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10 Persuasive Speech Examples for College Students to Inspire Your Next Presentation

Confronting the jitters that come with public speaking is an all-too-familiar battle for many of us. I, too, have grappled with the butterflies in my stomach and the weight of wanting to make a lasting impression .

After diving deep into research, I stumbled upon 10 incredibly impactful persuasive speech examples that revolutionized my approach to engaging an audience . This article is set to illuminate your journey towards captivating presentations delivered with unwavering confidence .

Prepare to be inspired!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Persuasive speeches can convince people to believe in an idea or take action. They use strong arguments and emotional appeals .
• Knowing your audience is key. Tailor your speech to their interests and values to connect better.
• Different persuasive techniques , like using emotions, facts, or storytelling, can make speeches more effective.
• Examples of great persuasive speeches include Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” and Steve Jobs’ final speech. These show different ways to inspire and motivate people.
• Practice makes perfect . Learning from powerful speeches helps improve speaking skills and confidence in delivering messages that persuade others.

Understanding Persuasive Speeches

Understanding Persuasive Speeches:

Persuasive speeches aim to influence and convince the audience.

College students benefit from learning persuasive speech techniques.

Definition and purpose

A persuasive speech aims to convince the audience about a specific stance, idea, or action . It’s like telling someone why they should believe in what you’re saying and even take your recommended action.

This type of speech relies on strong arguments, emotional appeals , or both to get people on your side. As I learned in Toastmasters International , making a good persuasive speech means using clear language and powerful rhetoric tools.

For college students mastering the art of persuasive speaking is crucial. It builds their ability to argue effectively, which is valuable in debate scenarios and when writing argumentative essays.

Students learn to influence others by crafting convincing speeches that resonate with their audience. With examples from leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. , and innovative topics from lists offering over 200+ persuasive ideas, students can explore how to inspire change or motivate action through words alone.

Importance for college students

Persuasive speaking is a valuable skill for college students to master. It enhances critical thinking , communication abilities , and confidence. These speeches inspire change and influence others, crucial in academic and professional pursuits.

Understanding the art of persuasive speech equips students with the ability to articulate their ideas effectively, promoting leadership qualities and the capacity to sway opinions in various settings.

This skill proves essential when engaging in debates, presentations, or advocating for one’s beliefs within campus communities or future careers.

Tips for Creating an Effective Persuasive Speech

Creating an effective persuasive speech involves understanding your audience and using different approaches to persuade them. It’s important to tailor your speech towards the needs and interests of your listeners, engaging them with compelling arguments and persuasive techniques.

Knowing your audience

As a public speaking beginner, it’s crucial to understand your audience before crafting a persuasive speech. This ensures that your message resonates with them and captures their attention.

By knowing who you are speaking to, you can tailor your content and delivery to match their interests, beliefs, and values. Understanding the demographics, preferences, and expectations of your audience will help you engage them effectively and make a lasting impact on their hearts and minds.

Crafting speeches that cater to the specific needs and interests of your audience is key in successful persuasion techniques towards college students or any other group. Taking the time to research and analyze your audience allows for better connection during presentations.

Utilizing different persuasive approaches

To create an effective persuasive speech, consider using different approaches to appeal to your audience. Here are some key strategies:

• Use emotional appeal to connect with the audience on a personal level, evoking empathy and compassion.
• Employ logical reasoning and factual evidence to build a strong, rational argument that convinces through reason.
• Utilize storytelling to illustrate your points and make them relatable and memorable. This helps in engaging the audience and retaining their interest.
• Incorporate the use of rhetorical questions to provoke deep thinking and encourage active participation from the audience.
• Apply the technique of repetition to emphasize key points and make them more impactful.
• Employ the use of credible sources and expert testimonies to add credibility and authority to your arguments.

By integrating these various persuasive approaches into your speech, you can effectively engage your audience and leave a lasting impression.

10 Inspiring Persuasive Speech Examples for College Students

Explore 10 inspiring persuasive speech examples that will spark creativity and motivation for your next college presentation. These speeches are powerful tools to help you craft compelling content and deliver an impactful message.

I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech is a compelling example of persuasive speaking . It inspires and motivates with powerful words that advocate for equality and justice.

This famous speech contains rhetorical devices such as repetition and powerful imagery to convey its message effectively. As college students, we can learn from this iconic speech how to engage an audience, structure our ideas, and deliver a persuasive message that resonates.

The impact of this speech still resonates today, making it a timeless example of influential public speaking .

Ain’t I a Woman by Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth ‘s “Ain’t I a Woman” speech delivered in 1851 highlights the struggles faced by African American women. She powerfully advocates for gender and racial equality through her emotive delivery.

Truth’s use of repetition and rhetorical questions effectively captures the audience’s attention, making it a compelling example of persuasive oratory .

Paying attention to Sojourner Truth’s powerful oration skills can help public speaking beginners improve their own speaking abilities. The impact of her speech showcases how meaningful messages can be conveyed with passion and conviction , resonating strongly with audiences.

Inaugural Address by John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy delivered an inspiring inaugural address , urging citizens to contribute to their country’s welfare. He emphasized the importance of unity and global cooperation for a better future.

The speech resonates with themes of hope, freedom, and collective responsibility , making it a compelling example for college students seeking to motivate and persuade their audience.

Kennedy’s powerful rhetoric and ability to connect with people offer valuable lessons in persuasive speaking examples and effective communication strategies .

The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action by Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde’s “The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action” stresses the power of speaking out . It encourages taking action and using words to challenge injustices. Lorde’s work urges us to break the silence, addressing issues that matter, igniting change within ourselves and our communities.

This piece is a powerful example for college students on how their voices can influence important conversations about social justice and equality.

In crafting persuasive speeches, it is crucial to draw inspiration from Lorde’s call to transform silence into meaningful action. Her poignant words provide valuable insights for effective public speaking, especially when advocating for societal change and progress .

Quit India by Mahatma Gandhi

Transitioning from poignant speeches like “The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action by Audre Lorde,” we come to the influential speech “Quit India” by Mahatma Gandhi.

This speech was a call for civil disobedience against British rule, emphasizing non-violent resistance . It’s an example of persuasive speaking that inspired a nation towards independence.

Mahatma Gandhi’s powerful message in “Quit India” stirred the Indian population to join together in a peaceful yet forceful protest against colonialism . This illustrates how persuasive speaking can ignite movements and influence change .

This Is Water by David Foster Wallace

Transitioning from the powerful persuasive speech “Quit India by Mahatma Gandhi,” let’s dive into another example that can inspire your own presentations: “This Is Water” by David Foster Wallace.

This renowned commencement address delivered in 2005 at Kenyon College offers a thought-provoking perspective on the importance of awareness and conscious living amidst life’s mundane routines.

In this speech, Wallace implores listeners to consider their outlook on daily life, encouraging them to move beyond self-centered thinking and embrace empathy and understanding for others.

The speech is an excellent example of using relatable storytelling combined with philosophical insights to captivate an audience .

Freedom from Fear by Aung San Suu Kyi

“Freedom from Fear,” a speech by Aung San Suu Kyi , highlights the courage to stand up against oppression and fight for democracy . Aung San Suu Kyi’s impassioned delivery is inspiring and shows how persuasive speeches can influence change in society.

This example serves as a powerful reminder of the impact a well-crafted speech can have on an audience, making it an excellent model for college students honing their oratory skills.

The emotional depth and compelling arguments used by Aung San Suu Kyi make her speech a standout example of effective persuasion in public speaking, ensuring it resonates with both speaker and audience alike.

The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama

Barack Obama’s “The Audacity of Hope” is a compelling example of persuasive speech . It addresses hope and unity, essential for public speaking. The speech emphasizes the power of hope to inspire and motivate an audience effectively.

It demonstrates how to connect with listeners on a personal level, which is crucial for persuasive speaking. Barack Obama’s masterful use of rhetoric and engaging storytelling captivates the audience, making it an ideal model for students honing their presentation skills.

This impactful speech resonates with audiences due to its ability to evoke emotions and encourage positive change through effective communication.

Questioning the Universe by Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking’s “Questioning the Universe” speech is a compelling example of persuasive rhetoric . Hawking, the renowned physicist, captivated audiences through his explanation of complex scientific concepts in simple terms.

