments: Our school’s soccer team recently competed in a regional tournament.

Showcase exhibitions: The art department organized a captivating exhibition featuring student creations.

Receive awards: I was honoured to receive the ‘Student of the Year’ award for my academic achievements.

Organize events: Our school is organizing a cultural diversity event to celebrate various traditions.

Host fundraisers: We’re planning to host a charity fundraiser to support a local community initiative.

Our school participated in the robotics competition, and our team designed an innovative robot that earned us first place.

I had the opportunity to represent our school in the debate tournament, where I advanced to the semi-finals.

The science department recently showcased a fascinating exhibition that highlighted experiments and scientific discoveries.

I was thrilled to receive the ‘Excellence in Literature’ award for my dedication to writing and literary analysis.

Our school is organizing a talent show where students can showcase their unique skills and artistic talents.

We’re excited to announce that our school will be hosting a charity fundraiser next month to support a local orphanage.

Sharing Proud Achievements:

Our school’s choir achieved a remarkable feat by winning first place at the statewide singing competition.

I’m proud to have been part of the team that secured the championship title in the Mathematics Olympiad.

The environmental club’s initiatives were recognized, leading to our school receiving an award for sustainability.

Our theatre production received rave reviews, and we’re thrilled about the positive impact it had on the audience.

I’m honoured to have been chosen as the student representative to attend the national leadership conference.

Inviting Participation and Involvement:

We’re inviting all students to participate in the upcoming science fair by showcasing their research projects.

Everyone is encouraged to attend the school-wide art exhibition and witness the incredible creativity of our students.

Join us in the fundraising walkathon to support a local charity and make a positive impact on the community.

We welcome volunteers to assist in organizing the charity bazaar, which will raise funds for underprivileged children.

Asking About Involvement and Interest:

You can use these questions to ask others about any involvement in school achiement or events. You can ask your classmates. And they can ask you.

• Have you ever participated in any school competitions or events?
• Which school achievement are you most proud of, and why?
• Are there any upcoming events or competitions you’re looking forward to?

School Achievements:

• Can you share some of your proudest academic achievements during your time at school? What did they mean to you?
• How do you set goals for yourself academically, and what strategies do you use to work towards achieving them?
• Have there been any specific challenges you’ve overcome on your path to achieving academic success?
• How do you feel your achievements have shaped your sense of self-confidence and motivation?
• Have any of your achievements led to new opportunities or experiences beyond the classroom?
• How do you balance the pursuit of academic achievements with maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

Participation in School Events:

• What school events or activities have you been actively involved in, and what made those experiences memorable for you?
• How do you decide which school events to participate in, considering your academic commitments and personal interests?
• Have you ever taken on a leadership role or contributed to organizing a school event? How did that experience impact you?
• Are there any particular events that have helped you connect with classmates or build a sense of community?
• How do school events contribute to your overall school experience and sense of belonging?
• Have you participated in any events that allowed you to showcase talents or skills outside of academics?

Talking About Challenges and Goals

Engaging in conversations about your challenges and goals is a reflective and motivating way to share stories about your personal growth experiences.

Here’s a comprehensive list of phrases and example sentences that you can use to discuss challenges you’ve encountered and your aspirations for the future:

Expressions for Discussing Challenges:

One of the challenges I face is…: One of the challenges I face is adjusting to the higher academic demands of college.

I’m currently grappling with…: I’m currently grappling with time management as I balance my studies and a part-time job.

I find it challenging to…: I find it challenging to maintain a consistent exercise routine during busy school weeks.

I’ve been working to overcome…: I’ve been working to overcome my fear of public speaking through practice and exposure.

A hurdle I’ve encountered is…: A hurdle I’ve encountered is understanding complex mathematical concepts.

Example Sentences—Challenges:

One of the challenges I face is managing my time between school, my part-time job, and spending time with my family.

I’m currently grappling with the transition from high school to college, as the coursework is more rigorous.

I find it challenging to balance my involvement in multiple clubs while maintaining a high academic performance.

I’ve been working to overcome my shyness in group discussions by actively participating and expressing my thoughts.

A hurdle I’ve encountered is adjusting to the new digital learning environment and staying focused during online classes.

Expressions for Sharing Goals:

My goal for this year is…: My goal for this year is to enhance my vocabulary and fluency in English.

I’m working toward…: I’m working toward improving my time management skills to balance studies and hobbies.

I aim to…: I aim to excel in my science courses and pursue a degree in environmental science.

My objective is…: My objective is to participate in a national debate competition and represent our school.

I’m aspiring to…: I’m aspiring to publish an article in the school newspaper to share my insights.

Example Sentences — Goals:

My goal for this year is to improve my grades in maths by seeking additional help from tutors and practising regularly.

I’m working toward enhancing my presentation skills by joining the public speaking club and participating in debates.

I aim to explore different art forms and techniques to broaden my creative repertoire and express myself more effectively.

My objective is to achieve fluency in a second language by consistently practising speaking and writing.

I’m aspiring to create a positive impact in our community by leading a volunteer project to clean up local parks.

Encountered Challenges:

• What are some of the significant challenges you’ve faced during your academic journey so far? How did they impact you?
• Have you encountered challenges that were specific to certain subjects or areas of study? How did you navigate them?
• How do external factors, such as time management or personal circumstances, influence the challenges you face?
• Have any challenges led you to reconsider your goals or adjust your academic path?
• How do you think overcoming challenges contributes to your personal growth and resilience?

Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Goals:

• How do you approach setting academic goals for yourself? What factors do you consider when determining your goals?
• Can you share an example of a goal you’ve set for yourself and the steps you’ve taken to work towards achieving it?
• What strategies do you employ to stay motivated and focused when faced with obstacles that could deter you from your goals?
• How do you balance short-term goals with long-term aspirations, especially when faced with immediate challenges?
• Have you sought guidance or support from teachers, peers, or mentors to help you overcome challenges and reach your goals?

Strategies for Addressing Challenges:

• Could you describe a specific strategy you’ve used to address a challenge related to your studies? How did it work for you?
• How do you approach problem-solving when you encounter academic difficulties? Do you have a step-by-step process?
• Have you ever tried different study techniques or time management methods to overcome challenges? Which ones worked best for you?
• How do you adapt your strategies when faced with challenges that require a change in perspective or approach?
• How do you maintain a positive mindset and resilience when you’re working through challenges in your academic journey?

I know that I have covered a lot of ground in this guide!

I strongly advise you to just look at one section at a time.

Look at one section and try to learn the vocabulary from only that one section. Practice all the sentences and then try to make sentences of your own.

You will see the Now You Try practice sections. This will allow you to use the words and phrases you have learnt and put them to use.

Just try to answer all the questions in these practice sections. Use as much of the vocabulary as you can and use full sentences!

The last five sections are more advanced. But this will help you to discuss and talk about your school life at a much deeper level.

I hope this guide is useful to you!

Keep trying!

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25+ Informative Speech Topics To Engage Your Audience

• The Speaker Lab
• September 1, 2024

Table of Contents

A well-chosen topic is key. Not only does it hook your audience from the start, but it also ensures they’ll remember what you said long after. With so many possibilities, however, where do you even begin? Picking a speech topic can be difficult, but if you’re looking for informative speech topics , look no further. We’ve compiled a list of informative speech topics spanning a wide range of categories, from technology and social media to psychology and mental health. Each one has been chosen carefully so that your audience will learn loads while staying entertained. Whether you’re passionate about green living or sports, there’s a topic out there that’ll catch your attention and spark conversations.

What is an Informative Speech?

The main goal of an informative speech is to educate your audience about a specific subject. Accordingly, you want to present the information in a way that’s easy to understand and remember. Depending on your topic and goal, you can choose to speak on objects, processes, events, or concepts. Whatever type of informative speech you choose, just make sure it aligns with your audience’s interests and needs.

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Key Elements of an Informative Speech

To deliver an effective informative speech, there are a few key elements to keep in mind:

• Choose a clear, specific topic
• Conduct thorough research using credible sources
• Organize your speech in a logical, easy-to-follow structure
• Use engaging language and delivery techniques
• Conclude with a strong summary of your main points

By incorporating these elements into your speech writing process, you’ll be well on your way to delivering an informative and memorable speech.

How to Choose an Informative Speech Topic

Now that you know the basics of informative speeches, it’s time to choose your topic. But with so many options out there, where do you even begin? Don’t stress—we’ve got some tips to help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect informative speech topic.

Brainstorming Ideas

The first step in choosing a topic is to brainstorm potential ideas. Think about your interests, hobbies, and areas of expertise. What topics do you find fascinating? What do you want to learn more about? Jot down any and all ideas that come to mind, no matter how silly or far-fetched they may seem. After all, you never know what might spark inspiration for a great speech topic.

Narrowing Down Your Options

Once you have a list of potential topics, it’s time to start narrowing them down. Consider factors like the length of your speech, your audience’s interests and background knowledge, and the amount of research required for each topic.

Try to choose a topic that’s specific enough to cover in depth, but not so narrow that you’ll struggle to find enough information. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box—sometimes the most unique and creative informative speech topics are the most engaging.

Considering Your Audience

Your audience should always be at the forefront of your mind when choosing a speech topic. What do they want to learn about? What will capture their attention and keep them engaged? Consider factors like age, background, and interests when selecting your topic. You want to choose something that will resonate with your audience and leave them feeling informed and inspired.

Researching Your Topic

Once you’ve settled on a topic, it’s time to start researching. Look for credible sources like academic journals, reputable news outlets, and expert interviews to gather information and statistics. As you research, take notes and organize your findings into an outline. This will help you structure your speech and ensure you cover all the key points. Remember, the more knowledgeable you are about your topic, the more confident and engaging you’ll be when delivering your speech. So don’t skimp on the research phase.

Informative Speech Topics About Education

Education is a topic that affects us all, making it a great choice for an informative speech. Whether you’re passionate about bilingual education, curious about the pros and cons of online classes, or interested in the importance of physical education, there are plenty of angles to explore.

