Speechwriting 101: Writing an Effective Speech
11 jan, 2013.
Whether you are a communications pro or a human resources executive, the time will come when you will need to write a speech for yourself or someone else. When that time comes, your career may depend on your success.
J. Lyman MacInnis, a corporate coach, Toronto Star columnist, accounting executive and author of “ The Elements of Great Public Speaking ,” has seen careers stalled – even damaged – by a failure to communicate messages effectively before groups of people. On the flip side, solid speechwriting skills can help launch and sustain a successful career. What you need are forethought and methodical preparation.
Know Your Audience
Learn as much as possible about the audience and the event. This will help you target the insights, experience or knowledge you have that this group wants or needs:
- Why has the audience been brought together?
- What do the members of the audience have in common?
- How big an audience will it be?
- What do they know, and what do they need to know?
- Do they expect discussion about a specific subject and, if so, what?
- What is the audience’s attitude and knowledge about the subject of your talk?
- What is their attitude toward you as the speaker?
- Why are they interested in your topic?
Choose Your Core Message
If the core message is on target, you can do other things wrong. But if the message is wrong, it doesn’t matter what you put around it. To write the most effective speech, you should have significant knowledge about your topic, sincerely care about it and be eager to talk about it. Focus on a message that is relevant to the target audience, and remember: an audience wants opinion. If you offer too little substance, your audience will label you a lightweight. If you offer too many ideas, you make it difficult for them to know what’s important to you.
Research and Organize
Research until you drop. This is where you pick up the information, connect the ideas and arrive at the insights that make your talk fresh. You’ll have an easier time if you gather far more information than you need. Arrange your research and notes into general categories and leave space between them. Then go back and rearrange. Fit related pieces together like a puzzle.
Develop Structure to Deliver Your Message
First, consider whether your goal is to inform, persuade, motivate or entertain. Then outline your speech and fill in the details:
- Introduction – The early minutes of a talk are important to establish your credibility and likeability. Personal anecdotes often work well to get things started. This is also where you’ll outline your main points.
- Body – Get to the issues you’re there to address, limiting them to five points at most. Then bolster those few points with illustrations, evidence and anecdotes. Be passionate: your conviction can be as persuasive as the appeal of your ideas.
- Conclusion – Wrap up with feeling as well as fact. End with something upbeat that will inspire your listeners.
You want to leave the audience exhilarated, not drained. In our fast-paced age, 20-25 minutes is about as long as anyone will listen attentively to a speech. As you write and edit your speech, the general rule is to allow about 90 seconds for every double-spaced page of copy.
Spice it Up
Once you have the basic structure of your speech, it’s time to add variety and interest. Giving an audience exactly what it expects is like passing out sleeping pills. Remember that a speech is more like conversation than formal writing. Its phrasing is loose – but without the extremes of slang, the incomplete thoughts, the interruptions that flavor everyday speech.
- Give it rhythm. A good speech has pacing.
- Vary the sentence structure. Use short sentences. Use occasional long ones to keep the audience alert. Fragments are fine if used sparingly and for emphasis.
- Use the active voice and avoid passive sentences. Active forms of speech make your sentences more powerful.
- Repeat key words and points. Besides helping your audience remember something, repetition builds greater awareness of central points or the main theme.
- Ask rhetorical questions in a way that attracts your listeners’ attention.
- Personal experiences and anecdotes help bolster your points and help you connect with the audience.
- Use quotes. Good quotes work on several levels, forcing the audience to think. Make sure quotes are clearly attributed and said by someone your audience will probably recognize.
Be sure to use all of these devices sparingly in your speeches. If overused, the speech becomes exaggerated. Used with care, they will work well to move the speech along and help you deliver your message in an interesting, compelling way.
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Speech Writing
Speech Examples
Easy Speech Examples for Your Help
10 min read
Published on: Oct 21, 2018
Last updated on: Jan 23, 2023
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Speech writing is not different from essay writing. The only thing that you need to focus on is the targeted audience. Whether your speech is for a wedding, a business conference, school, or college, you need to write your speech according to the audience.
Here we have presented some amazing sample speeches to help you learn how to write a good speech. These sample speeches will guide you to write good, as well as short speeches.
Dive into the blog to see several speech samples and speech writing tips.
Talking in front of a bunch of audiences is not as easy as it seems. But, if you have some good content to deliver or share with the audience, the confidence comes naturally.
Before you start writing your speech, it is a good idea that you go through some good speech samples. The samples will help to learn how to start the speech and put information into a proper structure.
Speech Examples for Students
Speech writing is a huge part of academic life. These types of writing help enhance the creative writing skills of students.
Here are some amazing speech samples for students to learn how to write an amazing speech that will captivate the audience.
Below, you will find other downloadable PDF samples.
Speech for Students - Example
Speech Examples for Student Council
Every school and college has a student council. And every year, students elect themselves to be a part of the student council. It is mandatory to impress the student audience to get their votes. And for that, the candidate has to give an impressive speech.
Here is a sample speech that will help you write an excellent speech for the student council election campaign.
Speech for Student Council - Example
Speech Examples for School
Speech competitions are very common in schools and colleges. If you are one of those students who feel anxious about writing a speech, check out the sample speech given below.
Speech for School - Example
Persuasive Speech Examples
The main purpose of a speech is to persuade the audience or convince them of what you say. And when it comes to persuasive speech, the sole purpose of speech becomes more specific.
Here are some fabulous examples of a persuasive speech for your help.
Example of Persuasive Speech
Sample of Persuasive Speech
Informative Speech Examples
Informative speeches are intended to inform the audience. These types of speeches are designed to provide a detailed description of the chosen topic.
Below we have provided samples of informative speech for you.
Example of Informative Speech
Sample of Informative Speech
Entertainment Speech Examples
Entertainment speeches are meant to entertain the audience. These types of speeches are funny, as well as interesting. The given speech samples will help you in writing an entertaining speech.
Example of Entertainment Speech
Argumentative Speech Examples
Making a strong argument that is capable of convincing others is always difficult. And, when it comes to making a claim in an argumentative speech, it becomes more difficult.
Check out the argumentative speech sample that demonstrates explicitly how an argumentative speech needs to be written.
Examples of Argumentative Speech
Demonstration Speech Examples
The demonstrative speeches are intended to demonstrate or describe the speech topic in depth. Get inspired by the demonstrative speech sample given below and write a captivating demonstrative speech.
Examples of Demonstration Speech
Sample of Demonstration Speech
Motivational Speech Examples
Motivational speeches are designed to motivate the audience to do something. Read out the sample motivational speech given below and learn the art of motivational speech writing.
Examples of Motivational Speech
Controversial Speech Examples
Writing a controversial speech but do not know how to make it influential?
Well! Fret no more and read our controversial sample speech, and learn to write a fantastic controversial speech.
Examples of Controversial Speech
Impromptu Speech Examples
Impromptu speech writing makes you nervous as you are not good at planning and organization?
Check out the sample impromptu speech and learn to make bullet points of your thoughts and plan your speech properly.
Examples of Impromptu Speech
Graduation Speech Examples
Are you graduating soon and need to write a graduation farewell speech?
Below is a sample graduation farewell speech for your help.
Examples of Graduation Speech
Best Man Speech Examples
Your best friend is getting married this weekend, and you haven’t prepared your best man’s speech yet?
Don't worry!
Here is an amazing sample of a funny best man speech for your convenience. Check it out and understand how you can write a special occasion speech .
Example of Best Man Speech
Maid Of Honor Speech Examples
“My best friend’s wedding is next week, and I’m the maid of honor. She asked me to give the maid of honor speech, but I’m not good at expressing emotions. I’m really stressed. I don’t know what to do.”
If you are one of these kinds of people who feel the same way, this sample is for you. Read the example given below and take help from it to write a special maid of honor speech.
Example of Maid of Honor Speech
Speech Essay Example
A speech essay is a type of essay that you write before writing a proper speech. It helps in organizing thoughts and information.
Here is a sample of speech essays for you to understand the difference between speech format and speech essay format.
Example of Speech Essay Example
Speech Writing Tips
Reading some famous and incredible sample speeches before writing your own speech is really a good idea. The other way to write an impressive speech is to follow the basic tips given by professional writers.
If you read the sample speeches and follow these tips, you can easily develop a speech outline and write a great speech that impresses the audience. However, if you still think you can’t do this, you can always get help from professional writing services .
Whether you need to write a speech for a school debate competition or a press conference, we do it all. Professional writers at MyPerfectWords.com are capable of writing all types of speech in no time.
Feel free to contact us anytime, our professional essay writers are available 24/7. Place your order now and buy speeches of any type at cheap prices.
Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)
Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.
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10 keys to writing a speech.
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“This is my time.”
That attitude will kill a speech every time.
You’ve probably sat through some lousy speeches. Despite the speakers’ renown, you eventually tuned them out over their self-indulgent tangents and pointless details. You understood something these speakers apparently didn’t: This was your time. They were just guests. And your attention was strictly voluntary.
Of course, you’ll probably deliver that speech someday. And you’ll believe your speech will be different. You’ll think, “I have so many important points to make.” And you’ll presume that your presence and ingenuity will dazzle the audience. Let me give you a reality check: Your audience will remember more about who sat with them than anything you say. Even if your best lines would’ve made Churchill envious, some listeners will still fiddle with their smart phones.
In writing a speech, you have two objectives: Making a good impression and leaving your audience with two or three takeaways. The rest is just entertainment. How can you make those crucial points? Consider these strategies:
1) Be Memorable: Sounds easy in theory. Of course, it takes discipline and imagination to pull it off. Many times, an audience may only remember a single line. For example, John F. Kennedy is best known for this declaration in his 1961 inaugural address: “And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what can do for your country.” Technically, the line itself uses contrast to grab attention. More important, it encapsulated the main point of Kennedy’s speech: We must sublimate ourselves and serve to achieve the greater good. So follow Kennedy’s example: Condense your theme into a 15-20 word epigram and build everything around it top-to-bottom.
There are other rhetorical devices that leave an impression. For example, Ronald Reagan referred to America as “a shining city on the hill” in speeches. The image evoked religious heritage, freedom, and promise. And listeners associated those sentiments with Reagan’s message. Conversely, speakers can defy their audience’s expectations to get notice. In the movie Say Anything , the valedictorian undercut the canned optimism of high school graduation speeches with two words: “Go back.” In doing so, she left her audience speechless…for a moment, at least.
Metaphors…Analogies…Surprise…Axioms. They all work. You just need to build up to them…and place them in the best spot (preferably near the end).
2) Have a Structure: Think back on a terrible speech. What caused you to lose interest? Chances are, the speaker veered off a logical path. Years ago, our CEO spoke at our national meeting. He started, promisingly enough, by outlining the roots of the 2008 financial collapse. Halfway through those bullet points, he jumped to emerging markets in Vietnam and Brazil. Then, he drifted off to 19th century economic theory. By the time he closed, our CEO had made two points: He needed ADD medication – and a professional speechwriter!
Audiences expect two things from a speaker: A path and a destination. They want to know where you’re going and why. So set the expectation near your opening on what you’ll be covering. As you write and revise, focus on structuring and simplifying. Remove anything that’s extraneous, contradictory, or confusing. Remember: If it doesn’t help you get your core message across, drop it.
3) Don’t Waste the Opening: Too often, speakers squander the time when their audience is most receptive: The opening. Sure, speakers have people to thank. Some probably need time to get comfortable on stage. In the meantime, the audience silently suffers.
When you write, come out swinging. Share a shocking fact or statistic. Tell a humorous anecdote related to your big idea. Open with a question – and have your audience raise their hands. Get your listeners engaged early. And keep the preliminaries short. You’re already losing audience members every minute you talk. Capitalize on the goodwill and momentum you’ll enjoy in your earliest moments on stage.
4) Strike the Right Tone: Who is my audience? Why are they here? And what do they want? Those are questions you must answer before you even touch the keyboard. Writing a speech involves meeting the expectations of others, whether it’s to inform, motivate, entertain, or even challenge. To do this, you must adopt the right tone.
Look at your message. Does it fit with the spirit of the event? Will it draw out the best in people? Here’s a bit of advice: If you’re speaking in a professional setting, focus on being upbeat and uplifting. There’s less risk. Poet Maya Angelou once noted, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Even if your audience forgets everything you said, consider your speech a success if they leave with a smile and a greater sense of hope and purpose. That’s a message in itself. And it’s one they’ll share.
5) Humanize Yourself: You and your message are one-and-the-same. If your audience doesn’t buy into you, they’ll resist your message too. It’s that simple. No doubt, your body language and delivery will leave the biggest impression. Still, there are ways you can use words to connect.
Crack a one liner about your butterflies; everyone can relate to being nervous about public speaking. Share a story about yourself, provided it relates to (or transitions to) your points. Throw in references to your family, to reflect you’re trustworthy. And write like you’re having a casual conversation with a friend. You’re not preaching or selling. You’re just being you. On stage, you can be you at your best .
6) Repeat Yourself: We’ve all been there. When someone is speaking, we’ll drift off to a Caribbean beach or the Autobahn. Or, we’ll find ourselves lost and flustered when we can’t grasp a concept. Once you’ve fallen behind, it’s nearly impossible to pay attention. What’s the point?
In writing a speech, repetition is the key to leaving an impression. Hammer home key words, phrases, and themes. Always be looking for places to tie back and reinforce earlier points. And repeat critical points as if they were a musical refrain.
As a teenager, my coach continuously reminded us that “nothing good happens after midnight.” He’d lecture us on the dangers of partying, fighting, peer pressure, and quitting. After a while, my teammates and I just rolled our eyes. Eventually, we encountered those temptations. When I’d consider giving in, coach would growl “Schmitty” disapprovingly in my head. Despite my resistance, coach had found a way to get me to college unscathed. He simply repeated his message over-and-over until it stuck.
Some audience members may get annoyed when you repeat yourself. But don’t worry how they feel today. Concern yourself with this question: What will they remember six months from now?
7) Use Transitions: Sometimes, audiences won’t recognize what’s important. That’s why you use transitional phrases to signal intent. For example, take a rhetorical question like “What does this mean” – and follow it with a pause. Silence gets attention – and this tactic creates anticipation (along with awakening those who’ve drifted off). Similarly, a phrase like “So here’s the lesson” also captures an audience’s interest. It alerts them that something important is about to be shared. Even if they weren’t paying attention before, they can tune in now and catch up.
8) Include Theatrics: During his workshops, Dr. Stephen Covey would fill a glass bowl nearly full with sand. From there, he’d ask a volunteer to place rocks into the bowl. In the exercise, rocks represented essentials like family, job, worship, and exercise, while the bowl signified the volunteer’s time and energy. It never failed: The volunteer couldn’t fit every rock in the bowl. The sand – which embodied day-to-day activities like transporting children, shopping, or reading – took up too much space. Something had to be cut. Usually, it was something essential.
Covey would then encourage his volunteer to consider another option: Start with placing a rock in the bowl, adding some sand, and then alternating rocks and sand until the bowl was full. Like magic, there was suddenly enough space for both, as the sand gradually filled any gaps between the rocks. The message: Maintain balance. Never lose sight of the essentials as you tend to the day-to-day (and vice versa).
Of course, Covey could’ve made his point verbally and moved on. Instead, he illustrated it with household items in a way his audience wouldn’t soon forget. If you have a smaller audience (or a video screen), consider incorporating visuals. Keep the props, storyline, and lesson simple. When you’re done, leave everything out to symbolize your point to your audience. Whatever you do, don’t play it safe. If you do, your speech will be forgotten in no time.
9) End Strong: In 2004, I attended a Direct Marketing Association (DMA) conference. I don’t recall much about our keynote speaker, except that he was tall and southern. I can’t even remember what his address was about. But I’ll never forget the story he used to close his speech.
The speaker was a friend of Jerry Richardson, owner of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. A few years earlier, the Panthers had drafted a fiery wide receiver named Steve Smith. While Smith excelled on the field, he was a nightmare in the locker room. Eventually, Smith was arrested for assaulting a teammate during film study.
Already reeling from bad publicity from other player incidents, Richardson was pressured to cut Smith. But he chose a different path. Richardson vowed to spend more time with Smith. He decided that Smith would be better served with guidance and caring than further punishment. Eventually, Richardson’s patience paid off. Smith became the Panthers’ all-time leading receiver – and scored a touchdown in their only Super Bowl appearance. In fact, Smith still plays for the Panthers to this day.
If the speaker intended to remind me how powerful that personal attention and forgiveness could be, he succeeded in spades. Fact is, your close is what your audience will remember. So recap your biggest takeaway. Tie everything together. Share a success story. Make a call to action. Don’t hold anything back. Your ending is what audience will ultimately talk about when they head out the door.
10) Keep it Short: What is the worst sin of public speaking? It’s trying to do too much! Your audience’s attention will naturally wane after a few minutes. They have other places to be – and don’t want to be held hostage. And the longer you stay on stage, the more likely you are to stray and make mistakes. So make your points and sit down. Never forget: This is their time, not yours.
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15 Powerful Speech Opening Lines (And How to Create Your Own)
Hrideep barot.
- Public Speaking , Speech Writing
Powerful speech opening lines set the tone and mood of your speech. It’s what grips the audience to want to know more about the rest of your talk.
The first few seconds are critical. It’s when you have maximum attention of the audience. And you must capitalize on that!
To help you with this, I’ve compiled some of my favourite openings from various speakers. These speakers have gone on to deliver TED talks , win international Toastmaster competitions or are just noteworthy people who have mastered the art of communication.
After each speaker’s opening line, I have added how you can include their style of opening into your own speech. Understanding how these great speakers do it will certainly give you an idea to create your own speech opening line which will grip the audience from the outset!
Note: Want to take your communications skills to the next level? Book a complimentary consultation with one of our expert communication coaches. We’ll look under the hood of your hurdles and pick two to three growth opportunities so you can speak with impact!
1. Ric Elias
Opening: “Imagine a big explosion as you climb through 3,000 ft. Imagine a plane full of smoke. Imagine an engine going clack, clack, clack. It sounds scary. Well I had a unique seat that day. I was sitting in 1D.”
How to use the power of imagination to open your speech?
Putting your audience in a state of imagination can work extremely well to captivate them for the remainder of your talk.
When Ric Elias opened his speech, the detail he used (3000 ft, sound of the engine going clack-clack-clack) made me feel that I too was in the plane. He was trying to make the audience experience what he was feeling – and, at least in my opinion, he did.
When using the imagination opening for speeches, the key is – detail. While we want the audience to wander into imagination, we want them to wander off to the image that we want to create for them. So, detail out your scenario if you’re going to use this technique.
Make your audience feel like they too are in the same circumstance as you were when you were in that particular situation.
2. Barack Obama
3. Seth MacFarlane
Opening: “There’s nowhere I would rather be on a day like this than around all this electoral equipment.” (It was raining)
How to use humour to open your speech?
When you use humour in a manner that suits your personality, it can set you up for a great speech. Why? Because getting a laugh in the first 30 seconds or so is a great way to quickly get the audience to like you.
And when they like you, they are much more likely to listen to and believe in your ideas.
Saying a joke without really saying a joke and getting people to laugh requires you to be completely comfortable in your own skin. And that’s not easy for many people (me being one of them).
If the joke doesn’t land as expected, it could lead to a rocky start.
Keep in mind the following when attempting to deliver a funny introduction:
- Know your audience: Make sure your audience gets the context of the joke (if it’s an inside joke among the members you’re speaking to, that’s even better!). You can read this article we wrote where we give you tips on how you can actually get to know your audience better to ensure maximum impact with your speech openings
- The joke should suit your natural personality. Don’t make it look forced or it won’t elicit the desired response
- Test the opening out on a few people who match your real audience. Analyze their response and tweak the joke accordingly if necessary
- Starting your speech with humour means your setting the tone of your speech. It would make sense to have a few more jokes sprinkled around the rest of the speech as well as the audience might be expecting the same from you
4. Mohammed Qahtani
5. Darren Tay
Opening: Puts a white pair of briefs over his pants.
How to use props to begin your speech?
The reason props work so well in a talk is because in most cases the audience is not expecting anything more than just talking. So when a speaker pulls out an object that is unusual, everyone’s attention goes right to it.
It makes you wonder why that prop is being used in this particular speech.
What Mohammed Qahtani and Darren Tay did superbly well in their talks was that they used props that nobody expected them to.
By pulling out a cigarette and lighter or a white pair of underwear, the audience can’t help but be gripped by what the speaker is about to do next. And that makes for a powerful speech opening.
6. Simon Sinek
Opening: “How do you explain when things don’t go as we assume? Or better, how do you explain when others are able to achieve things that seem to defy all of the assumptions?”
7. Julian Treasure
Opening: “The human voice. It’s the instrument we all play. It’s the most powerful sound in the world. Probably the only one that can start a war or say “I love you.” And yet many people have the experience that when they speak people don’t listen to them. Why is that? How can we speak powerfully to make change in the world?”
How to use questions to open a speech?
But we should keep our questions compelling as opposed to something that is fairly obvious.
I’ve heard many speakers start their speeches with questions like “How many of us want to be successful?”
No one is going to say ‘no’ to that and frankly, I just feel silly raising my hand at such questions.
Simon Sinek and Jullian Treasure used questions in a manner that really made the audience think and make them curious to find out what the answer to that question is.
So think of what question you can ask in your speech that will:
- Set the theme for the remainder of your speech
- Not be something that is fairly obvious
- Be compelling enough so that the audience will actually want to know what the answer to that question will be
8. Aaron Beverley
Opening: Long pause (after an absurdly long introduction of a 57-word speech title). “Be honest. You enjoyed that, didn’t you?”
How to use silence for speech openings?
The reason this speech opening stands out is because of the fact that the title itself is 57 words long. The audience was already hilariously intrigued by what was going to come next.
But what’s so gripping here is the way Aaron holds the crowd’s suspense by…doing nothing. For about 10 to 12 seconds he did nothing but stand and look at the audience. Everyone quietened down. He then broke this silence by a humorous remark that brought the audience laughing down again.
It’s important to keep in mind that the point of having a strong opening is so that the audience’s attention is all on you and are intrigued enough to want to listen to the rest of your speech.
Silence is a great way to do that. When you get on the stage, just pause for a few seconds (about 3 to 5 seconds) and just look at the crowd. Let the audience and yourself settle in to the fact that the spotlight is now on you.
I can’t put my finger on it, but there is something about starting the speech off with a pure pause that just makes the beginning so much more powerful. It adds credibility to you as a speaker as well, making you look more comfortable and confident on stage.
If you want to know more about the power of pausing in public speaking , check out this post we wrote. It will give you a deeper insight into the importance of pausing and how you can harness it for your own speeches. You can also check out this video to know more about Pausing for Public Speaking:
9. Dan Pink
Opening: “I need to make a confession at the outset here. Little over 20 years ago, I did something that I regret. Something that I’m not particularly proud of. Something that in many ways I wish no one would ever know but that here I feel kind of obliged to reveal.”
10. Kelly McGonigal
How to use a build-up to open your speech?
When there are so many amazing ways to start a speech and grip an audience from the outset, why would you ever choose to begin your speech with a ‘Good morning?’.
That’s what I love about build-ups. They set the mood for something awesome that’s about to come in that the audience will feel like they just have to know about.
Instead of starting a speech as it is, see if you can add some build-up to your beginning itself. For instance, in Kelly McGonigal’s speech, she could have started off with the question of stress itself (which she eventually moves on to in her speech). It’s not a bad way to start the speech.
But by adding the statement of “I have a confession to make” and then not revealing the confession for a little bit, the audience is gripped to know what she’s about to do next and find out what indeed is her confession.
11. Tim Urban
12. Scott Dinsmore
Opening: “8 years ago, I got the worst career advice of my life.”
How to use storytelling as a speech opening?
“The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller.” Steve Jobs
Storytelling is the foundation of good speeches. Starting your speech with a story is a great way to grip the audience’s attention. It makes them yearn to want to know how the rest of the story is going to pan out.
Tim Urban starts off his speech with a story dating back to his college days. His use of slides is masterful and something we all can learn from. But while his story sounds simple, it does the job of intriguing the audience to want to know more.
As soon as I heard the opening lines, I thought to myself “If normal students write their paper in a certain manner, how does Tim write his papers?”
Combine such a simple yet intriguing opening with comedic slides, and you’ve got yourself a pretty gripping speech.
Scott Dismore’s statement has a similar impact. However, just a side note, Scott Dismore actually started his speech with “Wow, what an honour.”
I would advise to not start your talk with something such as that. It’s way too common and does not do the job an opening must, which is to grip your audience and set the tone for what’s coming.
13. Larry Smith
Opening: “I want to discuss with you this afternoon why you’re going to fail to have a great career.”
14. Jane McGonigal
Opening: “You will live 7.5 minutes longer than you would have otherwise, just because you watched this talk.”
How to use provocative statements to start your speech?
Larry Smith did just that by making his opening statement surprising, lightly humorous, and above all – fearful. These elements lead to an opening statement which creates so much curiosity among the audience that they need to know how your speech pans out.
This one time, I remember seeing a speaker start a speech with, “Last week, my best friend committed suicide.” The entire crowd was gripped. Everyone could feel the tension in the room.
They were just waiting for the speaker to continue to know where this speech will go.
That’s what a hard-hitting statement does, it intrigues your audience so much that they can’t wait to hear more! Just a tip, if you do start off with a provocative, hard-hitting statement, make sure you pause for a moment after saying it.
Silence after an impactful statement will allow your message to really sink in with the audience.
15. Ramona J Smith
Opening: In a boxing stance, “Life would sometimes feel like a fight. The punches, jabs and hooks will come in the form of challenges, obstacles and failures. Yet if you stay in the ring and learn from those past fights, at the end of each round, you’ll be still standing.”
