Do you often hear people say they are going to deliver a speech? Perhaps you also hear others say they would give a talk on a particular day. Do not be confused with the two. A talk is short and may deal with just one specific issue or topic. A talk may be delivered to just a small group of people such as members of a club or classmates. E.g. A Talk on Drug Abuse for JHS 2 students in a school.
A speech on the other hand is usually delivered during formal occasions such as PTA general during general meeting may include:
- the school’s performance in various fields over the years.
- the conduct of pupils and members of staff.
- the response of parents to pupils needs.
- future plans and programmes of school authorities
- problems facing the school and
- the school’s demands and appeals to parents and guardians
A speech, like a debate follows a definite features. A speech has a heading which shows the person delivering it, the occasion and the date of delivery, as in the example below:
SPEECH DELIVERED BY MR. KWAME KALALA, PRESIDENT OF KINDER PARADISE YOUTH CLUB DURING THE CLUB’S AWARDS NIGHT ON THE 26TH NOVEMBER, 2022.
Some useful points to follow in writing a speech:
- Address the audience with appropriate vocatives : Mr. Chairman, Head teacher and staff,……..
- Use formal language: ( no contracted forms)
- Use appropriate vocabulary: in accordance with your audience.
- Address the chairperson from time to time : ‘ This , Mr. Chairman, is the situation in which we find ourselves now.
FEATURES OR FORMAT OF A FORMAL SPEECH