Page 55 - English_F5

English

Collect information: A speech needs to portray rich and reliable information about
the subject matter. You should consult reliable sources of information, such as books,
encyclopaedias, newspapers, experts and authorities, your own experiences and
credible websites. You should read as much as possible about the topic and differentiate
facts from opinions. The more you know about your topic, the more confident you
will be during its delivery and the more accurately you will be able to address the
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questions afterwards. Some of the information you use in your speech will require
you to acknowledge their sources. Therefore, you should know the sources of all the
significant information that you include in your speech.
Write an outline of your speech: You begin your speech in many ways. However, it is
better to first outline the important points and arrange them logically. List the details
you want to cover under each heading. Thereafter, you can begin writing the entire
speech by covering the following components:

(i) Introduction
In the introduction section, begin your speech by greeting your audience. The greeting
should observe protocol. For example, “Honourable Minister …, Honourable guest of
honour, Your Excellency …, Secretary General …, Director General …, Ladies and
Gentlemen”
After greeting them, include your opening statement. The opening statement tells your
audience the purpose of your speech and your feelings about the opportunity you have
been given. You can also mention your name and position if the context requires you
to do so.
For example, “I greatly appreciate the opportunity to be here with you today talking
about …” or “Allow me to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation and gratitude
to …” or “I sincerely thank Honourable …, The Minister for … for inviting me to …”

(ii) The main body
The main body of a speech comprises a well-ordered and coherent presentation of your
topic. It uses cohesive devices to enable the audience to comprehend the speech. Every
speech is meant for the ear. Thus, you should always begin with a topic sentence, and
then, give details and examples or quotations before concluding and moving to a new
idea. Put each new idea in its own paragraph. Arrange your ideas logically and use
simple, clear and appropriate language. If you have a guest of honour, address your
speech to them. If you do not have one and you are speaking to the public, the phrase
“ladies and gentlemen” is preferable at the beginning of every new paragraph or new
point. However, the phrase should not be repeated too often.
Use appropriate terminology and avoid using contractions such as I’m, we’ve, I’ll and
don’t to write a speech. The appropriate use of transitional and linking words such
as besides, likewise, similarly, in the same way, on the one hand, on the other hand,
moreover, despite, in spite of, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in contrast,
on the contrary, in addition and however is important for fostering coherence in your
speech.

Form Five 46 Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE)

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ENGLISH FORM 5.indd 46