How to use your full body to grip the audience at the beginning of your speech?
In a talk, the audience is expecting you to do just that – talk. But when you enter the stage and start putting your full body into use in a way that the audience does not expect, it grabs their attention.
Body language is critical when it comes to public speaking. Hand gestures, stage movement, facial expressions are all things that need to be paid attention to while you’re speaking on stage. But that’s not I’m talking about here.
Here, I’m referring to a unique use of the body that grips the audience, like how Ramona did. By using her body to get into a boxing stance, imitating punches, jabs and hooks with her arms while talking – that’s what got the audience’s attention.
The reason I say this is so powerful is because if you take Ramona’s speech and remove the body usage from her opening, the entire magic of the opening falls flat.
While the content is definitely strong, without those movements, she would not have captured the audience’s attention as beautifully as she did with the use of her body.
If your speech starts with a story of someone running, actually act out the running. If your speech starts with a story of someone reading, actually act out the reading.
It will make your speech opening that much more impactful.
Related article: 5 Body Language Tips to Command the Stage
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Final Words
So there it is! 15 speech openings from some of my favourite speeches. Hopefully, these will act as a guide for you to create your own opening which is super impactful and sets you off on the path to becoming a powerful public speaker!
But remember, while a speech opening is super important, it’s just part of an overall structure.
Being the founder of TED Talks, Chris Anderson provides numerous examples of the best TED speakers to give us a very practical way of overcoming stage fear and delivering a speech that people will remember. His course has helped me personally and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to learn public speaking.
No one is ever “done” learning public speaking. It’s a continuous process and you can always get better. Keep learning, keep conquering and keep being awesome!
Lastly, if you want to know how you should NOT open your speech, we’ve got a video for you:
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PUBLIC SPEAKING
How to write a killer best man speech (with templates).
A funny, heartfelt speech from the best man is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding. Here’s how to give a great toast (without embarrassing yourself).
Table of Contents
Quick answer: how to write a best man speech fast (with template), what to say in a best man speech (do’s and don’ts), how to write a best man speech for best friend or brother: easy step-by-step guide, #1 start with a theme, #2 create an outline, #3 nail the opening line , bonus tip: learn the art of stage presence, #4 background context, #5 tell the story , #6 take-home message, #7 end your speech with a heartfelt toast, #8 use a best man speech template, #9 practice your body language, #10 rehearse before the big day, key takeaways: express gratitude and sentimentality in 3-5 minutes.
A best man speech is the perfect way to send your brother or friend the best wishes in their marriage, but standing up in front of the crowd can be super nerve-wracking. If you’ve been invited to be the best man at a wedding but have no idea what to say in your speech, you’re not alone!
Over 75% of the population cites public speaking as one of their biggest fears. Thankfully, it’s a people skill that anyone can develop. A great event toast can be a game-changer and make you feel like a celebrity amongst the wedding guests.
Here’s how to overcome your public speaking anxiety and give a knockout best man speech that will incite laughter, smiles, or even sentimental tears.
A killer best man toast has a formula:
- Start with a funny or complimentary introduction
- Lead into a short story
- Add a dash of vulnerability
- End with genuine congratulations to the bride and groom.
You won’t want to wing the speech after you’ve had a few drinks when you feel strapped for time before the wedding. Instead, take just 30 minutes of planning and note-making to save you (and the bride & groom) the embarrassment of an excessively long or inappropriate ramble.
If you want to write a best man speech fast, follow this brief template for a great toast. Your toast should be roughly 3 to 5 minutes long. You can use numbered index cards to jot down the highlights of each section. Then, rehearse a few times in the mirror in the days leading up to the event.
The most straightforward speech outline includes seven main components:
- A great one-liner : This could be a funny joke, a compliment, or an inspirational quote about brotherhood or marriage. The first 15 seconds of the toast should capture the audience’s attention and leave them excited for more. Modify this:
“I’d like to begin by congratulating the groom for his superb taste in choosing the best man [chuckle].”
- Compliment the wedding : Build your respect with the guests by highlighting things you like about the wedding. For example, you can compliment the beauty of the venue, the delicious food, or the great choice of music. Modify this:
“All jokes aside, this is a beautiful wedding. The bride and groom look like a movie star couple together. And if you didn’t taste the cake, you are missing out!”
- Express gratitude : Say “thank you” to those who made the wedding possible and show appreciation to the groom for choosing you as his best man. Modify this:
“I am so grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Zimerman for hosting us here today, and thank you to the bride and groom for inviting me to be part of their special day.”
- Tell a story : Did you and the groom meet as kids on the baseball field? Were you there when he first met his bride? Did you share a funny experience in college that is appropriate to share? The “meat” of the speech will be a short story about your relationship with the groom. A great story sounds like this:
“When I first met Jeff, he was in a period of transition in life, like we all go through. He had just started a new job at my office in San Francisco, and we met because of our mutual addiction to double shot espressos (iced with a little cream) at 6 AM every morning from the corner coffee shop Bob’s Cup O’ Joe. When we both arrived at the office at the same time, 3 days in a row with eyes like this [widen eyes big], I knew we would be friends for life. A million espressos, meetings, and after-work beers later, I am so proud to call Jeff my best friend. When he told me about meeting a beautiful blonde named Anne at Bob’s Cup O’ Joe a few years later, I knew something would become of it. She even drank the same double shot espressos, iced with a little cream!”
- Admire the couple : Strengthen your bond with the newlyweds by expressing your support for their marriage. If you know a bit about the bride and groom’s relationship, list a few things you admire about their bond. You may emphasize how the bride has positively impacted the groom’s life or how they make a great team.
“Jeff and Anne are a perfect pair, and it seriously warms my heart to see a couple so amazingly in love. They compliment each other in every way and radiate joy when they are together.”
- Summarize your thoughts : Before you wrap up your speech, go back and highlight your key ideas. You can pre-write 2-3 crisp sentences summarizing your support of the couple’s marriage. Modify this:
“I wish I could say I predicted this day would come, but Jeff’s incredible character and charm won Anne over. I am so grateful to be friends with both of them and to join you all in this celebration.”
- Toast to the future : At the end of your speech, raise your glass for a toast to the couple’s love. Modify this:
“Please join me in raising our glasses to a lifetime of happiness and espressos for Jeff and Anne Allison!”
Here is an awesome example of a short and sweet 4-minute toast that left the crowd cracking up:
It’s best to memorize your speech, but there is no shame in bringing a few index cards in your pocket to reference if you get nervous. Don’t forget to prepare and rehearse in advance.
For a more in-depth speech, see our step-by-step guide below.
↑ Table of Contents ↑
A best man’s speech traditionally takes place at the wedding reception after the maid of honor gives her speech. The best man’s speech should be positive, respectful, and congratulatory. It can last 3 to 5 minutes and should focus on a central theme or story about the groom.
Remember, a best man speech is not the time to “wing it.” If you do that, there may come the point when everything suddenly goes silent, and a crowd of 50-100+ people is staring at you, waiting for what you’re going to say about the groom. You probably don’t want to end up with a cringing audience while telling a story about the groom’s previous relationships:
Instead, remember these key best man speech tips for a successful toast:
Here are a few examples of what you should say in a best man speech:
- How did you meet the groom?
- What is one of your favorite memories with him?
- How did the groom meet the bride? Were you there?
- What is special about the groom?
- What do you like most about him?
- What are his positive traits?
- Playful banter : You don’t want to be too corny and cheesy with your bro. Depending on your relationship with the groom and the culture of the wedding, you may want to throw in a little banter with your dude. For example, you might make a funny joke about how much the groom loves going out to eat:
You should also avoid some key topics in a best man speech.
Do not mention:
- The groom’s past relationships
- Sexual jokes
- Drugs, alcohol, or past mistakes
- Insecurities of the groom
- Financial or personal information
- Insults to the bride or the wedding guests
- Overly embarrassing stories
- Teasing the bride
- Anything that could potentially harm your friendship
Keep things positive and lighthearted. While a little witty banter or playful teasing can be fun (depending on your relationship with the groom), you should avoid insulting him or highlighting any major insecurities. The “playful” part of the speech is an excellent fun icebreaker, but it shouldn’t hurt anyone’s feelings or make them feel publicly embarrassed in front of their wedding guests.
If you’re ready to prepare something more in-depth than the quick ideas above, this step-by-step guide can help you write a thoughtful speech that the groom may remember forever. After all, being named the best man at your friend or brother’s wedding is a tremendous honor. But like any honor, it comes with some responsibilities. After you finish all your bachelor party and wedding duties, an epic best man speech can be like the fireworks at the show’s end.
Here are 5 simple steps to make it count:
Before you start writing and rehearsing your speech, it helps to decide on a theme for your talk. This will give a nice flow to the speech. A theme ensures that you stay on track to communicate your congratulations and appreciation to the groom.
What is the main message you want to get across? A few theme ideas include:
- Anecdotes : Best man toasts center around storytelling. This theme is the easiest way to stay on track because you are telling a simple story from beginning to end.
- Humor : Whether you’re naturally funny or working on your jokes , your speech is the perfect opportunity to get the audience laughing. Best man speeches are known for getting a little saucy, but you must be careful about offending the crowd or making crude jokes that might insult the bride and groom. If you want to tease the groom with some witty banter, it helps to make fun of yourself or reference an appropriate inside joke.
- Inspirational : Have you and the groom achieved an important business goal or accomplishment together? Do you have a shared role model or favorite motivational book you both read in college? This speech theme can leave the audience feeling inspired.
- Morality : Use your speech to highlight the great person the groom is. Perhaps you give examples of his integrity, trustworthiness, or generosity. You can emphasize how lucky you are to know the groom and how glad you are that he found a woman to spend his life with.
- Sentimentality : When humor and storytelling aren’t your fortes, it doesn’t hurt to get a little corny. Sentimental speeches require a level of emotional vulnerability, but they can leave a huge impact on the newlyweds and their attendees. Here is an excellent example of a sentimental-themed speech where the groom’s big brother brings him to tears with a story about their father’s last words:
You wouldn’t go on a road trip without a navigation system, so don’t go into your speech without a plan. The best toasts and speeches follow the same structure. Pull out a piece of paper and brainstorm some ideas using this format, then use the following steps to fill in the details:
- Hook/Opening statement : The opening statement should be a 1 to 3-line description about the groom. The first 7 seconds of the speech should hook the audience immediately. It warms them up to you and makes them want to pay attention to the amusing stories. You’ll find an abundance of opening-line ideas in the next section.
- Background context : Now comes the why of your speech. This is where the context of your relationship with the groom comes in. You can throw in some funny jokes and a few details about your experience with him. Use this intro to build up the anticipation for the story to come. Write down a few ideas of stories you can tell.
- Tell the story : Choose 1-3 short stories about the groom that is funny, slightly embarrassing, or interesting. Jot down a few of the sensory elements you want to reference, like the smelly locker room or the squeaking of tire wheels. Most stories follow a bell-curve pattern—they start with an intro, lead to rising action, peak with a capstone moment, then tie back to the beginning. Keep this in mind as you brainstorm and follow the story-planning steps below.
- Take-home message : After you get a good laugh or “awww” out of the audience, you’ll want to bring the story back to the beginning. What do you want them to remember about your speech and friendship with the groom?
- Thank the wedding party : Use a quick sentence to thank the wedding party and hosts. Express your genuine gratitude for being invited.
- Closing toast and congratulations : After wrapping up the story and thanking the wedding party, you should invite the audience to toast the bride and groom with you. For an extra cheery finale, act as if you are speaking on their behalf and include lots of well-wishes for the newlyweds.
Pro Tip : Before filling in your outline details, watch this video for an overview of how to give a memorable toast. Human behavior expert Vanessa Van Edwards explains the most common mistakes (don’t start with “I,” “me,” or “my”) and a few secrets to getting the audience to perk up in their seats.
Once you have your outline, it’s time to dig into the details. People decide their first impression of you within 7 seconds, so it’s extra important to nail the opening line of your speech. Best men use this opportunity to crack a joke, compliment the wedding, or set a sentimental tone for the speech.
Avoid making the first lines about you. No “me”, “I”, or “my”. Instead, start with a juicy or mysterious line about the groom, for example:
If you need a little inspiration, here are some hilarious and quirky best man speech opening lines:
- “Caring, loyal, honest, good-looking, and an all-around-great guy… OK, enough about me, onto the groom…!”
- “This is the perfect chance to tell you about [Groom] and how talented, special, smart, good-looking, and… sorry, man, I can’t read your handwriting here.”
- “I’d like to give a toast to the bride and groom.” [pull a piece of toasted bread from your pocket and give it to them]
- “[Groom’s name] is the kind of person you call when you lock yourself out of the dorm bathroom without any clothes on.”
- “The bride and groom asked me not to share embarrassing stories or crude jokes during my speech… so that’s it from me! Thanks for listening, everyone.”
- “I’d like to start by congratulating the groom for his excellent taste in choosing the best man.”
- “[Groom] had a tough time choosing his best man. First, he called his most handsome friend, but he said no. Then, he called his smartest friend, and he said no. Then, he called his most successful friend, who also said no. Then he called me, and I said, ‘Bro, I can’t say no to you four times.'”
- “What can I say about [Groom]? I guess I’ll start at the very beginning. He was born on [groom’s birthday]. Our parents were hoping for a girl, but I’ve always said… close enough.”
Here is a genuinely funny opening line from a best brother wedding speech:
Pro Tip : Don’t forget to pause for laughter. If it doesn’t come, you can chuckle at yourself and cue the audience that they are supposed to laugh by saying, “This is where you are supposed to laugh,” or joking, “Sound guy, can you please cue the laugh track?” Then, keep going with your speech.
Don’t worry. You need not be a jokester to give a great opening line. If you want to go the nostalgic or tearjerker route, be sure it is highly personalized and thoughtful. Here are some sentimental opening line ideas:
- “There are friends, and there is family, but friends also become family. This is so true for [Groom] and me. We’ve been best friends since we were X years old, and I’ve always considered him my brother.”
- “There’s an old Irish proverb that says a good friend is like a four-leaf clover—hard to find and lucky to have. I think that’s true. Good friends are hard to find, and I’m lucky to have called [Groom] my best friend for the last X years.”
- “I’ve heard that the best relationships come from the foundation of a deep friendship. Experts say that laughter, mutual respect, and enjoying each other’s company are the ingredients for a long-lasting, joyful marriage. After knowing [Groom] and [Bride] for X years, there is no doubt in my mind that they will make a great pair.”
- “In Good Will Hunting , Robin Williams said, ‘It doesn’t matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect as long as they are perfect for each other.” Anyone who has seen [Groom] and [Bride] together can agree that this is true for them. I haven’t seen a perfect pair, and I’m happy to be part of this celebration of their love.”
To learn more about the best speech openers, use this guide on How to Start a Speech: The Best (and Worst) Speech Openers . Some top tips include:
- Avoid starting with a lackluster nicety like “thanks for having me.”
- Don’t mention your nervousness.
- Avoid mentioning technical difficulties like the microphone or saying, “Can you hear me?”
Did you know that public speaking is actually a skill? Many people struggle with stage anxiety because they feel they ‘missed the memo’ on public speaking or they are lacking because they do not have a natural stage presence. Not true!
Stage presence and public speaking are skills you need to be taught—very few people have them naturally.
Here are all the aspects of public speaking you can master.
- How to make a first impression with an audience
- How to have stage presence
- Powerful body language
- How to speak with a commanding voice
- What to do with your hands while speaking
For every speaking skill you add to your toolbox, the less speaking anxiety you will feel.
If you want help really diving into your presentation skills, be sure to sign up for our course…
Master Your People Skills
- Create a Memorable Presence
- Communicate with Confidence
- Achieve Your Goals
Have a question about the presentation or People School? Email Science of People support .
Now that you’ve grabbed the audience’s attention, it’s time to give them a little background on why you are giving a speech in the first place. This is another sneak peek at some details you’ll cover in the speech.
The whole point of this part is to tell them how you know the groom—but it isn’t about you. You’ll often hear wedding speeches that start with a drab, “I met the groom in college” or, “My name is ___, and I’m the best man.” You can do better than that! Try saying:
- “The groom was the first friend I made on the high school football team. I had no idea we would become roommates in a bachelor pad throughout college.”
- “As little kids, the groom and I were known to be a dangerous duo in the neighborhood. He always carried the eggs and toilet paper, then instructed me where to throw them. But you can guess who always took the blame for his antics….”
- “The groom and I have been friends and business partners for X years, and as you’ll hear shortly, he is the main reason I broke my arm during the last office basketball game. But first, I want to tell you a less embarrassing story….”
Pro Tip : Focus on the groom, and don’t make it about you. One of the biggest mistakes people make during wedding speeches is talking too much about themselves. Your speech shouldn’t discuss where you’re from, what you think, or how you ended up at the party. The best man’s speech is a time to focus on the groom and his bride.
After your punchy opening line and background info, it’s time to tell the perfect story about the groom. Depending on the length of your speech and the details of your story, some best man speeches cover 1 to 3 short stories.
Reference back to the memories you wrote when brainstorming. Pick a story that includes the most of these captivating elements:
- A little bit of embarrassment : Whether it’s you, the groom, or a mutual friend, it helps to poke some fun at someone in the story. If you fear being offensive, the best person to joke about is yourself.
- Audience member references : You can get major bonus points if you bring wedding guests into the storytelling moment. You might say, “Mom, you might want to close your ears on this one!” or, “Brian, we’re talking about you!”
- Sensory details : What did the scenery look like? What were the prominent smells, sounds, and tastes at the moment? A great story should make the audience feel like they were with you. Don’t forget to mention the frigid cold lake you jumped into or the outrageously spicy food that left you both panting and crying for water.
- A final punch line : Ideally, the best story ends with a shocking moment or funny line. It should leave the audience laughing, crying, surprised, or even gasping. For example, in an epic adventure story about you and the groom on a hunting trip, you may end with, “Just as the shark was about to bite the line, Joe reeled in the massive bluefin and yelled, ‘I think we’re gonna need a bigger boat!’”
Pro Tip : If you have to ask, “Is this appropriate?” it probably isn’t. Some stories are better for late-night beers than they are for weddings. Avoid telling stories related to sexual topics, drugs, alcohol, illegal activities, or anything you wouldn’t want grandma to hear.
When the story finishes, you’ve hopefully elicited some laughter or maybe some tears. All jokes aside, there is a reason you were the best man, and you are probably a significant person to the groom. This is a great time to emphasize the best qualities of the groom and why you’re so happy for his new love.
Here is an excellent example of tying together the opening and closing lines with a heartfelt message about finding the perfect soul mate:
We’ve all heard “let’s raise a glass to [Bride] and [Groom]” before. You can do better than that! The final toast is like the fireworks at the end of your best man speech. Instead of something mediocre, invite the audience to join you in a genuine, thoughtful congratulations. Examples include:
- “Please join me in raising our glasses to the beautiful bride and handsome groom. May your lives together be long, healthy, and happy. We love you so much and are excited for you. Cheers!”
- “Lift your glasses to thank Mr. and Mrs. [Bride’s Parents] for hosting this beautiful wedding. Let us all toast to the perfect union of the bride and groom. We wish you a bright and beautiful future. Cheers!”
- “Here’s to the past, for all you’ve learned. Here’s to the present for this beautiful moment we all share. Here’s to the future for all you’ve got to look forward to. Cheers to the happy couple!”
Pro Tip : Make your toast inclusive and communal, so the audience feels like they’re cheering for the couple with you. Use words like “we”, “lets”, and “us”. This congratulation invites them to join as if you are speaking on their behalf.
A template makes things simple if you’re still feeling uneasy about writing your best man speech. You can take the structure of an example speech and incorporate your ideas and stories to make it your own.
Best man speech example for a best friend :
“Tonight, you’ll learn why the groom was destined to marry [Bride]. The year was 2002, and we were all in a bar with friends on New Year’s Eve in New York City. Snow was falling outside, and we were sipping champagne, waiting for the big ball to drop. Seemingly out of nowhere, a woman with a red dress entered the room, and everything seemed to stop. All the bachelors in our group were captivated, but only [Groom] had the guts to walk up to her. Rumor has it that his first opening line was ‘
Everyone talks about a woman’s glow when she’s falling in love, but I swear that [Groom] was smiling from ear to ear from the second they met. We could hardly get him to stop talking about her by the following week. We’d be watching football and drinking beers only to have [Bride’s] name brought up every 5 minutes.
Fast forward 3 years, and we’ve all seen how much [Bride] has positively impacted his life. When he came to me to tell me he was proposing, my only response was, ‘ Finally, dude !’
There’s something extra special about these two. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. They love and respect each other so much. [Bride] was the one for [Groom] from the second they locked eyes in that hazy NYC bar. We are all so happy to be here for your big day. Let’s raise our glasses to the beautiful bride and groom! Cheers!”
Another Best man speech example for a best friend :
“The groom was the first friend I made on the high school basketball team. He wasn’t very good [pause for laughter]. I was the tallest player and obviously had the best free throw, but I was majorly lacking in the ladies department. Thankfully, [Groom] took me under his wing and showed me how to be a true gentleman. That includes opening doors for women and carrying their bags instead of just running in with my own. What would I have done without you, man?
Even though he was no good at basketball, [Groom] always had his head on his shoulders. He’s a respectful, intelligent, and relatively clean-cut guy. All joking aside, it’s no surprise that he ended up with a woman as intelligent and beautiful as [Bride]. You both deserve a lifetime of love, happiness, and success together. Please raise your glasses and join me in congratulating the bride and groom! We love you!”
Public speaking isn’t only about what you say but how you carry yourself. Your body language can drastically affect your confidence, your delivery, and how the audience perceives you. Use these body language hacks to take your speech to the next level:
- Signal “friend” : Smile and show your open palms to send the message that you are the audience’s friend. This makes people feel more comfortable with your presence and more likely to listen.
- Stand up straight : When you look confident, you also feel more confident. Check your posture if your voice is a little shaky before the speech. Roll back your shoulders and tuck your shoulder blades down towards your back. Slightly lift your chest and chin as you speak.
- Make eye contact: Throughout the speech, you should change your eye contact with different audience members. As you mention specific compliments or thanks, make eye contact with the bride, groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, and the bride’s father.
- Genuinely smile : Smiling may seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget when you feel so focused on a perfect delivery. At the same time, you don’t want to look like you’re fake smiling throughout the speech. Use these 9 Simple Tips to Smile Better (in any situation!)
- Use your hands : It’s easy to let your nerves get the best of you and feel like a “deer in the headlights.” Instead of tucking your hands in your pockets, widen your stance and take up space. Use your hands and gestures while you talk to show that you are comfortable and happy during the speech.
Want more tips? Here are 17 Body Language Presentation Cues to Use in Your Next Speech .
Experts say you should rehearse a speech 10 times before performing it. Research also shows that people who mentally prepare themselves before a speech by imagining it going well are more likely to perform fluently and easily. So before you get in front of an audience, be sure you’ve gone over your speech at least 10 times, either in your head or out loud. Better yet, practice in the mirror, on camera, or in front of a trusted friend.
It also helps to review the gist of the speech with the groom (without giving away any secret details) to make sure it’s alright with him. A few weeks before the wedding, you may pull him aside and ask, “Hey man, is it OK if I tell the story about ____ in my best man speech? I think it’ll get some good laughs.”
Although this example is long, this best man very clearly rehearsed his speech for a near-perfect performance without any notes:
Ultimately, a best man speech is an opportunity to make your best bro look good in front of all his friends and family. Your speech should demonstrate how much you value your brotherhood or friendship. At the same time, you can enjoy 5 minutes of wedding fame without making things all about you. A great toast can make you a memorable celebrity at the wedding and have people laughing at your
Before jumping up at the reception and speaking off the cuff, remember to:
- Outline and plan your speech ahead of time. Use notecards if needed.
- Focus on the groom and his bride. Don’t go on and on about yourself.
- Nail the opening line with a funny joke, quote, or teaser that leads into a great story.
- Avoid inappropriate or cringey topics that could embarrass the groom.
- Express gratitude to the groom and wedding hosts.
Giving a toast or speech is an essential social skill that can make you one of the most likable people in a room. If you want to learn more about the art of giving showstopping toasts, read this guide on How to Give an Awesome Toast: Advanced Strategies for Speeches .
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The 8 Best Speech to Text Software of 2023
These speech to text solutions will save you hours of transcribing.
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Best Overall: Dragon Professional Individual
"Packed with various features and extensive customization capabilities, Dragon is the gold standard of speech recognition programs."
Best for Windows 11: Built-In Dictation
"For a reliable Windows talk-to-text solution, you don't even need to look elsewhere, as Microsoft's newest OS already comes with one"
Best for MacOS: Built-In Dictation
"The built-in program for macOS makes converting your spoken words to text a walk in the park."
Best for Enterprises: Dragon Professional Group
"The best speech to text software for enterprises allows employees to create documentation 3x faster and 99% recognition accuracy."
Best with Virtual Assistant Features: Braina
"Powered by Artificial Intelligence, Braina is a unique speech to text software that boasts extensive virtual assistant features."
Best Online: Google Voice Typing
"All you need is a Google account, Chrome Web browser, and a reliable Internet connection."
Best for iOS: Built-In Dictation Functionality
"If you want a dependable speech to text solution for your iPhone and iPad, you've got one integrated right into iOS. "
Best for Android: Gboard Voice Typing
"With Gboard, you can use your voice for everything from writing e-mails to responding to text messages."
