Speech Studio
A speech is written for the ear. This studio builds the argument first, then the spoken shape, then the delivery. Record yourself early; the microphone is a better critic than memory.
What you are making
A persuasive speech for a live audience for a specific group who can act on the argument. The purpose is to persuade through reasons and evidence, not pressure or deception.
Success criteria (formative)
- A clear claim: The speech makes one arguable claim that the audience can understand in the first thirty seconds..
- Reasons that build: Each reason advances the argument and is supported by evidence, example, or experience..
- Evidence the audience can trust: Sources are named, relevant, and used honestly.
- A fair counter-argument: The speech acknowledges a real objection and responds to it without caricature..
- Structure for listeners: Signposting, repetition, and a purposeful close help an audience follow a spoken argument..
- Delivery and presence: Pace, volume, emphasis, eye contact, and pauses support meaning.
These criteria are for planning and feedback. They are not scores or bands.
Session 1 — Build the argument
- Write the claim in one sentence.
- List three reasons. Keep the two strongest.
- Find one piece of evidence for each reason and name the source.
Session 2 — Shape it for listeners
- Write an opening that states the claim and gives the audience a reason to listen.
- Signpost the body: “First …”, “More importantly …”, “Some will say …”.
- Write a close that returns to the opening and asks for a specific response.
Session 3 — Rehearse and revise
- Record a two-minute rehearsal. Listen for pace, clarity, and filler.
- Mark one pause and one sentence to emphasise.
- Deliver to a partner and ask them to repeat your claim and one reason.
Planning table
| Speech part | What it must do | Your draft |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | State the claim and gain attention | |
| Reason 1 | Support with evidence | |
| Reason 2 | Deepen or extend the argument | |
| Counter-argument | Acknowledge and answer | |
| Close | Return to the claim and ask for a response |
Before you publish
- My claim fits in one sentence.
- Each reason has evidence or a concrete example.
- I answer one real objection.
- The close asks the audience to do or think something specific.
- I have rehearsed the opening and the close aloud.
- I can explain one choice I made and one choice I rejected.
Teacher note
Run the studio across two or three lessons. Stop after each session and ask students to name one decision they made, not one thing they finished. The quality guide and this studio are formative; they contain no scores, bands, or confidential marking material.