How-To-Write-A-Speech-For-Gcse-aqa

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Writing a speech is a common task which could appear in Paper 2, Section B of your AQA GCSE English Language exam. It’s therefore essential to understand how to structure your speech.

The following guide to writing a speech in your AQA English Language GCSE exam includes:

Key features of a speech
Persuasive writing
Speech sample questions

Key features of a speech

A speech is written to be spoken aloud
It is usually given to an audience, which could be:
- Your fellow students
- A teacher
- A wider audience
You may be asked to inform, persuade or argue
Your tone and language you use will depend on the purpose and topic
Even though you are writing it down, your speech should sound natural and engaging

Speech or talk
When writing a speech you should: Speak directly to your audience throughout Grab your audience’s attention from the beginning: Clearly state the topic Use persuasive techniques to engage your audience and get them thinking Organise your ideas logically: Present your points in a way that builds a convincing argument Use persuasive language: This will make your message more memorable and powerful Present a balanced view: Give an opposing opinion in a separate paragraph and respond to it Keep your audience engaged by using inclusive pronouns like “we” or “us” End with a powerful conclusion by returning to your main point: Include a call to action if relevant

Speech or talk

When writing a speech you should:

Speak directly to your audience throughout
Grab your audience’s attention from the beginning:
- Clearly state the topic
- Use persuasive techniques to engage your audience and get them thinking
Organise your ideas logically:
- Present your points in a way that builds a convincing argument
Use persuasive language:
- This will make your message more memorable and powerful
Present a balanced view:
- Give an opposing opinion in a separate paragraph and respond to it
Keep your audience engaged by using inclusive pronouns like “we” or “us”
End with a powerful conclusion by returning to your main point:
- Include a call to action if relevant

Paragraph structure for a speech

Introduction	Begin by greeting your audience and clearly introducing the topic Use personal and inclusive pronouns to connect with your audience Ask a rhetorical question to engage their curiosity
Paragraph 1	Start with a topic sentence that introduces your first main point Give some background or context to help your audience understand the topic
Paragraph 2	Use a linking phrase to move to your next idea and begin with a new topic sentence Share a personal anecdote or example to support your point
Paragraph 3	Introduce a counter-argument using a contrasting connective, e.g. “however”, “on the other hand” Build a balanced argument by using different perspectives
Paragraph 4	Use a connective to lead into your final main point, beginning with another topic sentence Support your argument with evidence, e.g. a statistic or a quote
Conclusion	End your speech with a powerful final statement Return to your main message to leave a lasting impression A short final sentence can be effective

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Use rhetorical devices to help strengthen your overall message. Techniques such as repetition, emotive language and direct address can be very powerful, but only when it suits your purpose.

However, be careful not to overuse rhetorical devices, as using too many could make your writing less effective.

Persuasive writing

A speech is often one of the most persuasive forms of writing as it allows you to directly connect with your audience. Your aim is to convince your audience that your perspective is valid and, in some cases, motivate them to support your views, change their thinking or take action.

To make your speech more persuasive, try these tips:

Write using the first person, speaking from your own experience and perspective:
- Using pronouns like “I” and “we” will make your speech feel more authentic and personal
- This language encourages the audience feel they are part of the conversation
Present your opinions clearly and portray them as facts:
- Speaking with certainty can make your argument more convincing and authoritative
Be passionate by using emotive language and imperatives to inspire your audience:
- Avoid sounding confrontational as this could weaken your argument
Maintain a clear stance and remain focused:
- Ensure each part of your speech supports your position on the topic
- Confidence and clarity are key to persuading your audience

As an example, let’s consider the following introduction to a speech about GCSEs:

Text box with a speech about education, highlighting a triplet, rhetorical question, and direct address as persuasive techniques. — **GCSE English speech introduction**

This example makes use of several persuasive techniques in a sophisticated way to clearly establish the purpose of the speech. It engages the audience directly through the use of inclusive pronouns, but only uses one rhetorical question, which makes it more impactful.

Speech sample examples

Here are some examples of the type of question you might be asked:

Flowchart of speech topics: mobile phone ban in schools, technology dependence, online shopping vs local, and reducing homework stress. — **Speech sample questions**

Key features the examiner is looking for

An effective introduction:
- Your opening should be engaging and inspiring, capturing the audience’s attention from the beginning
- Clearly introduce your topic, speaking directly to the audience
A well structured argument:
- Each paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that introduces a new idea
- Use connectives to link your ideas together and guide your audience
- Include a variety of persuasive devices to strengthen your argument
- Include a counter-argument in its own paragraph to show you have considered alternative viewpoints
A powerful and memorable conclusion:
- End by summarising your keep points in a clear and confident way

You can find a full model answer on our AQA GCSE Speech: Model Answer page.

English Language GCSE AQA