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      Preparing and delivering a powerful speech

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can deliver a convincing persuasive speech.

      Key learning points

      1. Reading from a script, or memorising a speech word for word, can lead to a less engaging delivery.
      2. If you take questions at the end, you should respond with new content rather than repeating parts of the speech.
      3. Asking open questions can invite developed responses.
      4. Body language and eye contact support the successful delivery of a speech.
      5. Speeches are much more engaging when the speaker does not simply read off a page.

      Keywords

      • Convincing - to make something believable by presenting strong evidence and reasoning

      • Speculate - to make guesses or predictions about something

      • Body language - non-verbal cues or gestures such as facial expressions and posture

      • Naturalistic - with reference to speech delivery, this means speaking in a relaxed way without scripts

      Common misconception

      That memorising the speech, or having a script, makes for a more confident delivery.

      An effective speech will have an element of spontaneity and naturalism about it. Relying on a script, or repeating a speech word for word, can lead to a robotic delivery and a less convincing speech.

      Teacher tip

      Students will need an existing speech they have written to complete the tasks for this lesson. For Task B pupils can work as a class, group or pairs, to deliver their speeches and practice asking and answering questions.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      When delivering a speech your eye contact should be ...

      focused on the ground.
      focused on your script.
      focused on one member of the audience.
      Correct answer: focused generally on the audience.

      Q2.
      What is the primary purpose of a persuasive speech?

      entertaining the audience
      informing the audience
      Correct answer: convincing the audience of something specific
      educating the audience

      Q3.
      Which of the following is not a non-verbal feature?

      pace
      tone
      pitch
      Correct answer: vocabulary
      volume

      Q4.
      Which of the following is not a tonal word suitable for speech delivery?

      assertive
      confident
      urgent
      Correct answer: passive

      Q5.
      Which of the following is an example of non-verbal communication in spoken language?

      Correct answer: facial expressions
      vocabulary
      spelling
      punctuation
      persuasive devices

      Q6.
      Which two of the following would you use to show confidence?

      closed body language
      Correct answer: good eye contact
      Correct answer: open body language
      fidgeting
      speaking too quickly

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these strategies can help you feel less nervous when delivering a speech?

      Correct answer: taking deep breaths
      Correct answer: practising your speech
      speaking quickly
      Correct answer: upright posture
      using a script

      Q2.
      With reference to speech delivery, which word means speaking in a relaxed way without scripts?

      convincing
      compelling
      Correct answer: naturalistic
      strained

      Q3.
      What is the purpose of creating cue cards for a speech?

      to ensure the speaker relies solely on the script during the delivery
      to memorise the entire speech word for word
      Correct answer: to provide key ideas and prompts to structure the speech delivery
      to avoid eye contact with the audience

      Q4.
      Which of the following should not be on a cue card?

      sentence starters
      ideas from your introduction
      Correct answer: full sentences
      rhetorical devices

      Q5.
      What type of questions invite developed responses, rather than just a "yes" or "no"?

      Correct Answer: open, open questions, open ended, an open question

      Q6.
      Which of the following is not an example of a tentative phrase?

      Perhaps this is due to rising temperatures
      Correct answer: No, that's completely incorrect.
      This might suggest a bigger problem.
      Maybe this suggests a lack of opportunities.

      To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Preparing and delivering a powerful speech, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...