Composition: Writing a Speech

JSS 2 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 10

Lesson Details

• Subject: English Language
• Class: JSS 2
• Term: Second Term
• Week: 10
• Age: 11 – 13 years
• Topic: Writing a Speech
• Sub-topic: Features and Structure of a Good Speech
• Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define and explain what a speech is.
2. Identify the key features of a good speech.
3. Explain the structure of a speech.
4. Write a simple speech on a given topic.

Keywords

• Speech – A formal address delivered to an audience.
• Audience – The people listening to a speech.
• Introduction – The opening part of a speech.
• Body – The main content of a speech.
• Conclusion – The closing remarks of a speech.
• Persuasion – The act of convincing an audience.
• Clarity – The quality of being easily understood.

Set Induction (Entry Behaviour)

The teacher asks students:

• “Have you ever given a speech before?”
• “What was the purpose of your speech?”
• “What makes a speech interesting to listen to?”

This discussion will introduce students to the topic.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Sample written speeches
• Audio or video recordings of famous speeches
• Chart displaying the structure of a speech

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have learned about essays and letters in previous lessons. This lesson will help them understand how to structure and deliver speeches effectively.

Embedded Core Skills

• Writing skills
• Public speaking
• Critical thinking
• Logical sequencing of ideas

Lesson Content

What is a Speech?

A speech is a formal talk or presentation given to an audience to inform, persuade, or entertain them. It can be written and delivered in different settings, such as schools, public gatherings, or official events.

Types of Speeches

1. Informative Speech – Provides facts or knowledge about a subject.

   • Example: A speech about the importance of education.

2. Persuasive Speech – Aims to convince the audience to agree with a particular point of view.

   • Example: A speech on why students should participate in sports.

3. Entertaining Speech – Meant to amuse or engage the audience.

   • Example: A speech at a school graduation party.

4. Special Occasion Speech – Given at specific events like weddings, birthdays, or award ceremonies.

   • Example: A speech at a friend’s birthday party.

Structure of a Speech

A well-written speech should have the following structure:

1. Introduction

   • Greet the audience (e.g., “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen”).
   • Introduce yourself (if necessary).
   • State the purpose of the speech.

2. Body

   • Present the main points clearly.
   • Use examples, facts, and personal experiences to support your points.
   • Arrange the points in a logical sequence.

3. Conclusion

   • Summarize the key points.
   • End with a strong closing statement.
   • Thank the audience.

Features of a Good Speech

• Clarity: The speech should be easy to understand.
• Brevity: It should be short and precise.
• Engaging: The speech should capture the audience’s attention.
• Well-structured: It should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Logical flow: Ideas should be arranged in a logical order.

Class Activity Discussion

10 FAQs with Answers

1. What is a speech?

   • A formal address delivered to an audience.

2. What are the types of speeches?

   • Informative, persuasive, entertaining, and special occasion speeches.

3. What is the first step in writing a speech?

   • Greeting the audience and introducing the topic.

4. Why should a speech be clear and brief?

   • To ensure the audience understands the message.

5. What is the main part of a speech called?

   • The body.

6. What makes a speech interesting?

   • A good introduction, engaging content, and a strong conclusion.

7. What should you do at the end of a speech?

   • Summarize key points and thank the audience.

8. What is a persuasive speech?

   • A speech that tries to convince the audience to agree with an idea.

9. What should a speech avoid?

   • Being too long, using difficult words, or lacking organization.

10. What is an example of a special occasion speech?

• A speech given at a wedding or graduation.

Evaluation (Assessment Questions)

Fill in the blank with the correct option (a, b, c, or d):

1. A speech is a formal ___ given to an audience.
   a) Letter
   b) Address
   c) Song
   d) Poem

2. What is the main purpose of a persuasive speech?
   a) To tell a story
   b) To entertain people
   c) To convince the audience
   d) To confuse the audience

3. What part of a speech summarizes the main points?
   a) Introduction
   b) Body
   c) Conclusion
   d) Title

4. Which of these is NOT a type of speech?
   a) Narrative speech
   b) Informative speech
   c) Persuasive speech
   d) Special occasion speech

5. What is the first thing you should do when delivering a speech?
   a) Start with a joke
   b) Greet the audience
   c) Read directly from a script
   d) Shout at the audience

Conclusion

The teacher summarizes the lesson, emphasizing the importance of writing and delivering a well-structured speech. Students are given an assignment to write a speech on one of the following topics:

1. “The Importance of Education in Nation Building”
2. “Why Every Student Should Read Books Daily”