Dragon Professional Individual
Dragon has always been the gold standard of speech recognition programs, which continues to be the case even today. Packed with a truckload of features and extensive customization capabilities, Dragon Professional Individual is undeniably the best speech-to-text software available. Its next-generation speech engine uses "Deep Learning" technology, thereby allowing the program to adapt to the user's voice and environmental variations—even when they're dictating.
Thanks to the "Smart Format Rules" feature, users can easily configure how they want specific items (e.g. dates, phone numbers) to appear. Dragon Professional Individual's advanced personalization features allow it to be tailored for maximum efficiency and productivity. You can import or export custom word lists for acronyms and unique business-specific terms. Plus you can configure custom voice commands for quickly inserting frequently used content (e.g. text, graphics) in documents and even create time-saving macros to automate multi-step tasks with simple voice commands.
Microsoft Logo
For a reliable Windows talk-to-text solution, you don't even need to look elsewhere, as Microsoft's newest OS already comes with one. Introduced as part of the October 5th update, the improved Dictation feature lets you capture all your thoughts and ideas using just your voice, quickly and accurately. Since it's deeply integrated into the operating system, Dictation works flawlessly with just about any text field in Windows 11 . To get started, select a text field (e.g. Microsoft Word document, E-mail compose box), use the "Windows" logo key with the "H" key to launch the dictation toolbar, and begin speaking.
You can easily dictate most letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and symbols by just saying their names (e.g. to insert $, say "dollar sign"). Dictation also supports numerous voice commands that allow you to select/edit text, move the cursor to a specified location, and more. Windows 11 supports a variety of different languages for dictation, and your computer needs to be connected to the Internet and have a working microphone to use it.
Apple's dictation feature is built right into the desktop operating system , there's no need for third-party solutions. The built-in program for macOS makes converting your spoken words to text a walk in the park.
To set up Dictation, navigate to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Accessibility > Voice Control and then select "Enable Voice Control." Here, you can select the dictation language and configure other options. Being a native component of the operating system, Dictation works well with any text field in macOS .
To use it, place the cursor in any text field (e.g. Apple Pages document, E-mail compose window), press the "Fn" key twice to activate, and start speaking. Since this feature learns your voice's characteristics and adapts to your accent, it gets better with continued use. Dictation supports multiple voice commands for all standard operations (e.g. selecting/formatting text, moving the cursor to a specific position, entering punctuation marks/symbols), and allows you to create your own as well.
For more Mac programs, check out our guide to the best video editing software for Macs and the best Mac desktop publishing software .
Dragon Professional Group
Get a free USB headset when you purchase Dragon Home or Dragon Professional Individual using the code USB2022 at checkout.
Even though documentation is a crucial part of any organization's day-to-day workflow, it usually takes up a lot of valuable time and resources. However, it doesn't have to be that way, thanks to Dragon Professional Group. The best speech-to-text software for enterprises allows employees to create documentation 3x faster (compared to typing) and 99% recognition accuracy. This is made possible by the program's next-generation speech engine, which uses "Deep Learning" technology to achieve high recognition accuracy while dictating, even for users with accents or those working in open office spaces.
Dragon Professional Group also makes it simple to automate repetitive tasks and streamline multi-step processes. You can configure custom voice commands which is helpful when quickly adding frequently used items (e.g. signatures) into documents. The system also allows you to create time-saving macros , or add industry-specific terms to the software's vocabulary to share with other employees.
The program also comes with "Nuance Management Center," a centralized user administration console that allows for easy management of everything from user profiles to custom command databases.
Speech recognition programs are great for converting your voice to text, but what if you could also use one to set alarms and maybe even search files on your computer? With Braina, you can do just that and a heck of a lot more. Powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), Braina is a unique speech-to-text software with extensive virtual assistant features.
The multi-functional program lets you use natural language commands to control your computer and perform different tasks, all from a convenient single-window environment. Braina can be helpful when searching for information online, performing complex mathematical calculations, playing your favorite songs, taking down notes, opening specific files/programs/websites, and getting weather information.
It also supports custom voice commands and macros, which make it easy to automate repetitive tasks. As far as the speech-to-text functionality is concerned, the program supports voice dictation in over 90 different languages and accents (e.g. English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese), with up to 99% accuracy.
Google Docs
Google Docs includes many features, such as multi-user collaboration, add-on compatibility, and version history. However, the Web-based word processor also supports Google's Voice Typing functionality, making it among the best online speech to text solutions available. All you need is a Google account, Chrome web browser, and a reliable Internet connection.
To get started with speech to text, open a document in Google Docs , and select "Voice typing..." from the "Tools" menu. After allowing the browser to access your computer's microphone, click the microphone box to start speaking, and Voice Typing will convert your words to text in real-time.
For best results, you must speak clearly, and at an average pace. Google Voice Typing allows dictation in many languages (e.g. English, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish, or Thai), and you can select one via the microphone box before you start speaking. All standard operations such as selecting or editing text, applying formats, or moving the cursor to a specified point in the document, can be done using voice commands.
Apple's iOS is renowned for its out-of-the-box nature. All the features in the mobile operating system are readily usable, and voice typing is no exception. If you want a dependable speech-to-text solution for your iPhone and iPad , you've got one integrated right into iOS. The voice dictation feature can be accessed via the default iOS keyboard, and it works great with apps that accept text input. Using Apple's speech-to-text feature allows you to do everything from composing emails to taking notes using your voice.
To dictate text in any app, tap the microphone icon on the iOS keyboard, and start speaking. When you're dictating, an animated waveform is displayed to indicate that your speech is being processed. If there are any errors such as spelling mistakes while dictating, they can be fixed manually. Dictation in iOS works offline (for selected languages), and there's voice command support for the majority of operations (e.g. formatting text, adding punctuations).
Courtesy of Google Play
Of the many keyboard apps available for Android , Gboard is arguably the most popular. Google's keyboard comes with a lot of nifty features, such as glide typing and one-handed mode. But apart from these, it also includes reliable speech recognition capabilities. You can use your voice for everything from writing e-mails to responding to text messages, as Gboard's Voice Typing works with any Android app that accepts text input. To use the feature, all you have to do is tap the microphone icon and start dictating when "Speak now" is displayed.
You can also use Gboard's Voice Typing functionality to replace words in any document or message. For this, select the target word, and tap the microphone icon. Once "Speak now" is displayed, say the new word to replace the existing term. Gboard supports voice dictation in multiple languages and can be used offline, as well.
Our Process
Our writers spent 7 hours researching the most popular speech-to-text software on the market. Before making their final recommendations, they considered 15 different software overall, screened options from 8 different brands and manufacturers, read over 100 user reviews (both positive and negative), and tested 4 of the software themselves. All of this research adds up to recommendations you can trust.
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Best speech-to-text apps of 2023
Free, paid and online voice recognition apps and services
The best speech-to-text software makes it simple and easy to convert speech into text, and can be available for both desktop and mobile devices.
Speech-to-text used to be regarded as very niche, specifically serving either people with accessibility needs or for dictation. However, speech-to-text is moving more and more into the mainstream as office work can now routinely be completed more simply and easily by using voce-recognition software, rather than having to type through members, and speaking aloud for text to be recorded is now quite common.
While the best speech to text software used to be specifically only for desktops, the development of mobile devices and the explosion of easily accessible apps means that transcription can now also be carried out on a smartphone (opens in new tab) or tablet (opens in new tab) .
This has made the best voice to text applications increasingly valuable to users in a range of different environments, from education to business. This is not least because the technology has matured to the level where mistakes in transcriptions are relatively rare, with some services rightly boasting a 99.9% success rate from clear audio.
Even still, this applies mainly to ordinary situations and circumstances, and precludes the use of technical terminology such as required in legal or medical professions. Despite this, digital transcription can still service needs such as basic note-taking (opens in new tab) which can still be easily done using a phone app, simplifying the dictation process.
However, different speech-to-text programs have different levels of ability and complexity, with some using advanced machine learning to constantly correct errors flagged up by users so that they are not repeated. Others are downloadable software which is only as good as its latest update.
Here then are the best in speech-to-text recognition programs, which should be more than capable for most situations and circumstances.
Jump straight to:
- Best paid for speech to text apps
- Best free speech to text apps
Mobile speech to text apps to consider
We've also featured the best voice recognition software .
The best paid for speech to text apps of 2023 in full:
Why you can trust TechRadar Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .
1. Dragon Anywhere
Our expert review:
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid.
Dragon Anywhere is the Nuance mobile product for Android and iOS devices, however this is no ‘lite’ app, but rather offers fully-formed dictation capabilities powered via the cloud.
So essentially you get the same excellent speech recognition as seen on the desktop software – the only meaningful difference we noticed was a very slight delay in our spoken words appearing on the screen (doubtless due to processing in the cloud). However, note that the app was still responsive enough overall.
It also boasts support for boilerplate chunks of text which can be set up and inserted into a document with a simple command, and these, along with custom vocabularies, are synced across the mobile app and desktop Dragon software. Furthermore, you can share documents across devices via Evernote or cloud services (such as Dropbox).
This isn’t as flexible as the desktop application, however, as dictation is limited to within Dragon Anywhere – you can’t dictate directly in another app (although you can copy over text from the Dragon Anywhere dictation pad to a third-party app). The other caveats are the need for an internet connection for the app to work (due to its cloud-powered nature), and the fact that it’s a subscription offering with no one-off purchase option, which might not be to everyone’s tastes.
Even bearing in mind these limitations, though, it’s a definite boon to have fully-fledged, powerful voice recognition of the same sterling quality as the desktop software, nestling on your phone or tablet for when you’re away from the office.
Nuance Communications offers a 7-day free trial to give the app a try before you commit to a subscription.
Read our full Dragon Anywhere review .
2. Dragon Professional
Should you be looking for a business-grade dictation application, your best bet is Dragon Professional. Aimed at pro users, the software provides you with the tools to dictate and edit documents, create spreadsheets, and browse the web using your voice.
According to Nuance, the solution is capable of taking dictation at an equivalent typing speed of 160 words per minute, with a 99% accuracy rate – and that’s out-of-the-box, before any training is done (whereby the app adapts to your voice and words you commonly use).
As well as creating documents using your voice, you can also import custom word lists. There’s also an additional mobile app that lets you transcribe audio files and send them back to your computer.
This is a powerful, flexible, and hugely useful tool that is especially good for individuals, such as professionals and freelancers, allowing for typing and document management to be done much more flexibly and easily.
Overall, the interface is easy to use, and if you get stuck at all, you can access a series of help tutorials. And while the software can seem expensive, it's just a one-time fee and compares very favorably with paid-for subscription transcription services.
Also note that Nuance are currently offering 12-months' access to Dragon Anywhere at no extra cost with any purchase of Dragon Home or Dragon Professional Individual.
Read our full Dragon Professional review .
Otter is a cloud-based speech to text program especially aimed for mobile use, such as on a laptop or smartphone. The app provides real-time transcription, allowing you to search, edit, play, and organize as required.
Otter is marketed as an app specifically for meetings, interviews, and lectures, to make it easier to take rich notes. However, it is also built to work with collaboration between teams, and different speakers are assigned different speaker IDs to make it easier to understand transcriptions.
There are three different payment plans, with the basic one being free to use and aside from the features mentioned above also includes keyword summaries and a wordcloud to make it easier to find specific topic mentions. You can also organize and share, import audio and video for transcription, and provides 600 minutes of free service.
The Premium plan also includes advanced and bulk export options, the ability to sync audio from Dropbox, additional playback speeds including the ability to skip silent pauses. The Premium plan also allows for up to 6,000 minutes of speech to text.
The Teams plan also adds two-factor authentication, user management and centralized billing, as well as user statistics, voiceprints, and live captioning.
Read our full Otter review .
Verbit aims to offer a smarter speech to text service, using AI for transcription and captioning. The service is specifically targeted at enterprise and educational establishments.
Verbit uses a mix of speech models, using neural networks and algorithms to reduce background noise, focus on terms as well as differentiate between speakers regardless of accent, as well as incorporate contextual events such as news and company information into recordings.
Although Verbit does offer a live version for transcription and captioning, aiming for a high degree of accuracy, other plans offer human editors to ensure transcriptions are fully accurate, and advertise a four hour turnaround time.
Altogether, while Verbit does offer a direct speech to text service, it’s possibly better thought of as a transcription service, but the focus on enterprise and education, as well as team use, means it earns a place here as an option to consider.
Read our full Verbit review (opens in new tab) .
5. Speechmatics
Speechmatics offers a machine learning solution to converting speech to text, with its automatic speech recognition solution available to use on existing audio and video files as well as for live use.
Unlike some automated transcription software which can struggle with accents or charge more for them, Speechmatics advertises itself as being able to support all major British accents, regardless of nationality. That way it aims to cope with not just different American and British English accents, but also South African and Jamaican accents.
Speechmatics offers a wider number of speech to text transcription uses than many other providers. Examples include taking call center (opens in new tab) phone recordings and converting them into searchable text or Word documents. The software also works with video and other media for captioning as well as using keyword triggers for management.
Overall, Speechmatics aims to offer a more flexible and comprehensive speech to text service than a lot of other providers, and the use of automation should keep them price competitive.
Read our full Speechmatics review .
6. Braina Pro
Braina Pro is speech recognition software which is built not just for dictation, but also as an all-round digital assistant to help you achieve various tasks on your PC. It supports dictation to third-party software in not just English but almost 90 different languages, with impressive voice recognition chops.
Beyond that, it’s a virtual assistant that can be instructed to set alarms, search your PC for a file, or search the internet, play an MP3 file, read an ebook aloud, plus you can implement various custom commands.
The Windows program also has a companion Android app which can remotely control your PC, and use the local Wi-Fi network to deliver commands to your computer, so you can spark up a music playlist, for example, wherever you happen to be in the house. Nifty.
There’s a free version of Braina which comes with limited functionality, but includes all the basic PC commands, along with a 7-day trial of the speech recognition which allows you to test out its powers for yourself before you commit to a subscription. Yes, this is another subscription-only product with no option to purchase for a one-off fee. Also note that you need to be online and have Google’s Chrome browser installed for speech recognition functionality to work.
Read our full Braina Pro review .
7. Amazon Transcribe
Amazon Transcribe is as big cloud-based automatic speech recognition platform developed specifically to convert audio to text for apps. It especially aims to provide a more accurate and comprehensive service than traditional providers, such as being able to cope with low-fi and noisy recordings, such as you might get in a contact center (opens in new tab) .
Amazon Transcribe uses a deep learning process that automatically adds punctuation and formatting, as well as process with a secure livestream or otherwise transcribe speech to text with batch processing.
As well as offering time stamping for individual words for easy search, it can also identify different speaks and different channels and annotate documents accordingly to account for this.
There are also some nice features for editing and managing transcribed texts, such as vocabulary filtering and replacement words which can be used to keep product names consistent and therefore any following transcription easier to analyze.
Overall, Amazon Transcribe is one of the most powerful platforms out there, though it’s aimed more for the business and enterprise user rather than the individual.
8. Microsoft Azure Speech to Text
Microsoft's Azure cloud service offers advanced speech recognition as part of the platform's speech services to deliver the Microsoft Azure Speech to Text functionality.
This feature allows you to simply and easily create text from a variety of audio sources. There are also customization options available to work better with different speech patterns, registers, and even background sounds. You can also modify settings to handle different specialist vocabularies, such as product names, technical information, and place names.
The Microsoft's Azure Speech to Text feature is powered by deep neural network models and allows for real-time audio transcription that can be set up to handle multiple speakers.
As part of the Azure cloud service, you can run Azure Speech to Text in the cloud, on premises, or in edge computing. In terms of pricing, you can run the feature in a free container with a single concurrent request for up to 5 hours of free audio per month.
Read our full Microsoft Azure Speech to Text review (opens in new tab) .
9. IBM Watson Speech to Text
IBM's Watson Speech to Text works is the third cloud-native solution on this list, with the feature being powered by AI and machine learning as part of IBM's cloud services.
While there is the option to transcribe speech to text in real-time, there is also the option to batch convert audio files and process them through a range of language, audio frequency, and other output options.
You can also tag transcriptions with speaker labels, smart formatting, and timestamps, as well as apply global editing for technical words or phrases, acronyms, and for number use.
As with other cloud services Watson Speech to Text allows for easy deployment both in the cloud and on-premises behind your own firewall to ensure security is maintained.
Read our full Watson Speech to Text review .
The best free speech to text apps:
1. google gboard.
If you already have an Android mobile device, then if it's not already installed then download Google Keyboard from the Google Play store and you'll have an instant text-to-speech app. Although it's primarily designed as a keyboard for physical input, it also has a speech input option which is directly available. And because all the power of Google's hardware is behind it, it's a powerful and responsive tool.
If that's not enough then there are additional features. Aside from physical input ones such as swiping, you can also trigger images in your text using voice commands. Additionally, it can also work with Google Translate, and is advertised as providing support for over 60 languages.
Even though Google Keyboard isn't a dedicated transcription tool, as there are no shortcut commands or text editing directly integrated, it does everything you need from a basic transcription tool. And as it's a keyboard, it means should be able to work with any software you can run on your Android smartphone, so you can text edit, save, and export using that. Even better, it's free and there are no adverts to get in the way of you using it.
2. Just Press Record
If you want a dedicated dictation app, it’s worth checking out Just Press Record. It’s a mobile audio recorder that comes with features such as one tap recording, transcription and iCloud syncing across devices. The great thing is that it’s aimed at pretty much anyone and is extremely easy to use.
When it comes to recording notes, all you have to do is press one button, and you get unlimited recording time. However, the really great thing about this app is that it also offers a powerful transcription service.
Through it, you can quickly and easily turn speech into searchable text. Once you’ve transcribed a file, you can then edit it from within the app. There’s support for more than 30 languages as well, making it the perfect app if you’re working abroad or with an international team. Another nice feature is punctuation command recognition, ensuring that your transcriptions are free from typos.
This app is underpinned by cloud technology, meaning you can access notes from any device (which is online). You’re able to share audio and text files to other iOS apps too, and when it comes to organizing them, you can view recordings in a comprehensive file.
3. Speechnotes
Speechnotes is yet another easy to use dictation app. A useful touch here is that you don’t need to create an account or anything like that; you just open up the app and press on the microphone icon, and you’re off.
The app is powered by Google voice recognition tech. When you’re recording a note, you can easily dictate punctuation marks through voice commands, or by using the built-in punctuation keyboard.
To make things even easier, you can quickly add names, signatures, greetings and other frequently used text by using a set of custom keys on the built-in keyboard. There’s automatic capitalization as well, and every change made to a note is saved to the cloud.
When it comes to customizing notes, you can access a plethora of fonts and text sizes. The app is free to download from the Google Play Store , but you can make in-app purchases to access premium features (there's also a browser version for Chrome).
Read our full Speechnotes review .
4. Transcribe
Marketed as a personal assistant for turning videos and voice memos into text files, Transcribe is a popular dictation app that’s powered by AI. It lets you make high quality transcriptions by just hitting a button.
The app can transcribe any video or voice memo automatically, while supporting over 80 languages from across the world. While you can easily create notes with Transcribe, you can also import files from services such as Dropbox.
Once you’ve transcribed a file, you can export the raw text to a word processor to edit. The app is free to download, but you’ll have to make an in-app purchase if you want to make the most of these features in the long-term. There is a trial available, but it’s basically just 15 minutes of free transcription time. Transcribe is only available on iOS, though.
5. Windows 10 Speech Recognition
If you don’t want to pay for speech recognition software, and you’re running Microsoft’s latest desktop OS, then you might be pleased to hear that Windows 10 actually has some very solid voice recognition abilities built right into the operating system.
Windows Speech Recognition, as it’s imaginatively named – and note that this is something different to Cortana, which offers basic commands and assistant capabilities – lets you not only execute commands via voice control, but also offers the ability to dictate into documents.
The sort of accuracy you get isn’t comparable with that offered by the likes of Dragon, but then again, you’re paying nothing to use it. It’s also possible to improve the accuracy by training the system by reading text, and giving it access to your documents to better learn your vocabulary. It’s definitely worth indulging in some training, particularly if you intend to use the voice recognition feature a fair bit.
This speech recognition capability is actually in previous versions of Windows as well, although Microsoft has honed it more with the latest OS. The company has been busy boasting about its advances in terms of voice recognition powered by deep neural networks, and Microsoft is certainly priming us to expect impressive things in the future. The likely end-goal aim is for Cortana to do everything eventually, from voice commands to taking dictation.
Turn on Windows Speech Recognition by heading to the Control Panel (search for it, or right click the Start button and select it), then click on Ease of Access, and you will see the option to ‘start speech recognition’ (you’ll also spot the option to set up a microphone here, if you haven’t already done that).
Aside from what has already been covered above, there are an increasing number of apps available across all mobile devices for working with speech to text, not least because Google's speech recognition technology is available for use.
iTranslate Translator (opens in new tab) is a speech-to-text app for iOS with a difference, in that it focuses on translating voice languages. Not only does it aim to translate different languages you hear into text for your own language, it also works to translate images such as photos you might take of signs in a foreign country and get a translation for them. In that way, iTranslate is a very different app, that takes the idea of speech-to-text in a novel direction, and by all accounts, does it well.
ListNote Speech-to-Text Notes (opens in new tab) is another speech-to-text app that uses Google's speech recognition software, but this time does a more comprehensive job of integrating it with a note-taking program than many other apps. The text notes you record are searchable, and you can import/export with other text applications. Additionally there is a password protection option, which encrypts notes after the first 20 characters so that the beginning of the notes are searchable by you. There's also an organizer feature for your notes, using category or assigned color. The app is free on Android, but includes ads.
Voice Notes (opens in new tab) is a simple app that aims to convert speech to text for making notes. This is refreshing, as it mixes Google's speech recognition technology with a simple note-taking app, so there are more features to play with here. You can categorize notes, set reminders, and import/export text accordingly.
SpeechTexter (opens in new tab) is another speech-to-text app that aims to do more than just record your voice to a text file. This app is built specifically to work with social media, so that rather than sending messages, emails, Tweets, and similar, you can record your voice directly to the social media sites and send. There are also a number of language packs you can download for offline working if you want to use more than just English, which is handy.
Also consider reading these related software and app guides:
- Best text-to-speech software (opens in new tab)
- Best transcription services (opens in new tab)
- Best Bluetooth headsets (opens in new tab)
Which speech-to-text app is best for you?
When deciding which speech-to-text app to use, first consider what your actual needs are, as free and budget options may only provide basic features, so if you need to use advanced tools you may find a paid-for platform is better suited to you. Additionally, higher-end software can usually cater for every need, so do ensure you have a good idea of which features you think you may require from your speech-to-text app.
How we tested the best speech-to-text apps
To test for the best speech-to-text apps we first set up an account with the relevant platform, then we tested the service to see how the software could be used for different purposes and in different situations. The aim was to push each speech-to-text platform to see how useful its basic tools were and also how easy it was to get to grips with any more advanced tools.
Read more on how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar (opens in new tab) .
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Brian has over 30 years publishing experience as a writer and editor across a range of computing, technology, and marketing titles. He has been interviewed multiple times for the BBC and been a speaker at international conferences. His specialty on techradar is Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, covering everything from office suites to IT service tools. He is also a science fiction and fantasy author, published as Brian G Turner.
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Speech Writing - Sample and Structure
Speech writing
Speech writing is a technique for expressing ideas or messages to readers while employing appropriate grammar and expression. There are a few differences between speech writing and other types of narrative writing. Students should be aware of the use of various punctuation and writing structure strategies.
The structure of your speech should be your primary concern. Outstanding speechwriters build their speeches similarly to a narrative. The speech will serve as a guide for the audience while they travel on this adventure. Typically, speeches will adhere to a three-part framework. It would be best to have a compelling beginning, an in-depth middle, and an impacting conclusion.
It's only one notion, even if your speech is lengthy. If you stick to the plot structure, you will make a few mistakes. Each point in your speech will flow more naturally from the last if you use transitions. It would help if you led the listeners through your argument.
For example | Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on Purnima of the Shravan Month every year. Many Indians consider Raksha Bandhan to be one of their favorite holidays. The whole family comes together to celebrate this day. Everyone in the family participates in various festive activities to enjoy every second of this lovely day, including siblings, friends, parents, and grandparents.
Then you need to maintain the continuity by explaining why and how it is observed across the country. Like, "Do you know how Raksha Bandhan is observed in almost every region of the nation? The sister and the brother get up early on the day of Raksha Bandhan. They both assemble with their families to pray and sit side by side. Sister and brother both offer prayers for one another and their family.
Following their prayers, the sister covers the brother's forehead with a tilak. After that, the sister ties a rakhi to her brother's hand, symbolizing her brother's unwavering faith in her. The brother promises to give his sister gifts as a sign of his affection and to keep her safe from harm. The entire family is present for this ceremony and enjoys seeing how much they care for one another. Following these activities, they want a special time while sharing specially crafted treats. Raksha Bandhan is an excellent example of global brotherhood."
The Opening
You should get hold of this. Draw attention to yourself right away. Engaging audiences and persuading them to share your point of view or take action are the goals of a speech. The greatest place to begin is with an introduction that defines your purpose, poses a query, or presents a startling fact.
The introduction of the speech must include:
Greetings to the audience. For example: Good Morning/Good Afternoon.
Introduction of yourself and the topic. For example: Myself _____ from ____ Standard and ____ school is here to represent a speech on Respect. Then we introduce the topic "Respect is a crucial attribute that conveys a strong appreciation for something or someone. It is also known as esteem, which is a kind of admiration or great regard for something or someone expressed toward that person. It is essential for a person to respect oneself first. If we respect ourselves and our decisions, people will respect us."
