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Structure

A speech often follows a three part structure:

1. a highly engaging and motivational opening
2. a well-structured argument with several main points and including objection handling
3. a positive conclusion

Language

The language used in a speech will vary depending on the audience. In a speech to a professional audience, such as a business pitch or a talk to headteachers, formal language is more appropriate. However, in a presentation to younger children, more informal and colloquial language would be suitable.

The purpose of a speech is often to convince listeners of a particular point of view and so the language is typically persuasive.

Example

Here’s a passage from a speech by Barack Obama about climate change. Think about his audience and purpose:

We, the people, still believe that our obligations as Americans are not just to ourselves but to all posterity. We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so will betray our children and future generations.

Some may still deny the overwhelming judgement of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires, crippling drought or powerful storms. A path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult, but America cannot resist this transition.

We must lead it! We cannot concede to other nations the technology that will power new jobs and new industries; we must claim its promise. That’s how we will maintain our economic vitality and our national treasure. You and I as citizens have the power to set this country’s course. You and I as citizens have the obligation to shape the debates of our time not only with the votes we cast but with the voices we lift in defence of our most ancient values and enduring ideas. Will you join us?

• The audience is American citizens
• The purpose is to convince people to take responsibility for acting on climate change
• Notice the repeated use of ‘we’ within the opening paragraph to engage the listeners and include them in the topic of the speech.
• In the second paragraph Obama uses emotive vocabulary to highlight the negative impact that climate change has had on America.
• Obama then ends on a powerful message, using 'we' and 'our' to ensure that the audience feel as though he is working with them.
• He finished with a rhetorical question for impact, so that the audience feel that they have no option but to agree with his ideas.