His speech emphasized the importance of curiosity and exploration in understanding the cosmos, making it an excellent model for engaging college presentations . By incorporating relevant examples and demonstrations into your own speeches, you can effectively deliver thought-provoking content to your audience without overwhelming them with technical details.

Acquiring inspiration from such influential figures as Hawking can elevate your public speaking skills, fostering confidence and engagement in your delivery style.

Final Speech by Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs’ final speech was a powerful reminder of the value of perseverance and passion . He urged us to pursue our dreams , stay hungry for success, and not settle for less. Jobs shared his personal journey, emphasizing the importance of loving what you do.

In his address, Steve Jobs highlighted the need to embrace change and take risks in order to achieve greatness. His speech served as a testament to innovation and determination , inspiring listeners to strive for excellence in their endeavors.

Jobs’ final speech encapsulated the essence of unwavering dedication and commitment towards one’s aspirations. It showcased the significance of resilience and tenacity in overcoming obstacles on the path to success .

Exploring persuasive speeches can truly change how we speak and inspire. Let’s hear from an expert, Dr. Emily Stanton. With a PhD in Communication Studies and over 20 years of teaching experience, Dr.

Stanton has guided countless students through the art of persuasion. Her work includes groundbreaking research in effective communication strategies .

Dr. Stanton finds our selection of “10 Persuasive Speech Examples for College Students” essential for mastering persuasive speaking skills . She explains that these examples offer a wide range of techniques and approaches, showing us different ways to connect with our audience effectively.

She stresses the importance of ethical speech delivery and choosing topics responsibly. Transparency about sources and motives builds trust between speaker and listener, according to Dr.

For incorporating these examples into daily practice, she suggests starting with understanding the context behind each speech before trying to adapt their tactics. This approach ensures authenticity in your own presentations.

In her balanced evaluation, Dr. Stanton praises the diversity of speeches chosen but reminds us that effectiveness also depends on execution— preparation is key ! She urges comparing these examples against others available online or in textbooks for a broader perspective.

Finally, Dr.Stanton believes this collection serves as a powerful tool for improving public speaking skills among college students seeking inspiration or guidance on presenting persuasively.

Ryan Nelson is the founder of Speak2Impress, a platform dedicated to helping individuals master the art of public speaking. Despite having a crippling fear of public speaking for many years, Ryan overcame his anxiety through diligent practice and active participation in Toastmasters. Now residing in New York City, he is passionate about sharing his journey and techniques to empower others to speak with confidence and clarity.

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16 Public Speaking Tips for Students

Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of The Anxiety Workbook and founder of the website About Social Anxiety. She has a Master's degree in clinical psychology.

Aron Janssen, MD is board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry and is the vice chair of child and adolescent psychiatry Northwestern University.

Public speaking tips for students aim to reduce anxiety that can interfere with giving presentations or speeches in class. These tips can also be helpful for those with social anxiety disorder (SAD)   who have difficulty speaking in front of a group or telling a story among friends.

Public Speaking Tips

If you have SAD and need to give a speech  in elementary school, high school, college, or university, it helps to be as prepared as possible . Beyond preparation, however, there are strategies that you can use to reduce anxiety and fight the urge to stay home with a fake illness.

Even great speakers practice their speeches beforehand. Practice out loud with a recording device or video camera and then watch yourself to see how you can improve. If you are feeling brave, practice in front of a friend or family member and ask for feedback.

• Talk about what you know : If possible, choose a topic for your speech or presentation that you know a lot about and love. Your passion for the topic will be felt by the audience, and you will feel less anxious knowing that you have a lot of experience to draw from when other students ask you questions.
• Concentrate on your message : When you focus on the task at hand, anxiety is less likely to get out of control. Concentrate on the main message of your speech or presentation and make it your goal to deliver that message to the other students in your class.
• Grab the audience's attention : Most of your fellow classmates will pay attention for at least the first 20 seconds; grab their attention during those early moments. Start with an interesting fact or a story that relates to your topic.
• Have one main message : Focus on one central theme and your classmates will learn more. Tie different parts of your talk to the main theme to support your overall message. Trying to cover too much ground can leave other students feeling overwhelmed.

Tell Stories

Stories catch the attention of other students and deliver a message in a more meaningful way than facts and figures. Whenever possible, use a story to illustrate a point in your talk.

Being prepared to speak in public can also be important if you have social anxiety disorder. Feeling confident and prepared to give your speech may help lessen your feelings of anxiety. Some of the things that you can do to prepare include:

• Visit the room : If you have access to the classroom where you will be speaking outside of class hours, take the time to visit in advance and get used to standing at the front of the room. Make arrangements for any audio-visual equipment and practice standing in the exact spot where you will deliver your speech.
• Rack up experience : Volunteer to speak in front of your class as often as possible. Be the first one to raise your hand when a question is asked. Your confidence will grow with every public speaking experience.
• Observe other speakers : Take the time to watch other speakers who are good at what they do. Practice imitating their style and confidence.
• Organize your talk : Every speech should have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Structure your talk so that the other students know what to expect.

Manage Your Anxiety

Taking steps to deal with your feelings of anxiety can also make public speaking easier. Some of the things that you can do:

• Tell someone about your anxiety : If you are speaking in front of a high school or college class, meet with your teacher or professor and describe your public speaking fears . If you're in elementary or high school, share your fears with your parents, a teacher, or a guidance counselor. Sometimes sharing how you feel can make it easier to overcome stage fright.
• Visualize confidence : Visualize yourself confidently delivering your speech. Imagine feeling free of anxiety and engaging the students in your class. Although this may seem like a stretch for you now, visualization is a powerful tool for changing the way that you feel. Elite athletes use this strategy to improve performance in competitions.
• Find a friendly face : If you are feeling anxious, find one of your friends in class (or someone who seems friendly) and imagine that you are speaking only to that person.

Press Play for Advice on Finding Courage

Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares a strategy to help you find courage when you need it the most.

Follow Now : Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts

Maintain Perspective

Remember that other students are on your side. Think about a time when you have been an audience member and the student delivering the speech or presentation was noticeably nervous. Did you think less of that student? More likely, you felt sympathetic and wanted to make that person more comfortable by smiling or nodding.

Remember—other students generally want you to succeed and feel comfortable. If for some reason the audience is not on your side or you experience bullying or social exclusion, be sure to discuss this with a parent, teacher, or guidance counselor.

Be Confident

Sometimes just knowing what makes a good speech can help you feel more confident. Focus on some of the following elements and practice them before you have to speak in public.

• Develop your own style : In addition to imitating good speakers, work on developing your own personal style as a public speaker. Integrate your own personality into your speaking style and you will feel more comfortable in front of the class. Telling personal stories that tie into your theme are a great way to let other students get to know you better.
• Avoid filler words : Words such as "basically", "well", and "um" don't add anything to your speech. Practice being silent when you feel the urge to use one of these words.
• Vary your tone, volume, and speed : Interesting speakers vary the pitch (high versus low), volume (loud versus soft), and speed (fast versus slow) of their words. Doing so keeps your classmates interested and engaged in what you say.
• Make the audience laugh : Laughter is a great way to relax both you and the other students in your class, and telling jokes can be a great icebreaker at the beginning of a speech. Practice the timing and delivery of your jokes beforehand and ask a friend for feedback. Be sure that they are appropriate for your class before you begin.
• Smile : If all else fails, smile. Your fellow classmates will perceive you like a warm speaker and be more receptive to what you have to say.

Don't Apologize

If you make a mistake, don't offer apologies. Chances are that your classmates didn't notice anyway. Unless you need to correct a fact or figure, there is no point dwelling on errors that probably only you noticed.

If you make a mistake because your hands or shaking, or something similar, try to make light of the situation by saying something like, "I wasn't this nervous when I woke up this morning!" This can help to break the tension of the moment.

A Word From Verywell

It's natural to feel frightened the first time you have to speak in front of your class. However, if you fear continues, interferes with your daily life and keeps you awake at night, it may be helpful to see someone about your anxiety.

Try talking to a parent, teacher, or counselor about how you have been feeling. If that doesn't get you anywhere, ask to make an appointment with your doctor. Severe public speaking anxiety is a true disorder that can improve with treatment .