A concise description of your topic. For example: "Respect, also called appreciation, is a positive feeling or action shown toward a person or thing that is considered important, highly valued, or respected. Different cultures have different ways of expressing respect. In our nation, India, when we greet one another, we say Namaste while bowing or touching feet to demonstrate respect."
Define the general structure of your speech. For example: first, second, third).
Start the speech with a quote, statistical fact, story, news, etc. It should be at most 3-4 lines. For example, Benjamin Franklin said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
You get into the flow of your argument in the middle. It is the main part of every speech. Give the audience a number of justifications and arguments for supporting your position.
The management of objections is a crucial component of speechwriting. A speech is a monologue; thus, there is no time for questions or opposition. A compelling speech can address any issues that may come up during the speech itself. In this manner, you can respond to audience queries as they arise.
Another benefit of managing objections is that it gives you a sense of authority. An audience must be able to recognise you as an authority figure before you can persuade them. You ought to look like a person people want to follow.
For Example - If your speech is about personal finance management, distribute information and arrange it, like what personal finance is, the importance of personal finance management and the techniques used for managing personal finance.
You want your speech to leave a lasting impression on the audience. The conclusion of your speech is what people remember the most. It is important to put thought and effort into writing effective end lines.
End lines summarize the speech's main points and provide closure to the audience. They remind the audience of the main ideas discussed and tie everything together in a cohesive and comprehensive manner. This can help solidify the speech's message and make it more memorable for the audience.
End lines can provide a call to action or inspire the audience. They can inspire the audience to think about the topic differently or take action on the presented information. This can be particularly effective if the speech is meant to persuade or motivate the audience. The end lines should leave the audience with something to think about and can inspire them to take action.
End lines should be memorable. A memorable end line is easy to remember and can help the audience to recall the message of the speech even after it has ended. This can be achieved through rhetorical devices such as repetition, alliteration, or parallelism. Using quotes or a metaphor can also make the end lines more memorable.
Sample Speech on Respect
In daily life, we use the term "respect" frequently. But what does it mean? It denotes a respect for someone's worth or quality.
First and foremost, self-respect is vital. You won't be able to earn the respect of others if you don't respect yourself. Each of us has certain qualities that we should treasure. It boosts our value to both ourselves and other people.
Second, we ought to respect our seniors at all times. Our teachers and parents deserve our respect. We appreciate them because of their age, experience, and contribution to our way of life and society.
Third, we must uphold the laws that govern our nation. Respect for our national flag, national anthem, government, and other aspects of our country is crucial. Finally, if we all work together with mutual love and respect, our nation will have a lot of opportunities.
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If You Want to Write a Great Speech, Here’s How to Do It
Writing a speech isn’t all that different than writing for other mediums. You need to know your audience, the required length, and the purpose or topic. This is true whether your speech is for a business conference, a wedding, a school project, or any other scenario.
But there’s something about speech writing that’s especially nerve-wracking.
If you write and deliver a speech that doesn’t go over well, you’ll get feedback in real time. The people sitting in front of you could lose interest, start talking, doze off, or even wander out of the room. (Don’t worry, only audiences in movies throw tomatoes).
Of course, a poor speech is not the end of the world. You can give plenty of crummy speeches and live to tell the tale.
But we also know that a great speech is capable of changing the world. Or at least sparking an audience’s imagination, catapulting your business into success, earning an A+ on your assignment, or ensuring that the bride and groom are still friends with you after the wedding.
So if you’re feeling stressed over your impending speech writing duties, fret no more! Today we’re breaking down for you the step-by-step process of exactly how to write a great speech.
Here’s a tip: Want to make sure your writing shines? Grammarly can check your spelling and save you from grammar and punctuation mistakes. It even proofreads your text, so your work is extra polished wherever you write.
Your writing, at its best Grammarly helps you communicate confidently Write with Grammarly
1 Tips to write (and live) by
Let’s start with the 30,000 foot, big-picture view. These are the tenets that will guide you in your speech writing process (and pretty much anything else you want to write).
- Know the purpose: What are you trying to accomplish with your speech? Educate, inspire, entertain, argue a point? Your goals will dictate the tone and structure, and result in dramatically different speeches.
- Know your audience: Your speech should be tailored for your audience, both in terms of ideas and language. If you’re speaking at a sound healer convention, you won’t need to explain the concept of energetic blocks. And if you’re speaking to an octogenarians-only quilting circle, you probably shouldn’t drop as many F-bombs as you would with your local biker gang.
- Know the length: You don’t want to underwhelm or overwhelm your audience.Ten minutes may be too short for your keynote address, but it’s probably too long for your best man speech. Don’t leave things up to chance. Your writing process will be much easier if you keep your eye on your target length.
- Write, revise, practice, revise, practice…: MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech wasn’t written in a day. Give yourself the time you need to practice your material and work through multiple drafts. Don’t expect to nail everything on the first try.
2 The step-by-step process
Still feeling stressed over how to get started? Here’s how to write your speech from concept to completion.
Step 1: Outline your speech’s structure. What are the main ideas for each section?
Step 2: Flesh out the main ideas in your outline. Don’t worry about finding the perfect words. Just let your creativity flow and get it all out!
Step 3: Edit and polish what you’ve written until you have a cohesive first draft of your speech
Step 4: Practice, practice, practice. The more you practice your speech the more you’ll discover which sections need reworked, which transitions should be improved, and which sentences are hard to say. You’ll also find out how you’re doing on length.
Step 5: Update, practice, and revise your speech until it has a great flow and you feel it’s ready to accomplish its purpose.
3 The universal structure
Getting hung up on Step 1? Here’s a structure you can follow for any type of speech.
Introduction
Who are you, why are are you giving this speech, what is your main thesis?
The “who” and “why” can be longer or shorter depending on the context. For example, if you’re speaking at a wedding, you’ll want to explain your relationship to the bride and groom and why they mean so much to you. But if you’re presenting to your class at school, you may be able to head straight into your thesis.
If you’re presenting in a business or motivational setting, this is a crucial time to hook your audience’s attention and pique their curiosity. Typically someone else will have already introduced you and your accolades, so use this to your advantage and dive straight in.
“Hi everyone, it’s great to be here! As Kevin just said, I’ve been an urban beet farmer for 30 years, and a couple years back I got this absolutely crazy idea. What if…”
Main message
Idea 1, Idea 2, Idea 3…
The majority of your speech should be spent presenting your thesis and supporting material in a simple, organized way.
Whether you’re giving an inspirational talk or a business presentation, rambling is a sure-fire way to lose your audience’s attention. Don’t try to share absolutely everything you know on your topic, instead pick a few (two to five) key points to present to your audience.
Stick to one point at a time and finish the thought before you move on to the next. Build in clear, logical transitions from idea to idea.
Want to make your speech memorable? Studies have shown our brains are great at remember stories! As much as is appropriate, make your speech personal and include your own anecdotes and thoughts.
We’re also better at remembering big ideas if they’re condensed into a few memorable words, so do your best to sum up your thesis.
“I have a dream.”
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
“Make good art.”
What do you want your audience to walk out of the room remembering?
Wrap everything up and drive home your main idea, whether that’s through providing a few (one to three) key takeaways, or telling one last story that perfectly illustrates your point.
Here are some examples of how your outline might look
As a researcher presenting your findings…
Introduction: Explain the key problem or question of your research.
Main message: Describe the research process, then describe your three key findings.
Takeaway: Present your conclusions and their implications, then your next steps for moving forward.
As the maid of honor giving a speech at your best friend’s wedding…
Introduction: Explain who you are and how you met the bride.
Main message: Recount three funny and heartwarming stories about your decades-long friendship with her, plus your first impressions of the groom.
Takeaway: Wrap things up by expounding on how amazing the bride and groom’s love for each other is, how they’re meant to be together, and how you know their love will last a lifetime. …L’chaim!
What are your favorite tips for writing a great speech?
Here’s a tip: Grammarly’s Citation Generator ensures your essays have flawless citations and no plagiarism. Try it for citing speeches in Chicago , MLA , and APA styles.
Speech And Debate
Speech Writing
Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023
How to Write a Speech - Outline With Example
By: Cordon J.
Reviewed By: Rylee W.
Published on: Sep 8, 2020
Giving a speech for a class, event or work can be nerve-wracking. However, writing an effective speech can boost your confidence level.
A speech is an effective medium to communicate your message and speech writing is a skill that has its advantages even if you are a student or a professional.
With careful planning and paying attention to small details, you can write a speech that will inform, persuade, entertain or motivate the people you are writing for.
If this is your first speech. Take all the time you need.
Like other skills, you can learn speech writing too.
Give yourself enough time to write and practice it several times for the best possible results.
On this Page
You have a message that you want people to hear or you are preparing a speech for a particular situation such as a commemorative speech.
No matter what the case, it is important to ensure that the speech is well structured or else you will fail to deliver your effective message. And you don’t want that, do you?
You can also explore our complete guide to write a commemorative speech . Make sure to give the article a thorough read.
How to Create a Speech Outline?
Want to write a speech your audience will remember? A speech outline is a thing you should start with.
‘How to write a speech outline?’
A speech outline is very important in helping you sound more authoritative and in control. As you write your speech outline you will have to focus on how you will introduce yourself, your topic, and the points that you will be going to cover.
A speech outline will save a lot of your time and will help you organize your thoughts. It will make sure the speech is following a proper structure and format.
Before you start writing your own speech you need to know:
- WHO you are writing the speech for
- WHAT the speech will be going to cover
- HOW long it needs to be e.g if it is a 5-minute speech (then how many words in a 5-minute speech)
These speech tips will help you get on the right track from the start. Here is an example of how you can craft a speech outline.
Preparation
- Choose your topic and the main points that your speech will cover. Know your audience and get to know what they are looking for. Pay attention to their needs
- Define the purpose of the speech and properly organize it
Introduction
- A strong statement to grab the reader’s attention
- Refine the thesis statement
- State something that establishes credibility
- Provide your main idea and include some supporting statements.
- Examples and further details (if needed)
- Summarize the main points of the speech
- Closing statement
- Call to action
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How to Write an Effective Speech?
‘How to write a graduation speech?’
‘How to write a speech for school?’
‘How to write a speech about yourself?’
Get your answers in the below sections.
Just like essays, the speech also follows three sections: Introduction, the main body, and conclusion.
However, unlike essays, a speech must be written to be heard as opposed to just being read. It is important to write a speech in a way that can grab the reader’s attention and helps in painting a mental image.
It is the opening statement of a speech. It is important to know how to start a speech that can grab the attention of the audience.
‘How to write a speech introduction?’
It should include a hook-grabber statement about your topic. It should end with a strong transition from a big idea of the introduction to the main body of the essay. Some great ways to begin your speech are, to begin with, a rhetorical question, a quote, or another strong statement.
Make sure the introduction is not more than one paragraph. This will ensure you do not spend much time on the background before getting to the main idea of the topic.
The introduction is a great chance to make sure your opening is memorable as this is the point when your audience will make up their mind about you.
The Main body
The majority of the speech should be spent presenting your thesis statement and supporting ideas in an organized way.
Avoid rambling as it will immediately lose your audience’s attention. No need to share everything, instead pick some points and stick to them throughout your speech.
Organize your points in a logical manner so they support and build on each other. Add as many points as needed to support the overall message of your speech.
State each point clearly and provide all the required information, facts, statistics, and evidence, to clarify each of your points.
It is a good idea to include your personal experiences to make your speech more interesting and memorable.
Another important thing to be kept in mind is the use of transition. The purpose of adding transition words is to improve the overall flow of the information and help the reader to understand the speech structure. Words like next, then, after, before, at that moment, etc. are the most commonly used transition words to make the whole writing less choppy and more interesting.
The conclusion should restate and summarize all the main points of the speech. Because the audience will most likely remember what they have heard last. Beautifully wrap up the whole speech and give something for the audience to think about.
For an extra element, close your speech by restating the introduction statement so it feels like a complete package.
A good approach to conclude your speech is to introduce a call to action. Encourage your audience to participate in the solution to the problem that you are discussing. Give your audience some direction on how they can participate.
Practice and more practice is key to a great speech so it is important that you read your speech and listen to yourself. When writing, take care of the required length also.
Speech Topics - Engaging Topics to Choose From
You feel relief when your teacher says you are free to choose your speech topic. Feel free to write about anything you want. The problem is students still feel stuck in choosing an effective speech topic. If you are one of them, here is a list of the best speech ideas to help you get through the process.
- What role do cats play in human’s lives
- How to improve communication disorders
- World’s fastest-growing country
- Today’s world pollution rate
- How to improve interpersonal skills
- Are paper books better than e-books
- Should the death penalty be abolished
- Should prisoners be allowed to vote
- Should voting be made compulsory
- Is it better to live together before marriage
These are some of the interesting topics that you can consider. However, if you are still not sure about the topic of your speech, you can explore our article on informative speech topics and pick any of your choices.
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Speech Example
Stressing over on how to write a good speech? Speech examples are sure to be your best friend for effective speech writing and its effortless delivery.
Here is a sample speech example to help you get through your own speech writing process. Explore this example and get the answer on how to give a good speech.
Get Professional Help for Your Speech
If you are good at public speaking but lack writing skills or you do not have enough time to follow the mentioned points and write a speech, don't worry.
You can always contact us at 5StarEssays.com.
We have a highly qualified and amazing team of expert writers who can help you if you want to buy speeches online with high-quality content.
Contact our " write my essay " service with your requirements. Our essay writer will provide you with quality material that your audience will remember for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best introduction for a speech.
The best way to open a speech’s introduction is, to begin with, a story. Tell an inspiring story to your audience and connect it with your personal narrative.
What is the first step of speech writing?
The first step of writing a speech is to choose a topic. Choosing a good topic is important to have an engaging and great speech.
What are the five steps in speech writing?
Here are the five steps involved in writing a speech.
- Choose a topic.
- Investigate your audience.
- Built an outline.
- Rehearse the speech.
- Revise and finalize.
What are the types of speech delivery?
Here are the types of speech delivery.
- Extemporaneous
What are the two P’s required for good speech delivery?
The two P’s required for proper speech delivery are Preparation and Practice.
Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.
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English Speech Topics for Students
- Updated on
- Nov 14, 2022
Writing an exciting and thoughtful speech requires one to select a good topic, research it thoroughly and formation of individual opinions to express the same. School students are usually asked to speak on a contemporary topic to help them become good public speakers as well as learn the art of expressing oneself in front of an audience. While many speech competitions often allot topics beforehand, you might also have heard of extempore where topics are given on the spot for speech. This blog brings you a list of common English speech topics as well as some helpful tips and tricks that can assist you in effectively expressing your thoughts and opinions in front of an audience.
Quick Read: English Speaking Books
This Blog Includes:
List of best english speech topics, 1-minute speech topics, 2-minute speech topics, easy speech topics in english, english speech topics on environment, english speech topics on social issues, english speech topics on important days & events, english speech topics on greatest leaders in india & around the world, english speech topics on proverbs, english speech topics on education, miscellaneous speech topics, types of persuasive speech topics, tips for writing and speaking a speech.
Speeches are all about one’s thoughts. It should not be copied from somewhere. It is all about what the speaker thinks of any given topic. Take a look at the following list of English Speech Topics on different contemporary issues as well as concepts.
- The Best Day of My Life
- Social Media : Bane or Boon?
- Pros and Cons of Online Learning
- Benefits of Yoga
- If I had a Superpower
- I wish I were ______
- Environment Conservation
- Women Should Rule the World!
- The Best Lesson I have Learned
- Paperbacks vs E-books
- How to Tackle a Bad Habit
- My Favorite Pastime/Hobby
- Why should every citizen vote?
- Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Is it real or not?
- Importance of Reading
- Importance of Books in Our Life
- My Favorite Fictional Character
- Introverts vs Extroverts
- Lessons to Learn from Sports
- Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
- Importance of Kindness
- Is there Value in Homework?
- Things I learned in Lockdown
- How can food be recycled?
- Should Art be a part of the school curriculum?
- Should schools teach sign language?
- Women make better presidents/prime ministers
- Why books are better than their movies?
- Life was better when technology was more simple.
- Impact of technology on our health
- Should children’s reality shows be banned?
- Learning in the Wake of Covid-19
- Hard Work vs Smart Work
- What Makes Learning Fun?
- The Coolest Inventions You’ve Seen
- Men should wear pink
- Importance of AI in Education
- Importance of Extracurricular Activities
- Should exams be banned?
- How to tackle Bullying in Schools?
- Importance of Education
- Is it beneficial to learn a Second Language?
- Music has healing power.
- Love is more powerful than hate
- Social Impact of Covid-19
- How can Online Learning be Fun?
- Make Public Transport Free?
- Should violent video games be banned?
- Learning about all world religions in schools is important
Exploring English Speech Topics? You must also take a look at Extempore Topics !
- Climate Change
- Depletion of the Ozone Layer
- Reducing Water Levels
- Deforestation
- Global Warming
- Waste Management
- Water-Saving Techniques
- Reducing the Green Cover of Earth
- Endangered species need protection
- Importance of fishing regulations
- Importance of investing in alternative fuels
- Impact of ocean acidification on marine organisms
- The misuse of the term “sustainable development” by environmentalists
- Microbial benefits
- E-Waste Management
- Natural disasters and their impact on economic growth
- Energy alternatives – Only solution to the environmental damage
- Extinction of rare species
- World Environment Day
- Disaster Management
- Over and Improper Use of Natural Resources
- Air, Water and Soil Pollution
- Efficiency of Recycling
- Women Empowerment
- Education of Girl Child
- Unemployment
- Casteism
- Reservation
- Importance of Maintaining Hygiene
- Child Labour
- Social Distancing
- Organ Donation
- Importance of the Right to Education
- Child Trafficking
- Multiculturalism
- Struggles of Immigrants
- Impact of Globalisation
- Adult education
Quick Read: TOEFL Speaking Topics
- Independence Day
- Mother’s Day
- World Population Day
- World Health Day
- Ambedkar Jayanti
- Gandhi Jayanti
- Human Rights Day
- Zero Discrimination Day
- Women’s Day
- Anti Terrorism Day
- Hindi Diwas
Check out this list of all the important national and international days in 2021 !
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Raja Rammohan Roy
- George Washington
- Albert Einstein
- APJ Abdul Kalam
- Nelson Mandela
- Kailash Satyarthi
To know what to mention in such speech topics, explore the Great Personalities in the World !
- Honesty is the best policy
- When there’s a will, there is a way
- Actions speak louder than words
- Knowledge is Power
- Ignorance is Bliss
- Don’t judge a book by its cover
- Hard work is the key to success
Explore these proverbs & their meanings through this blog on Difficult Phrases !
- Importance of teacher in your life
- SAT scores for college application
- Student bullies should be expelled
- Consequences of cheating in exams
- Homeschooling is better than normal schooling
- Importance of value education
- Importance of sports and physical exercises
- Schools vs colleges
- What is the difference between a school, college and university in the USA?
Check Out: Synonyms List
- Article 370
- Women rights
- The Constitution of India
- Youth of India
- Culture of India
- Importance of Unity
- Generation Gap
- Importance of Value Education
- Old Age Homes
- Family Values
- Leadership skills
- Rise of Smart Classes
- Grading System
- Importance of Practical Education
- Benefits of Co-Education
- Importance of Co-Curricular Activities
- The uselessness of Power-Point Presentations
- Rise of Technology
- Excessive usage of the Internet
- Speech on Fear
- Speech on Dependence on Technology
- Importance of Social Media
- Speech on Save Water
- Speech on India of My Dreams
- Speech on Indian Education System
- Speech on My India
While exploring persuasive English speech topics, you must make sure that they are stimulating, engaging, concise and clear. There are three main types of Persuasive Speech topics which are:
1. Factual Persuasive Speech : These topics include facts, figures and statistics to thoroughly analyse the given topic and assess whether it’s true or false.
2. Policy Persuasive Speech : Discussing policies, laws and reforms, these speech topics critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the given policy or law and suggest the improvements that can be made.
3. Value Persuasive Speech : Mainly focusing on social or political issues, these speech topics present the critique and argument of whether certain actions are morally right or not.
While speaking on a particular topic, there are certain things which you must keep in mind to make your speech expressive and effective. Before providing you with a comprehensive list of English speech topics, let’s take a look at some useful topics that help you in acing any topic you are speaking on.
- Always research the topic. If you are participating in an extempore, then make sure to go through the common and popular topics as well as the unconventional ones which you might get. Preparation is the key to delivering an impressive speech.
- Show your interest in the topic. Whether you are given a topic on the spot or you are prepared for the speech, it is always pivotal that you seem interested in speaking about it. Relate the given issues to your own life and this will help you in giving it your twist.
- Pay extra attention to your body language and enunciation. While a gesticulative approach will make you seem outward, having timid body language can cause a wrong impression. Further, if you find it difficult to enunciate complicated words, use simpler ones and even if you fumble, don’t spend too much time hovering over them during your speech.
- Ensure that the choice of words you are using is simpler and corresponds to the level of the vocabulary of your audience. If you include a longer word that is lesser known, try explaining its meaning. Further, make sure to adhere to the tone of the environment you are speaking in. Schools, colleges and professional spaces require you to adhere to a formal tone while giving a speech in an informal environment would demand a different use of vocabulary.
- Ponder upon the different viewpoints on a topic . Try to present a holistic view of the given topic but don’t forget to present your opinion on it as well. Along with this, don’t try to take sides unless the topic demands you to.
- Involve your audience, if possible. This way, you will be able to interact with the people and it will also be useful in fighting the fear of public speaking.
- Don’t mug up a speech. It becomes evident when someone just speaks on a topic continuously and the audience might realise that you have memorized it or you might forget a certain part which will let the whole speech fade away from your brain. Instead, make notes about the topic in your mind, remember certain keywords and try to maintain a particular flow in your speech.
- Incorporate humour in your speech in a way that you do not offend anyone or overdo it but get a positive reaction from the audience. Humour is a great way of lightening the mood as well as ensuring the whole speech is interactive and engaging.
While preparing for English Speech topics, you must also check out IELTS Speaking Topics !
Juvenile delinquency is acceptable. Prostitution should be legal. Underage driving should be punishable by law. Beauty pageants for children should be banned. Prisoner’s right to vote. Voting rights should not be universal. Guns should be banned from college campuses.
A three-minute speech is undoubtedly a wonderful starting point for public speaking. This is because you need to communicate with your audience more effectively when you just have a short amount of time. In addition, the speech ought to be concise, pertinent, and clear.
Life is the gift of God in the form of trust that we will make it meaningful in whatever we can. We are all unique individuals. No one is born like you and no one will ever be, so cherish your individuality. Many times, I come across people accusing God of things that they don’t have. They always cursing their lives.
Thus, we hope that this list helps you in preparing for different English speech topics. Gearing up for IELTS ? Sign up for an online demo session with our experts at Leverage Edu and we will assist you in preparing for its different sections as well as improving your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills to ensure that you ace the exam with flying colours!
- English Grammar Rules for Competitive Exams
- English Speech Topics
- Language preparation
Team Leverage Edu
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Table of Contents
Why Use Speech Recognition Software?
- Dictation vs. Transcription
Why Use Dictation?
Why use transcription.
- Do You Need Special Recording Equipment?
The Best Transcription Services
The 5 best dictation software options, the best dictation software for writers (to use in 2023).
A lot of Authors give up on their books before they even start writing .
I see it all the time. Authors sit down to write and end up staring at a blank page. They might get a few words down, but they hate what they’ve written, harshly judge themselves, and quit.
Or they get intimidated by the prospect of writing more and give up. They may come back, but if so, it’s with less and less enthusiasm, until they eventually just stop.
In order to break the pattern, you have to get out of your own head. And the best way to do that is to talk it out.
I’m serious. Who ever said that you have to write your book? Why not speak it?
Authors don’t need to be professional writers. You’re publishing a book because you have knowledge to share with the world.
If you’re more comfortable speaking than writing, there’s no shame in dictating your book.
Sure, at some point, you’ll have to put the words on a page and make them readable, of course.
But for your first draft, you can stop focusing on being a perfect writer and instead focus on getting your ideas out in the world.
In this post, I’ll cover why dictation software is such a great tool, the difference between dictation and transcription, and the best options in each category.
When Authors experience writer’s block , it’s not usually because they have bad ideas or because they’re unorganized. The number 1 cause of writer’s block is fear.
So, how do you get rid of that fear?
The easiest solution is to stop staring at the screen and talk instead.
Many Authors can talk clearly and comfortably about their ideas when they aren’t put on the spot. Just think of how easy it is to sit down with colleagues over coffee or how excited you get explaining your work to a friend.
There’s a lot less pressure in those situations. It’s much easier than thinking, “I’m writing something that thousands of people are going to read and judge.”
When that thought is in your head, of course you’re going to freeze.
Your best bet is to ignore all those thoughts and really focus on your reader . Imagine you’re speaking to a specific person—maybe your ideal client or a close friend. What do they want to know? What can you help them with? What tone do you use when you talk to them?
When you keep your attention on the reader you’re trying to serve, it helps quiet your fear and anxiety. And when you speak, rather than write, it can help you keep a relaxed, confident, and personable tone.
Readers relate to Authors’ authentic voices far more than overly-crafted, hyper-intellectual writing styles.
Speaking will also help you finish your first draft faster because it helps you resist the desire to edit as you go.
We always tell Scribe Authors that their first draft should be a “vomit draft.”
You should spew words onto a page without worrying whether they’re good, how they can be better, or whether you’ve said the right thing.
Your vomit draft can be—and possibly will be—absolute garbage.
But that’s okay. As the Author of 4 New York Times bestsellers, I can tell you: first drafts are often garbage. In the end, they still go on to become highly successful books.
It’s a lot easier to edit words that are already on the page than to agonize over every single thing you’re writing.
