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      Preparing to deliver a powerful speech

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can deliver a powerful and 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. It's okay to feel nervous, find the strategies that work for you.

      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

      • Compelling - to be so persuasive or interesting that it convinces or captures the attention of an audience

      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.

      Equipment

      Students will need an existing speech they have written to complete the tasks for this lesson.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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...

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

      Q2.
      What is the definition of paralanguage?

      Correct answer: The features of verbal communication other than words.
      The physical gestures and body language used in communication.
      The way someone holds themselves when seated or standing.
      The deliberate repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words.

      Q3.
      Which of the following is not a feature of paralanguage?

      tone
      pace
      Correct answer: vocabulary
      pitch
      volume

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

      assertive
      enthusiatic
      optimistic
      Correct answer: passive

      Q5.
      Which word beginning with 'p', refers to the way someone holds themselves when they’re seated or standing?

      Correct Answer: posture

      Q6.
      The term kinesics refers to...

      the features of verbal communication other than words e.g tone, volume and pitch
      Correct answer: the way body language, facial expressions and gestures can communicate meaning
      the highness and lowness of your voice
      the attitude and emotion of your voice

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The way someone holds themselves when they’re seated or standing is known as...

      Correct answer: posture.
      pitch.
      pace.
      eye contact.
      body language.

      Q2.
      Which of the following indicate confident body language?

      fiddling with your hair
      standing with your hands in your pockets
      Correct answer: having your hands free and open
      Correct answer: standing without fidgeting

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

      to memorise the entire speech word for word
      to ensure the speaker relies solely on the script during the delivery
      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 two answers should not appear on your cue cards?

      Correct answer: your full speech
      sentence starters
      Correct answer: full sentences
      key information
      rhetorical devices

      Q5.
      Which of the following is an example of a tentative phrase?

      Absolutely, I am certain of that.
      Correct answer: Perhaps, there could be some truth to that.
      Definitely, without a doubt.
      No, that's completely incorrect.

      Q6.
      What is the purpose of using and posing open questions after listening to a speech?

      to limit audience engagement
      Correct answer: to encourage developed responses beyond "yes" or "no"
      to provide closed-ended answers
      to avoid answering questions effectively

      To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Preparing to deliver a powerful speech, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...