Some potential education-related informative speech topics include:

• The history of education in America
• The benefits and challenges of homeschooling
• The role of technology in modern education
• The importance of early childhood education
• The debate over standardized testing in schools

No matter which topic you choose, make sure to back up your points with research and statistics. And don’t be afraid to share your own experiences and opinions. After all, an informative speech is a great opportunity to educate and inspire your audience.

Psychology and Mental Health Informative Speech Topics

When it comes to informative speech topics about psychology and mental health, there’s no shortage of fascinating subjects to explore. From the inner workings of the human mind to the impact of mental well-being on our daily lives, this field offers a wealth of insights and discoveries. For instance, did you know that regular exercise can have a profound effect on our psychological well-being ? Studies have shown that physical activity can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, while also boosting self-esteem and cognitive function. If topics like these interest you, then you may consider giving an informative speech on psychology and mental health.

The Mind-Body Connection

The mind-body connection is another topic that’s ripe for exploration in an informative speech. Our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs can have a powerful impact on our physical health, and vice versa. For example, chronic stress has been linked to a range of health problems, from heart disease to digestive issues. Meanwhile, embracing activities such as mindfulness or meditating brings with it perks aplenty. Bettering our brains alongside our bodies is only the start.

Of course, no discussion of psychology would be complete without delving into the complexities of human behavior. When you look at the way we build friendships or decide what’s next, there’s always something new and exciting to talk about. Wondering what to discuss? We’ve got a handful of killer suggestions ready for your upcoming presentation.

• The psychology of persuasion
• The impact of birth order on personality
• The science of habit formation
• The role of empathy in social interactions

Informative Speech Topics on Social Issues and Human Rights

Social issues and human rights are another rich source of informative speech topics. Not only are they relevant, but these topics are also great at keeping your audience hooked.

One topic that’s been in the spotlight in recent years is the impact of social media on our lives. While platforms like Facebook and Twitter have undoubtedly brought people together in new ways, they’ve also raised concerns about privacy, addiction, and the spread of misinformation. An informative speech on this topic might explore the pros and cons of social media use, as well as strategies for using these platforms in a healthy and responsible way.

Another pressing social issue is the ongoing fight for human rights around the world. Countries around the world have countless stories of courage and resilience just waiting to be told. So if you’re wondering what to discuss, take a look at these suggestions.

• The history of the civil rights movement
• The impact of gender discrimination on women’s lives
• The challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers
• The role of activism in promoting social change

Technology and Social Media Informative Speech Topics

Technology and social media are transforming the way we live, work, and communicate. As a result, these topics offer endless possibilities for informative speeches that educate and inspire.

One recent technological development has been the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). From self-driving cars to personalized medicine, AI is poised to revolutionize nearly every aspect of our lives. If you chose to do an informative speech on AI, you could weigh the good against the bad—what amazing things AI can do for us and where it might trip us up.

Diving into another area, let’s talk about social media. In addition to the impact of social media on our personal lives, there’s also the question of how these platforms are shaping our political discourse and our society as a whole. Wondering what to discuss? We’ve got a handful of killer suggestions ready for your upcoming presentation.

• The role of social media in political campaigns
• The impact of online echo chambers on public opinion
• The ethics of social media data collection and use
• The potential for social media to promote social change

Environmental and Sustainability Informative Speech Topics

Environmental issues and sustainability are some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today. From climate change to plastic pollution, you’re never out of options for stirring speeches.

Climate change is, of course, a particularly urgent environmental topic. The scientific consensus is clear: By living the way we currently do, we’re pushing our planet’s temperature higher alarmingly quick, putting everything and everyone at risk. An informative speech on this topic might explore the causes and effects of climate change, as well as the steps we can take to mitigate its impact.

Other potential informative speech topics related to the environment and sustainability might include:

• The benefits of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power
• The impact of deforestation on biodiversity and climate change
• The problem of plastic pollution in our oceans and waterways
• The role of sustainable agriculture in feeding a growing population

No matter which topic you choose, an informative speech on psychology, social issues, technology, or the environment has the power to educate, inspire, and motivate your audience to take action. Dive into topics deeply and share what you find to spark change one reader at a time.

Unique and Creative Informative Speech Topics

Looking for a speech topic that’s a little out of the ordinary? Something that will really make your audience sit up and take notice? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Choosing a unique or creative topic is a surefire way to make your informative speech memorable. It’s a chance to showcase your personality and interests while still delivering valuable information. In addition, it’s just more fun to research and write about something a little offbeat. Below are a few creative ideas to get you going.

• Unusual holidays and festivals around the world
• The history and science behind a common food item (like chocolate or coffee)
• How a popular board game or toy is made
• The life and accomplishments of a little-known historical figure
• The psychology of optical illusions and how they trick our brains

The key is to find a topic that piques your curiosity and hasn’t been done to death. Dig deep into your hobbies, passions, and areas of expertise. Chances are, there’s a fascinating informative speech topic hiding in there somewhere. In fact, some of the best informative speeches are the ones that take a familiar topic and approach it from a completely new angle. For example, instead of giving a generic speech about the importance of recycling, you could focus on the surprising ways recycled materials are used in fashion or art.

The possibilities are endless. With a little creativity and research, you can craft a truly unique informative speech that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

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Tips for Delivering an Engaging Informative Speech

You’ve chosen the perfect informative speech topic, done your research, and written a great speech outline . Now comes the hard part: actually delivering the speech in front of an audience. Don’t worry, though, because we have your back.

Giving a great speech is all about preparation and practice. The more comfortable you are with your material, the more confident and engaging you’ll be on stage. Here are a few tips to help you deliver an informative speech that will keep your audience hooked from beginning to end.

Organizing Your Speech

The structure of your speech is just as important as the content itself. A well-organized informative speech has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start with an attention-grabbing introduction that previews your main points. Use the body of your speech to dive deeper into each point, using examples and stories to illustrate your ideas. Finally, wrap things up with a memorable conclusion that reinforces your key takeaways.

Using Visual Aids

Visual aids like slides, charts, or props can be a great way to enhance your informative speech and make complex topics more accessible. Just be sure to use them sparingly and strategically. Too many visuals can be distracting, so choose ones that really drive home your main points. And always have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties.

Connecting with Your Audience

At the end of the day, the goal of any informative speech is to educate and engage your audience. To do that, you need to find ways to make your topic relatable and relevant to their lives. Use examples and anecdotes that resonate with their experiences. Make eye contact, smile, and use gestures to convey your enthusiasm for the subject. And don’t be afraid to inject a little humor or personality into your delivery.

Practicing and Refining Your Delivery

The old saying “practice makes perfect” definitely applies to public speaking . The more you rehearse your informative speech, the more natural and polished your delivery will become. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself on video, or grab a friend to be your audience. Pay attention to your pacing, clarity, and body language . And don’t forget to time yourself to make sure you’re staying within the allotted time limit.

Remember, delivering a great informative speech is a skill that anyone can learn with a little practice and preparation. So take a deep breath, trust in your abilities, and go out there and crush it.

FAQs About Informative Speech Topics

What are the 5 useful topics of an informative speech.

Consider technology trends, mental health awareness, climate change impacts, historical events analysis, and modern educational methods for engaging speeches.

What is a good informative speech?

A good one dives deep into facts and insights without trying to sway opinions. It’s clear, precise, and keeps listeners hooked.

What is an appropriate topic for an informative speech about a concept?

The evolution of artificial intelligence presents a rich ground to explore concepts ranging from ethics to its societal impact.

Which topic is best for speech?

Pick something you’re passionate about. If it sparks your interest, chances are high it’ll engage your audience too.

To truly master an informative speech, you have to get excited about your chosen subject. Spend ample time researching every nook and cranny then wrap it up by enthralling everyone through compelling narratives peppered with interesting tidbits. Use the informative speech topics we’ve shared with you and you’re all set to create a presentation that not only shares knowledge but also keeps your audience hooked and leaves them thinking.

So, whether you’re a student, professional speaker, or simply looking to enhance your public speaking skills, embrace the power of informative speeches. Choose a topic that ignites your curiosity, and watch as your words inspire and educate others.

• Last Updated: August 28, 2024

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School Speech Topics: 200+ Unique Ideas

Delivering a speech is an essential part of every student’s curriculum. It requires confidence to articulate your thoughts and represent them in front of the entire school. It is a beautiful way to interact with your audience, engage with them, and add to their knowledge. This scholarly exercise helps students showcase their critical thinking, soft skills, creative writing, knowledge, viewpoints, and public speaking skills, which allows them to boost their confidence and stand out from the crowd.

The initial step of crafting a speech requires a unique school speech topic. Before starting the business of writing, students must consider their school speech topics. One should decide on their speech topics and get to the writing part as early as possible. But, sometimes, even after brainstorming for hours, students still need help deciding what topic to choose. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!

No more stomach-churning and anxiety-inducing thoughts about what topic to choose; our experts have compiled a list of excellent school speech topics. You can use these speech topics to frame an incredible piece of writing.

Table of Contents

Three Pillars of Any Speech

No matter what kind of speech you’re delivering, in all speeches, especially academic speeches, there are always three significant components. These include logic (logos), ethics (ethos), and emotions (pathos).

• Logic (Logos):-  “Logos” refers to the logical reasoning in your speech. A single link must connect all the pieces of your arguments and statements. Thus, from the introduction to the conclusion, draft logical, meaningful, and reasonable points to give substance to your opinions.
• Ethics (Ethos):  The second aspect, emotions, or ethos, signifies your ethics, morality, and believability as a speaker. Increasing your credibility will help persuade your professors or readers to accept your arguments and consider the necessary actions.
• Emotions (pathos):  Emotions play a significant role in convincing someone. It is likely the most crucial aspect of your academic speech. Emotions pique people’s interest, which motivates them to listen to your arguments and consider taking the recommended actions.

Thus, to present a unique, intriguing academic speech, students must ensure that their speeches successfully comply with all these three pillars of speech.