Spence SH, Rapee RM. The etiology of social anxiety disorder: An evidence-based model . Behav Res Ther. 2016;86:50-67. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2016.06.007

By Arlin Cuncic, MA Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of The Anxiety Workbook and founder of the website About Social Anxiety. She has a Master's degree in clinical psychology.

How to start a speech for students (Ultimate opening lines)

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking , Speech Topics , Speech Writing

Schools and their love for speeches is an affair we are all quite aware of. Now if you are looking to move beyond the mundane way of delivering speeches in school and are in search of some amazing speech openings for students, you are at the right place!

Speeches are the most common form of public speaking that is encouraged in schools . Be it for a competition, assignment, presentation, or even as a punishment (oops), speeches are everywhere in a student’s life.  

To get a quick idea on speech opening lines for students , don’t forget to check out our video on 3 speech opening lines for students!

But before we dive into understanding how to go about your speeches, it is important to first understand why educational institutes focus so much on speeches or public speaking in general that they begin introducing us to speeches as early as primary sections.

Why is speech encouraged in Primary school?

It is a common practice to give the students a little idea about giving speeches as early as primary school. Part of the reason is that these are the foundational years and form as a stepping stone for the students to get a little more used to public speaking as they move to higher classes .

A couple of ways students in primary schools may be asked to give speeches would be to introduce themselves or at competitions like fancy dress competitions.

What is the use of speech in high school?

In high school, as students gain more understanding about the world at large and develop their opinions, giving speeches is encouraged in school to help them navigate their thoughts to their peers. Further, speeches as a form of public speaking also help build the student’s soft skills .

A few ways giving speeches in high school can help in developing their soft skills are:

1. critical thinking.

Speeches aren’t about blurting out your ideas or opinions, rather it requires you to research and find evidence to back your point of view, or to think critically to deliver a speech that effectively reaches the other students.

2. Problem-solving

Speeches could be framed around a popular or controversial issue that the student wishes to provide their insight into. This would encourage them to come up with solutions. Apart from that, even coming up with a speech can be a task sometimes, and overcoming those challenges too can be counted in as a way of problem-solving

3. Time-management

With a huge number of students in high school, speeches are almost always time-bound. This also means that the students have to structure their speeches in a way that fits the time given, further inculcating time management skills in them.

4. Active listening

Speeches are not only about delivering or conveying your ideas or findings but also about listening carefully to what others have to say in terms of questions that may ask.

Why is speech required at college?

Speeches in college have an entirely different goal than the one that schools have.

In college, it isn’t always mandatory to give speeches or to participate in public speaking. However, a few reasons why giving speeches or public speaking is encouraged in colleges is because:

• It helps in developing communication and public speaking skills that can be very beneficial to their professional life later.
• Speeches may also be a way to meet new people and make new connections.
• It improves the student’s leadership skills. How? We have all heard how a good speaker carries with him or her the potential to influence and lead the crowd, and that is how practicing public speaking in college helps improve a student’s leadership skills.

When can students be asked to give a speech?

As we just discussed that the purpose of giving speeches changes as we progress in our school. However, there are a couple of situations where mostly all students are expected to present their speech. And they are:

Classroom/section speeches

Classroom or section speeches are the ones you give in front of your classmates or people from your age group. Generally, the presentation of assignments and competitions comes under this category.

Graduation Speech

Students may also be expected to present a graduation speech . However, the big difference here is that not everyone gets the opportunity to present a graduation speech or commencement address as it is known.

What type of speech is a graduation speech? Or what type of speech is a commencement speech?

Graduation speeches or commencement speeches are parting speeches wherein the focus is on reflecting on the good times in the institute and motivating others for their bright future ahead. Depending on the purpose as selected by the speaker, these speeches could be persuasive, informative, or entertaining in nature . 

How to start a speech as a student 

Giving speeches as a student, even if you have been doing it for the past few years can still end up being a little challenging.  But rather than giving you tons of tips on things you can focus on while coming up with your speech or speech openings for students, we have got one ultimate tip . If you follow that, you should ideally be able to reach your audience more effectively.

Ultimate tip when writing speeches or speech openings for students

Write how you speak, not how you write.

When I came across this tip, I was surprised too. Because is indeed true that we write very differently when we have to show the speech to someone in written form but if asked honestly, do we speak in such a highly polished, extra professional vocabulary?

The idea is not to write the speech or speech opening riddled with slang but rather in a way that you’d feel comfortable listening to and understanding easily had you been the listener.

So in short, prepare the speech with the listener in mind, not the reader .

What is a good opening line for a speech?

Most opening lines for speech in school begin with a good morning.  We usually follow it with greetings or addressing the audience and the guests.

Wondering how you greet everyone in a speech?

Here is a list of ways you can begin with a simple good morning:

• Good morning everyone presents here today. I’m delighted to present my views and understanding on a very delicate yet overlooked topic; Gender sensitization in the workplace.
• Good afternoon esteemed members of the jury, my friends and peers, and everyone present in the room today.
• Good morning to the faculty, the non-teaching staff, and the class of 2022!!

Now it is a good practice to begin your speech with your usual greetings. However, in this blog, we are trying to look beyond the usual.

It doesn’t mean that you will not be saying good morning or your basic greetings; the only difference is that you’ll not be opening your speech with it but addressing these basic formalities later in the speech.

How do you start a speech without saying good morning?

There are a couple of ways you can start a speech without saying good morning. Here are some of the ways we will take a look at in this blog:

• “Imagine” scenario
• “What if” scenario
• Rhetorical questions
• Statistics and figures
• Powerful statements

Quotes are phrases or things spoken by someone influential . Quotes as speech openings for students can not only help them go beyond the widely popular way of beginning any speech but will also help them establish credibility right in the very beginning!

Now if you have ever wondered,

How to start your speech with a quote?

Here are a couple of examples of using quotes as speech openings for students:

Lon Watters had said that “A school is a building with four walls, with tomorrow inside.” And it would be wrong if I said that I didn’t agree with every bit of what he said. As we come to an end of our journey with this school that has provided us with tons of opportunities to learn, grow, interact and make memories we sure will cherish forever…

“If you don’t have a plan for your life, somebody else does.” This is a quote given by Michael Hyatt and isn’t it something we have all been experiencing all these years of growing up as our parents or guardians make plans for us right from the way we dress to the school we go to and sometimes even the careers we choose. Good morning everyone, I am Myra, a student of XYZ school standing here to voice my opinion on “Factors that influence your career decisions.”

 2. “Imagine” Scenario

This happens to be a personal favorite of mine when it comes to speech openings for students. A very simple yet beautiful way to engage your audience right at the beginning of your speech while at the same time allowing them to relate to what you’ll be saying next is what the image” scenarios are all about.

Before we begin, I’d like you to take a moment and imagine walking through a trail. You see the lush greens and pretty sky above you, the most dynamic clouds following everyone you go. Try sniffing the smell of wet soil and a hint of flowery fragrance as you walk towards the edge of the hill expecting to take a glimpse of the utter beauty that these hours of walking would lead you to, but you find something else. You see something that sends chills down your spine. There are some strange men performing rituals right in the very heart of these dense greens. You wonder what it is all about until it hits you; you have just uncovered a cult.

For the next example, I’d like you to take a look at the video below and check for yourself how wonderfully the speaker (although not a student) has made use of the “imagine” scenario to share his tragic experience with his audience.

Imagine a big explosion as you climb through 3,000 ft. Imagine a plane full of smoke. Imagine an engine going clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack. It sounds scary. Well I had a unique seat that day. I was sitting in 1D.

3. “What If” Scenario

What if I told you that the best speech openings for students are actually the ones wherein they come up with an opening that best represents their style and comfort at delivering speeches, be it with a joke or a story?

Do you see what I did there?

That is an example of a “what if” scenario. It is similar to the imagination scenario we discussed above but the only difference here is that “what if” speech openings for students focus on providing an alternative idea to the audience while the imagined scenarios provide the audience an opportunity to relate to the speaker.

4. Rhetorical question

Rhetorical questions are questions the speaker includes in his/her/their speech that doesn’t necessarily require the audience to come up with an answer but are posed to get the audience thinking on the same.