That’s why speech recognition software is the perfect workaround. When you talk, you don’t have time to agonize. Your ideas can flow without your brain working overtime on grammar, clarity, and all those other things we expect from the written word.
Of course, your spoken words won’t be the same as a book. You’ll have to edit out all the “uh”s and the places you went on tangents. You might even have to overhaul the organization of the sections.
But remember, the goal of a first draft is never perfection. The goal is to have a text you can work with.
What’s the Difference between Dictation & Transcription?
If you know you want to talk out your first draft, you have 2 options:
- Use dictation software
- Use a transcription service
1. Dictation Software
With dictation software, you speak, and the software transcribes your words in real-time.
For example, when you give Siri a voice command on your iPhone, the words pop up across the top of the screen. That’s how dictation software works.
Although, I should point out that we aren’t really talking about Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, or Microsoft’s Cortana here. Those are AI virtual assistants that use voice recognition software, but they aren’t true dictation apps. In other words, they’re good at transcribing a shopping list, but they won’t help you write a book.
Some dictation software comes as a standalone app you use exclusively for converting speech to text. Other dictation software comes embedded in a word processor, like Apple’s built-in dictation in Pages or Google Docs’ built-in voice tool.
If you’re a fast speaker, most live dictation software won’t be able to keep up with you. You have to speak slowly and clearly for it to work.
For many people, trying to use dictation software slows them down, which can interrupt their train of thought.
2. Transcription Services
In contrast, transcription services convert your words to text after-the-fact. You record yourself talking and send the completed audio files to the service for transcription.
Some transcription services use human transcription, which is exactly what it sounds like: a human listens to your audio and transcribes the content. This kind of transcription is typically slower and more expensive, but it’s also more accurate.
Other transcription services rely on computer transcription. Using artificial intelligence and advanced voice recognition technology, these services can turn around a full transcript in a matter of minutes. You’ll find some mistakes, but unless you have a strong accent or there’s a lot of background noise in the recording, they’re fairly accurate.
Dictation is the way to go if you want to sit in front of your computer and type—but maybe just type a little faster. It’s especially useful for people who want to switch between talking and typing.
It’s probably not your best option if you want to speak your entire first draft. Voice recognition software still requires you to speak slowly and clearly. You might lose your train of thought if you’re constantly stopping to let the software catch up.
With dictation software, you may also be tempted to stop and read what the software is typing. That’s an easy way to get sucked into editing, which you should never do when you’re writing your first draft.
I recommend using dictation as a way to shake up your writing process, not to replace typing entirely.
If you want to get your vomit draft out by speaking at your own natural pace, we recommend making actual recordings and sending them to a transcription service.
Transcription is also preferable if you’re being interviewed or if you have a co-author because it can recognize multiple voices. It’s also a lot more flexible in terms of location. People can interview you over Zoom or in any other conferencing system, and as long as you can record the conversation, it will work.
Transcription is also relatively cheap and works for you while you do other things. You can record your content at your own pace and choose when you want a computer (or person) to transcribe it. You could record your whole book before you send the audio files for transcription, or you could do a chapter at a time.
Transcription may not work well for you if you are a visual person who needs to see text in order to stay on track. Without a clear outline in front of you, sometimes the temptation to verbally wander or jump around can be too great, and you’ll waste a lot of time sorting through the transcripts later.
Do You Need Any Special Recording Equipment?
No. Most people don’t need anything special.
Whether you’re using transcription or dictation, don’t waste your money on fancy audio equipment. The microphone that comes with your computer or smartphone is more than adequate.
Some people find headsets useful because they can move around while they’re speaking. But you don’t want to multitask too much. If you’re trying to dictate your book while you’re cooking, you’ll be distracted, and the ambient noise could mess up the recording.
Scribe recommends 2 transcription services:
Temi works well for automated transcription (i.e., transcribed by a computer, not a human).
They charge $.25 per audio minute, and their turnaround only takes a few minutes.
Their transcripts are easy to read with clear timestamps and labels for different speakers. They also provide an online editing tool that allows you to easily clean up your transcripts. For example, you can easily search for all the “um”s and remove them with the touch of a button.
You can also listen to your audio alongside the transcript, and you can adjust the playback speed. This is very useful if you’re a fast talker.
If you prefer to work on the go, Temi also offers a mobile app.
Rev offers many of the same features as Temi for automated transcripts. They call this option “Rough Draft” transcription, and it also costs $.25 per audio minute. The average turnaround time for a transcript is 5 minutes.
What sets Rev apart is that they also offer human transcription. This service costs $1.25 per minute, and Rev guarantees 99% accuracy. The average turnaround time is 12 hours.
Human transcription is a great option if your audio file has a lot of background noise. It’s also great if you have a strong accent that automatic transcription software has trouble recognizing.
1. Google Docs Voice Typing
This is currently the best voice typing software, by far. It’s driven by Google’s AI software, which applies Google’s deep learning algorithms to accurately recognize speech. It also supports 125 different languages.
One of the best aspects of Voice Typing is that you don’t need to use a specific operating system or install any extra software to use it. You just need the Chrome web browser and a Google account.
It’s also easy to use. Just log into your account and open a Google Doc. Go to “Tools” and select “Voice Typing.”
A microphone icon will pop up on your screen.
Click it, and it will turn red. That’s when you can start dictating.
Click the microphone again to stop the dictation.
Voice Typing is highly accurate, with the typical caveats that you have to speak clearly and at a relatively slow pace.
It’s free, and because it’s embedded in the Docs software, it’s easy to integrate into your pre-existing workflow. The only potential downside is that you need a high-quality internet connection for Voice Typing, so you won’t be able to use it offline.
2. Apple Dictation
Apple Dictation is a voice dictation software that’s built into Apple’s OS/ iOS. It comes preloaded with every Mac, and it works great with Apple software.
If you’re on an iPhone or iPad, you can access Apple dictation by pressing the microphone icon on the keyboard. Many people use this feature to dictate texts, but it also works in Pages for iPhone. It can be a useful option for taking notes or dictating content while you’re away from your desktop.
If you’re on a laptop or desktop, you can enable dictation by going to System Preferences > Keyboard.
Apple Dictation typically requires an internet connection, but you can select a feature in Settings called “Enhanced Dictation” that allows you to continuously dictate text when you’re offline.
Apple Dictation is great because it’s free, it works well with Apple software across multiple devices, and it generates fairly accurate text.
It’s not quite as high-powered as some “professional” grade dictation programs, but it would work well for most Authors who already own Apple products.
3. Windows Speech Recognition
The current Windows operating system comes with a built-in voice dictation system. You can train the system to recognize your voice, which means that the more you use it, the more accurate it becomes.
Unfortunately, that training can take a long time, so you’ll have to live with some inaccuracies until the system is calibrated.
On Windows 10, you can access dictation by hitting the Windows logo key + H. You can turn the microphone off by typing Windows key + H again or by resuming typing.
Windows Speech Recognition is a good option if you don’t own a Mac or don’t use Google Docs, but overall, I’d still recommend one of the other options.
4. Otter.ai
Otter allows you to “live transcribe” or create real-time streaming transcripts with synced audio, text, and images. You can record conversations on your phone or web browser, or you can import audio files from other services. You can also integrate Otter with Zoom.
Otter is powered by Ambient Voice Intelligence, which means it’s always learning. You can train Otter to recognize specific voices or learn certain terminology. It’s fast, accurate, and user-friendly.
Otter is based on a subscription plan with basic, premium, and team options. I’ll only mention the basic and premium plans since most Authors won’t need the team features.
The free basic plan allows 600 minutes of transcription per month, which should be plenty—but the maximum length of each file is only 40 minutes. You also can’t import audio and video, and you can only export your transcripts as txt files, not pdf or docx files.
The premium plan is $8.33 per user per month, and it grants you access to a whopping 6,000 monthly minutes, with a max speech length of 4 hours. More importantly, you can import recordings from other apps and export your files in multiple formats (which will make your writing process much smoother).
Dragon is one of the most commonly recommended programs for standalone dictation software. It has high-quality voice recognition, but that high quality comes with a hefty price tag. The latest version, Dragon Home 15, costs $150, but it’s not compatible with Apple’s operating system. Mac users have to upgrade to the Professional version ($300).
With all the solid free options available—several of which are better than Dragon—I don’t recommend buying Dragon.
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Speech Writing Format for Class 11 and 12, Topics and Examples
Speech Writing Explained
Your guide for writing the perfect speech in your class 11, 12 examinations. In this article you will learn all about speech writing, Format of Speech writing, examples and also solutions to previous years English question papers. Don’t miss out the tips for writing a great speech in English.
- Speech writing Class 11,12
- Speech Writing Format Class 11, 12
Speech Writing Tips for Class 11 and 12
Speech writing examples.
What is a speech?
Speech refers to a formal address or discourse delivered to an audience.
Speech writing Class 11,12
Speech Writing – In an examination, nothing is written purposelessly. All the writing tasks have a purpose. Before writing a speech, make sure you are writing to inform people, to persuade them, to convince them, or to entertain them. Clarity of purpose will ensure clarity in the choice of style and vocabulary.
In the writing section (Section-B of Class 12 English paper ), Speech writing comes as a Very long answer type question (5 marks) with the maximum prescribed word limit of 120-150 words.
Generally, there is a choice (internal) between the following:-
1. Debate writing
2. Article writing
3. Speech writing
4. Report writing
Talking about marks, it comes as a 5 marks question. The breakup of marks for class 12 English writing skills – speech writing (as per CBSE Marking scheme ) is as follows:-
Speech Writing Format Class 11, 12
Speech Writing Format – In order to write a perfect speech, we must be well acquainted with the topic and must possess a wide range of vocabulary, a thorough knowledge of the subject, some research, and excellent organizational skills. Here are the ideal format and tips to help you write your perfect speech.
A perfect speech must consist of:-
1. HEADING – The heading should be catchy and in not more than 5-6 words. You can go as creative as you want with this one just make sure you do not devote too much time to it in the exam.
2. OPENING LINE- This includes salutations, introduction, and the topic. Make sure you do not mention your personal details (name, school name, etc.).
Speech writing Example – Respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends! Today, I (the name is given in the question) stand before you all to speak on the topic “(given in the question)”.
OR you could start with a quote related to the topic and then go with the salutations and introduction.
1. BODY- It is the main part of your writing piece.
2. It is always prescribed that you begin with a short introduction on the topic, it’s meant to be precise.
3. Then you need to explain the current situation, the problems (if any), and whether after any corrective actions, betterment in the situation has been observed or not.
4. It may include advantages/ disadvantages depending upon the topic in question.
5. Now here, it is important you follow a sequence. It is possible that you have too many points or very few points. When you have a lot of varied points, it is better you choose a few best ones and write a line on each. In case you have very few already, explain them in at least two lines each.
6. You have to strictly follow the prescribed word limit in a limited time frame so just do not go on writing and writing.
7. MOST IMPORTANT- Always begin with your strongest point. You can accommodate the weaker ones in between and end with another strong point.
8. Feel free to give your personal opinion in one or two lines.
9. It is very important that you do not deviate from the topic. There are chances you may get ideas linking from one to another that may deviate you from the main point. You have to refrain from doing so.
10. SOLUTION/CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH- Now, it is to be remembered that wherever you elaborate a problem, you always have to mention the steps being taken to improvise the situation and suggest a few solutions as well.
Now, it would be great if you could add a few quotes relating to motivating the people to take action.
Here also, the rule of STRONG-WEAK-STRONG applies.
1. Last but not the least, the concluding line, thanking the audience for their cooperation and their patience. It is very important to conclude what you’ve started. Never leave a speech or for that matter, any of your answers open-ended.
Below is an example from the Sample Paper by CBSE.
SPEECH WRITING: IMPORTANCE OF CLEANLINESS
Suggested value points:
• Importance of Cleanliness – School, home & Surroundings • Present status • Prevents diseases • Need to practice? • Reflects the character of the nation • Benefits of Cleanliness • Conclusion
Related – Informal Letter, Format, Tips, Topics, Examples
Tips on Speech writing – Here are a few valuable tips for you to attempt the class 12 English writing skills – speech writing question in a better way-
1. Make sure you use language which is suitable for the audience you are addressing. Usage of complex vocabulary for addressing children is not advisable.
2. Usage of quotes is highly recommended. Quotes can be used at the time of commencement or as an ending statement. A quote in the middle of the speech would also be fine.
3. Make sure you write in paragraphs.
4. Practice previous year question papers.
5. Read as many samples as you can. It will give you an idea as to how they are actually written.
6. Read newspaper editorials or opinions. They give new ideas and opinions that may help during exams.
7. Plan before you pen. Just make a list of all your important points on the rough sheet (last sheet of your answer booklet) so that you do not forget relevant points while writing. This also helps you in maintaining a sequence, which is very important.
8. The presentation is very important.
9. Make sure you double-check for grammatical accuracy and spellings. They carry marks.
10. Leave an adequate number of lines between paragraphs to make it look clean.
11. Underlining the main points is very important. But it is advised to do it after finishing your exam. Use a pencil and scale for underlining.
12. Always have a few general quotes in handy. They help in the presentation and show that you’re prepared.
Related – Article Writing, Format, Sample, Examples
Speech Writing Question Answers – Previous Years solved questions (Sample)
Below are a few solved questions for you so that you get an idea as to how to attempt class 12 English writing skills – speech writing question well. Remember, the more you read and practice, the better it is. As per, CBSE guidelines, it should not exceed the prescribed word limit of 150-200 words.
1. As Mukul / Mahima of Alps Public School, write a speech to be delivered in school assembly highlighting the importance of cleanliness suggesting that the state of cleanliness reflects the character of its citizens. (150-200 words) (10) (CBSE Sample Question Paper 2018-19)
IMPORTANCE OF CLEANLINESS.
In the words of the great John Wesley, “Cleanliness is next to godliness” Good Morning respected principal, teachers, and my dear friends. Today, I, Mukul/Mahima, stand before you all, to highlight the importance of cleanliness.
Cleanliness is the state or quality of being clean or being kept clean. It is essential for everyone to learn about cleanliness, hygiene, sanitation and the various diseases that are caused due to poor hygienic conditions. It is crucial for physical well-being and maintaining a healthy environment at home and at school. An unclean environment is an invitation for a lot of mosquitoes to breed in and spread deadly diseases. On the other hand, not maintaining personal hygiene leads to a lot of skin problems and decreased immunity.
The habits learnt at a young age get embedded into one’s personality. Even if we inculcate certain habits like washing hands before and after meals, regular brushing and bathing from a young age, we are not bothered about keeping public places clean. For this, on 2nd October, 2014, the Indian Prime Minister launched a nation-wide cleanliness campaign, “ Swachh Bharat” to provide sanitation facilities to every family, including toilets, solid and liquid waste disposal systems, village cleanliness, and safe and adequate drinking water supply. Teachers and students of schools are joining this ‘Clean India Campaign’ very actively with great fervour and joy.
Good health will ensure a healthy mind, which will lead to increased overall productivity resulting in higher standards of living, thus developing the economy. It will boost India’s international image. Thus, a clean environment is a green environment with less people falling ill. Cleanliness, hence, is defined to be the emblem of purity of mind.
2. You are Ali/Alia, Head girl / Head boy of your school. You are deeply disturbed by the rising cases of aggressive behaviour of students in your school. You decide to speak during the morning assembly about it. Write a speech on ‘Indiscipline in Schools’. (150 – 200 words) (10) (CBSE ALL INDIA Board 2017-18)
INDISCIPLINE IN SCHOOLS
It has been reported that number of fights and cases of bullying has gone up tremendously in the last few months in our school. Good morning to one and all present here. Today, I, Ali/Alia, your head boy/girl stand before you to throw light upon the grave issue of “Increasing Indiscipline in Schools”.
It has been brought into lime light that disobedience of teachers, bullying, fights with peers, truancy and insults is becoming a common trend. Not only this, there have been complaints of parents witnessing a shift in their children’s attitude. This is resulting in a lot of children getting hurt emotionally, mentally and physically. The impact this attitude is having on kids at early age is disastrous and irreversible.
Not to forget the damage that has been done to the school property. Stealing chalks, scribbling on desks, walls and washroom doors, destroying CCTV cameras and the list goes on. By doing this, we are only letting us deprive ourselves of the amenities being provided to us.
After a lot of meetings, lack of proper guidance, excessive use of social media and peer pressure have been observed to be the root causes of the problem. The counsel is taking steps to improve the situation. Life skill classes are being made mandatory for everyone. Teachings will include counselling, motivation and inculcating friendly values. Seminars for parents and students will be regularly organised. A counsellor to help you all share your feelings, grudges and sharing your personal problem is being made available. We are doing everything we can and expect the same from you.
So, let’s join our hands together and build an environment where we encourage, motivate, help and be kind to each other for we are good and civilised beings capable of a lot of love.
3. The recent rise in incidents of violent behaviour of students is a matter of concern for all. The problem can be curbed if students learn how to manage anger. Write a speech on the topic in 150-200 words to be delivered in the school morning assembly. (10) (CBSE COMPARTMENT JULY 2018)
HOW TO MANAGE ANGER
Honourable Principal, Respected teachers and my dear friends, today I would like to share with you few “Ways to Manage Anger”.
The growing intolerance among the new generation resulting in violence towards teachers is a matter of grave concern. The old-age guru-shishya parampara is losing its sheen. Aggressiveness in students may be triggered by several things: as a self-defence reaction, stressful situation, over-stimulation or lack of adult supervision.
It has become the need of the hour to curb the situation. Life skills classes shall be inculcated in the time-table. Teachers should be given training to handle such defiant and hostile behaviour. Meditation and deep breathing also helps and thus, should be practiced every morning. Students must be taught to count till 10 before reacting in anger. Also, sessions on anger management and it’s far-reaching importance must be held.
Remember, Anger is one letter short of danger. It makes it all the more important to be able to diffuse one’s anger. It’s never too late to begin because a wise man once said,
“For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of your peace of mind.”
Related – Free Online English Test – MCQ Test Series
4. Write a speech in 150-200 words on ‘Benefits of early rising’ to be delivered by you in the morning assembly of your school. You are Karuna/Karan, Head Girl/Head Boy. (10) (CBSE 2016)
BENEFITS OF EARLY RISING
Honourable Principal, Respected teachers and my dear friends, today I, Karuna/Karan, your Head Girl/Head Boy stand before you all to highlight the far-reaching “Benefits of Early-rising”.
“Early to bed and early to rise, makes a person healthy, wealthy and wise.”
The words of Benjamin Franklin have been backed by science. It has been proved that morning people are persistent and proactive. It leads to better performance, greater success, and higher standards of living. Rising up early also relieves stress and tension because it gives you the time to squeeze in a workout before you get distracted. This is why; morning people tend to be healthier and happier as well as have lower body mass indexes.
For this, one needs to maintain a proper schedule and has to go to bed on time. You should restrict the usage of gadgets immediately before going to bed and these tiny steps will help you become an early riser. Researchers have also said that early morning is the best time to study and gain knowledge. This will help you in staying ahead in the class and keep your grades up. Most entrepreneurs are early risers as they believe it is the key to a successful, happy and content life.
Hence, if you don’t develop a habit of waking up before the rest of the world, you won’t be able to change the world.
5. Your PGT English Ms. Geetha is a short story writer also. ‘Sky is not Far’ is a collection of her latest short stories. This book has won a national award. Write a speech in 150 – 200 words you will deliver in her honour in the morning assembly. (10) (CBSE DELHI – 2017)
IN HONOUR OF Ms. GEETHA’S ACHIEVEMENT
Good morning everyone! Today, I stand before you all to bring into limelight the “Commendable Achievements of our PGT English teacher Ms. Geetha”.
Ms. Geetha has made all of us proud by winning the National Award for her book “SKY IS NOT FAR”. The book is all about the infinite possibilities in life and that there is no such word as “impossible”. The word itself says, “I M POSSIBLE”. Nothing is unachievable if we have decided what we want and are working for it. It is very important to have a positive outlook and be fearless.
Through her book, she has given us all hope and motivation.
We all know what an articulate writer she is; she masters the art of short story-writing. She has contributed immensely and profoundly to the school’s literary society. Her works have a special place in the school library. A versatile writer, as she is, she has written books on various themes. Her other books are a work of triumph.
Thus, we congratulate her on this very special occasion. It is a proud moment not only for her, but for the entire school. She has set an example for all of us. Indeed, the sky is not far.
Once again, Congratulations, ma’am! Today is your day.
BELOW IS THE LINK TO THE SAMPLE PAPER ALONG WITH ITS’ MARKING SCHEME:
- SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER
- MARKING SCHEME
ALL THE BEST! A GOOD TRAVELLER LEAVES NO TRACKS. JUST LIKE IT, A GOOD SPEECH LACKS FAULT FINDING.
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by Yen Cabag | 4 comments
Abraham Lincoln achieved so much as a leader of the United States, but what remains eternal in the public’s imagination are his famous words from his Gettysburg Address.
That’s just one example of the power of speech, and how it can be used as an effective tool for presenting ideas and influencing others.
Politicians use speeches to share their visions and goals; students practice delivering school lessons with them; businessmen give them to build up pep among their employees and associates; thought leaders use speeches in avenues like TedTalks and TedX to share their knowledge and insights.
While there are many speech writing services available on the Internet, it only takes a bit of time for you to learn to write your own speech and develop this priceless life skill!
What Makes a Great Speech?
So what makes a great speech?
Here are some of the common elements of great speeches from history:
- Clarity : Obviously, your speech is worthless if it can’t be clearly comprehended by your audience. The words should be easily understandable in order to be effective.
- Relevance : The message should match the season and needs of the audience, and the speaker should be confident in the need for that particular message.
- Brief, but complete : The best speeches don’t have to be long-winded; in fact, it takes more skill to include the same amount of information in a shorter length.
- Unbiased and unemotional : Although speeches may stir up the listeners’ emotions, the speaker needs to remain unbiased and not driven by emotion in order for the speech to have long-lasting effects.
- Audience involvement : Some of the best speeches include audience participation so that they can express their agreement with the content of the speech.
How Do You Write a Good Speech?
Before you can deliver a powerful message that stays with your listeners for a long time, you must write a well-structured speech that is clear, definite, brief, and complete.
Here are the steps you can follow if you’ve booked a speaking engagement or need to deliver an important presentation:
1. Decide on your main points.
A good rule of thumb is to have 3–5 main points; anything beyond that will be difficult for your listeners to remember.
Try to give your audience at least one key line or idea that they will surely remember. Sometimes you can do this intentionally; other times, you may not know what specific line your audience will hang onto.
One way to do this is to state your main points in memorable ways. The following are ways that you can do this:
- Use alliteration . For example, “Engage, Explore, Enjoy;” “Create, Connect, Collaborate, Commission.”
- Use contrast to highlight an important idea. For example, one line that everyone remembers about John F. Kennedy is from a speech he gave in 1961: “ Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country .”
- Make a short, memorable “quotable quote” for important points. Then, put ample emphasis around it by indicating space for you to pause or repeat the line. For example, in a conference on pioneering at Penang House of Prayer, one of the lines that the speaker Aaron Walsh shared was: “ Leadership is building the beautiful alternative .”
2. Outline your speech.
A good outline will help make sure you hit the most important points you want to make and don’t go off on rabbit trails. Here are a few examples of a speech outline:
Speech Outline Example 1: Basic Structure
Introduction : In the introduction, you can share a story relating to your topic, and then move on to give an overview of the main points you will be discussing.
Body : This is where you go into detail for each of your main ideas.
Conclusion : You wrap up your speech by summarizing the main points you have just finished elaborating. Then, you can close with a call-to-action or an answer to “What’s next?”
Speech Outline Example 2: Problem-Solution Structure
First Part: Describes the problem and why it is so bad
Second Part: Describes a possible solution or set of solutions
Third Part: Summarizes how the solutions will solve the problem
3. Write in the same tone as you speak.
One of the most important public speaking tips is to remember that you are writing something that you will be speaking out loud for people to hear.
Chances are, your speaking tone is less formal and more conversational than when you write an essay. Take this into consideration when you write your speech. Some tips include:
- Keep your sentences short. Imagine reading out loud an insanely long sentence of more than 30 words. You will either run out of breath, or lose your audience in the process.
- Be confident with contractions. Formal writing tends to shy away from contractions: “I’m” needs to become “I am.” But because this is an verbally-delivered piece, contractions make you sound more relatable, and it takes less time to deliver. This leaves you more room for great content.
- Remember that speaking isn’t tied to grammar as much as writing. When writing a speech, you don’t need to stick to strict grammar rules about writing in full sentences. People always say things like, “See?” “Gotcha,” and “Hope you like it.”
4. Give concrete examples.
Concrete examples, such as real stories and anecdotes, will resonate with your audience. Sharing personal stories not only makes your point more real to your audience, but it also makes you more relatable, and therefore trustworthy.
When you are thinking about which examples to include, consider using a mix of different types of stories: perhaps a funny anecdote or two, combined with a more thought-provoking personal tale can make a solid combination.
5. Prepare a strong opening.
The first few minutes of any speech are when the audience is most receptive. Make sure you grab their attention—and keep it!
How do you begin a speech?
Some of the most powerful ways to begin a speech are:
- Quotes:. The quote you choose will help set the tone for the rest of your speech.
- Jokes: A joke or an anecdote is a great way to break the ice when speaking in public, especially if you don’t personally know your audience.
- “What If” question s: Challenging your audience to think from the get-go is a great way to grab their attention.
- “Imagine…” : Similar to asking a “what if” question, getting your audience to imagine a vision of a good future, for example, will stir up their emotions and keep them interested in what you have to share.
- Statistics : Official statistics are a great way to present a problem, giving you a good foundation for a solution you might offer.