How to Research Speech Ideas for School

There are some fundamental suggestions that you need to follow for selecting your speech topics. These suggestions will help you navigate through the selection process. These include:

• Research and narrow down crucial topics   that would perfectly fit into a coherent speech topic. Ensure that the selected topic is suitable to enhance your abilities and interact with your audience.
• The next step is to identify your targeted audience .  Knowing your audience’s demographics will enable you to choose a subject that will capture the audience’s   attention from the start. Ensure to be more aligned with the audience’s   general areas of interest.
• Ensure that your selected topic is not leading your audience in distinct directions where they will find it hard to follow your speech flow.
• When you’ve selected your educational speech topics, follow the answers to these 5 Ws to ensure you’re on the right track:
• Who is affected by your topic or problem?
• Why is this subject significant? What drives the exploration of it?
• What regions of the world does the topic affect, or where is it located?
• When and how was/is this subject discussed? Is time a crucial component?
• What is the most crucial argument or point of view?
• The next step is to understand your audience.   Knowing your audience’s demographics will enable you to choose a subject that will capture attention from the start and be more in line with general areas of interest.
• Keep things interesting for yourself and your audience.   Speeches can be tedious. Choose a creative, exciting topic to keep your audience engaged throughout the presentation.

200+ Captivating School Speech Topics

Writing a speech requires coming up with a brilliant topic and then articulating your thoughts and knowledge in a systematic and disciplined manner. Either teacher assigns students their topics for speeches, or students might have the opportunity to select for themselves.

Below is a list of 200+ great speech topics for high school students that can help you draft a powerful speech.

Speech Topics for High School Students

For high school students, the scope of research extends to another level. They can do research on anything and anyone they want. There are numerous topics for speeches that could be interesting to you. Look through the list of topics below to see if you can find something that interests you.

• The 1917 Spanish flu
• The opioid outbreak in the United States
• Ignorance is bliss
• The Salem witch trials
• Cruelty in animal testing laboratories
• How do books make a difference?
• Fashion in Victorian Britain
• Modern politics, culture, and society
• Racial discrimination in the workforce
• The power of satire in comedy
• Censorship issues in the film industry
• Classical mythology in popular cultures
• Superhero culture in society
• Body donation for medical science: why and why not?
• Depletion of the ozone layer
• What is the reason for deforestation in developing countries?
• Waste management from a global perspective
• Water-saving agriculture in China: an overview
• Why do endangered species matter?

Read Also – Top 100 Position Paper Topics

Persuasive Speech Ideas for Students

Persuasive speech is crafted to persuade individuals to believe in something or do something irrespective of their traditional beliefs. It is the type of speech that revolves around everything, whether it’s arguing about politics or talking about a balanced diet.Below are some engaging, persuasive speech topics for students. Use this list to get inspired and craft a fantastic speech:

• Impact of marketing on individuals and their perception
• Effect of peer pressure on students’ mental health
• Are zoos ethical? Why animals should not be kept in zoos
• Strategies involving students’ interest in learning
• Critical global issues: what is the biggest threat to the world?
• The past, present, and future of recycling
• Conservation of oil and natural gas
• Understanding the importance of water reservations
• Why is global warming still a threat to human health?
• Advertising standards: advertising should be more regulated.
• Why has Indonesia banned palm oil exports?
• How can television once again be instructive and beneficial?
• The truth about political correctness: the two-fold connection of liberalism
• Euthanizing stray animals: is it ethical?
• How our differences make us unique
• The importance of delegation
• Technology dependency among teenagers
• Benefits of conserved oil
• Search engine technologies are replacing traditional research methods.
• Is graffiti art or vandalism?

Informative Speech Ideas for School Students

An informative speech is a type of speech that is crafted by centralizing people, events, places, news, things, or processes. This speech is entirely and exclusively focused on facts.

Thus, in simple words, an informative speech imparts knowledge to the audience regarding a particular subject. If you’re thinking of drafting an informative speech, then here are some topic suggestions you can consider:

• The importance of the arts for students
• The life cycle dynamics of ocean animals
• Customer satisfaction surveys in the business world
• A prohibition on advertisements that depict violence, ragging, or body shaming to gain TRPs.
• Relationship between religion and Education
• IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
• Why one shouldn’t be afraid of their competitors
• The psychology of colors: the effects of colors on behavior
• Self-tanner has real-world adverse effects.
• Antipodes map: tunnel to the other side of the world
• Overweight and obesity
• Owning a pet: things to know
• Could fining parents cut childhood obesity?
• Ancient and Asiatic horse breeds
• The history and present of the ivory trade
• Causes of deforestation in developing countries
• Causes and effects of overpopulation
• medical dangers of consuming nicotine
• Sexual prejudice in sports

Read Also – Top 100 +Group Discussion Topics

Arts & Culture Speech Topics for High School Students

Here we’ve compiled a catalog of some outstanding arts and culture speech topics to help you frame a memorable speech:

• Culture and nationalism
• The importance of multicultural Education
• Graffiti should be considered an art.
• Preserving traditional games as cultural treasures
• Classic literature readings versus modern e-books
• Art and music therapy
• The economics of art museums
• The importance of music and the arts for young minds
• The E-Library Culture

Incredible School Speech Topics for English & Classical Literature

If you’re a literature student or are keen to study literature or English, then you can look at these below-given school speech topics connected with English and literature.

• Keats, the man, medicine, and poetry
• Women writers who shaped American literature in the twentieth century
• Resolving writer’s block
• Shakespeare’s role in shaping the modern language
• Evaluating Ernest Hemingway’s narratives for promoting toxic masculinity
• The history of book bans in the United States
• Symbolism in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird
• Which current literature will endure as classical literature in the future?
• Pride and prejudice: the limits of societies
• Understanding Virginia Woolf as a feminist
• Contemporary movies that depict works of classic literature
• The role of Lady Macbeth in the downfall of Macbeth
• contribution of women in shaping early American literature
• Romanticism in the 18th-century British literature
• The status of women in 20th-century English society
• Male dominancy in the texts of early British literature
• An examination of the “I Have a Dream” speech by Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Understanding power and identity in Gothic literature
• Agatha Christie as the first lady of crime
• The post-romantic and Victorian eras

Read Also – 100+ Anthropology Research Paper Topics

School Speech Topics Regarding Current Affairs and Social Issues

Finding exciting topics regarding current affairs or social issues is pretty straightforward. Crafting a speech around current and social events will have an exceptionally significant impact on your audience. Carefully analyze each topic in the following list:

• White nationalism
• What lessons have we learned from the pandemic?
• The Occupy Wall Street movement
• Afghani women under Taliban rule
• Modern protest culture
• Israel-Palestine relations
• Ukraine and Russia are at war.
• Liberalism vs socialism
• The Me Too movement
• Role of the UN in protecting human rights
• “Viral” culture in today’s society
• Black Lives Do Matter.
• Anti-hijab protests in Iran
• Human rights as a western construct
• A Green New Deal
• Tortured justice: no pain, no gain?
• Syrian civil war
• Global human trafficking: a 2022 report
• Generational divisions between Baby Boomers, Millennials, and Generation Z
• DACA: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

Politics, Law, and Business Related School Speeches Ideas

Writing a speech regarding politics, law, or business can be complicated. Despite their interest in these subjects, students chose them as speech topics. While watching current events or the news can be advantageous, you can also analyze the below-given list for some inspiration:

• Marketing niches: is it beneficial for your business?
• The role of elections in a democracy
• Understanding the influence of social media on shaping political campaigns
• Political ideologies that shook the world
• Analyzing the government’s role in combating the environment
• The future of small businesses
• Business performance management
• Unorthodox business ideas
• Anti-trust policies and provisions
• Juvenile Delinquency Prevention
• America is not a democracy.
• An overview of activity-based management in businesses
• Gender-based discrimination in the workplace
• Youth and politics: youth participation in changing the world
• The business world has forgotten competitive marketing skills.
• Democracy vs communalism
• Image of “Justice” in Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment
• Modelling the impact of AI on the global economy
• Emerging issues in the private panel institutions

Speech Topic Suggestions on Psychology

Today, psychology is a highly contentious issue. Many students are interested in learning more about psychological issues. Therefore, consider creating your speech around psychology. Check out our collection of topics!

• Mental health issues and war veterans
• Why does human multitasking fail?
• Drug Addiction Hypnotherapy
• The impact of media and peers on eating disorders among children
• impact of social media on our mental health
• The psychology behind cults
• Sigmund Freud’s Theories: Simply Psychology
• Social determinants of mental health
• The psychology of sleep paralysis
• Cognitive approaches to insomnia
• Abnormal psychology
• The psychology of dreams and nightmares
• The psychological essence of child geniuses and prodigies
• Early identification of autism disorders
• The consequences of childhood bullying on mental health and low self-esteem
• The relationship between physical and mental illness
• The formation of memories in the human brain
• Emotional reaction to music: how does music evoke emotions?
• The psychology of money

School Speech Topics Based On Technology

Being science students, nobody knows this better than you; those technological speech topics can never be dull or tedious. This field is undoubtedly the most complex or challenging, but what can be fun if there’s no challenge? So, here are some fascinating technology-related speech topics for high school students:

• It is preferable to have printed images than to retain electronic copies on a computer.
• The significance of regularly creating backups of your computer files
• Search engines are replacing libraries.
• Future Space Science and Exploration: A Historical Overview
• A Scientific and Ethical View on Human Cloning’s Developments
• What Is the Future of Artificial Intelligence?
• Increase in robotics
• How can we continue to profit from the internet?
• The Effects and Consequences of Bio-warfare
• The future of humankind and its technological impact
• The significance of being alert to internet fraud
• Phones make it difficult for us to communicate with one another.
• Why free internet music should be available.
• The role of technology in shaping our lives
• The future of AI watches
• How are evolving technologies harming human lives?

Topics for Scientific Studies Speeches

Are you searching for compelling subject matter for your speech? You’ll need to choose the proper topic carefully because this is one of the most challenging disciplines of study. Here are a few suggestions.