Using rhetorical questions as speech openings for students can work wonders especially when you are looking for either a very quick speech opening or have very little time to deliver the speech.

An example of using rhetorical questions for speech opening is given below:

Talking about the new policy that makes it illegal to check the gender of the child before birth, do you think that it will curb the issue of female foeticide? Or will it simply take the activity underground?

The art of silence is phenomenal. Opening your speech in silence can help enhance your speech in two ways.

First, it will give the audience some time to settle in , post which you can expect to grab their dedicated attention. And secondly, silence would give you some time to understand the room and calm your pre-stage anxiousness .

6. Statistics and figures

Want to begin your speech on a hard-hitting and eye-opening note?

Show the numbers, the figures, and any statistics that serve your purpose for giving the speech.

It is very common to overlook the seriousness of any situation when you aren’t aware of the real extent of its seriousness. But when we have numbers in front of us, there is no more room for being in denial.

Examples of using Statistics or figures as speech openings for students

• According to the 2019 WWF report , on average, we consume about 1,769 microplastic particles every week. 1769 microplastic particles every single week, can you imagine that?
• 3.2 million teenagers between the age of 12-17 were depressed in the US as of 2017. Now you can only assume the number has increased over the past 5 years.

7. Powerful  Statements

Powerful statements are statements that try to break any common ideologies held by the public. Another example of a powerful statement is stating a fact or idea that isn’t openly spoken .

The video below is one such example of how the speaker tries to break a perception generally held by the people.

How often have we been told to include stories in our speech?

Almost every time isn’t it? So here we are to bombard you yet again by saying that stories are extremely fun and engaging forms of speech openings for students.

You can either share your experience or someone else’s story.

You can also refer to a Recent Conversation by starting your speech with something like “Just the other day as I was walking out of my Philosophy lecture, I asked Mr.Dee about his philosophy on life, and what he said was so eye-opening that I could not wait to share with all of you.”

An adorable example of how to begin a speech with a story is given below to help you get a clearer idea.

Examples of speech openings for students

Speech opening lines for public speaking competitions.

When it comes to public speaking competitions like elocutions, speech competitions, or even presentations, it is almost always recommended to begin with self-introduction . The reason is quite simple; there is a high chance that your audience might not know you .

But if you don’t want to begin with a self-introduction, you can start by using any of the alternatives we discussed earlier. Click here to go back and take another peek at it.

Speech Opening Lines for Self-introductions

Speech openings for self-introductions need to be simple, to the point yet descriptive.

Wait a minute? Wasn’t I contradicting myself in that line?

Yes, but that is how opening lines for self-introductions would ideally work. As people expect you to talk about yourself in depth in the rest of your speech, your opening lines would just be a teaser about yourself.

2 most important things to add in your self-introduction opening lines for students

• What do you do?

Other things that you can talk about in these opening lines include:

• Where are you from?
• What is your goal?
• What does your organization do?
• A little bit about your family

Examples of opening lines for students

Good morning, I am Reini. I recently graduated from BMU college and have since been working as a Design intern at Desgynopedia. 

Hello and good evening everyone. I am Nicole and this is my team, Alina, Tim, Harold, and Noman. We are in our senior year majoring in Organizational psychology. Today we would like to talk about the 5 main Psychological factors that impact any organization’s overall performance.

Hey, I am Nizan. I am a nerd for Political Science and Greek Philosophy and am currently majoring in the same. My love for the subjects is also the reason why I am here to present a topic I found very intriguing “The injustice behind socrates’ death.”

Funny speech opening lines for students

If you are giving a speech for a competition, one of the most fun ways of opening your speech could be to say “Good morning to the faculty, my friends, and (look at the opponents) others.”

Other funny opening line examples:

• I almost bunked school today until I realized that this speech carries marks and I sure don’t want to be in a class with our juniors. Just imagine! Who could do that?
• Hello and good morning to everyone, except the ones who are well prepared for their speeches today.
• Hello everyone, I’m excited to present my speech on XYZ’s topic today. I mean come on, what could be better than waking up at 7 am on a Monday morning to give a speech?
• Today I’ll be talking about XYZ because I was told to!

Best Speech Opening Lines by students

1. chase dahl.

In one of the funniest speech opening lines by students, Chase Dahl opens up by saying “You know I have never understood how imagining the audience naked was supposed to make you less nervous. Honestly, I’m just uncomfortable right now.”

2. Kyle Martin (The King’s Academy)

Yet another Valedictorian speech that has caught our eye is the one given by Kyle Martin. The reason we would suggest you take a look into the opening lines of his speech is so that you can take notes on how beautifully he has described the efforts taken by every department of the institute as he tries to thank them for their efforts.

Presentation Opening Lines

Presentation speeches are a little different compared to your usual speeches and the major reason for that is because now you have access to visuals or your PPT.

Besides some of the ways already discussed above, you can begin the presentation by pointing out a particular slide. You can show your audience a graph, table, pictures, or any other creative and eye-catching ideas that can also turn out to be an amazing presentation opening.

How to start a presentation speech example for students

A few common ways you can open your speech are:

• Hello everyone, I am Miya. I would first like to thank you all for your time.
• For those who don’t know me, my name is Nazia, and if you do know me, hello again!
• Good afternoon to all you wonderful people present here. I am Ryan and as you can see on screen, today I’ll be speaking on “The hazards of drinking from plastic bottles.”

For more examples of opening lines check out 50 Speech Opening Lines .

You might also like to know:

How to start a speech for the student council.

Speeches for student council are usually persuasive. They are your pitch to convince your fellow students to vote for you and help you get the position you are looking for.

So ideally, you should start by addressing everyone in the room . Then make a point to introduce yourself. Once you have introduced yourself, remind the audience why you are speaking which means let them know the position you are campaigning for. Bring up at least 1-2 issues that the students are most concerned about and tell them how if elected you’ll provide solutions to their issues.

Try to end it on a high note and don’t forget to add your campaign slogan .

You can also begin by stating your campaign slogan .

Yet another way to begin your speech for the student council is by challenging your opponent’s point of view or campaign . However, this would work only f you have a better strategy or solutions to the issues raised by your opponents.

Lastly, do something that no one expects from you . Let me share a story here to help you understand this point better. During one of the student council speeches, one candidate asked the audience to stand up, move a step in the front then go back to their seats and settle down. Following this, she said, “My parents told me if I could move the audience, I’d win.” And so she did win!

What is a speech class?

A speech class in high school or college is usually a short course or 1-semester course wherein the student is expected to improve on their public speaking skills along with critical thinking and active listening skills.

It essentially enhances their oral communication skills.

This also reminds me to introduce you to our courses that help enhance your public speaking and communication skills. If you are interested, head to Frantically Speaking .

But if your appetite for learning more about opening speeches isn’t satiated yet, we suggest you go check out our Video on the Powerful speech opening lines.

To Conclude

There are tons of ways to get creative with speech openings for students. From saying a simple good morning to adding stories, quotes, statistics, rhetorical questions, and even silence!

Get creative with your speech openings. As we always say, there are no right or wrong ways of public speaking as such, only a way that suits perfectly for you is the one that is right for you.

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20 Public Speaking Tips for Students

Public speaking is a task that strikes fear into many. We have formulated 20 public Speaking tips for Students because,  whether we like it or not, it is an important part of work life for the vast majority. In a recent talk we presented to a local year group of students, when asked how many had parents who had to deliver presentations for work.  100% raised their hands. 

Getting to grips with this early on is key to becoming more comfortable and confident.  When you are at college in a learning environment, this is the best time to start developing this important job ready skill. 

What tips can we offer for you to get the ball rolling?  Here are 20 Public Speaking tips for Students.  Some are for when you are actually in front of an audience, but many of the tips we have, will help you to be more confident and better prepared to be an effective speaker.

Public Speaking Tip 1 – Always Give It A Go

Our first Public Speaking Tip for students is to take every opportunity.

At College and University opportunities come up frequently to give talks to present your studies, thesis or research. 

Last year I spoke with a business entrepreneur and inventor who said he had chosen his subjects at University on the basis of how little he may have to speak in public.  On leaving University he ran a relatively successful construction supply business.  More recently though, he has invented a new product and business to boot, however he has not developed the skills necessary to successfully lift the business off the ground.  His biggest struggle is presenting his product and speaking in front of potential investors and buyers.  

