Speech Writing: The Format Students Love to Mess Up
Speeches appear in SPM English every few years. When they do, many students panic because they’ve only practised letters and articles. The format is actually straightforward once you know it.
The Correct Speech Format
A very good morning/afternoon to [audience].
My name is [your name], and I am the [your position/role].
Today, I would like to talk about [topic].
[Body Paragraph 1: First point with evidence/example]
[Body Paragraph 2: Second point with evidence/example]
[Body Paragraph 3: Third point with evidence/example]
In conclusion, [summarise main message]. Let us all [call to action].
Thank you for your attention.What Makes a Speech Different From an Article
A speech is spoken to an audience, which means:
- Use direct address — “you,” “we,” “us” (not “one” or “people”)
- Use rhetorical questions — “Have you ever wondered why…?” (engages the audience)
- Show personality — a speech is more personal than an article
- Include transitions — “Now, let me move on to my next point” or “Having discussed X, let’s look at Y”
The 3 Elements That Score High Marks
1. Strong Opening
Don’t start with “Today I want to talk about recycling.” That’s boring.
Better: “How many of you threw away a plastic bottle today? Look around — in this hall of 500 students, at least 400 of you did. That’s 400 plastic bottles from one assembly. Now multiply that by 365 days.”
2. Personal Engagement
Include phrases that connect with the audience:
- “I’m sure many of you have experienced…”
- “Think about the last time you…”
- “Imagine if our school…”
- “Together, we can…“
3. Clear Call to Action
Every speech should end with something the audience can DO:
- “Starting today, bring a reusable water bottle to school.”
- “Pledge to read one English article every day this week.”
- “Talk to your parents tonight about this issue.”
Common Speech-Writing Mistakes
Mistake 1: Writing it like an essay Speeches use first and second person (“I believe,” “You might think”). Essays are more formal. If your speech reads like an essay, you’ve missed the register.
Mistake 2: No greeting or sign-off The opening greeting (“A very good morning to the principal, teachers, and fellow students”) and closing (“Thank you”) are FORMAT marks. Don’t lose them.
Mistake 3: Too many points, too little depth It’s better to develop 3 points well than to rush through 6. Each point needs: statement, evidence or example, and connection to the audience.
Mistake 4: Forgetting the audience If you’re speaking to students, use examples they relate to. If you’re speaking to parents, address their concerns. The question usually tells you who the audience is — use that information.
Quick Practice Plan
- Find a past SPM speech question (or create one: “Your school is organising an anti-bullying campaign. As head prefect, write a speech for the morning assembly.”)
- Write it in 30 minutes
- Read it aloud — if it sounds like an essay, rewrite the stiff parts
- Get feedback on format, content coverage, and audience engagement