KS1 & KS2 English curriculum

This unit uses and builds on pupils' speaking and listening skills developed in the Year 5 unit 'Introduction to debate'. Pupils continue to use their speaking and listening skills as well as their reading skills to analyse and understand the power of speeches. Notably, pupils analyse abridged, rewritten versions of famous speeches made by Greta Thunberg, Emma Watson and Malala Yousafzai, unpicking the techniques that the speech writer has used to ensure it meets its purpose. This unit prepares pupils for further discussion and oracy work in the Year 6 unit 'Talking Transitions'.

1. What makes a successful speech?
2. How Greta Thunberg provokes an emotional response from an audience
3. How Emma Watson connects with an audience
4. How Malala Yousafzai uses humour and anecdotes in a speech

• A speech is the communication of someone's thoughts, through words, to an audience.
• A successful speech will persuade an audience to agree with the main themes of the speech.
• A speech should have a clear purpose.
• A speech may use techniques such as rhetorical questions or repetition.
• Speeches can provoke an emotional response.
• It is important not to speak too fast when delivering a speech.
• Using eye-contact helps to make a speech successful.
• Using body language and gestures will help to reinforce your purpose for speaking.