Life skills like public speaking are so important.  Like with all skills, the younger you develop them and the more frequently you perform them, the easier they become.  You will be more comfortable performing these skills in front of others.  For most people, nothing is easy straight away. 

Tip 2 – Think Before You Speak

I’m sure you have heard that saying a million times, hopefully less as you get older! 

This tip has a slightly different angle.  Usually when you hear that phrase, it’s from a parent or teacher, and they have said it because you’ve just said something stupid.  However, this is not for that purpose.    

What do you need to think about?  Think about your speech in everyday life, before you even get to give a presentation.

Think about things like:

How complex is your vocabulary?  Do you have patterns in your everyday speech?  Do you repeat certain words or phrases? What is your Grammar like? Do you use a lot of slang etc….

Public speaking, although practised and planned often reflects your day to day speech.  So, think about how you talk on a day to day.  If you repeat certain words…. ‘you know’ ‘like’ ‘really’, ‘uh’ ‘er’ etc… then what will your listener think?  These things stand out during a presentation. 

Your friends of your peer group may have the same speech mannerisms, so you may not detect these habits easily if they are a pattern in your speech.  Those who are older than you will undoubtedly notice and possibly have a little giggle at your expense.  If that happens in a Job interview or important presentation, this could have slightly more serious ramifications. 

Pay attention to how you speak.  Picking up on bad patterns in your everyday speech is a great tip to help you to become a more polished speaker.

Tip 3 – Power Pose

Posture is an important part of confidence.  The whole shoulders back, chest out and chin up.  It seems silly to think that your posture can affect how you feel, but studies show it really does.

Try this:  Walk down a street and hold your head high. Walk purposefully and in a way that you feel would project confidence.  Repeat a positive mantra in your mind.  Just something simple about feeling confident and calm.  See how that impacts how you feel. 

Doing the same when public speaking will greatly enhance your confidence.   You may initially feel it’s just a front, an act, and it may be.  You will probably still be a little nervous, however, it will be to a lesser degree.  Another positive is, your audience will not know it is a front, and they will have more confidence in you as a speaker.

Tip 4 – Smile

When you smile, you not only look happier but you LOOK more confident too.  The great bonus is though, that it also makes you FEEL more confident. 

Appropriate smiling whilst presenting will help you to overcome your public speaking jitters. 

When you stand up and take the podium, or the front of the class, take a moment to give a smile to your audience.  You’ll get some instant positive feedback and a subconscious confidence boost.

Tip 5 – Read

Reading is a vital skill.  It is also  an important element for practicing to become a great speaker.  So reading features a few times in our 20 Public Speaking Tips for Students.

Reading is a great way to improve your vocabulary.  Depending of course on what you read!! So make it a habit of reading regularly.

Having a depth of vocabulary means when you are on the spot and under pressure you will have more scope to get yourself out of trouble, and find a suitable word.  

This ability allows you to be extemporaneous and easy to listen to.

Tip 6 – Read Aloud

Of course, reading is great, but reading out loud is even better. 

When you read out loud you are essentially training yourself with all the vocal skills and abilities you need to be a good clear public speaker.   Diction, Projection, Enunciation, Clarity etc…

If you have a tendency to get a little tongue tied, reading aloud frequently can help you to be more able to control your speech organs and enunciate better, even under more pressure.

If you have good diction and the audience can understand you clearly then what you present will have more effect than if you were unclear and stumbling over words.  

You can practice with tough wordy material to really push yourself.

Tip 7 – Don’t Fight Your Feelings

It is incredibly British to hide how you feel.  But emotions will connect you to your audience.

You will also have a greater motivational force when your audience are moved by how you feel about your topic. Whether it be excitement, passion or even distress.  Depending on the situation and objective, showing the right emotion can really move your audience.

Here’s a little exercise for this.

Sorry, it involves reading again…  Chose a piece of literature, a good story.  Read aloud to a friend or family member.  Try to convey not just the story, but also the emotion of the characters and the feelings you imagine the author would want you to feel.  Your best audience are sometimes children, you can start with some children’s stories, and see how captivated they are by your reading.

If you can express your thoughts with both clarity and feeling you have a winning combination for public speaking.

Tip 8 – Get Comfortable

If you have to give a presentation, make sure you prepare what you’ll wear. 

You need to accomplish 2 objectives. 

1. Feel good about how you look.  Wear something you like, this will aide your confidence levels.

2. No overheating.  When you get nervous you warm up, get clammy and experience a number of other symptoms at times.  All normal stuff, but if you wear something that is tight around the neck or feels extra warm this can add to the symptoms, and the more you are aware of your rise in temp the more uncomfortable and nervous you’ll become.

Tip 9 – Know Your Topic

It’s all well and good thinking you have the gift of the gab, but what is your content like?  

Are you presenting superficial information that your audience will already know?  Are you working with up to date facts? Having a good understanding of your topic will ensure you can speak with authority without being vague.

Knowing your topic also means that you can speak freely without having to rely too heavily on notes.  When you can speak without too many notes your audience will have more confidence in you.

Tip 10 – Practice

So half way through our 20 Public Speaking Tips for Students and we have a very important one now.

Public speaking should be you, but smoother.  The more you practise the more likely this will happen.

I n everyday speech you may not feel like you can get your thoughts out coherently at times.  Imagine you had a run through before every conversation you have. You could pause time and practice your responses a few times before the real-life response. I’m sure you would be a lot more concise and articulate. 

When you have a presentation, this is the case.  You may have a complex topic to speak about.  You may have more to say in one go than you would in a normal conversation.  That’s why practicing is so important.  It allows you to be you….. but a little more polished. 

Practicing aloud will also give you a good idea of what sounds ok… outside your head.

Tip 11 – It’s Not All About You

Most of the common reasons why people do not like public speaking revolve around themselves.

I can’t do this, I can’t do that, I’m not good at this, What if I do this…..

Remember – It is not all about you.  How about taking a different approach!  Rather than being egocentric, look out. 

Focus on what you want to say.  Think about the people you will speak to and why they will benefit from what you have prepared. The less you think about yourself the more comfortable you’ll be. 

Every time you feel those nerves of anticipation build, think more about your topic or your audience needs than how you feel.  The audience are more important than you.

Without an audience, you’ll just be talking to yourself. We all know what that means!

Tip 12 – Stories

Stories are a great way to capture the imagination.  A good story with a moral or link to the rest of your material will help to engage, captivate and ensure your audience get the point easily.

We all love a good tale, so never be afraid to get one in. 

A word of caution though, no one likes a pointless endeavour.  Sticking a long winded meandering story which doesn’t go anywhere or prove anything, will more likely irritate than entertain.  Make sure the stories used have an objective.

Tip 13 – First Impressions – Good Introductions

There are 2 areas in a presentation you want to be smooth. You will have to practice these more than the main body of your talk.  Out of the 20 public speaking tips, these are the most important pre-presentation points to bare in mind.

The first is the introduction. 

You’ve only got a few seconds to make a first impression, so get off to a good start. 

Don’t spend a long time, if at all, introducing yourself, or your topic.  A poor intro can sometimes be hard to come back from.

Start with an interesting story, statement, play on words or question. Make them curious or interested.  Once you have won their interest you can then sink into your content.  Hopefully seamlessly tying in from your story or question…… whatever you used to grab their attention.

Tip 14 – A Strong Finish

The 2 nd area you want to ensure goes well is the end.  Your conclusion is the other thing that needs to be more rehearsed. 

Can you tie back into your intro, go full circle? 

Include a strong call to action.  Make sure your audience know why they have just listened to you, and what you want them to do with the information they’ve just heard. 

What is said last is often remembered the longest, so make your final words count.

Tip 15 – Know your Audience

Another important tip for public speakers is to know who you are speaking to. 

If you have an idea of who will make up your audience, you will be able tailor what you say to them.  What is their depth of knowledge?  Do you need to make it more complex, or, do you need to dumb it down a little?

Knowing the make-up of your audience will help when planning what you will say and what you will need to include.

Tip 16 – Eye Contact

Keeping good eye contact throughout any presentation will have a few benefits. 

