Considering and emulating the use of direct address in the opening of a speech
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use direct address to structure the opening to a speech in a way that engages the audience.
Key learning points
- A speech is different to other types of writing since it is designed to be delivered aloud.
- Speech writers should aim for a conversational tone that is clear, concise and engaging for the audience.
- Direct address can make the audience feel included in a speech and increase engagement.
- Personal pronouns help to forge a connection between the speaker and the audience.
- Effective speech openings begin by grabbing the audience’s attention and end by summarising why the issue is important.
Keywords
Engaging - captivating and holding attention or interest
Direct address - speaking personally to another person or group of people, often by name, within a sentence
Personal pronouns - pronouns that refer to specific people or things (e.g., I, you, he, she)
Purpose - the reason or intention behind the creation of a text
Call to action - a prompt urging immediate response or engagement from the audience
Common misconception
A speech should be approached like any other written text.
Speeches should be approached in a very different way to other types of written text as they are designed to be spoken aloud. Long sentences, for example, should avoided since they are difficult for audiences to follow when heard aloud.
Teacher tip
You may wish to support this lesson by showing students recordings of effective speeches. For example, Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech begins with direct address.
Equipment
You may wish to use different coloured pens or highlighters for this lesson (when redrafting in Task B) but this is optional.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following are personal pronouns?
Q2.What is the main purpose of the introduction in a speech?
Q3.Which of the following is a good way to conclude a speech?
Q4.What is an effective way to organise the main points in a speech?
Q5.What is a good strategy to start writing a speech?
Q6.Why is it important to know your audience when writing a speech?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is direct address?
Q2.How do speeches differ from other types of text?
Q3.The tone/style of an effective speech is...
Q4.Which of these is an example direct address that you could use to begin a speech?
Q5.Using complex vocabulary in a speech can add detail and show your expertise but too much can...
Q6.Starting with the first, put these steps for writing an effective introduction in the correct order.
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Considering and emulating the use of direct address in the opening of a speech, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Considering and emulating the use of direct address in the opening of a 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.