Understanding what makes a persuasive speech
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and explain what makes a powerful speech.
Key learning points
- Emma Watson adapts her tone and language to suit the audience and purpose of her speech.
- Watson’s speech emphasises men’s involvement, challenges gender stereotypes and critiques social perception of feminism.
- The speech uses a range of well chosen rhetorical devices for effect.
- Rhetorical devices should be used to engage the audience and help achieve the purpose of the speech.
Keywords
Galvanise - to inspire or stimulate change
Equality - treating everyone fairly and giving them the same opportunities, rights, and respect
Advocacy - speaking up or supporting a cause, idea or group of people to bring about change
Feminsim - the belief in and advocacy for the social, political, and economic equality of all genders
Form - in this context refers to the type of text e.g speech or article
Common misconception
A persuasive speech needs to be angry and aggressive.
What is Watson's tone? How does she motivate and persuade her audience without being confrontational? You don't want to alienate any audience members.
Teacher tip
You may wish to share the video of Watson giving this speech to emphasise the importance of tone and give some context to the speech.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of Emma Watson's 'HeForShe' speech, published by UN Women, 2014.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In which sentence is there a subordinate clause?
Q2.Which word can be described as 'to command respect or seem knowledgeable'?
Q3.Which of these is an imperative sentence?
Q4.Which of these words are modal verbs?
Q5.Which of the following sentences is an example of a compound sentence created by using a conjunction?
Q6.In a compound sentence, a conjunction is used to:
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Which word beginning with 'f' refers to the type or style of a text e.g speech or letter?
Q2.Which definition best describes the word advocacy?
Q3.Which of these words best describes Watson's use of tone in her 'HeForShe' speech?
Q4.In persuasive writing, the use of personal pronouns can significantly impact the reader's response. Which of the following best describes the effect of using a personal pronoun?
Q5.Which sentence best explains Watson's use of rhetorical questions in her "HeForShe" speech?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Understanding what makes a persuasive speech, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Understanding what makes a persuasive speech, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the Women's rights across the ages: non-fiction reading and writing unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.