Using rhetorical devices to write an effective speech
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write an effective speech that uses a range of rhetorical devices to persuade my audience.
Key learning points
- The status of the recipient defined in your task will indicate the level of formality required in the speech.
- Take a clear stance for or against the statement; alternative arguments should be refuted at least once in the piece.
- We can employ rhetorical devices to seem relatable to the audience, grab their attention and emphasise key messages.
- Your conclusion is your final chance to persuade the audience so use as many relevant rhetorical devices as you can.
- A great way to end your speech is to consider what the consequences would be if people don't take action.
Keywords
Refute - to prove something wrong or untrue
Rhetorical devices - techniques used in writing or speaking to persuade or impact the audience
Conclusion - the final part of a text, summarising key ideas and reinforcing the central message
Authorial voice - the distinct style or tone that reflects the writer's personality or perspective
Emphasise - to give special importance or prominence to something in writing or speech
Common misconception
In the conclusion of your speech, you should introduce one final point that helps to persuade any audience members who haven't been convinced throughout your speech.
Your conclusion isn't really the place to introduce new ideas as it will be tricky for you to fully develop them before you finish speaking. Instead, use the conclusion to summarise your key ideas and reinforce your central message.
Teacher tip
This lesson contains a transactional writing task related to whether festivals should be banned. You could change this with a different task more appropriate to the needs of your class. The lesson's tasks and activities would still be appropriate.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How do speeches differ from letters?
Q2.Which of these sentences would be considered informal?
Q3.Which of these sentences uses personification?
Q4.To refute something means 'to something wrong or untrue'
Q5.The rhetorical device 'onomatopoeia' is when you use words which like what they describe.
Q6.What is being described here: 'the language a writer uses to communicate their perspective. This could be sarcastic, hopeful or fun etc.'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is an example of direct address?
Q2.Which of these is the most appropriate authorial voice to use when delivering a speech to local people about why we should raise money for a new community centre?
Q3.Andeep wanted to know why we shouldn't introduce new arguments in the conclusion of our speech. What would we tell him?
Q4.What is being described here: 'a question that doesn't require an answer and instead is designed to make the audience or reader think'?
Q5.When we write speeches, we are aiming to ...
Q6.The final sentence of a conclusion to a speech should ...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Using rhetorical devices to write an effective speech, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Using rhetorical devices to write an effective 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 4 English lessons from the Non-fiction: changing views unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.