6. Practice out loud and cut unnecessary words.
After you write your speech, take time to practice reading it out loud.
You should do this for 2 main reasons:
- You’ll want to check how long it takes you to deliver your speech, so you can plan accordingly.
- You’ll want to practice using a natural, yet confident, speaking voice.
This is also the time to filter out unnecessary words. The best speechwriters believe that short and brief deliveries pack a better punch than long-winded speeches with many unnecessary rabbit trails.
You might also wish to recite your speech in front of a few friends or colleagues, or record yourself using a webcam of software like Zoom, so you can review your presentation and find areas for improvement.
Examples of Famous Speeches
Below are several examples of famous speeches from history.
John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Speech
In his inaugural speech, President John F. Kennedy delivers one of his most famous lines—”Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
MLK Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech
Above is an excerpt from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered in August of 1963.
How to Write a Speech
By following the 6 steps above, you’ll be well on your way to writing solid speeches that will stay with your listeners for years to come.
You can also study up on rhetorical skills that will make your speeches and your writing more effective, which will help you to connect with your audience on an even deeper level.
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- Public Speaking Tips: 10 Ways to Overcome Your Anxiety and Present with Confidence
- Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Speaking Engagements
- The Most Common Figures of Speech: Definitions, Examples, and How to Use Each
- Tone: How to Give Your Writing Attitude (Plus 101 Words to Describe an Author’s Tone)
Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.
I find this explanation so helpful, enlightening and educative. Thanks so much for the good work beloved. I so much cheer your nice effor, in presenting this insightful piece to us. It’s quite worthy to me, dear.
We’re so glad you enjoyed the post! :)
Thank you for explaining how your speech should contain 5 main points or less in order to keep it memorable. Ever since my brother decided that he wanted to open a business that sells office supplies, he has been trying to write a speech to welcome the new employees that he plans on hiring next month. Maybe he should consider finding a professional that can help put his speech together.
Hi Toby, Yes that sounds like a good idea for your brother’s new employees! He could hire a professional, but even something really simple could probably be just as effective, especially if he follows these tips :)
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How to Write a Speech
Last Updated: November 10, 2022 References Approved
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 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 22 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 2,931,478 times.
Giving an original speech for a class, event, or work presentation can be nerve-wracking. However, writing an effective speech can help to bolster your confidence. With careful planning and an eye for detail, you can write a speech that will inform, persuade, motivate, or entertain! Give yourself plenty of time to craft your speech and practice it several times for best results.
Sample Speeches
Drafting an Effective Speech
- If you are writing a speech for a class, make sure to check with your teacher to get details about the number and acceptable types of sources.
- If you are writing an informative or persuasive speech, then plan to arrange your speech with a problem and solution structure. Start the speech by talking about what is wrong, then explain how to fix the problem in the second half of your speech. [4] X Research source
Tip : Keep in mind that you can always refine your outline later or as you draft your speech. Include all of the information that seems relevant now with the expectation that you will likely need to pare it down later.
- For example, if you are writing a motivational speech about weight loss, then you might say something like, “Five years ago, I could not walk up a flight of stairs without needing to take a break halfway up.”
- If you hope to persuade audience members to reduce their use of fossil fuels, then you might start off by saying, “Gas-powered vehicles are the reason why global warming is threatening to destroy our planet.”
- For example, if you are giving a speech on increasing funding for Alzheimer’s research, it would be helpful to provide information on how common Alzheimer’s disease is and how it affects families. You could accomplish this with a combination of a statistic and an anecdote.
Tip: Keep your introduction less than 1 paragraph or 1 double-spaced page long. This will help to ensure that you do not spend too much time on the context and background before getting to the meat of your topic. [7] X Research source
- For example, in a speech about ending animal testing for cosmetics, you might start with a point about how animal testing is cruel, then explain that it is unnecessary, and then talk about the alternatives to animal testing that make it obsolete.
- For example, if you are about to cover the concept of delayed onset muscle soreness (also known as DOMS), then explain what it is in a nutshell first, then go into more detail about it and how it relates to your point, then end that section of your speech with a brief summary of the main point you are trying to make.
- In that moment
- The following week
- For example, if you have just described the effects of global warming on the polar bear population, conclude your speech by telling your audience about non-profit organizations that are working to protect the environment and the polar bear population.
- If you have just shared your weight loss story to motivate your audience, tell them what they can do to start their own weight loss journey and share resources that you found helpful.
Making Your Speech More Engaging
- For example, instead of saying, “Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight is the pinnacle of human existence because it enables you to accomplish physical feats that boost your confidence and give you a sense of accomplishment,” say, “A healthy body weight allows you to do more physically, and this may make you happier overall.”
- Keep in mind that it is also important to vary your sentence structure. You can include a longer sentence once or twice per page to add variety to your speech. Just avoid using lots of long sentences in your speech. [15] X Research source
- For example, if you are giving a speech for a group of sales associates who are trying to increase sales of a new product called “Synergy,” then you might repeat a simple phrase to that effect, such as “Tell your customers about Synergy,” or you could simply say, “Synergy” a few times during your speech to remind your audience of this product.
- If you are writing a motivational speech about how running can help people to overcome emotional hurdles, then you might repeat a phrase in your speech to emphasize this idea, such as, “Run through the pain.”
- For example, if you are giving a speech about moose mating patterns, 2 numbers that show the decline in the moose population over a 50 year period may be a striking addition to your speech. However, sharing a complex set of moose population statistics would be less compelling and possibly even confusing to your audience.
- Choose quotes that are easy to follow and make sure that you explain how each quote you use supports to your argument. Try to stick with quotes that use simple language and take up no more than 2 lines on your page.
- For example, when describing your love of food in a motivational speech about becoming a chef, you might decide to include a joke and say something like, “I always wanted to become a chef, ever since I was a little kid and I discovered that people actually make donuts and they don’t just randomly fall from the sky.”
- Avoid relying on the slides to make the speech for you. You will still need to deliver your speech in an engaging manner. Only use the slides as a complement to your words.
- Make sure to read your speech out loud when you review it! This will help you to determine if it sounds natural and if there are any awkward sections that you can cut, smooth out, or explain more clearly. [22] X Research source
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- ↑ http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/speech/tips.htm
- ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
- ↑ https://www.write-out-loud.com/howtowritespeech.html
- ↑ https://www.academicwritingsuccess.com/7-sensational-essay-hooks/
- ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/speeches/
- ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-introductions
- ↑ https://pac.org/content/speechwriting-101-writing-effective-speech
About This Article
To write a speech, start off with an attention-grabbing statement, like "Before I begin my speech, I have something important to say." Once you've gotten everyone's attention, move on to your strongest argument or point first since that's what audiences will remember the most. Use transitions throughout your speech, like "This brings us back to the bigger picture," so the audience doesn't get lost. To conclude your speech, restate the key points and leave your audience with a question or something to think about. To learn how to edit your first draft, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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How to Write a Great Speech for Public Speaking in 7 Steps
Do you have to give a speech publicly any time soon? If so, you need to know how to write a good public speaking speech.
A speech given live has other significant differences from an online presentation:
- With a live speech you need to think about establishing a positive relationship with the audience while you do your speech writing.
- Your physical presence (your appearance, posture, etc.) makes a difference with a public speech.
- You need to work in breaks for your audience and a question and answer session.
In this tutorial, we'll provide you with seven basic guidelines for writing a speech that work well with live audiences.
So that you can see how these guidelines might apply to your situation, I'll apply each step to a sample public speaking scenario that I'll provide. We'll touch on some of the basics of speech writing. Finally, I'll share extra resources that can help you learn how to write a good speech.
The Best Source for PowerPoint Templates (With Unlimited Use)
Before we dive into how to make a speech, let's look at a powerful tool that can help you design your presentation.
Envato Elements is a great place to find PowerPoint templates to use with your speech. These ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">presentation templates are professionally designed to impress.
Envato Elements is an excellent value because you ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">get unlimited access to digital elements once you become a subscriber. Envato Elements has more than just ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">presentation templates . You get:
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Sample Public Speaking Scenario
Here's a possible public speaking scenario:
You've just opened a small web design business in your town, and you join the town Chamber of Commerce. As a result, you're invited to give a short, five-minute presentation at the next Chamber of Commerce meeting.
Coming up with a public speaking speech for the scenario described above could be a challenge if you've never written or given a public speech before. Fortunately, there are some speech-writing steps that you can use that'll make speech writing easier.
Let's use this example and walk through the steps for writing a speech.
7 Steps for Writing a Speech
The steps for writing a speech for public speaking are like the steps for writing a presentation in general. But at each stage of the writing process, you need to keep your audience in mind:
1. Research Your Audience
Whenever you do any type of writing you need to consider who you're trying to reach with your writing. Speech writing is no different. The more you know about your target audience, the more effective your writing will be.
In the example above, you know that your audience is going to be the other members of the Chamber of Commerce. They're likely to be small business owners just like you are.
What to Do After You Research Your Audience:
Once you've defined your audience, you can gear your speech towards them. To do this, ask yourself questions like:
- What does this audience need?
- What problem can I solve for them?
- Is there anything else I need to consider about my listeners?
In the example we're using for this tutorial, most small businesses in your town fit one of the following three situations:
- They've got a website that works well.
- They've got a website, but the design is outdated or doesn't work well.
- They don't have a website.
2. Select a Topic
In this example your topic is already given. You've been invited to introduce your business. But you also know that the speech is going to be fairly short--only five minutes long.
While it's always a good idea to keep a speech focused, this is especially important for a short speech.
If I were writing the public speaking speech for the scenario we're working with, I'd narrow the topic down like this:
- Create a list of the strengths of my business.
- Compare the list of business strengths to the problems I observed with the other members' websites in the previous step.
- Focus my presentation on the areas where my business strengths meet weaknesses (needs) of other Chamber of Commerce members.
Let's say that I noticed that quite a few members of the chamber have websites that use outdated fonts, and the sites aren't mobile-friendly. Instead of listing everything my web design business could possibly do, I'd focus my short speech on those areas where I observed a need.
You can use a similar process to narrow the topic down any time you need to write a speech.
Avoid the temptation of trying to cover too much information. Most people are so overwhelmed by the sheer amount of new data they receive each day that they can't keep up with it all. Your listeners are more likely to remember your public speaking speech if it's tightly focused on one or two points.
3. Research Your Topic
In the example we've been going over, you probably don't need to do a lot of research. And you've already narrowed your topic down.
But some public speaking situations may require that that you cover a topic that you're less familiar with. For more detailed speech writing tips on how to study your subject (and other public speaking tips), review the tutorial:
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4. Write Your Speech
Once you've completed the steps above, you're ready to write your speech. Here are some basic speech writing tips:
- Begin with an outline . To create a speech your audience will remember, you've got to be organized. An outline is one of the best ways to organize your thoughts.
- Use a conversational tone . Write your speech the way you would normally talk. Work in some small talk or humor, if appropriate.
- Use the speaker notes . Typically, speaker notes aren't seen by the audience. So, this is a good place to put reminders to yourself.
- Be specific . It's better to give examples or statistics to support a point than it is to make a vague statement.
- Use short sentences . It's likely you're not going to give your speech word for word anyway. Shorter sentences are easier to remember.
In this example scenario for the short speech we're preparing for the Chamber of Commerce, your outline could look something like this:
- Introduction . Give your name and the name of your business. (Show title slide of website home page with URL)
- Type of Business . Describe what you do in a sentence or two. (Show slide with bulleted list)
- Give example of a recent web design project . Emphasize areas that you know the other businesses need. (Show slides with examples)
- Conclusion. Let the audience know that you'd be happy to help with their web design needs. Offer to talk to anyone who's interested after the meeting. (Show closing slide that includes contact information)
- Give out handouts . Many presentation software packages allow you to print out your speech as a handout. For a networking-type presentation like the one in our example, this can be a good idea since it gives your listeners something to take with them that's got your contact information on it.
That simple speech format should be enough for the short speech in our example. If you find it's too short when you practice, you can always add more slides with examples.
If you've been asked to give a short speech, you can change the speech format above to fit your needs. If you're giving a longer speech, be sure to plan for audience breaks and question and answer sessions as you write.
5. Select a Presentation Tool
For most presentations, you'll want to use a professional presentation tool such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, or a similar package. A presentation tool allows you to add visual interest to your public speaking speech. Many of them allow you to add video or audio to further engage your audience.
If you don't already have a presentation tool, these tutorials can help you find the right one for your needs:
.jpg)
Once you've chosen a presentation tool, you're ready to choose a template for your presentation.
6. Select a Template and Finish
A presentation template controls the look and feel of your presentation. A good template design can make the difference between a memorable public speech with eye-catching graphics and a dull, forgettable talk.
You could design your own presentation template from scratch. But, if you've never designed a presentation template before, the result might look less than professional. And it could take a long time to get a good template. Plus, hiring a designer to create an original presentation template can be pricey.
A smart shortcut for most small business owners is to invest in a professional presentation template. They can customize it to fit with their branding and marketing materials. If you choose this option, you'll save time and money. Plus, with a professional presentation template you get a proven result.
You can find some great-looking presentation templates at ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">Envato Elements or ga-analytics#sendMarketClickEvent">GraphicRiver . To browse through some example templates, look at these articles:
Even a short speech like the one we've been using as an example in this tutorial could benefit from a good tutorial. If you've never used a template before, these PowerPoint tutorials can help:
7. How to Make a Public Speech
Now that you've completed all the steps above, you're ready to give your speech. Before you give your speech publicly, though, there are a few things you should remember:
- Don't read your speech . If you can, memorize your speech. If you can't, it's okay to use note cards or even your outline--but don't read those either. Just refer to them if you get stuck.
- Practice . Practice helps you get more comfortable with your speech. It'll also help you determine how your speech fits into the time slot you've been allotted.
- Do use visual aids . Of course, your presentation template adds a visual element to your public speech. But if other visual aids work with your presentation, they can be helpful as well.
- Dress comfortably, but professionally . The key is to fit in. If you're not sure how others at your meeting will be dressed, contact the organizer and ask.
- Speak and stand naturally . It's normal to be a little nervous but try to act as naturally as you can. Even if you make a mistake, keep going. Your audience probably won't even notice.
- Be enthusiastic . Excitement is contagious. If you're excited about your topic, your audience will likely be excited too.
In the example we're using in this tutorial (and with many public speaking opportunities), it's important not to disappear at the end of the meeting. Stick around and be prepared to interact individually with members of the audience. Have answers to questions anyone might have about your speech. And be sure to bring a stack of business cards to pass out.
5 Quick Tips to Make a Good Speech Great (& More Memorable)
After reading about the basics, here are some more tips on how to write a great speech really stand out:
1. Have a Strong Opening
Start your speech with a strong opening by presenting surprising facts or statistics. You could even start with a funny story or grand idea.
Another way to start your speech is to open with a question to spark your audience’s curiosity. If you engage your audience early in your speech, they're more likely to pay attention throughout your speech.
2. Connect With Your Audience
You want a speech that'll be memorable. One way to make your speech memorable is to connect with your audience. Using metaphors and analogies help your audience to connect and remember. For example, people use one writing tool to put the speech's theme in a 15-20 word short poem or memorable paragraph, then build your speech around it.
3. Have a Clear Structure
When writing your speech, have a clear path and a destination. Otherwise, you could have a disorganized speech. Messy speeches are unprofessional and forgettable. While writing your speech, leave out unnecessary information. Too many unnecessary details can cause people to lose focus.
4. Repeat Important Information
A key to writing memorable speeches is to repeat key phrases, words, and themes. When writing your speech, always bring your points back to your main point or theme. Repetition helps people remember your speech and drives home the topic of your speech.
5. Have a Strong Closing
Since the last thing that your audience listened to what your closing, they'll remember your closing the most. So, if your closing is forgettable, it can make your speech forgettable. So, recap your speech and repeat essential facts that you want the audience to remember in your closing.
Five PowerPoint Presentation Templates (From Envato Elements - For 2022)
If you’re writing a speech for a presentation, save time by using a premium presentation template:
1. ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">Toetiec PowerPoint Presentation
Toetic PowerPoint Presentation has 90 unique slides and 1800 total slides that you can easily add your information onto. There are ten light and dark versions that come with this template. Also included in this template are vector icons, elements, and maps.
2. ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">Suflen Multipurpose Presentation
Suflen Multipurpose Presentation template has a professional design that can work for any presentation topic. This template comes with over 450 total slides. With this template, you've got five color themes to choose from. Also, this template comes with illustrations, graphics, and picture placeholders.
3. ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">Virtually PowerPoint
Virtually PowerPoint template is a modern and minimal style presentation template. This template comes with over 50 slides. You can use this template for any presentation theme.
4. ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">Amarish PowerPoint Template
Amarish PowerPoint Template comes with five color themes that allow you to choose the color you want. This template is another multipurpose template that can work for any purpose. Also, this template comes with over 150 total slides and infographics, illustrations, and graphics.
5. ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">Qubica PowerPoint Template
Qubica PowerPoint Template comes with over 150 total slides and five premade color themes. Easily add images into your presentation template by dragging the image of your choice into the picture placeholder. Everything in this template is entirely editable.
Learn More About How to Write a Great Speech
Here are some other tutorials that provide more information on giving a speech:
Learn More About Making Great Presentations
Download The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations eBook now for FREE with a subscription to the Tuts+ Business Newsletter. Get your ideas formed into a powerful presentation that'll move your audience!
Make Your Next Speech Your Best Ever!
You've just learned how to write a good public speaking speech. You've been given a sample speech format and plenty of other speech writing tips and resources on how to write a good speech. You've seen ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent">some templates that'll really make a PowerPoint stand out.
Now, it's up to you to write the best speech for your needs. Good luck!
Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Sarah Joy . Sarah is a freelance instructor for Envato Tuts+.
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Best Speech to Text Software: 8 Top Choices (2023)
In this guide, we test and review the best speech to text software options, both free and paid.
Do you spend hours time sitting in front of the computer writing and editing documents? If so, you understand how physically demanding typing is. I remember the first time I felt a shock of pain in my wrists.
I was so scared that I was developing carpal tunnel syndrome. I instantly started looking for ways to save my wrists, knowing that if I could not type, I could not do my job. That is where I uncovered speech-to-text software.
Speech-to-text software programs are great because they use artificial intelligence programs to translate your spoken words to text. Then, this software program transcribes it into text for you, displaying it on the screen.
In addition to enabling faster work, you can also prevent the development of wrist problems, including carpal tunnel syndrome .
There are numerous software programs available. In this guide, we try and test some of the best speech-to-text software options available.
Testing Criteria
1. dragon anywhere, 2. windows speech recognition, 3. braina pro, 4. google docs voice typing, 5. speechnotes, 6. dragon professional individual.
- 7. Apple Dictation or Siri
8. Otter.AI
Why you can trust us, final word: the best speech to text software, faqs about best speech to text software, voice dictation resources.
Dragon offers professional-grade speech to text with near 95% accuracy. It's available on iOS and Android.
I tested each of these speech-to-text apps in this review extensively. I picked a paragraph of text from The Irish Times newspaper and read it into each different apps. I used a set of Apple Airpods Pro and an iPhone 7 and also an iMac. I also commissioned a third-party freelance writer who dictates freelance articles extensively to share his experiences.
The original text reads as follows:
The interim analysis by a committee of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) determined that serious side effects of rare blood clots are likely to occur in 1 out of 100,000 vaccinated people, the regulator said in a statement.
Before we get into the software choices, remember these tips to ensure better accuracy:
- Use a quality headset (the Apple Airpods work well)
- Speak in slow, complete sentences
- Dictate in a quiet environment
- Avoid editing and dictating at the same time
This is the best speech-to-text software for dictating on mobile devices. It’s also the best choice for Mac users. Cost: $14.99 per month
If you need a dictation software program for your mobile device, then consider Dragon Anywhere, available through Nuance.
This program has excellent speech recognition capabilities similar to those on the desktop version. Even though there may be a delay in spoken words showing up on the screen, this application is responsive, fast, and accurate. You can also share documents easily using cloud services, including Dropbox.
Here is Dragon Anywhere‘s output for my test (Errors in bold):
The interim analysis by a committee of the European medicines agency determined that serious side-effects of their blood clots are likely to occur in 1/100,000 vaccinated people, the regulator said in a statement.
I currently use Dragon Anywhere regularly via my iPhone 11 as it’s accurate, portable, and fast. It’s my recommended choice for writers and Mac users who take dictation seriously.
- Works well on mobile devices
- Exceptional functionality when compared to other dictation apps
- Works well the desktop Dragon program (if you’re on Windows)
- Expensive subscription service
- Delay in the spoken text showing up on the screen
- Editing dictated text is a challenge
This is the best free speech-to-text software for Windows 10 and upwards. Cost: Free
If you need free speech-to-text software for Windows, the freelance writer I worked with on this review recommends Windows 10 Speech Recognition.
This program is available on Microsoft’s desktop OS. It has solid voice recognition abilities included in the operating system, even if it is not named Cortana.
It’s not always an accurate program, particularly when compared to Dragon, but it won’t cost you extra money. Furthermore, documents improve as the program learns your vocabulary and manner of speech.
Here are the results (errors in bold)
The interim analysis by a pity of the European Edison Agency determines that serious side effects of rare flood clot are likely to occur in 1/10000 fractured people the regulator said in a statement.
- Integrates with your existing operating system
- Becomes more accurate as it learns your voice
- Not that accurate compared to other choices
- Can freeze up if you speak too quickly
This is the best speech-to-text software to use as a virtual assistant. Cost: $49 per year
Braina Pro is a speech recognition software that handles dictation but also acts as a virtual assistant for your PC. It supports transcription through third-party software programs and not only English but dozens of other languages as well.
You can also instruct this virtual assistant to start your computer for files, browse the internet, or set alarms. It can even read a book out loud for you or play an MP3 file using customized commands. Here are the results, errors in bold:
The interim analysis by a committee of the European Medicineregency determined that sirius side effects of rare blood clots are likely to occur in 1 out of 100000 vaccinated people the regulator said in a statement.
- Handles dictation in different languages
- Searches your computer, the internet, and even play music files
- Supports and Android application for remotely controlling your PC
- Subscription service can be expensive
- Works online only
A good choice if you use Android apps or want to transcribe text on the go. Cost: Free
If you are looking for voice recognition software you can use for free, then consider the voice typing feature from Google Docs. All you have to do is open up a Google Document via the Google Chrome Browser, turn on the microphone, and start speaking.
This is a sensitive dictation program that can even pick up your voice if you are across the room. Of course, that means that if there’s any background noise, this could mess up your dictation. This is a great way to try out real-time dictation software for the first time.
Here is the Google Docs output of my test (errors in bold):
The interim analysis by a committee of the European medicines agency emea determines that serious side effects are rare blood types are likely to occur in one hour vaccinated people the regulator said in a statement
- Free and widely available
- Short learning curve
- Background noise interferes with the program from time to time
- Software lags if speak too quickly
This is a good online choice if you don’t want to create an account or take out a subscription. Cost: Free
Speechnotes is another dictation program that is easy to use. One of the things that set this program apart is that you do not need to create an account to use it.
You simply have to open the application, press the microphone, and get started. This application is powered by the same software that powers Google’s voice recognition technology.
You can also dictate punctuation marks and formatting using voice commands as well. Finally, you can also include greetings, signatures, and names using custom keys that you set up on the keyboard.
Here is the output of my test (errors in bold):
The age of analysis by a committee of the European medicines agency emea determines that serious side effects are rare blood types are likely to occur in one hour vaccinated people the regulator said in a statement .
- You do not need to create an account
- A mobile application is intuitive to use
- The program is free to use
- No iOS mobile app available for Mac or Apple products, such as the iPhone
- You need to purchase additional features to access TK
This is the best choice for businesses that run Windows machines. Cost: $500
If you need a dictation software program for your business, then consider Dragon Professional. When I need to quickly type up records at work, Dragon Professional is invaluable.
I can speak at 150 words per minute easily with almost complete accuracy, even if I’m using industry jargon. I am also able to import customized word lists with ease.
A flexible, powerful tool, Dragon Professional significantly reduces the amount of time I spend going through records. The company behind it also offers different versions for medical and legal companies with specific needs.
I used an older version of this tool for several years on my Mac machine. The test results were similar to Dragon Anywhere, not surprising considering they are powered by the same technology.
Unfortunately, the older versions are buggy and unreliably on Mac. What’s more, the developers no longer support it for Mac. Microsoft recently purchased Nuance for $19.7 billion. It’s unclear if they’ll support a new Mac version (I suspect unlikely).
Here is the output for my test (Errors in bold):
- Powerful and accurate
- Handles industry jargon well
- One of the fastest dictation programs available
- Can control your computer too
- One of the most expensive software programs available
- Takes time to learn your voice, which impairs accuracy
- No longer supported on Mac
7. Apple Dictation or Siri
Apple Mac and iOS users can dictate text for free using Siri . Cost : Free
This option works well for short dictation sessions via your iOS device or Mac. On iOS, Siri handles 30-40 seconds at a time. This makes it ideal for jotting down notes or sending short texts.
This program also has a voice-to-text feature that controls commands on a Mac computer. It doesn’t work well for dictating large pieces of content, however.
Here is Siri‘s output (errors in bold):
The interim analysis by a committee of the European medicines agency the term is that serious side-effects are where clock clocks are likely to occur in one and a 100,000 vaccinated people.
- Online and offline features
- Works well for note-taking
- Compatible with iOS devices
- Not a dictation app for long pieces
- Handles 40 seconds at a time
- Comparably inaccurate to Dragon
Otter works well if you want to transcribe phone calls, meetings, and interviews. Cost: Free/from $8.33 per month.
