Writing your speech

What are the ingredients of a good argument? A number of views and opinions, both for and against a subject. Well structured points progressing in a logical order. A convincing and logical approach. Language appropriate to the audience (i.e. are you writing to a politician or to a group of teenagers?). Use of ‘counter argument’ (‘You could state that …. However, this is clearly not the case because ….’). Tone appropriate for your audience- directly addresses them too Evidence (this can be made up to support your views). Uses persuasive language e.g. PERSUSADER, assertion - a point of view expressed as fact, appeal to the senses/head/heart …

Arguments and Counter-arguments Should animals be kept in Zoos? An example response, using a counter-argument Bardot believes that animals suffer the distress of confinement in zoos merely so that people can gawp at them. However, this completely ignores the fact that zoos are for more than entertainment. They play a vital role in saving animals from extinction by using breeding programmes. Furthermore, zoos are educational and a place where we can learn about animal behaviour and habitat, as well as nurturing a love of animals in the young.

How can I structure my argument effectively? Connective words can help you with this. Look at the following list and select at least five of them to use in your own piece of argumentative writing. In the first place… Therefore In conclusion Firstly To conclude To begin with… Secondly To sum up In addition Furthermore What is more… …

HOW TO WRITE A GOOD SPEECH Have an inspiring OPENING and ENDING. e.g. The shock of the … Appropriate (suitable) TONE of VOICE. e.g. sincere for a serious issue, humour for comedy etc Adapt speech for PURPOSE and AUDIENCE. e.g. teenagers, mixed audience, elderly, children etc Organise IDEAS logically and do not confuse the audience. Use EMOTIVE language to CONVINCE your audience that what you are saying should be listened to. e.g. “Even if they put us in chains, torture us and leave us to bleed we will not move. Blood will be our victory!” Use RHETORICAL QUESTIONS – asking a question for persuasive effect without expecting a reply (because the answer is obvious) e.g: Was he not a good man? (knowing that the audience agree anyway) Make sure you are writing in the CORRECT PERSON e.g. I believe that … I knew him well … Use interesting facts and figures e.g. 200 000 people … with diagrams or charts to help your audience visualise it. Use WIDE RANGE of PERSUASIVE LANGUAGE METHODS- including Ethos, Pathos & Logos and TECHNIQUES- PERSUADER

Planning your speech Topic OPENING PURPOSE AUDIENCE LANGUAGE – some good describing words (adverbs and adjectives), emotive words, imagery etc ENDING

When you have completed your planning you are ready to write it out in full It is essential that when you write your speech up in full, that you remember to incorporate all or some of the persuasive techniques (PERSUADER) you have learned about, linked to ETHOS, LOGOS AND PATHOS arguments. 1st person 2nd person repetition exaggeration Tri-colon Modal verbs Active verbs Abstract nouns Antithetical structure Emotive language Use of imperative alliteration Chiasmus Rhetorical question Use of statistics Expert witness Listing Use of logic

Openings and closings Openings and Closings You need to hook them in at the start and leave them with a powerful ending. Your opening and closing are the times at which your audience will usually be at their most alert – you have an ideal opportunity to capture their imagination at these points and effect the way they feel or risk losing them. It is a good idea to learn your opening and closing so that you don’t have to refer to notes and it is essential not to rush.

Opening A chance to tell your audience why they should listen to you A valuable opportunity to actively engage or provoke your audience Use brief single-thought sentences Tell a story Reveal something new or unexpected Challenge them with something unconventional Get them laughing

Closing An opportunity to review your topic, summarise and reiterate the main points A chance to draw your conclusion A chance to tell a final story The time to leave your audience with a parting statement, question or recommendation to stimulate further thought and action Inspire your audience