• What Is a Computer Virus?
• What Is the Influence of Social Media on Us?
• Discover Interesting Facts About the Human Brain
• How does the human brain work?
• Drug testing shouldn’t be done on animals.
• How can geniuses be produced?
• How can rainforests be preserved for future generations?
• The contribution of Newton to science
• The historical scientist with the most impact
• How are search engines operated?
• How do modern technologies change our lives?
• Why shouldn’t whales be used as a food source?
• The AI of tomorrow observes

Environmental Education Speech Topics

Despite only minor Ozone Layer loss, we still have a long way to go to protect our environment. If you are into environmentalism, then these given environmental speech topics can help you craft a memorable speech about enhancing the ecological system. Carefully analyze the following intriguing environmental speech ideas for college students:

• How to Create a World That Runs on Alternative Energy Sources
• What Can We Do to Prevent Animal Abuse?
• What human behaviors cause landslides?
• There is no longer a lot of fish in the seas and oceans. Why?
• Effects of a Growing Population
• Why Do Farmers Use Organic Fertilizers?
• Are Our Tropical Rain Forests Dying?
• The benefits of using reusable bags every day
• Whether Pluto should be classified as a planet
• Advantages of requiring recycling for everyone
• Should the US government increase its funding for space initiatives?
• What are the primary risks posed by oil spills in the ocean?
• Is it crucial to be informed about what’s going on in space?
• Importance of environmental cleanliness

In addition to research and diligent work, brilliant work is essential to prepare an educational speech. Please remember that this is not a research paper but only a speech. Prepare accordingly. Research credible sources, but don’t go overboard. Know when to stop researching and get back to writing.

Speech isn’t just about your writing skills; it also involves your communication skills. Don’t leave it to the last minute; start practicing your speech delivery as soon as you finish writing. Using words is simple if you are precise and confident in your presentation of your work. Be intellectual, passionate, and enthusiastic, and your audience will applaud you appropriately.

If you can’t handle your papers, Edumagnate is a paper help service that meet your needs.

By Alex Brown

I'm an ambitious, seasoned, and versatile author. I am experienced in proposing, outlining, and writing engaging assignments. Developing contagious academic work is always my top priority. I have a keen eye for detail and diligence in producing exceptional academic writing work. I work hard daily to help students with their assignments and projects. Experimenting with creative writing styles while maintaining a solid and informative voice is what I enjoy the most.

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How to write a speech that your audience remembers

Whether in a work meeting or at an investor panel, you might give a speech at some point. And no matter how excited you are about the opportunity, the experience can be nerve-wracking . 

But feeling butterflies doesn’t mean you can’t give a great speech. With the proper preparation and a clear outline, apprehensive public speakers and natural wordsmiths alike can write and present a compelling message. Here’s how to write a good speech you’ll be proud to deliver.

What is good speech writing?

Good speech writing is the art of crafting words and ideas into a compelling, coherent, and memorable message that resonates with the audience. Here are some key elements of great speech writing:

• It begins with clearly understanding the speech's purpose and the audience it seeks to engage. 
• A well-written speech clearly conveys its central message, ensuring that the audience understands and retains the key points. 
• It is structured thoughtfully, with a captivating opening, a well-organized body, and a conclusion that reinforces the main message. 
• Good speech writing embraces the power of engaging content, weaving in stories, examples, and relatable anecdotes to connect with the audience on both intellectual and emotional levels. 

Ultimately, it is the combination of these elements, along with the authenticity and delivery of the speaker , that transforms words on a page into a powerful and impactful spoken narrative.

What makes a good speech?

A great speech includes several key qualities, but three fundamental elements make a speech truly effective:

Clarity and purpose

Remembering the audience, cohesive structure.

While other important factors make a speech a home run, these three elements are essential for writing an effective speech.

The main elements of a good speech

The main elements of a speech typically include:

• Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for your speech and grabs the audience's attention. It should include a hook or attention-grabbing opening, introduce the topic, and provide an overview of what will be covered.
• Opening/captivating statement: This is a strong statement that immediately engages the audience and creates curiosity about the speech topics.
• Thesis statement/central idea: The thesis statement or central idea is a concise statement that summarizes the main point or argument of your speech. It serves as a roadmap for the audience to understand what your speech is about.
• Body: The body of the speech is where you elaborate on your main points or arguments. Each point is typically supported by evidence, examples, statistics, or anecdotes. The body should be organized logically and coherently, with smooth transitions between the main points.
• Supporting evidence: This includes facts, data, research findings, expert opinions, or personal stories that support and strengthen your main points. Well-chosen and credible evidence enhances the persuasive power of your speech.
• Transitions: Transitions are phrases or statements that connect different parts of your speech, guiding the audience from one idea to the next. Effective transitions signal the shifts in topics or ideas and help maintain a smooth flow throughout the speech.
• Counterarguments and rebuttals (if applicable): If your speech involves addressing opposing viewpoints or counterarguments, you should acknowledge and address them. Presenting counterarguments makes your speech more persuasive and demonstrates critical thinking.
• Conclusion: The conclusion is the final part of your speech and should bring your message to a satisfying close. Summarize your main points, restate your thesis statement, and leave the audience with a memorable closing thought or call to action.
• Closing statement: This is the final statement that leaves a lasting impression and reinforces the main message of your speech. It can be a call to action, a thought-provoking question, a powerful quote, or a memorable anecdote.
• Delivery and presentation: How you deliver your speech is also an essential element to consider. Pay attention to your tone, body language, eye contact , voice modulation, and timing. Practice and rehearse your speech, and try using the 7-38-55 rule to ensure confident and effective delivery.

While the order and emphasis of these elements may vary depending on the type of speech and audience, these elements provide a framework for organizing and delivering a successful speech.

How to structure a good speech

You know what message you want to transmit, who you’re delivering it to, and even how you want to say it. But you need to know how to start, develop, and close a speech before writing it. 

Think of a speech like an essay. It should have an introduction, conclusion, and body sections in between. This places ideas in a logical order that the audience can better understand and follow them. Learning how to make a speech with an outline gives your storytelling the scaffolding it needs to get its point across.

Here’s a general speech structure to guide your writing process:

• Explanation 1
• Explanation 2
• Explanation 3

How to write a compelling speech opener

Some research shows that engaged audiences pay attention for only 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Other estimates are even lower, citing that people stop listening intently in fewer than 10 minutes . If you make a good first impression at the beginning of your speech, you have a better chance of interesting your audience through the middle when attention spans fade. 

Implementing the INTRO model can help grab and keep your audience’s attention as soon as you start speaking. This acronym stands for interest, need, timing, roadmap, and objectives, and it represents the key points you should hit in an opening. 

Here’s what to include for each of these points: 

• Interest : Introduce yourself or your topic concisely and speak with confidence . Write a compelling opening statement using relevant data or an anecdote that the audience can relate to.
• Needs : The audience is listening to you because they have something to learn. If you’re pitching a new app idea to a panel of investors, those potential partners want to discover more about your product and what they can earn from it. Read the room and gently remind them of the purpose of your speech. 
• Timing : When appropriate, let your audience know how long you’ll speak. This lets listeners set expectations and keep tabs on their own attention span. If a weary audience member knows you’ll talk for 40 minutes, they can better manage their energy as that time goes on. 
• Routemap : Give a brief overview of the three main points you’ll cover in your speech. If an audience member’s attention starts to drop off and they miss a few sentences, they can more easily get their bearings if they know the general outline of the presentation.
• Objectives : Tell the audience what you hope to achieve, encouraging them to listen to the end for the payout. 

Writing the middle of a speech

The body of your speech is the most information-dense section. Facts, visual aids, PowerPoints — all this information meets an audience with a waning attention span. Sticking to the speech structure gives your message focus and keeps you from going off track, making everything you say as useful as possible.

Limit the middle of your speech to three points, and support them with no more than three explanations. Following this model organizes your thoughts and prevents you from offering more information than the audience can retain. 

Using this section of the speech to make your presentation interactive can add interest and engage your audience. Try including a video or demonstration to break the monotony. A quick poll or survey also keeps the audience on their toes. 

Wrapping the speech up

To you, restating your points at the end can feel repetitive and dull. You’ve practiced countless times and heard it all before. But repetition aids memory and learning , helping your audience retain what you’ve told them. Use your speech’s conclusion to summarize the main points with a few short sentences.

Try to end on a memorable note, like posing a motivational quote or a thoughtful question the audience can contemplate once they leave. In proposal or pitch-style speeches, consider landing on a call to action (CTA) that invites your audience to take the next step.

How to write a good speech

If public speaking gives you the jitters, you’re not alone. Roughly 80% of the population feels nervous before giving a speech, and another 10% percent experiences intense anxiety and sometimes even panic. 

The fear of failure can cause procrastination and can cause you to put off your speechwriting process until the last minute. Finding the right words takes time and preparation, and if you’re already feeling nervous, starting from a blank page might seem even harder.

But putting in the effort despite your stress is worth it. Presenting a speech you worked hard on fosters authenticity and connects you to the subject matter, which can help your audience understand your points better. Human connection is all about honesty and vulnerability, and if you want to connect to the people you’re speaking to, they should see that in you.

1. Identify your objectives and target audience

Before diving into the writing process, find healthy coping strategies to help you stop worrying . Then you can define your speech’s purpose, think about your target audience, and start identifying your objectives. Here are some questions to ask yourself and ground your thinking : 

• What purpose do I want my speech to achieve? 
• What would it mean to me if I achieved the speech’s purpose?
• What audience am I writing for? 
• What do I know about my audience? 
• What values do I want to transmit? 
• If the audience remembers one take-home message, what should it be? 
• What do I want my audience to feel, think, or do after I finish speaking? 
• What parts of my message could be confusing and require further explanation?

2. Know your audience

Understanding your audience is crucial for tailoring your speech effectively. Consider the demographics of your audience, their interests, and their expectations. For instance, if you're addressing a group of healthcare professionals, you'll want to use medical terminology and data that resonate with them. Conversely, if your audience is a group of young students, you'd adjust your content to be more relatable to their experiences and interests. 