Otter.ai is a transcribing tool for speeches and conversations that works online and via a mobile app. You can take it into your business meeting to get a quick transcript of what was said. You can also add speaker notes, audio files, images, and video files to the transcript after the meeting.
Otter has a free version that has 600 minutes of transcription time a month. It also has several premium plans based on your needs. It’s a good choice for transcribing meetings and interviews, although don’t expect 100% accuracy. That said, it performed well with my test.
Here are the results:
The interim analysis by a committee of the European Medicines Agency FMEA determines that serious side effects of rare blood clots are likely to occur in one out of 100,000 vaccinated people, the regulator said in the statement .
- Free option
- Built-in team collaboration options
- Real-time captioning
- Excellent accuracy
- Limited minutes on the free version
- Not designed for writers
- No desktop version
I’ve written and published dozens of articles for newspapers, magazines, and online publications including Forbes and Lifehacker. I’m also a best-selling non-fiction author and a trained journalist.
Speech-to-text software forms a key part of my writing workflow for non-fiction. I regularly outline articles and then dictate first drafts using some of the software options in this guide.
My recommended choices are Dragon Anywhere and Otter.ai. The price point and accuracy should meet the needs of most writers and those with dictation needs.
When selecting speech-to-text software for your project or work, consider your operating system, budget, and whether you’re using a desktop or mobile device. It’s also a good idea to consider what you’re dictating. For example, Otter.ai works well for meetings and podcasts whereas Dragon is ideal for articles.
Remember, it takes time to adapt to writing via speech to text. However, the rewards are great. You’ll rapidly increase a daily word count and save your wrists from developing overuse injuries. Remember, always proofread and edit your work before submitting to clear up dictation errors!
Are speech-to-text programs accurate?
Most speech-to-text programs are relatively accurate. Many of the programs get more accurate as you use them because they learn your voice. Some programs will prompt you to correct unclear dictation issues to expedite this learning process.
How Does Voice Recognition Software Work?
Voice recognition software recognizes your speech and uses artificial intelligence to transform that into typed words. Many programs also use voice commands to handle formatting and punctuation needs.
Are dictation programs expensive?
They do not have to be expensive. Even though the best programs can require a significant investment, there are free options available. You may want to try out these free options before you figure out exactly what features you are willing to pay for.
Does Dragon NaturallySpeaking Need The Internet?
Once you activate your software you can dictate while offline.
Can Dragon NaturallySpeaking Transcribe Audio Files?
You can upload a personal audio file or one from social media to Dragon NaturallySpeaking and it will transcribe it. You may have to clean up the result.
How Much Does Dragon Speech To Text Software Cost?
Dragon costs anywhere from $59 to $300. It depends on which version you buy.
What’s The Best Dictation Software For Mac?
If you’re on a budget, use the inbuilt dictation software first until you’re comfortable dictating. After that, your best choice is Dragon Anywhere, which is usable via an iOS or Android device. You could also use Rev.
What’s The Best Dictation App For Writers?
Dragon Naturally Speaking is a good dictation app for writers as you can train it to recognize character names and unusual words. Rev is a popular transcription alternative.
What Is The Best Voice Recognition Software?
Dragon products regularly top the list of best voice recognition software because of their robust features, tutorials and integration into most operating systems. However, the best software for your needs will be the one that fits your budget and has the features you need for your work.
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Effective Speech Writing
The importance of theme.
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Writing speeches for graduation, class assignments, or other purposes consists of a lot more than finding a few inspirational quotes and possibly a funny story or two. The key to writing good speeches lies in using a theme. If you always refer back to this theme, the audience will respond positively and remember your words. This does not mean that inspirational quotes are not important, but they should be integrated into your speech in a way that makes sense.
Choosing a Theme
The first task that a public speaker needs to focus on before they do any actual writing is the message they are trying to convey. My inspiration for this idea came from the speeches of John F. Kennedy . In his Inaugural Speech , he chose to focus on freedom. He addressed many different topics, but always came back to this idea of liberty.
When asked to be the guest speaker at a National Honor Society induction recently, I decided to focus on how an individual's daily decisions add up to reveal that person's true character. We can not cheat in the small things and expect these blemishes to never surface. When the real tests in life occur, our character will not be able to withstand the pressure because we have not chosen the harder path all along. Why did I choose this as my theme? My audience consisted of Juniors and Seniors at the top of their respective classes. They had to meet stringent requirements in the areas of scholarship, community service, leadership, and character in order to be accepted into the organization. I wanted to leave them with one idea that might make them think twice.
How does this relate to you? First, you must decide who will make up your audience. In a graduation speech, you are addressing your fellow classmates. However, parents, grandparents, teachers and administrators will also be present. While you will be focusing on people your age, what you say must be in line with the dignity of the ceremony itself. Remembering that, think of the ONE thought with which you want to leave your audience. Why only one idea? Mainly because if you reinforce a single point instead of focusing on a number of different ideas, your audience will have a greater tendency to remember it. A speech does not lend itself to having many themes. Stick with one really good theme, and use each point you make, your theme reinforcers, to bring that idea home.
If you would like some ideas for possible themes, look at the world around you. What are people concerned about? If you are speaking about the state of education, find one central idea that you feel strongly about. Then return to that idea with each point you make. Write your individual points to reinforce your idea. To return to the graduation speech, check out these top ten themes to use when writing your speech.
Utilizing Theme Reinforcers
Theme reinforcers are simply the points that a speechwriter uses throughout his or her speech to "reinforce" the central idea they are trying to get across. In Winston Churchill's famous commencement address to Westminster College in 1946, we find him emphasizing over and over again the need for cooperation against tyranny and war. His speech covered serious problems with which the post-war world was faced, including what he termed as the "iron curtain" that had descended across the European continent. Many say that this speech was the beginning of the " cold war ." What we can learn from his address is the importance of continually reiterating one idea. The effect that this speech had on the world is almost incalculable.
On a more local note, I used the four requirements necessary to become a member of NHS as my four points. When I discussed scholarship, I returned to my idea of daily decisions and said that a student's attitude towards learning is increased positively with each personal decision to focus on the task at hand. If a student enters a class with the attitude that they want to learn what is being taught, then their efforts will shine forth in true learning. I continued in this vein for each of the other three requirements. Of course, this does not mean that throughout the speech the same words are repeated over and over. The hardest part of writing any speech is to approach the main theme from many different angles.
Wrapping it All Together
Once you've picked your theme and chosen the points you want to emphasize, putting the speech together is fairly simple. You can organize it first in outline form, remembering to return at the end of each point to the theme you are trying to get across. Numbering your points sometimes helps the audience remember where you are and how far you have left to travel before the climax of your speech. This climax is the most important part. It should be the last paragraph, and leave everyone with something to think about. One great way to bring your ideas home is to find a quote which aptly embodies your theme. As Jean Rostand said, "Certain brief sentences are peerless in their ability to give one the feeling that nothing remains to be said."
Quotes, Resources and an Unconventional Idea
Find great quotations and other speech writing resources . The tips found on many of these pages are awesome, especially the strategies for giving the speeches themselves. There are also many unconventional ideas that can be incorporated into speeches. A great example of this occurred during a graduation speech by a Valedictorian which incorporated music throughout. She picked three different songs to represent the students' elementary, middle, and high school years and played them softly while she went through memories for the class. Her theme was a celebration of life as it was, is, and will be. She ended with a song of hope and left students with the idea that there was a lot to look forward to in the future.
Speech writing is all about knowing your audience and addressing their concerns. Leave your audience with something about which to think. Include humor and inspirational quotes. But make sure that each of these are integrated into the whole. Study the great speeches of the past to find inspiration. The joy that you will feel when you have given a speech that has inspired people is amazing and worth the effort. Good luck!
Inspiring Speech Example
The following speech was delivered during an induction to the National Honor Society.
Good Evening.
I am both honored and flattered to have been asked to speak for this wonderful occasion.
I congratulate each of you and your parents.
Your achievements in the realms of Scholarship, Leadership, Community Service, and Character are being honored here tonight by your induction into this prestigious society.
An honor such as this is a wonderful way for the school and community to recognize and celebrate the choices, and sometimes the sacrifices, you have made.
But I believe that what should make you and your parents the most proud is not the actual honor itself, but what you had to do to get it. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The reward of a thing well done is to have done it." Any recognition is just the icing on the cake, not to be expected but definitely to be enjoyed.
However, I challenge you not to rest on your laurels but to continue to strive towards even loftier goals.
The four requirements for membership in which you have excelled: scholarship, leadership, community service, and character were not chosen at random. They are the core of a fulfilled and fulfilling life.
The most important thing to remember is that each of these characteristics are the sum of many individual decisions. They embody a positive attitude backed by purpose. The only way to achieve your purpose is to take small actions everyday. In the end, they all add up. My hope for you is that you will cultivate this attitude backed by purpose in your own life.
Scholarship is much more than just getting straight A's. It is a life-long love of learning. In the end it is a sum of small choices. Each time you decide you WANT to learn something, the experience will be so rewarding that the next time becomes easier.
Soon learning becomes a habit. At that point, your desire to learn makes getting A's easier while taking the focus off of grades. The knowledge can still be hard to gain, but knowing you've mastered a difficult subject is an awesome reward. Suddenly the world around you becomes richer, full of learning opportunities.
Leadership is not about being elected or appointed to an office. The office does not teach someone how to be a leader. Leadership is an attitude cultivated over time.
Are you one to stand up for what you believe in and 'face the music' even when that music happens to be unpleasant? Do you have a purpose and follow that purpose to get the ends you desire? Do you have a vision? These are all questions that true leaders answer in the affirmative. But how do you become a leader?
Each small decision you make takes you one step closer. Remember the goal is not to get power, but to get your vision and your purpose across. Leaders without visions can be likened to driving in a strange town without a road map: you are going to wind up somewhere, it just might not be in the best part of town.
Many see community service as a means to an end. Some might see it as a way to get service points while socializing, while others may view it as an unfortunate (and often inconvenient) necessity of high school life. But is that true community service?
Once again true community service is an attitude. Are you doing it for the right reasons? I'm not saying there won't be Saturday mornings when you would rather sleep your heart out than paint your heart out.
What I'm talking about is that in the end, when it is all done, and you are once again well-rested, you can look back and realize that you did something worthwhile. That you helped your fellow man in some way. Remember as John Donne said, "No man is an island entire of himself."
Finally, character.
If there is any one thing that is evidenced by your daily choices it is your character.
I truly believe what Thomas Macaulay said, "The measure of a man's real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out."
What do you do when no one's around? The teacher steps out of the room for a moment while you are taking a test after school. You know exactly where in your notes the answer to question 23 is. Do you look? Minimal chance of being caught!
The answer to this question is the key to your true character.
For while being honest and honorable when others are watching is important, being true to yourself is tantamount.
And in the end, these private day-to-day decisions will eventually reveal your true character to the world.
All in all, are making the tough choices worth it?
While it would be easier to slide through life without a purpose, without a code, it would not be fulfilling. Only by setting difficult goals and achieving them can we find true self-worth.
One final thing, each person's goals are different, and what comes easy to one may be difficult for another. Therefore, do not squash others' dreams. This is a surefire way to know that you aren't working towards fulfilling your own.
In conclusion, I congratulate you for this honor. You are truly the best of the best. Enjoy yourself, and remember as Mother Teresa said, "Life is a promise; fulfill it."
Watch Now: How to Prepare for a Speech
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Learn How To Write A Persuasive Speech Following 8 Easy Steps in 2023
So, students, the day has come when you are assigned a speech. We know it’s fun, but it takes time and lots of work to form the outline. Wait, do you know how to write a persuasive speech? We bet you don’t have a clue about this. But who cares when you can hire an essay writer to solve your academic queries? We will prepare the best and most compelling perfect persuasive speech in one go. Let’s start the work then.
8 Steps To Write A Persuasive Speech For Influencing Your Audience
Finally, we are here, students. We will let you have access to our professional writers ; they will show you how to write a persuasive speech without much fuss and effort.
So let’s move to the central part of this blog. Yes, guys, we will unfold the secret today with all of you. Here are the 8 steps you must follow when you don’t know how to write a persuasive speech.
Select The Topic For a Persuasive Speech
It would be best if you had a topic in your mind for writing a persuasive speech. Usually, students are assigned persuasive topics by their professors. Some colleges transfer the job of selecting a topic to the participating student. Either way, a topic already chosen or selected by students should invoke persuasiveness in your audience. The selection of the subject helps you to know how to write a persuasive speech.
It’s also vital that your topic should be debatable and introduce your audience to new findings. Topic resonance with its audience makes it worthy of the time they will spend listening to your persuasive speech. So make every second count.
Research Appropriately
The second step is to go through appropriate research. Since your persuasive speech is about persuasion, you can only achieve it with valid arguments and analysis. There are two steps to doing such work. You can read plenty of books or use a research paper writing service to ease your way of getting credible information.
Research ensures the credibility of your speech. It also keeps your audience on their feet and eyes hooked to your presentation. Gather both-sided arguments, against and in favor ones. This way, you can research your persuasive topic unbiasedly and on neutral grounds.
Make Sure To Add Goals To Satisfy the Audience’s Curiosity
Do you know how to write a persuasive speech with specified goals? Here is the third step of defining the goals of your persuasive speech. Goals help you determine the parameters of your thesis statement. You can set and distribute your goals accordingly for the different sections of your persuasive presentation.
For example, you can determine how to use an introduction to entertain the audience, such as with jokes or motivational quotes. These goals will help you achieve your mission of persuading your audience to take any specific action.
Let’s say you want to convince your audience about endangered species and their protection; then you can use strong emotional quotes from any good writer that promotes love and a sense of care.
Students’ goals can also help you establish the success of your presentation and its content. Many speakers use surveys or sign-up after delivering a persuasive speech. This is the best way to determine whether your presentation met the expected results.
Use Pathos, Ethos, and Logos To Make Appealing Speech
Students, a successful persuasive speech has three essential parts. These parts build an emotional connection with your audience. Pathos, ethos, and logos are the primary motivators for your supporting points.
Ethos caters to your arguments as being ethical or based on honesty and taps into the audience’s ethics. Pathos induces emotional appeal, and logos presents logic or solid reasons for the main points.
Writing a persuasive speech is only effective when all these essential qualities are added to your final speech. These three emotional appeals are necessary for your speech to be persuasive.
Define Who Are Your Audience Members
The last step in writing a persuasive speech is defining or categorizing your audience members. If you’re presenting your personal story in a persuasive speech in your college, your audience must be students and teachers. Therefore your speech should encompass their expectations.
We know public speaking is difficult, but having exact information about your audience helps you segment your speech. This way, you can write the best persuasive speech effortlessly and successfully.
Start With The Best Introduction
We know you guys are eager to start your persuasive speech, so always start with a good introduction. In public speaking, an opening is the most substantial part of persuading the audience. It serves as a hook that captures your audience’s attention and intrigues them throughout the speech.
Furthermore, the intro has three parts, a hook sentence, thesis statement, and background information. Together all these parts form a solid introduction that builds an emotional connection.
Example on How To Write A Persuasive Speech Introduction
“Swiss watches are expensive and cost a fortune to own one. Swiss brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tag Heuer, and Richard Mille are as costly as a brand-new car or a Beverly Hills Mansion. Why are these watches so expensive? Because of the expertise required to make one, these companies acquired over a hundred years of perfection.
Each part is tailor-made for customers with perfect details to satisfy their needs. A low-cost swiss watch costs as much as $ 20,000, while premium ones cost as much as $ 5 million. Owning a swiss watch is not just buying a luxury watch but owning centuries of expertise in a time-piece.”
Add Your Arguments in the Body Paragraph of Your Speech
By now, you can quickly write an introduction to your college speech. The second step is to write the body paragraph of your speech. Since you already entice your audience’s attention with a stellar intro, adding real life examples enhances the credibility of the speech.
After the strong opening, divert your arguments to the speech’s main points. Your counterargument from the opposing narrative should also be added to support this step.
Your research or evidence can be used as a first-person narrative like “I” or “We” to find the following evidence supporting this speech. If you see this as difficult to understand, read the blog “ can you use I in a persuasive essay .” Using a first-person narrative helps you offer your findings with more confidence.
Example of Persuasive Speech Body Paragraph Part
“Crude oil had played a pivotal role in global warming since 1859 when it was discovered. Almost two third of global CO2 emissions are generated by incomplete combustion from gasoline and diesel engines. Oil spills caused 90% of marine biology damages and resulted in countless extinctions of sea species.”
An example like the above can connect with your audience’s emotions and help you get their buy-in quickly.
Conclude Your Speech With Mutual Agreement on the Findings
The last part of the speech concludes your speech with supporting evidence and counterargument. At this point, your speech serves as a closing stage for the entire discussion.
Conclude the subject of your persuasive speech on high notes. Consider this an eye-opening step for your public speaking skills and induce emotional appeals from the conclusion. Your arguments should be valid and based on facts that will be a game changer for the audience.
Example of Persuasive Speech Conclusion
“So, according to the discussion we have today on crude oil and its devastating effects on human lives and nature, we can safely conclude we need to immediately stop its use.
Furthermore, we already have substitutes such as electric cars, bikes, etc. Governments and the United Nations can push for subsidizing the pricing and pushing for more eco-friendly options.”
Students, we finally uncover the 8 steps on how to write a persuasive speech quickly and in less time. We hope you find the entire discussion mind-blowing and valuable details. We know by now writing a persuasive speech is a piece of cake for you. So take notes and start your presentation to snatch your A grades from your teacher.
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How to write a speech
Did you know?
The longest speech ever recorded in the UK Parliament was delivered in the House of Commons in 1828 and lasted for six hours!
Introduction to how to write a speech
Speeches are a powerful way of expressing your ideas to others.
When writing a speech, you need to think carefully about how you structure it to make sure it is easy for listeners to follow.
In order for it to be engaging, you need to consider the language you use, ensuring that you target your audience and their interests. In fact, there are a range of language techniques that can help to make your speech even more powerful.
Video on how to write a speech
What is a speech.
A speech is a formal talk given to an audience. It has an aim and purpose – often to either inform and/or persuade, although it’s important to remember that some have other intentions too, eg to entertain.
Speeches are used in many different contexts. A bride or groom may give a speech at their wedding. A politician or activist may give a speech to inform others of the need for change, and persuade them of the right way to bring it about. A manager may need to give a speech to their employees or bosses. A speech may even be given when you leave school to reflect upon your time in education and inspire others to look to the future.
Speeches are not necessarily something we do every day, but speech writing is a useful skill to have.
What is the most common purpose of a speech?
a) To inform and/or persuade b) To entertain and/or amuse c) To advise and/or describe
Answer: a) To inform and/or persuade
Famous speeches
Throughout history, speeches have had a massive impact on social change and political decisions. Famous speeches that are credited as having helped change the world include:
‘I Have a Dream’ by Martin Luther King Jr in 1963. It was given as part of the USA Civil Rights movement in order to help bring about racial equality.
‘We shall fight on the beaches’ by Winston Churchill in 1940. It was a speech delivered to MPs in the UK House of Commons, encouraging the nation to rise to the challenges of World War Two and not to give up hope of victory.
‘I am prepared to die’ by Nelson Mandela in 1964, given as part of the fight to end apartheid and bring about a free and equal society for both black and white people in South Africa.
‘Freedom or Death’ by Emmeline Pankhurst in 1913 was a speech given as part of the fight for women’s right to vote.
In more recent times, we have seen a number of celebrities give speeches on a range of social, political and environmental issues. For instance:
Emma Watson’s ‘HeForShe’ speech given at the United Nations Headquarters as part of the UN campaign to end global gender inequality.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s speech on climate change at the opening of the 2014 UN Climate Summit.
There are also wide ranging TED Talks that are now available on almost any topic imaginable that have gone on to inform, persuade and inspire others around the world.
What issues do you think speeches most commonly given about?
a) Personal and family issues b) Social and political issues c) Financial issues
Answer: b) Social and political issues.
How to structure a speech
The opening.
Start with an opening that hooks your audience before making the overall topic of your speech clear. Get their attention and prepare them to focus on the words that will follow. For example, you could use:
- A powerful image: ‘Imagine a huge clock - the slow, steady tick filling this room. Counting away the seconds and minutes we have left to act.’
- A shocking or surprising fact: ‘Recently, I found out that up to one million species of plants and animals are threatened with extinction at this very moment.’
- A rhetorical question: ‘Who wouldn't want to be a millionaire?’
Think carefully about how you want your audience to feel. A shocking fact may work well for some topics or audiences but a powerful image, for instance, may be more appropriate for others.
The main body of your speech
Having a simple structure to the main part of your speech is important to help the audience follow your points and ideas. Think about which points are more important and focus on reinforcing them. It is a good idea to put the most important points near the beginning of the speech, making sure they are in a logical order. Include the most important supporting examples and facts, but don’t overload the speech with too much detail.
Which sentence is the 'hook' in this paragraph?
Did you know that women make up more than two-thirds of the world's 796 million illiterate people? This means that the majority of the women in the world still cannot read or write to a functioning level. As a consequence of this, many women can only get low-paying jobs (if they are employed at all), meaning that, globally, there are a higher percentage of women who are suffering from poverty and starvation.
The rhetorical question 'Did you know that women make up more than two-thirds of the world's 796 million illiterate people?' is the hook in this paragraph. It asks the reader or listener a question that gets them thinking and wanting to know more.
Engaging language techniques
Think carefully about your audience . Choose language that will engage your specific listeners. A speech to a group of teenagers may use very different language compared to a speech given to a group of local politicians.
Think about the purpose of your speech. Are you hoping to persuade, inform, advise, entertain or argue? Many speeches will have more than one purpose. Ensure that you remain focussed on the purpose(s) you are trying to achieve.
There are a number of language techniques and rhetorical devices which can be used to keep listeners engaged during a speech and make points memorable. For example:
- Tricolon (also known as Rule of Three or Triples): Three words or phrases in a row within a sentence to emphasise a positive or negative point.
- Hyperbole : Exaggerated statements or claims for emphasis.
- Emotive language : Words and phrases deliberately and intentionally used to make your reader feel certain emotions (eg sadness, worry, urgency etc).
- Expert quote : A quotation taken from an expert in the topic about which you are speaking and which supports the point you are making, giving it more authority.
- Imperative : A command or direct instruction.
- Rhetorical question : A question asked for effect without the expectation of an answer.
- Repetition : A key word or phrase said more than once in order to reinforce a point.
- Statistic : A set of figures or a percentage used to demonstrate a point, giving it more authority.
Powerful conclusions
It can be useful to include phrases directed at the audience that highlight you’re ending the speech:
- ‘I hope these ideas I’ve shared today will fill your thoughts on the way home. It is important that we…’
- ‘My final message to you is…’
‘In conclusion, it is clear that…’
Or you may want to finish your speech with a powerful image, question or memorable idea:
- ‘You hold our fragile future in your hands – don’t break it.’
- ‘Do we really want to be responsible for the destruction of our environment?’
‘When all is said and done, will you have said more than you have done?’
And finally…
Don’t forget to thank your audience for giving you their time!
- ‘Thank you all for listening today.’
Which part of the following paragraph that clearly signals this is the ending of the speech to the audience?
The point of no return regarding climate change is just around the corner. It is time for us to act before it is too late. As you leave here today, leave with at least one idea regarding how you can cut your carbon emissions and put it into practice. You can make a difference. Together, we can be the difference.
Answer: As you leave here today, leave with at least one idea regarding how you can cut your carbon emissions and put it into practice.
An effective speech takes careful planning. Even the most powerful politicians who seem to be speaking spontaneously may have spent a lot of time preparing what to say. What you say, the order in which you say it, and the techniques you use to get your points across will all add impact to your speech.
Focus on what you want the audience to know and how you want them to feel at the end of the speech.
Test your knowledge
Non-fiction writing, formal v informal writing, how to build an argument.
How to write a formal letter
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Charlie Kaufman Calls Out Hollywood for Treating Writers as ‘Secondary’: ‘The Rest Is Window Dressing’
"they’ve tricked us into thinking we can’t do it without them," the oscar winner said. "the truth is they can’t do anything of value without us.".
Samantha Bergeson
5 hours ago
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Charlie Kaufman isn’t waiting for Hollywood to adapt any longer.
The “Adaptation” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” screenwriter was honored with the top film award at the 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday. Kaufman used the platform to call for a much-needed change in the perspective of screenwriters throughout the industry during his acceptance speech.
“We are trained to believe that what we do is secondary to what they do,” Kaufman said, referencing executives (via Variety ). “I have dropped the ball, I have wasted years seeking the approval of people with money. Don’t get trapped in their world of box office numbers. You don’t work for the world of box office numbers. You work for the world. Just make your story honest and tell it.”
Kaufman continued, “Our work is to reflect the world, say what is true in the face of so much lying. The rest is window dressing at best, ‘Triumph of the Will’ at worst. Adrienne Rich wrote, ‘I do know that art means nothing if it simply decorates the dinner table of the power which holds it hostage.’ The world is beautiful. The world is impossibly complicated. And we have the opportunity to explore that. If we give that up for the carrot, then we might as well be the executives.”
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The Oscar winner added, “They’ve tricked us into thinking we can’t do it without them. The truth is they can’t do anything of value without us.”
The “Being John Malkovich” scribe did not explicitly reference the contract negotiations with the guild that are expected to begin March 20 with top Hollywood studios through the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The guild’s minimum basic agreement is set to expire on May 1, including the “regulations for a minimum staff size for television series, a minimum length of employment for television series, and improving residuals for film and television writers.”
To note, the SAG-AFTRA and the Directors Guild of America (DGA) contracts are set to expire June 30 with the AMPTP and will also seek similar negotiation meetings.
