How to Write an Editorial Speech

Prepare an editorial speech by writing it carefully.

Editorial speeches, like editorial articles, take a position on a specific topic. An editorial speech might explain why a specific candidate should be president, why abortion should remain legal or why a specific movie is the best movie known to man. These speeches has a proven formula that includes arguing your position and refuting the opposition. Most speeches are between five and 10 minutes long but can be any length, depending on the circumstance.

Instructions

1. Determine the topic and argument of your editorial speech. The topic is the subject that a speech covers, such as a current war. The argument is the position you take on a subject, such as the war should end.

2. Write the introduction of your speech. The introduction sets up your argument by giving the listener information about the topic. For example, you may explain when the war started and why politicians claim it started. You may include an anecdote, joke or personal opinion such as a story about your brother who just returned home from a tour of duty. Typically, an introduction should be about a paragraph. It should constitute 5 percent to 10 percent of the length of your speech.

3. Write your argument in clear language at the end of the introduction. For example, say "I believe that this war is wrong because it is a pointless, imperialistic crusade."

4. Provide the first point of your argument and support it with evidence. For example, you may talk about the way the war has impacted soldiers negatively. After explaining this negative impact, quote research about post-traumatic stress disorder.

5. Write the remaining points of your argument. Give each sub-argument clear language and support it with evidence. If no evidence is available, include a quote from an expert.

6. Refute the opposing point. For instance, you may say, "Some people believe this war is our duty as a nation." Briefly discuss why people take this stance and what their main arguments are. Refute their arguments with evidence of your own. If the argument is that war is good for soldiers, you may restate your stance on post-traumatic stress disorder.

7. Review your main argument with a short paragraph about the position you take. Repeat each main point once, addressing anything brought up by the opposition. For example, if you talked about the economic benefits of the war, explain how expensive the war is.

8. Finish with a conclusion. Restate your position and include a note of finality. You may include a quote from a respected person, such as Gandhi, or a brief story.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice your speech several times before performing it.

References

• Alrington: How to Write an Editorial Speech
• DCPS: How to Write a Speech
• WC Debate: 6 Step Process of Giving Editorial Commentary Speeches