3. Choose a clear message

Your message should be the central idea that you want your audience to take away from your speech. Let's say you're giving a speech on climate change. Your clear message might be something like, "Individual actions can make a significant impact on mitigating climate change." Throughout your speech, all your points and examples should support this central message, reinforcing it for your audience.

4. Structure your speech

Organizing your speech properly keeps your audience engaged and helps them follow your ideas. The introduction should grab your audience's attention and introduce the topic. For example, if you're discussing space exploration, you could start with a fascinating fact about a recent space mission. In the body, you'd present your main points logically, such as the history of space exploration, its scientific significance, and future prospects. Finally, in the conclusion, you'd summarize your key points and reiterate the importance of space exploration in advancing human knowledge.

5. Use engaging content for clarity

Engaging content includes stories, anecdotes, statistics, and examples that illustrate your main points. For instance, if you're giving a speech about the importance of reading, you might share a personal story about how a particular book changed your perspective. You could also include statistics on the benefits of reading, such as improved cognitive abilities and empathy.

6. Maintain clarity and simplicity

It's essential to communicate your ideas clearly. Avoid using overly technical jargon or complex language that might confuse your audience. For example, if you're discussing a medical breakthrough with a non-medical audience, explain complex terms in simple, understandable language.

7. Practice and rehearse

Practice is key to delivering a great speech. Rehearse multiple times to refine your delivery, timing, and tone. Consider using a mirror or recording yourself to observe your body language and gestures. For instance, if you're giving a motivational speech, practice your gestures and expressions to convey enthusiasm and confidence.

8. Consider nonverbal communication

Your body language, tone of voice, and gestures should align with your message . If you're delivering a speech on leadership, maintain strong eye contact to convey authority and connection with your audience. A steady pace and varied tone can also enhance your speech's impact.

9. Engage your audience

Engaging your audience keeps them interested and attentive. Encourage interaction by asking thought-provoking questions or sharing relatable anecdotes. If you're giving a speech on teamwork, ask the audience to recall a time when teamwork led to a successful outcome, fostering engagement and connection.

10. Prepare for Q&A

Anticipate potential questions or objections your audience might have and prepare concise, well-informed responses. If you're delivering a speech on a controversial topic, such as healthcare reform, be ready to address common concerns, like the impact on healthcare costs or access to services, during the Q&A session.

By following these steps and incorporating examples that align with your specific speech topic and purpose, you can craft and deliver a compelling and impactful speech that resonates with your audience.

Tools for writing a great speech

There are several helpful tools available for speechwriting, both technological and communication-related. Here are a few examples:

• Word processing software: Tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or other word processors provide a user-friendly environment for writing and editing speeches. They offer features like spell-checking, grammar correction, formatting options, and easy revision tracking.
• Presentation software: Software such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides is useful when creating visual aids to accompany your speech. These tools allow you to create engaging slideshows with text, images, charts, and videos to enhance your presentation.
• Speechwriting Templates: Online platforms or software offer pre-designed templates specifically for speechwriting. These templates provide guidance on structuring your speech and may include prompts for different sections like introductions, main points, and conclusions.
• Rhetorical devices and figures of speech: Rhetorical tools such as metaphors, similes, alliteration, and parallelism can add impact and persuasion to your speech. Resources like books, websites, or academic papers detailing various rhetorical devices can help you incorporate them effectively.
• Speechwriting apps: Mobile apps designed specifically for speechwriting can be helpful in organizing your thoughts, creating outlines, and composing a speech. These apps often provide features like voice recording, note-taking, and virtual prompts to keep you on track.
• Grammar and style checkers: Online tools or plugins like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor help improve the clarity and readability of your speech by checking for grammar, spelling, and style errors. They provide suggestions for sentence structure, word choice, and overall tone.
• Thesaurus and dictionary: Online or offline resources such as thesauruses and dictionaries help expand your vocabulary and find alternative words or phrases to express your ideas more effectively. They can also clarify meanings or provide context for unfamiliar terms.
• Online speechwriting communities: Joining online forums or communities focused on speechwriting can be beneficial for getting feedback, sharing ideas, and learning from experienced speechwriters. It's an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and improve your public speaking skills through collaboration.

Remember, while these tools can assist in the speechwriting process, it's essential to use them thoughtfully and adapt them to your specific needs and style. The most important aspect of speechwriting remains the creativity, authenticity, and connection with your audience that you bring to your speech.

5 tips for writing a speech

Behind every great speech is an excellent idea and a speaker who refined it. But a successful speech is about more than the initial words on the page, and there are a few more things you can do to help it land.

Here are five more tips for writing and practicing your speech:

1. Structure first, write second

If you start the writing process before organizing your thoughts, you may have to re-order, cut, and scrap the sentences you worked hard on. Save yourself some time by using a speech structure, like the one above, to order your talking points first. This can also help you identify unclear points or moments that disrupt your flow.

2. Do your homework

Data strengthens your argument with a scientific edge. Research your topic with an eye for attention-grabbing statistics, or look for findings you can use to support each point. If you’re pitching a product or service, pull information from company metrics that demonstrate past or potential successes. 

Audience members will likely have questions, so learn all talking points inside and out. If you tell investors that your product will provide 12% returns, for example, come prepared with projections that support that statement.

3. Sound like yourself

Memorable speakers have distinct voices. Think of Martin Luther King Jr’s urgent, inspiring timbre or Oprah’s empathetic, personal tone . Establish your voice — one that aligns with your personality and values — and stick with it. If you’re a motivational speaker, keep your tone upbeat to inspire your audience . If you’re the CEO of a startup, try sounding assured but approachable. 

4. Practice

As you practice a speech, you become more confident , gain a better handle on the material, and learn the outline so well that unexpected questions are less likely to trip you up. Practice in front of a colleague or friend for honest feedback about what you could change, and speak in front of the mirror to tweak your nonverbal communication and body language .

5. Remember to breathe

When you’re stressed, you breathe more rapidly . It can be challenging to talk normally when you can’t regulate your breath. Before your presentation, try some mindful breathing exercises so that when the day comes, you already have strategies that will calm you down and remain present . This can also help you control your voice and avoid speaking too quickly.

How to ghostwrite a great speech for someone else

Ghostwriting a speech requires a unique set of skills, as you're essentially writing a piece that will be delivered by someone else. Here are some tips on how to effectively ghostwrite a speech:

• Understand the speaker's voice and style : Begin by thoroughly understanding the speaker's personality, speaking style, and preferences. This includes their tone, humor, and any personal anecdotes they may want to include.
• Interview the speaker : Have a detailed conversation with the speaker to gather information about their speech's purpose, target audience, key messages, and any specific points they want to emphasize. Ask for personal stories or examples they may want to include.
• Research thoroughly : Research the topic to ensure you have a strong foundation of knowledge. This helps you craft a well-informed and credible speech.
• Create an outline : Develop a clear outline that includes the introduction, main points, supporting evidence, and a conclusion. Share this outline with the speaker for their input and approval.
• Write in the speaker's voice : While crafting the speech, maintain the speaker's voice and style. Use language and phrasing that feel natural to them. If they have a particular way of expressing ideas, incorporate that into the speech.
• Craft a captivating opening : Begin the speech with a compelling opening that grabs the audience's attention. This could be a relevant quote, an interesting fact, a personal anecdote, or a thought-provoking question.
• Organize content logically : Ensure the speech flows logically, with each point building on the previous one. Use transitions to guide the audience from one idea to the next smoothly.
• Incorporate engaging stories and examples : Include anecdotes, stories, and real-life examples that illustrate key points and make the speech relatable and memorable.
• Edit and revise : Edit the speech carefully for clarity, grammar, and coherence. Ensure the speech is the right length and aligns with the speaker's time constraints.
• Seek feedback : Share drafts of the speech with the speaker for their feedback and revisions. They may have specific changes or additions they'd like to make.
• Practice delivery : If possible, work with the speaker on their delivery. Practice the speech together, allowing the speaker to become familiar with the content and your writing style.
• Maintain confidentiality : As a ghostwriter, it's essential to respect the confidentiality and anonymity of the work. Do not disclose that you wrote the speech unless you have the speaker's permission to do so.
• Be flexible : Be open to making changes and revisions as per the speaker's preferences. Your goal is to make them look good and effectively convey their message.
• Meet deadlines : Stick to agreed-upon deadlines for drafts and revisions. Punctuality and reliability are essential in ghostwriting.
• Provide support : Support the speaker during their preparation and rehearsal process. This can include helping with cue cards, speech notes, or any other materials they need.

Remember that successful ghostwriting is about capturing the essence of the speaker while delivering a well-structured and engaging speech. Collaboration, communication, and adaptability are key to achieving this.

Give your best speech yet

Learn how to make a speech that’ll hold an audience’s attention by structuring your thoughts and practicing frequently. Put the effort into writing and preparing your content, and aim to improve your breathing, eye contact , and body language as you practice. The more you work on your speech, the more confident you’ll become.

The energy you invest in writing an effective speech will help your audience remember and connect to every concept. Remember: some life-changing philosophies have come from good speeches, so give your words a chance to resonate with others. You might even change their thinking.

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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• 11 Tips for Giving a Great Speech

Chances are you’ll be asked to give speeches or presentations in classes at school. If you get involved in volunteer groups, brief speeches to open events or thank participants are a must. Then there are the speeches at events such as weddings, as well as speeches that you might have to give in the workplace. That amounts to the average person being required to give quite a lot of speeches, even if they don’t get involved in an area such as politics where the ability to give a good speech becomes even more important. You might also have suffered through quite a number of bad speeches from other people – whether that’s at family events where the microphone squeaks the whole way through or a school presentation where the headteacher can’t quite make the jokes work. If you don’t want to inflict the same sort of experience on others, here are our top tips for giving a great speech.