Firstly, you get a good gauge of how your audience is reacting.  When you see how your audience reacts you can tailor what you say to suit.  If they looked perplexed you can explain a little more.  If they look shocked, you can clarify.  If they look bored then you can change it up, or involve them more.  It will mean you can serve your audience better.  It will feel more like a conversation than a lecture.

Another benefit is that when you get positive feedback from your audience it can make you feel more comfortable and confident. 

Also, when you have good eye contact with your audience you generate a relationship of trust.  People don’t generally trust someone who struggles to look them in the eye. 

Eye contact builds trust, and helps you to respond to your audience

Tip 17 – Gestures and Facial Expressions

Your words are just a small portion of your communication.  Gestures are a natural part of communication. 

It’s not just what you do with your hands though.  What you do with your body and face will also say a lot too. 

You don’t want your gestures to be unnatural and forced, which is a real possibility when in an unnatural situation like public speaking.  You see this a lot with politicians, forced monotonous and unmeaningful gestures, possibly trained into their style.

Pay attention to what you do day-to-day.  A little bit like your speech in Tip2 of our 20 public speaking tips for students. 

What is normal for you?  How would you express yourself, what faces would you pull, where and how would you gesture in a normal friendly conversation?  Then carry that over, so you behave in a natural manner whilst at the podium.

Tip 18 – Self Belief

‘Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t….. you’re right.’

This is where either being cultured or having children pays off!  Priceless quotes!

That quote from Boss Baby or Henry Ford (depending on whether you’re cultured or have children)  is very true.  The story we tell our selves will have a massive impact on what we are able to accomplish.  Tell yourself you can do it and you will be able to. 

You may need to keep telling yourself, be your own propaganda minister.  The more you tell yourself something, the more you’ll believe it. 

Tip 19 – How To Use Notes

The notes you use when speaking will either help you or hinder you.  

If your notes are too extensive you will inevitably rely on them too heavily and will more likely end up reading your presentation.  This is true whether on PowerPoint or prompt cards.  You will lose your appeal and effectiveness if your eyes are diverted for too long during your presentation. 

On the other end of the spectrum will you go solo?  No notes! 

This is fine depending on ability, if you don’t have notes it may make you more nervous about forgetting something.  If you do forget something, it could throw you whilst you’re presenting. 

Work to your strengths and ensure you  only have what you need, but not too much.

Tip 20 – Pace Yourself

Our last tip of our 20 Public Speaking Tips for Students.

Often when a person gets nervous, they speed up.  How can you keep a good pace that is easy and enjoyable to listen to? 

Make sure you take time to breathe. Slow down and enunciate words properly especially when important points are being made.  Allow each sentence time to sink into the listeners mind and take a breath. 

Effective pace is not all about being slow and deliberate all the time, this will stifle your presentation and make it sound weird.

There will also be times when picking up the pace will have impact, like expressing conviction, passion or excitement.  But this level of sustained pace will also irritate if not controlled. 

Modulating your pace effectively makes for a natural delivery.

Take it one Tip at a time

There we have our 20 Public Speaking Tips for Students. This all sounds like an awful lot to remember.  Ultimately Tip.1 is the most important.  The more you do, the more comfortable you will become.  

Like with any skills, having a good coach can vastly help to get you where you want to be a lot quicker.  Coaching in a supported environment together with friends in the same boat can make for some fun learning too. 

Keynote Speaker Ltd offer some great discounted coaching options for students, If you would like to organise a day course or half day course for a group of your peers then just click here to get in touch.

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100 Speech Topics For College Students

College won’t be complete without having to deliver a speech in front of the class. From social issues to current events, there are many topics to choose from when it comes to speech topics for college students. With the right topic, you can create an engaging and memorable speech.

Here are some speech topics for college students that can help you get started with your next presentation:

• The Importance of Mental Health and Self-Care on College Campuses
• How to Make the Most of Your College Experience
• Finding Your Passions and Pursuing Your Dreams in College
• The Benefits of Joining a Student Organization
• Networking for Success: Making Connections in College
• Overcoming the Fear of Failure in College
• Balancing Academics, Social Life, and Extracurricular Activities
• Time Management Strategies for College Students
• Exploring Options for Off-Campus Living
• Learning How to Budget and Manage Finances in College
• Self-Care Tips for College Students
• The Benefits of Studying Abroad
• Developing Healthy Study Habits
• Navigating the College Social Scene
• Preparing for Life after College
• Impact of Social Media on Communication and Relationships
• Role of Technology in Education and Its Potential to Revolutionize the Way We Learn
• Importance of Volunteering and Community Service for Personal and Professional Development
• Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity
• Importance of Diversity and Inclusion on College Campuses
• Challenges and Rewards of Studying Abroad
• The Role of Activism in Creating Social Change
• The Impact of Climate Change and What Individuals Can Do to Reduce Their Carbon Footprint
• The Importance of Financial Literacy and Managing Money in College and Beyond
• Climate Change and Its Consequences
• The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the College Setting
• The Challenges and Benefits of Studying Abroad
• Importance of a College Education
• The Benefits of Building a Professional Network
• The Impact of Social Media on College Life
• How to Balance Education and Social Life on Campus
• Finding the Right Career Path for You
• The Benefits of Internships and Apprenticeships
• Exploring Your Personal Values and Beliefs
• Mindfulness and Mental Health
• The Pros and Cons of Student Loans
• The Impact of Student Debt on Future Generations
• Dealing With Stress and Anxiety in College
• Exploring Different Study Strategies and Techniques
• Exploring Different Career Paths After College
• The Benefits of Time Management and Organization
• Navigating the Job Market After Graduation
• The Benefits of Extracurricular Activities
• Preparing for Graduate School and Beyond
• Exploring Different Campus Resources
• The Impact of Globalization on Education
• Should College Be Free? Pros and Cons
• Different Types of Leadership Styles
• The Benefits of Networking and Mentoring
• The Challenges of Being a Student Leader
• Being A Top Student: Tips and Strategies
• How to Balance Your Social Life With Your Studies
• The Value of Quality Family Time
• The Benefits of Having a Supportive Family
• The Impact of Working Parents on Their Children’s Education
• Role of Family in Encouraging Academic Achievement
• How to Cope with Family Pressure During College Years
• Benefits of Having a Mentor in Your Family
• Role of Technology in Family Communication
• Impact of Financial Stress on Family Relationships
• Changing Dynamics of Family Roles in Society
• The Benefits of Having a Positive Relationship With Your Siblings
• The Challenges of Being a First-Generation College Student
• How to Minimize College Debt
• The Impact of College Debt on Your Future
• Managing College Debt: Strategies for Success
• Student Loans: How to Make the Best Use of Them
• Is College Debt Worth It?
• Understanding the Options for Repaying College Debt
• Overcoming Depression and Low Self-Esteem
• The Role of Positive Thinking in Mental Health
• The Benefits of Therapy for Students
• How to Recognize the Signs of Mental Illness
• The Role of a Support System for Mental Health
• The Impact of Stress on Mental Health
• How to Balance Academics with Social Life in College
• The Pros and Cons of Living on Campus
• How to Select a Major that is Right for You
• Understanding College-Level Expectations and Study Habits
• Living with Roommates: Tips for Peaceful Coexistence
• The Transition from High School to College
• How to Manage Time as a Busy College Student
• Navigating the College Financial Aid System
• How to Stay Safe on Campus
• Getting Involved in Campus Organizations
• The Advantages of Taking Online Courses
• Having Fun and Staying Healthy in College
• Making Friends and Developing Social Networks
• Adjusting to Life After Graduating from College
• Coping with Loneliness and Homesickness
• Dealing with Student Burnout
• Managing Time and Prioritizing Tasks
• Building Resilience and Handling Rejection
• Overcoming Procrastination
• Creating a Support System
• Having Difficult Conversations
• Making Healthy Choices
• Developing Self-Confidence
• Learning to Balance Work and Play
• Taking Responsibility for Your Education

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, college students have a wide variety of speech topics to choose from. Whether it’s a persuasive speech about a current event, an informative speech about a historical figure, or a humorous speech about an interesting topic, there is something for every student’s tastes. These speech topics give college students the opportunity to explore their interests, challenge their beliefs, and develop their communication skills.

