What is a speech?
A Speech is a formal talk communicated to an audience (a group of people) about a particular subject. The audience could be in a private or public forum (occasion). When delivering a speech, one person can address a gathering at a given time. It is advisable to have a written speech to avoid forgetting important points. In speech writing, accurate and grammatically correct tenses are a must.
Features of a speech
A Speech like any other composition has three different segments:-
Introduction, body and conclusion.
Introduction
The introduction of a speech sets the mood at a gathering. It is important to choose
appropriate words to capture the listeners' attention. The introduction opens with salutation or acknowledgement of the presence of those in attendance.
Body
The body of a speech should reflect detailed agenda for gathering and this should be presented in an organized and interesting way. Depending on the occasion, the person presenting the speech can introduce occasional humour and use connectors like: however, nevertheless, otherwise, in addition, in spite of, finally, hence, as a result, therefore, etc.
Conclusion
The concluding sentences in a speech are very important because they summarize the whole speech while highlighting the most important issues already discussed in the speech.
Example of a speech
Imagine that you have been invited to address an association of school heads in their annual convention this year. In your speech outline the contribution made by the school, teachers, fellow students and any other party towards your success in the previous year's final exam. Remember to mention some of the challenges that you have faced.
Below is a sample speech that is suitable for the above question:
The National Chairman Mr John Stone, Secretary, Treasurer, all Principals present, other distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Good afternoon?
It is with great pleasure that I stand before you this afternoon, to thank all those who contributed to my success in last year's final exam.
My former school, Alliance High School, provided an enabling environment for me to study and achieve my academic goals. Its good and well-equipped laboratories and a well-stocked library made us use our extra time effectively and wisely doing our studies. The school also has a high level of discipline which contributes to it producing wholesome and all-around students.
My teachers also greatly contributed to our success in academics. They were always available at any hour of the day. They sacrificed their time to enable us to complete the syllabus in good time hence having ample time for revision.
My fellow students also deserve special mention. We formed study groups in all subjects; had several presentations under the guidance of our teachers. I also confess that peer learning is a very effective learning method as it greatly contributed to our success.
Lastly but by no means the least, I thank all the non-teaching staff who are also part of contributors to our success. The secretaries who typed our many test papers that we constantly needed for revision, the cooks who prepared tasty meals that motivated us to study tirelessly and the watchmen who provided security day and night.
It would not be right to assume that all was smooth. As part of a never perfect world, we faced a lot of challenges such as the constant blackouts and water shortages which made things very hard. However, with support from all of you, we overcame the challenges and emerged victoriously.
In conclusion, allow me to register my appreciation to you all for inviting me to this function. Thank you very much and may the Almighty God bless you abundantly.
Format for Marking a speech
Points of interpretation + marking scheme
The title – should contain the Event, Date and Venue. ( 1 mark)
Salutation – Protocol/hierarchy should be observed. (1 mark)
School – Must have a topic sentence
Outline at least one contribution. (2 marks)
Teachers – Must have a topic sentence
Outline at least one contribution. (2 marks)
Students – Must have a topic sentence
Outline at least one contribution. (2 marks)
Others expect any ranging from individual to a group within the
school. (2 marks)
Shortcomings/challenges. (2 marks)
Conclusion – Must have the words ‘Thank you.’ (1 mark)
NB: If the speech contains grammar/spelling mistakes deduct 1 mark.