1. Practise your microphone technique

2. Keep it short

Particularly at something like a party or a wedding, no one will be unhappy if your speech runs a little short; it’ll just give them more time to investigate the canapés. If you are giving a speech for a class in school, and it’ll be assessed, you need to prioritise keeping it within the required time limits. But even under these circumstances, if you’ve been tasked – say – with giving a 10-15 minute speech, it’s usually better to come in nearer the 10 than the 15 minute mark. Put simply, even if your speech is terrible, your audience can probably tolerate it for 10 minutes. Much longer, and they’ll be struggling. This shouldn’t limit what you can cover; in the film Up , the whole of Carl and Ellie’s heartbreaking love story is told in under 12 minutes. Do you really need longer to make your points? Achieve brevity by writing out the speech you would give if you had all the time in the world, and then cut anything that seems extraneous or boring.

3. Consider what your audience wants to hear

If you are giving a speech in class because it’s your assignment, what your audience wants to hear is likely to be “the bell ringing for lunch”; you can’t help them there. But under other circumstances, consider what your audience wants to hear and what you want to say, and strive for there to be as much overlap as possible. In the context of a political speech, for instance, what you want to say might be why your party should receive votes; what your audience wants to hear is what your party would do for them, if they won power. Hopefully it should be possible to write a speech that meets both sets of needs, rather than focusing solely on whatever it is that you want to say and leaving your audience disappointed.

4. Pick a theme and stick to it

Here’s a goal for giving a speech: someone sitting near the back, who’s messing around on their phone for at least two-thirds of it and focusing mainly on how long it will be until lunch, should nonetheless be able to give a reasonably accurate answer to the question, “what was it about?” If you’re supposed to be giving a speech in defence of the nuclear deterrent, for example, both the topic and your position on it should be clearly identifiable. This means – to stick with the nuclear deterrent example – not talking for a while about jobs, and then the wider economy, and then the North-South divide, and then Scottish independence, and then Ukraine with a brief digression into South Ossetia before rounding off by squeaking out “and that’s why we should renew Trident!” seconds before you run out of time – no matter how relevant that cornucopia of topics may feel (and they are all relevant, albeit tenuously). It means that even if you do have to take a while to explain a more complex idea, you need to be concise, and bring it back to your theme as quickly as you can.

5. Speak slowly

Most people speak more quickly than they realise when they’re on stage, especially if they’re nervous. But no one will be able to follow your speech if you’re jabbering it out. Thankfully, this one is easy to fix with a little effort and practise. First of all, figure out how quickly you’re actually speaking: do a word count for your speech and then time yourself saying it. A fast speaker will speak at maybe 160 words per minute, a slow speaker at 100 wpm and an average speaker at 130 wpm. For a formal speech, you want to be speaking on the slow side. While this will vary by culture and environment, 120 wpm is a reasonable target to aim for; slow enough that everyone should be able to understand you, and fast enough that you hopefully won’t be sending them to sleep.

6. Tell a couple of jokes

This is a tricky tip because there are lots of pitfalls in the world of telling jokes. For instance, there’s the temptation to include an in-joke that three of your friends will understand and find hilarious, that is utterly baffling to everyone else in the room. Avoid this – if you include any jokes, witty references or anything along those lines, make sure they are accessible to everyone present. All the same, if you can manage a joke or two, it can be a useful way to break up a speech and retain the audience’s interest. A little self-deprecation (not too much!) or the use of classic joke formats such as “the scene was chaotic; it looked as if a bomb had hit and we didn’t know where to start on repairs – but that’s enough about the hen party…” work nicely even if you’re not very confident. Don’t turn it into a stand-up comedy sketch if you’re not a comedian, don’t wait for ages for laughter that’s not showing up, and don’t make jokes at the expense of anyone who you don’t know for sure can take it.

7. Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself if you need to

If you follow US or UK politics at all, you’ve probably heard some of these phrases recently: take back control, make America great again, long-term economic plan, son of a bus driver. Three of these have already led the party or people they’re associated with to electoral victory; the fourth remains to be seen. To take the ‘son of a bus driver’ as an example, this refers to Sadiq Khan, now Mayor of London. There can be hardly anyone in London who doesn’t know what their Mayor’s dad did for a living. Meanwhile, many of them probably can’t remember his rival Zac Goldsmith’s name, let alone anything he said during the campaign. The point is that repetition works. In pursuit of point 4, if you want people to remember your key theme, you’re going to have to say it more than once. Don’t assume that everyone will have paid attention to everything you’ve said, unless you’re in a classroom setting where they’ll get told off if they don’t.

8. Only use the visual aids you need

This tip applies to two things: PowerPoints and notes. If you can do without either (and your assignment allows it), then do. Every time you’re glancing over your notes or up at the screen, fiddling with the laptop to get the slide to move on, fighting with a video that isn’t working or struggling to read your own handwriting, is time that you’re not spending engaging with your audience. A well-written, clear speech delivered without notes is always going to be better than someone awkwardly reading aloud the bullet points on their PowerPoint slides. If you must do a presentation – for instance, because there are photos that need to be included – have as little text on it as possible, preferably none. That way, if there are people at the back who can’t really see the screen through the sea of heads in front of them, they’ll still be able to follow what you’re saying.

9. Get a friend to check for awkward mannerisms

Mannerisms that are entirely fine in normal life become awkward and strange when you’re speaking in public. Perhaps you’re inclined to fiddle with your hair or your cuffs, you rock back and forth on the balls of your feet, or you have a habit of reaching your hand to your cheek when you’re talking. No one would notice in everyday conversation, but when you’re on a stage, it’ll become all they’ll see. Some of this is easily avoidable – for instance, if you have long hair that you’re inclined to twirl or otherwise fiddle with, tie it up. For other mannerisms, get the critical friend who helped you sort out your microphone technique to tell you what they are, and do your best to suppress the more annoying ones.

10. Look around the room

Talking about eye contact usually has the effect of making normal eye contact a lot harder, and so does giving a speech. All of a sudden, you’re up on stage, and you have no idea what a normal way to look at a group of people is. Some speakers deal with this by picking a point in the middle distance and speaking to it; others by picking a particular person near to the back and addressing their entire speech at them. This is obviously no fun for that person, who probably spends the whole thing feeling extremely uncomfortable, but it’s not too weird for everyone else. Better still, though, if you can manage it, is to look slowly and steadily around the room, trying to make eye contact with a decent range of people, before returning to the middle distance for a while, rinse and repeat. This needs to be slow and steady, or you give the impression that you’ve just smelled smoke and are casting about for a fire exit before the stampede beings.

11. Don’t be scared of a good reaction

If your speech is genuinely engaging, funny, inspiring or any of the other things you might hope it would be, your audience will react to it. There might be laughter, or applause, or even a bit of cheering depending on the setting. This can be daunting because when you’re practising your speech in front of your bedroom mirror, there’s no way to prepare for it. And it’s where even the best speakers can go wrong, by launching straight into what they were going to say next without waiting for the laughter or applause to stop, or by looking painfully awkward while it’s going on. It’s a pitfall that’s mostly solved by being aware it might happen. If your audience is applauding you or otherwise reacting well, it’s OK to smile, look up, wait for them to stop and then keep going with your speech – it’s as simple as that. You could even throw in a “thank you” before you continue in the knowledge that it’s all going well. Image credits: microphones ; audience ; boy with microphone ; clock ; winding road ; enjoy a joke ; sticky notes ; 

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16 Public Speaking Tips for Students

It's normal to be nervous—here's how to relax

• Use Relaxation Strategies

Maintain Perspective

Be confident when speaking.

Public speaking can *really* hard, especially if you struggle with social anxiety or if you don't have a lot of experience talking in front of groups. Research suggests that 61% of university students in the U.S. have a fear of public speaking. Fortunately, many strategies can help you build your confidence and strengthen your public speaking skills.

Public speaking tips for students aim to reduce anxiety that can interfere with giving presentations or speeches in class. These tips aren't just helpful for speaking in front of a big group. If you have social anxiety disorder (SAD) ,  these strategies can also help you feel more comfortable speaking in front of a group or telling a story among friends.

At a Glance

If you have social anxiety and need to give a speech  in elementary school, high school, college, or university, it helps to be as prepared as possible . Beyond preparation, however, there are strategies that you can use to reduce anxiety...without feeling like the urge to fake an illness so you can stay home and skip it.

Practice, preparation, and relaxation strategies are essential for students dealing with anxiety about public speaking. It's also important to maintain perspective; remember, other people get nervous, too! As you practice, you'll start to feel more confident about talking in front of groups, which will help you present your best self with a lot less anxiety.

Practice Your Public Speaking

Even great speakers practice their speeches beforehand. Practice out loud with a recording device or video camera, and then watch yourself to see how you can improve. If you are feeling brave, practice in front of a friend or family member and ask for feedback.

Research has even shown that imaginary practice can be an effective way to combat feelings of public speaking anxiety.

Talk About What You Know

If possible, choose a topic for your speech or presentation that you know a lot about and love. The audience will feel your passion for the topic, and you will feel less anxious knowing that you have a lot of experience to draw from when other students ask you questions.

Talking about things you are knowledgeable about can help you feel more confident and comfortable when you are speaking in public.

Concentrate on Your Message

When you focus on the task at hand, anxiety is less likely to get out of control. Concentrate on the main message of your speech or presentation and make it your goal to deliver that message to the other students in your class.

Grab the Audience's Attention

Most of your fellow classmates will pay attention for at least the first 20 seconds; grab their attention during those early moments. Start with an interesting fact or a story that relates to your topic. Other ways you can generate interest include:

• Asking rhetorical questions
• Inspiring emotion
• Generating curiosity
• Relating an interesting historical event

Have One Main Message

Focus on one central theme, and your classmates will learn more. Tie different parts of your talk to the main theme to support your overall message. Trying to cover too much ground can leave other students (and you) feeling overwhelmed.

Tell Stories

Stories catch the attention of other students and deliver a message in a more meaningful way than facts and figures. Whenever possible, use a story to illustrate a point in your talk.