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How to Use Oral Presentations to Help English Language Learners Succeed

Please try again

Excerpted from “ The ELL Teacher’s Toolbox: Hundreds of Practical Ideas to Support Your Students ,” by Larry Ferlazzo and Katie Hull Sypnieski, with permission from the authors.

Having the confidence to speak in front of others is challenging for most people. For English Language Learners, this anxiety can be heightened because they are also speaking in a new language. We’ve found several benefits to incorporating opportunities for students to present to their peers in a positive and safe classroom environment. It helps them focus on pronunciation and clarity and also boosts their confidence. This type of practice is useful since students will surely have to make presentations in other classes, in college, and/or in their future jobs. However, what may be even more valuable is giving students the chance to take these risks in a collaborative, supportive environment.

Presentations also offer students the opportunity to become the teacher—something we welcome and they enjoy! They can further provide valuable listening practice for the rest of the class, especially when students are given a task to focus their listening.

Research confirms that in order for ELLs to acquire English they must engage in oral language practice and be given the opportunity to use language in meaningful ways for social and academic purposes (Williams & Roberts, 2011). Teaching students to design effective oral presentations has also been found to support thinking development as “the quality of presentation actually improves the quality of thought, and vice versa” (Živković, 2014, p. 474). Additionally, t he Common Core Speaking and Listening Standards specifically focus on oral presentations. These standards call for students to make effective and well-organized presentations and to use technology to enhance understanding of them.

GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION

Oral presentations can take many different forms in the ELL classroom—ranging from students briefly presenting their learning in small groups to creating a multi-slide presentation for the whole class. In this section, we give some general guidelines for oral presentations with ELLs. We then share ideas for helping students develop their presentation skills and describe specific ways we scaffold both short and long oral presentations.

We keep the following guidelines in mind when incorporating oral presentations into ELL instruction:

Length —We have students develop and deliver short presentations (usually 2-4 minutes) on a regular basis so they can practice their presentation skills with smaller, less overwhelming tasks. These presentations are often to another student or a small group. Once or twice a semester, students do a longer presentation (usually 5-8 minutes), many times with a partner or in a small group.

Novelty —Mixing up how students present (in small groups, in pairs, individually) and what they use to present (a poster, a paper placed under the document camera, props, a slide presentation, etc.) can increase engagement for students and the teacher!

Whole Class Processing -- We want to avoid students “tuning out” during oral presentations. Not only can it be frustrating for the speakers, but students also miss out on valuable listening practice. During oral presentations, and in any activity, we want to maximize the probability that all students are thinking and learning all the time. Jim Peterson and Ted Appel, administrators with whom we’ve worked closely, call this “whole class processing” (Ferlazzo, 2011, August 16) and it is also known as active participation. All students can be encouraged to actively participate in oral presentations by being given a listening task-- taking notes on a graphic organizer, providing written feedback to the speaker, using a checklist to evaluate presenters, etc.

Language Support —It is critical to provide ELLs, especially at the lower levels of English proficiency, with language support for oral presentations. In other words, thinking about what vocabulary, language features and organizational structures they may need, and then providing students with scaffolding, like speaking frames and graphic organizers. Oral presentations can also provide an opportunity for students to practice their summarizing skills. When students are presenting information on a topic they have researched, we remind them to summarize using their own words and to give credit when using someone else’s words.

Technology Support —It can’t be assumed that students have experience using technology tools in presentations. We find it most helpful using simple tools that are easy for students to learn (like Powerpoint without all the “bells and whistles” or Google Slides). We also emphasize to students that digital media should be used to help the audience understand what they are saying and not just to make a presentation flashy or pretty. We also share with our students what is known as “The Picture Superiority Effect”-- a body of research showing that people are better able to learn and recall information presented as pictures as opposed to just being presented with words (Kagan, 2013).

Groups -- Giving ELLs the opportunity to work and present in small groups is helpful in several ways. Presenting as a group (as opposed to by yourself) can help students feel less anxious. It also offers language-building opportunities as students communicate to develop and practice their presentations. Creating new knowledge as a group promotes collaboration and language acquisition--an ideal equation for a successful ELL classroom!

Teacher feedback/student evaluation --The focus of oral presentations with ELL students should be on the practice and skills they are gaining, not on the grade or “score” they are earning. Teachers can give out a simple rubric before students create their presentations. Then students can keep these expectations in mind as they develop and practice their presentations. The teacher, or classmates, can then use the rubric to offer feedback to the speaker. We also often ask students to reflect on their own presentation and complete the rubric as a form of self-assessment. Figure 30.1 – “Presentation Peer Evaluation Rubric” , developed by talented student teacher Kevin Inlay (who is now a teacher in his own classroom), is a simple rubric we used to improve group presentations in our ELL World History class.

Teaching Presentation Skills

We use the following two lesson ideas to explicitly teach how to develop effective presentation skills:

LESSON ONE: Speaking and Listening Do’s and Don’ts

We help our students understand and practice general presentation skills through an activity we call Speaking and Listening “Do’s and Don’ts.” We usually spread this lesson out among two class periods.

We first ask students to create a simple T-chart by folding a piece of paper in half and labeling one side “Do” and the other side “Don’t.” We then post Figure 30.2 “Speaking Do’s and Don’ts” on the document camera and display the first statement (the rest we cover with a blank sheet of paper).

We read the first statement, “Make eye contact with the audience,” and ask students if this is something they want to do when they are giving a presentation or if it is something they don’t want to do. Students write the statement where they think it belongs--under the “Do” column or “Don’t” Column. Students then share their answer with a partner and discuss why they put it in that column. After calling on a few pairs to share with the class, we move down the list repeating the same process of categorizing each statement as a “Do” or a “Don’t.” Students write it on their chart and discuss why it should be placed there.

After categorizing the statements for speaking, we give students Figure 30.3 “Listening Do’s and Don’ts .” We tell students to work in pairs to categorize the statements as something they do or something they don’t want to do when listening to a student presentation. This time, we ask students to make a quick poster with the headings “Do’s” and “Don’ts” for Listening. Under each heading students must list the corresponding statements--the teacher can circulate to check for accuracy. Students are asked to talk about why each statement belongs in each category and should be prepared to share their reasoning with the class. Students must also choose one “do” statement and one “don’t” statement to illustrate on their poster. Students can present their posters in small groups or with the whole class. This serves as a great opportunity to apply the speaking and listening “do’s” they just reviewed and heightens their awareness of the “don’ts!”

A fun twist, that also serves as a good review on a subsequent day, is to ask groups of students to pick two or three “do’s” and “don’ts” from both Speaking and Listening to act out in front of the class.

LESSON TWO Slide Presentations Concept Attainment

We periodically ask students to make slide presentations using PowerPoint or Google Slides to give them practice with developing visual aids (see the Home Culture activity later in this section). We show students how to make better slides, along with giving students the language support they may need in the form of an outline or sentence starters. An easy and effective way to do this is through Concept Attainment.

Concept Attainment involves the teacher identifying both "good" and "bad" examples of the intended learning objective. In this case, we use a PowerPoint containing three “good” slides and three “bad” ones (see them at The Best Resources For Teaching Students The Difference Between A Good and a Bad Slide ).

We start by showing students the first example of a “good” or “yes” slide (containing very little text and two images) and saying, “This is a yes.” However, we don’t explain why it is a “yes.” Then we show a “bad” or “no” example of a slide (containing multiple images randomly placed with a very “busy background”), saying, “This is a no” without explaining why. Students are then asked to think about them, and share with a partner why they think one is a "yes" and one is a "no."

At this point, we make a quick chart on a large sheet of paper (students can make individual charts on a piece of paper) and ask students to list the good and bad qualities they have observed so far. For example, under the “Good/Yes” column it might say “Has less words and the background is simple” and under the “Bad/No” column “Has too many pictures and the background is distracting.”

We then show the second “yes” example (containing one image with a short amount of text in a clear font) and the “no” example (containing way too much text and using a less clear font style). Students repeat the “think-pair-share” process and then the class again discusses what students are noticing about the “yes” and “no” examples. Then they add these observations to their chart.

Students repeat the whole process a final time with the third examples. The third “yes” example slide contains one image, minimal text and one bullet point. The third “no” example, on the other hand, contains multiple bullet points.

