How to Write a Speech Essay
Writing a speech essay is basically the same as preparing a speech, except in this case you probably won't actually deliver the speech. Instead, unless the course syllabus states otherwise, your instructor will read the essay and assign it a grade. This does not mean, however, that writing a speech essay is necessarily easier than delivering a speech, since the process is somewhat involved. Then again, if you keep certain guidelines in mind, not only can you simplify the process but also increase your chances of earning a good grade.
Instructions
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Identify the speech type. You cannot begin to write an effective essay unless you know the type of speech. Is it persuasive or informative? Is it a how-to, analytical or narrative speech? Each has a different purpose: A persuasive speech tries to convince the audience to accept an idea and/or take action, an informative provides information, a how-to explains the steps involved in a process, an analytical examines a concept or process and a narrative relates a story, albeit one with a purpose.
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Determine the speech goal. Most speeches have a general goal and a specific goal. The general goal is the basic intent of the speech. For example, is it intended to entertain, to inform or to persuade? The specific goal, though, is a statement identifying the exact response you hope to obtain from the audience. For example, "I would like the audience to take action to help stop animal experimentation by pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies."
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Conduct the necessary research. You can use your own knowledge and experience when composing the essay. In fact, sharing a personal experience often "touches" the audience because people can relate to what you experienced. On the other hand, research adds credibility to a speech, and, of course, it's absolutely necessary if you intend to include statistics, percentages, facts or quotations. Credible sources include publications, websites (.org, .edu, .biz and some but not all .com sites), and individuals who possess specialized knowledge.
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Write the introduction. According to Rudolph Verderber and Kathleen Verderber, co-authors of "The Challenge of Effective Speaking," the introduction has five goals: To get the audience's attention, to create a bond of goodwill with listeners, to set the tone, to establish the speaker's credibility and to provide a lead into the content. Introductions can make a startling statement, ask a rhetorical question, tell a relevant story, refer to the audience's personal experience or use a thought-provoking quotation.
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Develop the body. When writing the body, which is the "meat and potatoes" of the essay, you should present both main points and subpoints in logical order. You can use topic order, or arranging points by categories or divisions. According to Verderber and Verderber, this is the most common order of arrangement for speeches. Time order organizes points chronologically and is most effective for detailing steps in a process or relating a story. Another option is logical-reasons order, which organizes points by the reasons that support the speaker's goal and is especially appropriate for persuasive topics.
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Create the conclusion. The easiest way to conclude is by restating the main points, but according to Stephen Lucas, author of "The Art of Public Speaking," "There are more imaginative and compelling ways to end a speech." In fact, Lucas says, you should "conclude with a bang, not a whimper." For instance, you might conclude with a brief but thought-provoking quotation, make a dramatic statement, pose a provocative question or refer back to the ideas presented in the introduction. Many accomplished orators combine two or more of these methods in their conclusions, so don't be afraid to experiment..
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Tips & Warnings
Make certain that you properly cite all sources, using parenthetical in-text citations and including full bibliographical information on a reference page.
When you complete the essay, proofread carefully and eliminate errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar.
References
- Photo Credit writing image by Petro Feketa from Fotolia.com