Preparation Can Reduce Public Speaking Anxiety

Being prepared to speak in public can also be important if you have social anxiety disorder. Feeling confident and prepared to give your speech may help lessen your feelings of anxiety. Some of the things that you can do to prepare include:

Visit the Room

If you have access to the classroom where you will be speaking outside of class hours, take the time to visit in advance and get used to standing at the front of the room. Make arrangements for any audio-visual equipment and practice standing in the exact spot where you will deliver your speech.

Unfamiliarity can often make social anxiety worse. By making yourself more comfortable with the setting and room where you'll be delivering your speech, you'll feel much more at ease.

Rack Up Experience

Volunteer to speak in front of your class as often as possible. Be the first one to raise your hand when a question is asked. Your confidence will grow with every public speaking experience.

Researchers have found that practicing in a virtual format can also be helpful. You might try out virtual experiences that allow you to practice in front of a supportive audience or invite friends and family to watch you practice your presentation in person or through video conferencing.

Observe Other Speakers

Take the time to watch other speakers who are good at what they do. Practice imitating their style and confidence. Consider attending local events or presentations at your school. Watching TED Talks or speeches on YouTube can also be helpful.

Organize Your Talk

Every speech should have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Structure your talk so that the other students know what to expect. Then write it down on notecards and spend time practicing what you will say.

Use Relaxation Strategies to Manage Anxiety

Taking steps to deal with your feelings of anxiety can also make public speaking easier. Fortunately, there are a lot of anxiety-fighting relaxation strategies that can help calm your mind and body.

It's a good idea to practice relaxation strategies before you give your speech. The more you practice them, the better you'll be able to use them when they are needed.

Some other things that you can do:

Tell Someone About Your Anxiety

If you are speaking in front of a high school or college class, meet with your teacher or professor and describe your public speaking fears . If you're in elementary or high school, share your fears with your parents, a teacher, or a guidance counselor.

Sometimes sharing how you feel can make it easier to overcome stage fright.

Visualize Confidence

Visualize yourself confidently delivering your speech, feeling free of anxiety, and engaging the students in your class. Although this may seem like a stretch for you now, visualization is a powerful tool for changing the way you feel.

Elite athletes use this strategy to improve their performance in competitions, and research has shown that it can be a helpful tool for combatting speech anxiety.

Proven Anxiety-Busters

Relaxation strategies can be super helpful for fighting speech anxiety. Some that you might try include:

• Deep breathing
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Guided imagery
• Positive self-talk
• Mindfulness

Find a Friendly Face

If you are feeling anxious, find one of your friends in class (or someone who seems friendly) and imagine that you are speaking only to that person.

Press Play for Advice on Finding Courage

Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares a strategy to help you find courage when you need it the most.

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Remember that other students are on your side. Think about a time when you have been an audience member and the student delivering the speech or presentation was noticeably nervous. Did you think less of that student? More likely, you felt sympathetic and wanted to make that person more comfortable by smiling or nodding.

Remember—other students generally want you to succeed and feel comfortable. If, for some reason, the audience is not on your side or you experience  bullying  or social exclusion, be sure to discuss this with a parent, teacher, or guidance counselor.

Sometimes just knowing what makes a good speech can help you feel more confident. Focus on some of the following elements and practice them before you have to speak in public.

Develop Your Own Style

In addition to imitating good speakers, work on developing your own personal style as a public speaker. Integrate your own personality into your speaking style and you will feel more comfortable in front of the class. Telling personal stories that tie into your theme are a great way to let other students get to know you better.

Avoid Filler Words

Words such as "basically," "well," and "um" don't add anything to your speech. Practice being silent when you feel the urge to use one of these words.

Vary Your Tone, Volume, and Speed

Interesting speakers vary the pitch (high versus low), volume (loud versus soft), and speed (fast versus slow) of their words. Doing so keeps your classmates interested and engaged in what you say.

Make the Audience Laugh

Laughter is a great way to relax both you and the other students in your class, and telling jokes can be a great icebreaker at the beginning of a speech. Practice the timing and delivery of your jokes beforehand and ask a friend for feedback. Be sure that they are appropriate for your class before you begin.

If all else fails, smile. Your fellow classmates will perceive you like a warm speaker and be more receptive to what you have to say.

Don't Apologize

If you make a mistake, don't offer apologies. Chances are that your classmates didn't notice anyway. Unless you need to correct a fact or figure, there is no point dwelling on errors that probably only you noticed.

If you make a mistake because your hands or shaking, or something similar, try to make light of the situation by saying something like, "I wasn't this nervous when I woke up this morning!" This can help to break the tension of the moment.

It's natural to feel frightened the first time you have to speak in front of your class. However, if you fear continues, interferes with your daily life and keeps you awake at night, it may be helpful to see someone about your anxiety.

Try talking to a parent, teacher, or counselor about how you have been feeling. If that doesn't get you anywhere, ask to make an appointment with your doctor. Severe public speaking anxiety is a true disorder that can improve with treatment .

Gallego A, McHugh L, Penttonen M, Lappalainen R. Measuring public speaking anxiety: Self-report, behavioral, and physiological .  Behav Modif . 2022;46(4):782-798. doi:10.1177/0145445521994308

Spence SH, Rapee RM. The etiology of social anxiety disorder: An evidence-based model . Behav Res Ther. 2016;86:50-67. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2016.06.007

García-Monge A, Guijarro-Romero S, Santamaría-Vázquez E, Martínez-Álvarez L, Bores-Calle N. Embodied strategies for public speaking anxiety: evaluation of the Corp-Oral program .  Front Hum Neurosci . 2023;17:1268798. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2023.1268798

Kroczek LOH, Mühlberger A. Public speaking training in front of a supportive audience in Virtual Reality improves performance in real-life .  Sci Rep . 2023;13(1):13968. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-41155-9

Banushi B, Brendle M, Ragnhildstveit A, et al. Breathwork interventions for adults with clinically diagnosed anxiety disorders: A scoping review .  Brain Sci . 2023;13(2):256. doi:10.3390/brainsci13020256

Vogel WH, Viale PH. Presenting with confidence .  J Adv Pract Oncol . 2018;9(5):545-548.

By Arlin Cuncic, MA Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of The Anxiety Workbook and founder of the website About Social Anxiety. She has a Master's degree in clinical psychology.

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When to Refer a Student for Speech Therapy

Many speech issues can be corrected with therapy, so it’s important that teachers know the signs of a potential problem.

When you think of students receiving speech therapy, you probably think of a student who has difficulty pronouncing sounds. How many students have you had who say “wabbit” instead of “rabbit” or stutter? While these students may need help from the school speech therapist, let’s identify some other students who could benefit from a speech-language evaluation by looking at what speech-language pathologists (SLPs) target in the school setting and what to do if you think a student needs to be referred to your school’s SLP. 

SLPs in schools work with students in many different areas: 

• Articulation for students who produce speech sounds incorrectly by substituting another sound or omitting the correct sound.  
• Fluency for students who stutter by repeating sounds, words, or phrases, or have other disfluencies in their speech, like taking long pauses between their words. 
• Receptive language for students who struggle to take in and understand what they hear. Students with receptive language disorders will often have difficulty following directions (not due to ADHD or other disorders), understanding information read to them, or following along during conversation.
• Expressive language for students who have trouble expressing themselves either verbally or nonverbally through writing. There are many signs to watch for, such as trouble producing correct grammar or syntax or cohesively providing a narrative. 
• Pragmatics for students who are challenged by social language skills, such as entering, exiting, or maintaining a conversation; understanding nonliteral language like sarcasm, idioms, similes, or metaphors; or understanding social aspects of communication, such as nonverbal language (facial expressions, gestures, body language, etc.) or rules like turn-taking. 

The following two areas are not often targeted in schools but are within SLPs’ scope of practice. Teachers who notice a student having these issues can refer them to their school’s SLP for help.

• Voice for students who have a vocal quality that is too raspy, high, nasal, or otherwise disordered in a way that affects their communication.
• Swallowing for students who often cough or seem to choke while eating or drinking or otherwise seem to have difficulty swallowing.

Reading is also within the scope of practice of SLPs, but these students are often best served by a reading specialist, dyslexia interventionist, or special education teacher. However, if your school does not have one of these amazing reading experts, you can certainly turn to your SLP. 

Collecting Data

When you encounter a student who exhibits some speech or language concerns, what do you do first? This process can vary by school, and legally a referral can be made formally or informally. However, a good first step is to collect data to bring to the SLP or special education team. For instance, if you are concerned about a student’s expressive language, you want to have specific examples of what you are seeing in class. Do they have trouble producing full sentences? Is their sentence structure inappropriate for the grade level? Do they have trouble defining or describing common items? Having exact incidences of their errors is helpful, as well as providing written work that supports your observations. 

It is important here to consider what a typical student of their age and grade level is capable of. Remember that “wabbit” kiddo from earlier? Would you be concerned if a pre-K student exhibited that articulation error? Probably not, right? However, if you saw that same error in a first grader, you would rightfully be concerned about their articulation skills and should consider making a referral.

A word of caution: Remember that all people speak in a particular dialect, and a dialect is inherently different from a disorder. Many of our students use a dialect that does not follow the rules of Standard American English, but that does not make it any less valid a communication style. Therefore, a student who says “toof” instead of “tooth” or “What you wanna do?” instead of “What do you wanna do?” may not need to be referred if their speech and/or language patterns are consistent with their dialect. 

Reaching out to an SLP

Once you have collected data that demonstrates a student’s area(s) of weakness, the next step is to present that to your school’s SLP or to a member of the special education team if your school does not directly employ a speech therapist. Once they have that information, they should schedule a referral conference to obtain consent from the student’s parent or guardian to conduct an evaluation.

If therapy is warranted, an individualized education program (IEP) will be put in place for speech therapy. In all IEP conferences, a general education teacher is a required participant. Your presence is not only legally mandated but vital when determining the student’s strengths and weaknesses. 

