Introduction to speeches
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Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on the oral storytelling skills from the previous unit, where pupils used expression, tone, and gestures to engage their audience. By exploring public speaking and analysing famous speeches, pupils deepen their understanding of how language and delivery captivate and inspire. Focusing on rhetorical questions and repetition enhances their ability to engage audiences and develop persuasive communication skills. These techniques also prepare pupils for the next unit, where they will read and perform play scripts, honing their ability to convey meaning and emotion.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Successful speaking includes speaking loudly and clearly enough for everyone to hear.
- Speaking in full sentences helps the listener understand what is being said.
- Using a varied tone helps to engage an audience.
- Standing to speak helps to get the audience's attention.
- Using body language and gestures to engage an audience will help to keep their attention.
- It is important to make eye contact with the audience.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on the oral storytelling skills from the previous unit, where pupils used expression, tone, and gestures to engage their audience. By exploring public speaking and analysing famous speeches, pupils deepen their understanding of how language and delivery captivate and inspire. Focusing on rhetorical questions and repetition enhances their ability to engage audiences and develop persuasive communication skills. These techniques also prepare pupils for the next unit, where they will read and perform play scripts, honing their ability to convey meaning and emotion.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Successful speaking includes speaking loudly and clearly enough for everyone to hear.
- Speaking in full sentences helps the listener understand what is being said.
- Using a varied tone helps to engage an audience.
- Standing to speak helps to get the audience's attention.
- Using body language and gestures to engage an audience will help to keep their attention.
- It is important to make eye contact with the audience.
Reading, writing & oracy
Introduction to speeches
In this unit, pupils explore public speaking, learning what makes a strong speaker and the purpose of a speech. They study famous speeches by Martin Luther King and Michelle Obama, examining how techniques like repetition and rhetorical questions engage and inspire audiences.
4 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Introduction to speeches unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our primary english curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for primary english programmes.