Understanding what makes a powerful speech
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and explain what makes a powerful speech.
Key learning points
- Malala’s Nobel speech demonstrates that texts can have multiple purposes in order to engage an audience.
- Malala demonstrates an effective use of humour alongside her important messages of education and peace.
- Like Malala, successful speeches engage their audiences, through a range of rhetorical devices.
- Logos, ethos and pathos give writers different ways of speaking to their readers.
Keywords
Activist - someone who is actively engaged in bringing about social, political or environmental changes
Advocacy - speaking or acting on behalf of oneself or others to promote a cause or idea
Rapport - to create and establish a positive connection between a writer or speaker and their audience
Credibilty - to be trustworthy and believable
Obligation - a duty or responsibility that someone is required to fulfil
Common misconception
Persuasive, issue based speeches have to maintain a serious tone.
Look at Malala's use of humour and anecdote. By engaging the audience in this way she holds their attention enough to make them listen to the serious messages.
Teacher tip
You may wish to watch a recording of this speech with your pupils.
Equipment
You will need access to 'Malala Yousafzai’s Nobel speech' which can be found in the additional materials
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
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.What is the primary purpose of a persuasive speech?
Q2.Match the rhetorical device to the example that uses it correctly.
We must change. We must fight. We must win.
You have to consider the implications of this.
In my short life I have experienced my own challenges.
Why do these situations continue to arise?
Q3.What is the purpose of using rhetorical questions in a persuasive speech?
Q4.Which of the following is an example of an emotional appeal in a persuasive speech?
Q5.What rhetorical devices might a speaker use to create a sense of urgency and importance?
Q6.Which of the following is an example of a persuasive speech topic?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word can be described as being trustworthy and believable?
Q2.Which word beginning with 'A' describes someone who is actively engaged in bringing about social, political or environmental changes?
Q3.What is the focus of Malala's 2014 Nobel speech?
Q4."It is for those forgotten children who want an education. It is for those frightened children who want peace. It is for those voiceless children who want change", is an example of...
Q5.Which rhetorical element is being described: 'it creates an emotive response and appeals to an audience’s feelings'?
Q6.In her speech, Malala states that: “[e]ducation is one of the blessings of life—and one of its necessities.” Which rhetorical element is being utilised?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Understanding what makes a powerful speech, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Understanding what makes a powerful 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 Spoken language: the language of change unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.