After consent is obtained and the evaluation is conducted, another meeting will be held with the IEP team to review the results and determine placement. If the student demonstrates a need for speech services, then the team will make decisions regarding minutes, placement, and goals. While writing the IEP, input from the general education teacher regarding the curriculum and grade-level standards is crucial in ensuring that the IEP is appropriate for this particular student.

As educators, we are our students’ best advocates. Classroom teachers are indispensable to those of us in special education, as they are the ones who know their students best and are often the first to identify students who are struggling. We need you to help identify the students who may need some extra assistance. Let’s work together to ensure that all students are receiving what they need to be successful.

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How to Prepare a Speech

Last Updated: July 10, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 733,386 times.

Preparing a speech isn't difficult if you have a process you can follow. There are tried-and-true steps for putting together a talk, so relax and read on to get your speech in order and your speech anxiety under control.

Sample Speeches

Starting With Your Audience

• Personal narrative. A narrative is just another word for story. If you're asked to tell a story about yourself, find out if the intention is to use something that's happened to you in order to teach a lesson, convey a moral, offer inspiration or simply to entertain.
• Informative speech. [3] X Research source There are two kinds of informative speeches: process and expository. If you're charged with doing a process speech, the idea is for you to explain how something is done, how something is made or how something works. You take your audience step-by-step through the process. If your speech is meant to be expository, your job is to take what might be a complex subject and break it down into sections as a way of educating your audience about the topic.
• Persuasive speech. [4] X Research source If you're meant to persuade, then your job is to convince your audience to adopt a particular way of thinking, a belief or a behavior that you advocate for.
• Ceremonial speech. [5] X Research source Ceremonial speeches run the gamut from wedding toasts to eulogies, from graduation speeches to farewell addresses. Many of these speeches are intended to be short and the focus is often on entertaining, inspiring or increasing the audience's appreciation for someone or something.

• Read the newspaper. If you can find a way to link your speech topic to something that's happening in the news, you can highlight the relevance of what you have to say to your audience.
• Translate numbers. Using statistics in your speech can be impactful, but they can be even more meaningful if you translate them in a way the audience can understand. For example, you could say that worldwide, 7.6 million people die of cancer every year, but to make it more relatable, you might want to follow it up by saying that that number represents the entire population of Switzerland.
• Express the benefits. It's a good idea to let an audience know exactly what they'll get out of your speech, so that they're primed to listen. If they'll learn how to save money, tell them. If the information you're about to share will make their lives easier in some way, make that clear. If they'll gain a new appreciation of someone or something, let them know.

Researching and Writing Your Speech

• Outlines can be written in complete sentences or they can be a series of abbreviated phrases and reminders. Another approach is to begin by writing complete sentences and then transferring your outline on to note cards on which you abbreviate those sentences using just the words and memory prompts you need.
• Pull out your old English textbooks and review things like similes, metaphors, alliteration and other kinds of figurative language. These kinds of devices can add to the impact of a ceremonial speech.
• Beware one pitfall of the scripted speech: having a page full of words in front of you can cause you to fall into the trap of simply reading from your script without every looking up, making eye contact or engaging with the audience in any way. Thorough practice should help to eliminate your chances of falling into this trip.

• Offer a preview. Think of a preview as kind of the "coming attractions" of your speech. Plan to tell your audience the main points you'll talk about in your speech. There's not need to go into any detail here; you'll get to that when you come to the body of your speech. You can write a preview that's simply one sentence in length to cover what you need to say here.
• Body. The body is where the "meat" of your speech resides. The points you outlined or the information you scripted make up the body. There are several ways to organize the information within the body of your speech--in time sequence, in step order, from most important point to least important point, problem-solution, to name just a few. Choose an organizational pattern that makes sense based on your speech goal.
• Give a summary. One of the ways an audience remembers what a speech was about is through intentional repetition. In your introduction, you gave a preview of what you'd be talking about. In your speech body, you talked about those things. Now, in your conclusion, you remind your audience what you talked about. Simply offer a brief review of the main points you touched on in your speech.
• End with a clincher. A clincher is a memorable, definitive statement that gives your speech a sense of closure. One easy way to do this is to write a clincher that refers back to what you said in the attention-getter of your speech. This helps bring your presentation full circle and provides a sense of closure.

Choosing Visual Aids

• Don't write everything you plan to say on your slides. We've all suffered through speeches where the speaker did little more that read off of his or her slides. That's boring for the audience, and they soon disengage. Instead, use word charts to preview, review or highlight key information. Remember, the sides should be a supplement to what you're going to say rather than an exact copy of it.
• Make your slides readable. Use a font size that's easy for your audience to read and don't overcrowd your slides. If your audience can't see or get through the material on your slides, they won't have served any purpose.
• Use animations sparingly. Having graphics fly around, zoom in and out ,and change colors can be engaging but can also be distracting. Be careful not to overdo the special effects. Your slides should be a supporting player rather than the star of the show.

Rehearsing Your Speech

• Leave yourself time to practice. If you're given to procrastinating, you could find yourself with very little or no time to practice before you deliver your speech, which could leave you feeling unprepared and anxious.

• Look at your audience. Almost nothing does more to keep an audience engaged than eye contact from a speaker. As you rehearse your speech, be sure to look at the family members or friends who've agreed to be your audience. It takes a bit of practice to be able to look at your outline, script or note cards, capture a thought or two and then come up and deliver that information while looking at your audience. It's yet another reason why rehearsal time is so important.
• If you don't have the opportunity to practice in front of people, be sure that when you do rehearse, that you say your speech aloud. You don't want your speech day to be the first time you hear the words of your speech coming out of your mouth. Plus, speaking out loud gives you a chance to double-check and correct any mispronunciations, practice articulating your words clearly and confirm the timing of your speech (We speak more quickly when we simply recite a speech in our heads).

Reducing Speech Anxiety

• Clench and release. Ball up your fists really, really tight and hold for a second or two and then release. Repeat this a few times. You can do the same thing by squeezing the muscles in your calves very tightly and then releasing. With each release, you should feel a reduction in your adrenaline-induced symptoms.
• Take deep breaths. The adrenaline in your system causes you to take more shallow breaths that, in turn, increase your feeling of anxiety. You need to break the cycle. Take a deep breath through your nose and allow the air to fill your belly. Once your belly is full, let your breath fill and expand your ribcage. Finally, allow your breath to move fully into your chest. Open your mouth slightly and begin to exhale starting first with the air in your chest, then the air in your ribcage and finally the breath in your belly. Repeat this inhale-exhale cycle five times.

• Negative thoughts are incredibly powerful--one estimate is that you need five positive thoughts to counteract every one negative thought you have, so steer clear of them.

How Do You Practice a Speech Effectively?

Expert Q&A

Reader Videos

• Use your own language style. Do not use the words that you have never said in your life. Take it easy. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
• Try to keep the majority of your topic entertaining, or at least interesting, so that the audience won't get bored. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
• Make sure your speech hangs together well and makes sense. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
• ↑ https://westsidetoastmasters.com/resources/powerspeak/ch03.html
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/informative-speaking
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/persuasive-speaking
• ↑ https://opentext.ku.edu/speakupcallin/chapter/chapter-15-ceremonial-speaking/
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/oral-comm-lab/audience-analysis
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/5-most-effective-methods-for-avoiding-plagiarism/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/speeches/
• ↑ https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/public-speaking-tips/preparing-a-speech
• ↑ https://counseling.uiowa.edu/self-help/30-ways-to-manage-speaking-anxiety/
• ↑ https://fscj.pressbooks.pub/publicspeaking/chapter/benefits-of-visual-aids/

About This Article

To prepare a speech, start by writing an introduction that grabs the audience's attention with a surprising or interesting fact, quote, or question. Then, include your most important points in the body of your speech, making them as clear and easy-to-follow as possible so your audience stays tuned in. Finally, wrap up your speech with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and ends with a memorable, definitive statement. To learn the best ways to research and outline your speech, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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What Are Your ‘First Day in School’ Traditions?

What are your first day of school traditions? We presented this question to Chabad mothers and here is what 9 of them answered. Full Story

By Mushka Cohen – COLlive Magazine

We asked a few Chabad mothers about to send their children back to school after the summer break what are their ‘first day’ traditions and practices.

Here’s what they answered:

“I make a sign for each of my kids with their new grade, plus my baby gets a first day of daycare shirt. He gets a sign too! I also get them donuts so they start off the year with a sweet treat!” – Pomona, NY

“We go to ice cream after the first day to celebrate the start of school.” – Los Angeles, CA

“I write little notes on their backup school supplies with a Sharpie—messages like “I love you,” “So proud of you,” or “You’re doing great.” Throughout the year, they find these notes when they need to use the supplies.” –  East Flatbush, NY

“I’ll take a First Day of School photo this year!” – Pittsburgh, PA

“I just hope they grabbed their backpack and lunch—and that I didn’t forget too many things on their school supply list!” – Crown Heights, NY

“The first morning is always hectic, with no time for signs or pictures—I just hope I got them out the door with everything they need! But once the house is quiet, I find myself silently davening that they have a great first day, connect with their teachers, make good friends, and love learning in school this year.” – Monsey, NY

“I make my children their favorite breakfast and send them to school with a pastry and coffee for their teacher.” – Miami, Florida 

“I celebrate by having a full day of work…” – Pomona, NY

“I make sure my children get a good night’s sleep the night before.” – Chicago, IL

Tell us about your first day plans in the comments.

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We give our kids chocolate as they are walking out, as a reminder the Torah is sweet. Even our big kids that are out of town take a bar with them for the 1st day.

On behalf of the working parents, i would kindly request that the schools consider more flexible meeting times or virtual options for psrents meeting. Many of us find challenging to take time off during the day, ( specially day time meetings for preschool parents without kids )and these adjustments would greatly help us stay involved in our children’s education. These accommodations will be very helpful for many families. Thank you.

We do like to have few pictures and yummy treats.

Have them in mind in my prayers they should succeed

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