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This Article is related to: Film and tagged Charlie Kaufman , WGA Awards
President Trump’s 2023 CPAC Speech – FULL SPEECH
In case you missed it yesterday, I’ve got you covered.
President Trump attended the final day of CPAC 2023 and he took it out with a bang!
I had so many people texting me yesterday saying this was his best speech ever.
He looks sharper and tougher than ever before, and he even said so.
Trending: DANGEROUS: So Who Is YHWH?
He said when he comes back in 2024 he’s going to move incredibly fast because now he knows all the players and he knows how D.C. works.
And he is going to take them out quickly and systematically.
He looked to be in “killer mode”…figuratively, of course.
Or perhaps a few will go to GITMO as well, that remains to be seen.
First let me give you a few of my favorite shorter clips and then down below I’ve got the FULL SPEECH for you.
Start here:
Only ONE President has taken on the establishment in Washington. That President is Donald J. Trump. I can’t wait for him to get back into the White House to do it again! #Trump2024 pic.twitter.com/etbJXeyJI4 — DailyNoah.com (@DailyNoahNews) March 4, 2023
The election was STOLEN! pic.twitter.com/1GNL4VKq2D — DailyNoah.com (@DailyNoahNews) March 4, 2023
All Republican governors should immediately go for paper ballots one day voting and voter ID! Follow 👉 @DailyNoahNews pic.twitter.com/UwCbMrQO0O — DailyNoah.com (@DailyNoahNews) March 5, 2023
NATIONAL POLL: Do You Trust Fox News?
#Trump #CPAC Follow 👉 @DailyNoahNews pic.twitter.com/3HqChPvCHb — DailyNoah.com (@DailyNoahNews) March 5, 2023
"I certainly like him a lot. He had a lot of courage. Very smart guy." Follow 👉 @DailyNoahNews pic.twitter.com/YDdyM392z0 — DailyNoah.com (@DailyNoahNews) March 5, 2023
And now the full speech….watch here on Rumble :
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Fact check: trump delivers wildly dishonest speech at cpac.
As president, Donald Trump made some of his most thoroughly dishonest speeches at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference.
As he embarks on another campaign for the presidency, Trump delivered another CPAC doozy Saturday night.
Trump’s lengthy address to the right-wing gathering in Maryland was filled with wildly inaccurate claims about his own presidency, Joe Biden ’s presidency, foreign affairs, crime, elections and other subjects.
Here is a fact check of 23 of the false claims Trump made. (And that’s far from the total.)
Crime and civil unrest
Crime in Manhattan
While Trump criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who has been investigating Trump’s company, he claimed that “killings are taking place at a number like nobody’s ever seen, right in Manhattan.”
Facts First : It isn’t even close to true that Manhattan is experiencing a number of killings that nobody has ever seen. The region classified by the New York Police Department as Manhattan North had 43 reported murders in 2022; that region had 379 reported murders in 1990 and 306 murders in 1993. The Manhattan South region had 35 reported murders in 2022 versus 124 reported murders in 1990 and 86 murders in 1993. New York City as a whole is also nowhere near record homicide levels; the city had 438 reported murders in 2022 versus 2,262 in 1990 and 1,927 in 1993.
Manhattan North had just eight reported murders this year through February 19, while Manhattan South had one. The city as a whole had 49 reported murders.
The National Guard and Minnesota
Talking about rioting amid racial justice protests after the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020, Trump claimed he had been ready to send in the National Guard in Seattle, then added, “We saved Minneapolis. The thing is, we’re not supposed to do that. Because it’s up to the governor, the Democrat governor. They never want any help. They don’t mind – it’s almost like they don’t mind to have their cities and states destroyed. There’s something wrong with these people.”
Facts First : This is a reversal of reality. Minnesota’s Democratic governor, Tim Walz, not Trump, was the one who deployed the Minnesota National Guard during the 2020 unrest; Walz first activated the Guard more than seven hours before Trump publicly threatened to deploy the Guard himself. Walz’s office told CNN in 2020 that the governor activated the Guard in response to requests from officials in Minneapolis and St. Paul – cities also run by Democrats.
Trump has repeatedly made the false claim that he was the one who sent the Guard to Minneapolis. You can read a longer fact check, from 2020, here .
Trump’s executive order on monuments
Trump boasted that he had taken effective action as president to stop the destruction of statues and memorials. He claimed: “I passed and signed an executive order. Anybody that does that gets 10 years in jail, with no negotiation – it’s not ’10’ but it turns into three months.” He added: “But we passed it. It was a very old law, and we found it – one of my very good legal people along with [adviser] Stephen Miller, they found it. They said, ‘Sir, I don’t know if you want to try and bring this back.’ I said. ‘I do.’”
Facts First : Trump’s claim is false. He did not create a mandatory 10-year sentence for people who damage monuments. In fact, his 2020 executive order did not mandate any increase in sentences.
Rather, the executive order simply directed the attorney general to “prioritize” investigations and prosecutions of monument-destruction cases and declared that it is federal policy to prosecute such cases to the fullest extent permitted under existing law, including an existing law that allowed a sentence of up to 10 years in prison for willfully damaging federal property. The executive order did nothing to force judges to impose a 10-year sentence.
Vandalism in Portland
Trump claimed, “How’s Portland doing? They don’t even have storefronts anymore. Everything’s two-by-four’s because they get burned down every week.”
Facts First : This is a major exaggeration. Portland obviously still has hundreds of active storefronts, though it has struggled with downtown commercial vacancies for various reasons, and some businesses are sometimes vandalized by protesters. Trump has for years exaggerated the extent of property damage from protest vandalism in Portland.
Russia, Ukraine and NATO
Russian expansionism
Boasting of his foreign policy record, Trump claimed, “I was also the only president where Russia didn’t take over a country during my term.”
Facts First : While it’s true that Russia didn’t take over a country during Trump’s term, it’s not true that he was the only US president under whom Russia didn’t take over a country. “Totally false,” Michael Khodarkovsky , a Loyola University Chicago history professor who is an expert on Russian imperialism, said in an email. “If by Russia he means the current Russian Federation that existed since 1991, then the best example is Clinton, 1992-98. During this time Russia fought a war in Chechnya, but Chechnya was not a country but one of Russia’s regions.”
Khodarkovsky added, “If by Russia he means the USSR, as people often do, then from 1945, when the USSR occupied much of Eastern Europe until 1979, when USSR invaded Afghanistan, Moscow did not take over any new country. It only sent forces into countries it had taken over in 1945 (Hungary 1956, Czechoslovakia 1968).”
NATO funding
Trump said while talking about NATO funding: “And I told delinquent foreign nations – they were delinquent, they weren’t paying their bills – that if they wanted our protection, they had to pay up, and they had to pay up now.”
Facts First : It’s not true that NATO countries weren’t paying “bills” until Trump came along or that they were “delinquent” in the sense of failing to pay bills – as numerous fact-checkers pointed out when Trump repeatedly used such language during his presidency. NATO members haven’t been failing to pay their share of the organization’s common budget to run the organization. And while it’s true that most NATO countries were not (and still are not ) meeting NATO’s target of each country spending a minimum of 2% of gross domestic product on defense, that 2% figure is what NATO calls a “guideline ”; it is not some sort of binding contract, and it does not create liabilities. An official NATO recommitment to the 2% guideline in 2014 merely said that members not currently at that level would “aim to move towards the 2% guideline within a decade.”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg did credit Trump for securing increases in European NATO members’ defense spending, but it’s worth noting that those countries’ spending had also increased in the last two years of the Obama administration following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea and the recommitment that year to the 2% guideline. NATO notes on its website that 2022 was “the eighth consecutive year of rising defence spending across European Allies and Canada.”
NATO’s existence
Boasting of how he had secured additional funding for NATO from countries, Trump claimed, “Actually, NATO wouldn’t even exist if I didn’t get them to pay up.”
Facts First : This is nonsense.
There was never any indication that NATO, created in 1949, would have ceased to exist in the early 2020s without additional funding from some members. The alliance was stable even with many members not meeting the alliance’s guideline of having members spend 2% of their gross domestic product on defense.
We don’t often fact-check claims about what might have happened in an alternative scenario, but this Trump claim has no basis in reality. “The quote doesn’t make sense, obviously,” said Erwan Lagadec , research professor at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs and an expert on NATO.
Lagadec noted that NATO has had no trouble getting allies to cover the roughly $3 billion in annual “direct” funding for the organization, which is “peanuts” to this group of countries. And he said that the only NATO member that had given “any sign” in recent years that it was thinking about leaving the alliance “was … the US, under Trump.” Lagadec added that the US leaving the alliance is one scenario that could realistically kill it, but that clearly wasn’t what Trump was talking about in his remarks on spending levels.
James Goldgeier , an American University professor of international relations and Brookings Institution visiting fellow, said in an email: “NATO was founded in 1949, so it seems very clear that Donald Trump had nothing to do with its existence. In fact, the worry was that he would pull the US out of NATO, as his national security adviser warned he would do if he had been reelected.”
The cost of NATO’s headquarters
Trump mocked NATO’s headquarters, saying, “They spent – an office building that cost $3 billion. It’s like a skyscraper in Manhattan laid on its side. It’s one of the longest buildings I’ve ever seen. And I said, ‘You should have – instead of spending $3 billion, you should have spent $500 million building the greatest bunker you’ve ever seen. Because Russia didn’t – wouldn’t even need an airplane attack. One tank one shot through that beautiful glass building and it’s gone.’”
Facts First : NATO did spend a lot of money on its headquarters in Belgium, but Trump’s “$3 billion” figure is a major exaggeration. When Trump used the same inaccurate figure in early 2020, NATO told CNN that the headquarters was actually constructed for a sum under the approved budget of about $1.18 billion euro, which is about $1.3 billion at exchange rates as of Sunday morning.
The Pulitzer Prize
Trump made his usual argument that The Washington Post and The New York Times should not have won a prestigious journalism award, a 2018 Pulitzer Prize, for their reporting on Russian interference in the 2016 election and its connections to Trump’s team. He then said, “And they were exactly wrong. And now they’ve even admitted that it was a hoax. It was a total hoax, and they got the prize.”
Facts First : The Times and Post have not made any sort of “hoax” admission. “The claim is completely false,” Times spokesperson Charlie Stadtlander said in an email on Sunday.
Stadtlander continued: “When our Pulitzer Prize shared with The Washington Post was challenged by the former President, the award was upheld by the Pulitzer Prize Board after an independent review. The board stated that ‘no passages or headlines, contentions or assertions in any of the winning submissions were discredited by facts that emerged subsequent to the conferral of the prizes.’ The Times’s reporting was also substantiated by the Mueller investigation and Republican-led Senate Intelligence Committee investigation into the matter.”
The Post referred CNN to that same July statement from the Pulitzer Prize Board.
Awareness of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline
Trump claimed of his opposition to Russia’s Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Germany: “Nord Stream 2 – Nobody ever heard of it … right? Nobody ever heard of Nord Stream 2 until I came along. I started talking about Nord Stream 2. I had to go call it ‘the pipeline’ because nobody knew what I was talking about.”
Facts First : This is standard Trump hyperbole; it’s just not true that “nobody” had heard of Nord Stream 2 before he began discussing it. Nord Stream 2 was a regular subject of media, government and diplomatic discussion before Trump took office. In fact, Biden publicly criticized it as vice president in 2016 . Trump may well have generated increased US awareness to the controversial project, but “nobody ever heard of Nord Stream 2 until I came along” isn’t true.
Trump and Nord Stream 2
Trump claimed, “I got along very well with Putin even though I’m the one that ended his pipeline. Remember they said, ‘Trump is giving a lot to Russia.’ Really? Putin actually said to me, ‘If you’re my friend, I’d hate like hell to see you as my enemy.’ Because I ended the pipeline, right? Do you remember? Nord Stream 2.” He continued, “I ended it. It was dead.”
Facts First : Trump did not kill Nord Stream 2. While he did approve sanctions on companies working on the project, that move came nearly three years into his presidency, when the pipeline was already around an estimated 90% complete – and the state-owned Russian gas company behind the project said shortly after the sanctions that it would complete the pipeline itself. The company announced in December 2020 that construction was resuming. And with days left in Trump’s term in January 2021, Germany announced that it had renewed permission for construction in its waters.
The pipeline never began operations; Germany ended up halting the project as Russia was about to invade Ukraine early last year. The pipeline was damaged later in the year in what has been described as an act of sabotage .
The Obama administration and Ukraine
Trump claimed that while he provided lethal assistance to Ukraine, the Obama administration “didn’t want to get involved” and merely “supplied the bedsheets.” He said, “Do you remember? They supplied the bedsheets. And maybe even some pillows from [pillow businessman] Mike [Lindell], who’s sitting right over here. … But they supplied the bedsheets.”
Facts First : This is inaccurate. While it’s true that the Obama administration declined to provide weapons to Ukraine, it provided more than $600 million in security assistance to Ukraine between 2014 and 2016 that involved far more than bedsheets. The aid included counter-artillery and counter-mortar radars, armored Humvees, tactical drones, night vision devices and medical supplies.
Biden and a Ukrainian prosecutor
Trump claimed that Biden, as vice president, held back a billion dollars from Ukraine until the country fired a prosecutor who was “after Hunter” and a company that was paying him. Trump was referring to Hunter Biden, Joe Biden’s son, who sat on the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma Holdings.
Facts First : This is baseless. There has never been any evidence that Hunter Biden was under investigation by the prosecutor, Viktor Shokin, who had been widely faulted by Ukrainian anti-corruption activists and European countries for failing to investigate corruption. A former Ukrainian deputy prosecutor and a top anti-corruption activist have both said the Burisma-related investigation was dormant at the time Joe Biden pressured Ukraine to fire Shokin.
Daria Kaleniuk, executive director of Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Action Center, told The Washington Post in 2019 : “Shokin was not investigating. He didn’t want to investigate Burisma. And Shokin was fired not because he wanted to do that investigation, but quite to the contrary, because he failed that investigation.” In addition, Shokin’s successor as prosecutor general, Yuriy Lutsenko, told Bloomberg in 2019 : “Hunter Biden did not violate any Ukrainian laws – at least as of now, we do not see any wrongdoing.”
Biden, as vice president, was carrying out the policy of the US and its allies, not pursuing his own agenda, in threatening to withhold a billion-dollar US loan guarantee if the Ukrainian government did not sack Shokin. CNN fact-checked Trump’s claims on this subject at length in 2019.
The economy
Trump and job creation
Promising to save Americans’ jobs if he is elected again, Trump claimed, “We had the greatest job history of any president ever.”
Facts First : This is false. The US lost about 2.7 million jobs during Trump’s presidency, the worst overall jobs record for any president . The net loss was largely because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but even Trump’s pre-pandemic jobs record – about 6.7 million jobs added – was far from the greatest of any president ever. The economy added more than 11.5 million jobs in the first term of Democratic President Bill Clinton in the 1990s.
Tariffs on China
Trump repeated a trade claim he made frequently during his presidency. Speaking of China, he said he “charged them” with tariffs that had the effect of “bringing in hundreds of billions of dollars pouring into our Treasury from China. Thank you very much, China.” He claimed that he did this even though “no other president had gotten even 10 cents – not one president got anything from them.”
Facts First : As we have written repeatedly, it’s not true that no president before Trump had generated any revenue through tariffs on goods from China. In reality, the US has had tariffs on China for more than two centuries, and FactCheck.org reported in 2019 that the US generated an “average of $12.3 billion in custom duties a year from 2007 to 2016, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb.” Also, American importers, not Chinese exporters, make the actual tariff payments – and study after study during Trump’s presidency found that Americans were bearing most of the cost of the tariffs.
The trade deficit with China
Trump went on to repeat a false claim he made more than 100 times as president – that the US used to have a trade deficit with China of more than $500 billion. He claimed it was “five-, six-, seven-hundred billion dollars a year.”
Facts First : The US has never had a $500 billion, $600 billion or $700 billion trade deficit with China even if you only count trade in goods and ignore the services trade in which the US runs a surplus with China. The pre-Trump record for a goods deficit with China was about $367 billion in 2015. The goods deficit hit a new record of about $418 billion under Trump in 2018 before falling back under $400 billion in subsequent years.
Trump and the 2020 election
Trump said people claim they want to run against him even though, he claimed, he won the 2020 election. He said, “I won the second election, OK, won it by a lot. You know, when they say, when they say Biden won, the smart people know that didn’t [happen].”
Facts First : This is Trump’s regular lie. He lost the 2020 election to Biden fair and square, 306 to 232 in the Electoral College. Biden earned more than 7 million more votes than Trump did.
Democrats and elections
Trump said Democrats are only good at “disinformation” and “cheating on elections.”
Facts First : This is nonsense. There is just no basis for a broad claim that Democrats are election cheaters. Election fraud and voter fraud are exceedingly rare in US elections, though such crimes are occasionally committed by officials and supporters of both parties. (We’ll ignore Trump’s subjective claim about “disinformation.”)
War and peace
The liberation of the ISIS caliphate
Trump repeated his familiar story about how he had supposedly liberated the “caliphate” of terror group ISIS in “three weeks.” This time, he said, “In fact, with the ISIS caliphate, a certain general said it could only be done in three years, ‘and probably it can’t be done at all, sir.’ And I did it in three weeks. I went over to Iraq, met a great general. ‘Sir, I can do it in three weeks.’ You’ve heard that story. ‘I can do it in three weeks, sir.’ ‘How are you going to do that?’ They explained it. I did it in three weeks. I was told it couldn’t be done at all, that it would take at least three years. Did it in three weeks. Knocked out 100% of the ISIS caliphate.”
Facts First : Trump’s claim of eliminating the ISIS caliphate in “three weeks” isn’t true; the ISIS “caliphate” was declared fully liberated more than two years into Trump’s presidency, in 2019 . Even if Trump was starting the clock at the time of his visit to Iraq, in late December 2018 , the liberation was proclaimed more than two and a half months later. In addition, Trump gave himself far too much credit for the defeat of the caliphate, as he has in the past , when he said “I did it”: Kurdish forces did much of the ground fighting, and there was major progress against the caliphate under President Barack Obama in 2015 and 2016.
IHS Markit, an information company that studied the changing size of the caliphate, reported two days before Trump’s 2017 inauguration that the caliphate shrunk by 23% in 2016 after shrinking by 14% in 2015. “The Islamic State suffered unprecedented territorial losses in 2016, including key areas vital for the group’s governance project,” an analyst there said in a statement at the time.
Military equipment left in Afghanistan
Trump claimed, as he has before, that the US left behind $85 billion worth of military equipment when it withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021. He said of the leader of the Taliban: “Now he’s got $85 billion worth of our equipment that I bought – $85 billion.” He added later: “The thing that nobody ever talks about, we lost 13 [soldiers], we lost $85 billion worth of the greatest military equipment in the world.”
Facts First : Trump’s $85 billion figure is false. While a significant quantity of military equipment that had been provided by the US to Afghan government forces was indeed abandoned to the Taliban upon the US withdrawal, the Defense Department has estimated that this equipment had been worth about $7.1 billion – a chunk of about $18.6 billion worth of equipment provided to Afghan forces between 2005 and 2021. And some of the equipment left behind was rendered inoperable before US forces withdrew.
As other fact-checkers have previously explained , the “$85 billion” is a rounded-up figure (it’s closer to $83 billion) for the total amount of money Congress has appropriated during the war to a fund supporting the Afghan security forces. A minority of this funding was for equipment.
The Afghanistan withdrawal and the F-16
Trump claimed that the Taliban acquired F-16 fighter planes because of the US withdrawal, saying: “They feared the F-16s. And now they own them. Think of it.”
Facts First : This is false. F-16s were not among the equipment abandoned upon the US withdrawal and the collapse of the Afghan armed forces, since the Afghan armed forces did not fly F-16s.
Immigration
The border wall
Trump claimed that he had kept his promise to complete a wall on the border with Mexico: “As you know, I built hundreds of miles of wall and completed that task as promised. And then I began to add even more in areas that seemed to be allowing a lot of people to come in.”
Facts First : It’s not true that Trump “completed” the border wall. According to an official “Border Wall Status” report written by US Customs and Border Protection two days after Trump left office, about 458 miles of wall had been completed under Trump – but about 280 more miles that had been identified for wall construction had not been completed.
The report, provided to CNN’s Priscilla Alvarez, said that, of those 280 miles left to go, about 74 miles were “in the pre-construction phase and have not yet been awarded, in locations where no barriers currently exist,” and that 206 miles were “currently under contract, in place of dilapidated and outdated designs and in locations where no barriers previously existed.”
Latin America and deportations
Trump told his familiar story about how, until he was president, the US was unable to deport MS-13 gang members to other countries, “especially” Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras because those countries “didn’t want them.”
Facts First : It’s not true that, as a rule, Guatemala and Honduras wouldn’t take back migrants being deported from the US during Obama’s administration, though there were some individual exceptions .
In 2016, just prior to Trump’s presidency, neither Guatemala nor Honduras was on the list of countries that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) considered “recalcitrant,” or uncooperative, in accepting the return of their nationals.
For the 2016 fiscal year, Obama’s last full fiscal year in office, ICE reported that Guatemala and Honduras ranked second and third, behind only Mexico, in terms of the country of citizenship of people being removed from the US. You can read a longer fact check, from 2019, here .
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A good speech has pacing. Vary the sentence structure. Use short sentences. Use occasional long ones to keep the audience alert. Fragments are fine if used sparingly and for emphasis. Use the active voice and avoid passive sentences. Active forms of speech make your sentences more powerful. Repeat key words and points.
This can encourage audience involvement and engagement in your speech. 5. Pose a problem When you start your speech, you can also pose a problem to the audience. As you deliver your speech and reach the conclusion, offer a solution to the problem you posed in your introduction.
The speech is considered best if it is written to engage the audience and hold their attention from the start to the end. Therefore, your speech must have something that can grab the audience's attention. 1. Introduction The start of the speech varies in different types of speeches, and it depends on the reason for which the speech is about.
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Define the general structure of your speech. For example: first, second, third). Start the speech with a quote, statistical fact, story, news, etc. It should be at most 3-4 lines. For example, Benjamin Franklin said, "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.".
Step 1: Outline your speech's structure. What are the main ideas for each section? Step 2: Flesh out the main ideas in your outline. Don't worry about finding the perfect words. Just let your creativity flow and get it all out! Step 3: Edit and polish what you've written until you have a cohesive first draft of your speech
A speech is an effective medium to communicate your message and speech writing is a skill that has its advantages even if you are a student or a professional. With careful planning and paying attention to small details, you can write a speech that will inform, persuade, entertain or motivate the people you are writing for.
Writing an exciting and thoughtful speech requires one to select a good topic, research it thoroughly and formation of individual opinions to express the same. School students are usually asked to speak on a contemporary topic to help them become good public speakers as well as learn the art of expressing oneself in front of an audience.
5. Dragon. Dragon is one of the most commonly recommended programs for standalone dictation software. It has high-quality voice recognition, but that high quality comes with a hefty price tag. The latest version, Dragon Home 15, costs $150, but it's not compatible with Apple's operating system.
A perfect speech must consist of:- 1. HEADING - The heading should be catchy and in not more than 5-6 words. You can go as creative as you want with this one just make sure you do not devote too much time to it in the exam. 2. OPENING LINE- This includes salutations, introduction, and the topic.
Second Part: Describes a possible solution or set of solutions. Third Part: Summarizes how the solutions will solve the problem. 3. Write in the same tone as you speak. One of the most important public speaking tips is to remember that you are writing something that you will be speaking out loud for people to hear.
8. Conclude your speech with a call-to-action. As you near the end of your speech, your audience should be excited by your topic and ready to act. Encourage your audience to find out more and participate in a solution to the problem you have described by telling them how they can do so.
Fortunately, there are some speech-writing steps that you can use that'll make speech writing easier. Let's use this example and walk through the steps for writing a speech. 7 Steps for Writing a Speech. The steps for writing a speech for public speaking are like the steps for writing a presentation in general.
You should make sure that you would be able to tailor your speech in a way that will definitely catch the interest of your audience and not to catch their boredom. 2. Narrow down your topic An excellent speech makes a claim and an excellent speech should only be focused solely on one topic.
This is the best speech-to-text software to use as a virtual assistant. Cost: $49 per year You can also instruct this virtual assistant to start your computer for files Braina Pro is a speech recognition software that handles dictation but also acts as a virtual assistant for your PC.
The key to effective speech writing is the development of an awesome theme. This article provides guidance and insight to help create inspiring speeches. ... You are truly the best of the best. Enjoy yourself, and remember as Mother Teresa said, "Life is a promise; fulfill it." Cite this Article Format. mla apa chicago. Your Citation. Kelly ...
This way, you can write the best persuasive speech effortlessly and successfully. Start With The Best Introduction. We know you guys are eager to start your persuasive speech, so always start with a good introduction. In public speaking, an opening is the most substantial part of persuading the audience. It serves as a hook that captures your ...
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Famous speeches that are credited as having helped change the world include: 'I Have a Dream' by Martin Luther King Jr in 1963. It was given as part of the USA Civil Rights movement in order to...
Charlie Kaufman. Charlie Kaufman isn't waiting for Hollywood to adapt any longer. The "Adaptation" and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" screenwriter was honored with the top film ...
In case you missed it yesterday, I've got you covered. President Trump attended the final day of CPAC 2023 and he took it out with a bang! I had so many people texting me yesterday saying this was his best speech ever. He looks sharper and tougher than ever before, and he even said so.
01:01. Washington CNN —. As president, Donald Trump made some of his most thoroughly dishonest speeches at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference. As he embarks on another campaign ...