description of speech for didactics class

1. ESSAY
IB English HL

2. What is it?
 A text type that is spoken to a public. Similar to
an essay in structure and general
development, this text type is used to talk
about a specific topic.
 The difference with the essay is that this text
type takes public into account. Several rhetoric
elements like questions or humor are added
through this text type to make it more
appealing to the public.

3. When is it used?
 Speeches have become a part of
our lives. We hear them
everyday: When we listen to a
radio talk show, in cinema´s most
dramatics scenes, when our boss
tries to motivate us…etc.
 Everytime someone talks to a
crowd he´s giving a speech, in
this part of the course you will
learn how to give a PROPER one.

4. Structure
 The structure of a speech, like the one from an
essay, is one of it´s most fundamental
characteristics.
 Although there are many variations, the most
basic of structures consists of: Introduction,
body (3 solid arguments or points), and
conclusion.
 Introduction and conclusion are just one
paragraph long as well as each argument,
thus a basic paragraph will consist of at least 5
paragraphs.

5. Speech Paragraph
 A paragraph in an essay also has it´s own
structure. Similarly to an essay, a paragraph
consists of three parts: topic sentence,
supporting sentences and concluding
sentences.
 Topic sentences introduce the idea that the
paragraph will adress.
 Supporting sentences sustain the idea with
example and details
 Concluding sentences round up the idea with
a closing statement.

6. How to make a speech?
 A speech is very much alike to an essay. The
difference is the tone of the text. Speeches
focus a lot on the crowd; a speaker will
generally address to the crowd with words like
“you” or “we”
 A speaker will try to capture the listeners
attention with touches of drama and/or
comedy.
 The introduction should captivate and the
conclusion should leave an impression.

7. General tips
 Focus on your target audience at all times.
(children, employees, team players…etc)
 Mind the extension of the speech, a good
speech shouldn´t last more than 3 minutes.
(about one page long)
 Set a tone in the introduction and keep it
throughout the speech.
 Conclude with something memorable like a
quote or a direct statement.

8. Characteristics of a Speech
Structure 3 main parts: Introduction, body ( 3
ideas) and conclusion. (Same as
essay)
Register Depends on the occasion but usually
semiformal and emotional
Heading none
Images none
Visuals Black font and white background, no
images. Formal presentation (may
contain notes to emphasize
something)
Other •Usually one page short
•Should address audience
•It may break formal register with
humour or emotion.