Student+Council+Speech+Outline

Student Council Speeches Template

Introduction

1. Greeting. Attention Getter - the hook. A statement or rhetorical question to sit your audience up with open ears and mind 2. Who you are - your name, your place or grade in the school 3. What you want - the role you are campaigning for: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Historian... 4. What you are going to do for the audience - benefits to them in exchange for their vote (Brief summary -you will expand this in the body of your speech.) 5. Credibility - your qualification or expertise establishing your fitness for the role you want (Brief summary - you will expand this in the body of your speech.) 6. Transition leading to...

Body

1. Your main Idea 1 - Your goal for the role, what you want to achieve, how you plan to do it, the benefits to the audience, your fitness for the job, transition to... 2. Main Idea 2 -Supporting ideas - details and examples - transition to... 3. Main Idea 3 -Supporting ideas - details and examples - transition to...

NB.Only include a second and third idea if you have time to expand on them. If not move through to the conclusion.

Conclusion

1. Summary of main idea(s) 2. Re-statement of what you want - to be elected to the role you're running for 3. Re-statement of the benefits to the audience 4. Closer, clincher, call for action

Student Council Speeches are generally 1-2 minutes long. That's between 270 - 300 words at an average speaking rate of 150 words per minute.

Points to consider BEFORE you write:

What tasks are you expected to fulfill? What qualities are you expected to show? What are their concerns? What do they want from you? What tone or choice of vocabulary is best suited to them? (Avoid trying to impress with either 'big' words or use of slang. Both are traps! Be yourself.) What 'hook' will you use to get them to listen? Humor? Humor is good if it is relevant and inclusive rather than exclusive (no 'in' jokes!). Is it possible? Do you have a plan? Avoid setting up expectations that you will deliver beyond your capability. Keep it real! Now is not the time either to be shy or arrogantly big-headed! Let the audience know how fitting you are for the role you want. If your speech does not meet pre-established criteria in any way you may find it is returned to you edited. It's safer to find out what those criteria are BEFORE writing to avoid having to re-write or worse, being disqualified entirely. Mockery and personal insults cheapen you. They'll let your audience know you're not to be trusted and therefore are NOT leadership material. Readily acknowledging the skill and expertise of your fellow candidates sincerely in a way that doesn't demean yourself shows an open mind and maturity.
 * Know the scope of the role you're campaigning for.
 * Your audience. Who are you speaking to?
 * Your goal in the role you want. What exactly do you want to achieve?
 * Your credibility or qualifications What makes you fit for the role? Your previous experience? Your personal characteristics?
 * Your school's requirements. Many schools require speeches to be submitted to staff before they are delivered.
 * Fairness. You are competing with your peers but do so in way that reflects how you would want to be treated.

Tips for Writing your Student Council Speeches


 * Brainstorm your ideas first. Start with noting ideas for the body of your speech before going on to the introduction and the conclusion.
 * Include your campaign slogan in your opening and conclusion
 * Keep your style conversational rather than overly formal
 * Use smaller rather than large sentences
 * Use active rather than passive words. These convey enthusiasm. Check this page on using action verbs . You'll discover how to go from boring bla bla bland to dynamic excitement.
 * Lead with your stongest idea first. Give specific examples to illustrate it where possible.
 * Eliminate 'weasel' words or padding that add nothing to your presentation
 * Aim to have your speech ready BEFORE the deadline. Give yourself time to prepare thoroughly, including a review of your opponents' campaigns.

Points to consider AFTER you have written your student council speech: Consider your audience, the room, etc. See this [|site]for helpful information.