To reinforce this lesson at a later date, the teacher could show students more examples, or students could look for more “yes” and “no” examples online. They could continue to add more qualities of good and bad slides to their chart. See the Technology Connections section for links to good and bad PowerPoint examples, including the PowerPoint we use for this Concept Attainment lesson.

You can learn more about other presentations that support public speaking, such as home culture presentations, speed dating, talking points, top 5 and PechaKucha Book talks in our book, “ The ELL Teacher’s Toolbox: Hundreds of Practical Ideas to Support Your Students .”

Larry Ferlazzo has taught English Language Learners, mainstream and International Baccalaureate students at Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento for 15 years. He has authored eight books on education, hosts a popular blog for educators, and  writes a weekly teacher advice column for Education Week Teacher .  He was a community organizer for 19 years prior to becoming a high school teacher.

Katie Hull Sypnieski has worked with English Language Learners at the secondary level for over 20 years.  She currently teaches middle school ELA and ELD at Rosa Parks K-8 School in Sacramento, California. She is a teaching consultant with the Area 3 Writing Project at the University of California, Davis and has leads professional development for teachers of ELLs. She is co-author (with Larry Ferlazzo) of The ESL/ELL Teacher’s Survival Guide and Navigating the Common Core with English Language Learners .

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Speech presentation tips for college students.

BY JANE HURST

During your college career, there are going to be times when you are required to make presentations. For some people, being in the spotlight comes naturally, and they have no problems giving presentations. Others, however, get nervous, tongue-tied, and even physically ill when they have to present their work in front of their peers, professors, etc. Here are some tips that will make giving presentations a whole lot easier.

• Be Prepared – The first thing you need to do is make sure that you are completely prepared for the presentation. Practice it over and over again until it is pretty much committed to memory. That way, you won’t have to look at notes all the time, and you can make more eye contact with your audience. If you are going to be using props, make sure that you have everything you need, and that everything works. Make sure that all of your notes are in the proper order. The better prepared you are, the less anxious you will be about giving any presentation, or doing any other type of public speaking.
• Make it Exciting – One way to make your presentation more exciting is to make it animated. This is really going to get the attention of the people in the audience, and hold it. They will be entertained, while learning at the same time. You don’t have to be an experienced designer, or spend a lot of money to get great animations. You can create awesome videos and presentations, with animations, easily, when you visit PowToon. You can use the free basic service, which offers Slides Basic, 38 royalty-free songs, 11 styles, and up to five minutes of animation. If you decide you like the service, packages start at just $19 per month.
• Be Organized – Once you have done all of your research, it is time to organize everything. No matter what type of outline you are using (web, mind map, or traditional), be sure to write down a minimum of three key points that you want to make, along with details to support those points. Have everything in order, so as not to confuse your audience, and yourself. There are many different ways to keep your presentations organized. One popular method is to use color coded index cards. Put one point on a card, along with the supporting data. Do this with all of the points you intend to make.
• Create a Story – When your audience is entertained, they are going to pay more attention to what you are saying. Your introduction should be short and sweet, with a story that is going to grab the attention of your audience. Then, you can dive right into the heart of the presentation, knowing that they are ready to be receptive to your ideas. The main part of your speech should be right after the introduction, and it should include your main point. Use key words to get the audience to connect the points you are making so they can see the big picture easily. Don’t overwhelm them with boring statistics. Keep things simple, and your presentation will be successful.
• Relax and Take the Stage – When the time comes to give your presentation, take a couple of minutes to relax and ground yourself. Take a few calming breaths, chant a mantra, do some relaxing stretching exercises, etc. Basically, do whatever it takes to get you relaxed enough to give an awesome presentation. When you get on that stage, be sure to scan the audience, and try to make eye contact with each person in the audience at least once. Move around so you don’t look and feel stiff, speak clearly and slowly, and speak loudly enough so you can be heard by all. Use different vocal tones to make your presentation more interesting.

Jane Hurst has been working in education for over 5 years as a teacher. She loves sharing her knowledge with students, is fascinated about edtech and loves reading, a lot. Follow Jane on Twitter!

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Preparing Students for Successful Presentations

We’ve all seen it.  Leaning back on the board, rocking from side to side, or avoiding eye contact with the audience are all common occurrences when students give oral presentations.  Like any other skill, successfully presenting in front of the class is something that can be taught and learned.  If students are repeatedly exposed to public speaking opportunities , it is likely that they will become more comfortable with the process, which will ultimately lead to an overall improvement in presentation skills.  Speaking in front of the class isn’t easy, but there are definitely measures we can take to prepare our students for continued success.

Stage Fright

If you’re human, you’ve experienced stage fright at one time or another.  Stage fright is a type of anxiety associated with performing in front of a large audience.   For most people, stage fright occurs prior to a performance or speaking event, and it dies down as the performance or event concludes.  Ease the feelings of nervousness your students may feel before giving a presentation by discussing the causes and effects of stage fright.  Let students know that it is normal to feel anxious before an oral presentation.  Common symptoms of stage fright include a racing heart, sweaty palms, dry throat, or queasy stomach.   Student nervousness may dissipate as they begin to understand how their body reacts to an increased level of anxiety.  Along with explaining the causes and symptoms of stage fright, it is also critical to review with students effective ways of mitigating performance anxiety.  Deep breathing, thorough preparation, and a positive mindset all serve as an excellent starting point for calming the nerves of students before a big presentation in front of the class.

Voice, Gestures, and Posture

Another aspect of a successful presentation involves the appropriate use of voice, gestures, and posture.  First, speaking in a clear and audible voice is critical.  Many students tend to deliver a presentation in their normal speaking voice, making it hard for classmates in the back of the room to hear what is being said.  It is important that students practice their presentation in a realistic setting.  They should be using their public speaking voice in every practice session.  Next, gestures are also important. Actively participating in the presentation will help students keep nervous fidgeting under control.  Additionally, speaking with the hands and gesturing during the presentation keeps the audience focused and attentive.   In order to practice the effective use of gestures, students can engage in the role playing of different situations.  Common gestures during a speech or oral presentation include listing numbered points with the fingers, using a solid fist to show intensity, or showing an open palm to build trust.  While most gestures reinforce the verbal message, pointing is one that should be avoided.  Pointing can come across as aggressive.  With practice and over time, students will get used to speaking more with their hands during their presentations.  Along the same lines, correct posture is also important when delivering an oral presentation.  Students need to understand that standing up straight while speaking expresses a silent confidence in the topic or subject matter.  Put simply, a strong posture goes a long way for the speaker’s creditability.  Voice, gestures, and posture are all great examples of little things that go a long way in preparing students for successful presentations.

Click here to download the complete Voice and Gestures Lesson from Literacy in Focus

Grading Rubric

While it might seem quite simple, reviewing the oral presentation rubric with students ahead of time is extremely powerful.  Clear grading expectations can actually set the mind at ease.  If students are able to practice with the intention of meeting the standards on the grading rubric, they will be more likely to set themselves up for success.  In addition to grading the content of an oral presentation, most rubrics also include space for assessing speaking criteria.  Speaking in a clear and audible voice, the effective use of gestures, correct posture, and the incorporation of a visual aid are all common items on an oral presentation grading rubric.  Reviewing the rubric together will give students a head start when it comes to delivering a successful presentation. It also gives students clear expectations for the task at hand, and allows them ample opportunity to ask questions if something about the rubric isn’t clear.  As with any assignment in the classroom, using a rubric makes it easier on the students and the teacher.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE ORAL PRESENTATION RUBRIC!

As students become more accustomed to delivering presentations, their sense of confidence in speaking in front of others will increase.  Reviewing the causes and effects of stage fright; explaining the appropriate use of voice, gestures, and posture; and reviewing the grading rubric ahead of time are three ways you can prepare your students for a successful speech or oral presentation.  Learning something new takes time, especially when that something involves delivering information to an audience.   With practice and incorporation of the three criteria listed above, your students will be prepared for presentation success!

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Speech Outlines for Students

Speech outlines for students? How should you design them, especially younger students like middle school public speaking students ?

Speech textbooks encourage students to write outlines for their speeches. Since audience do not have the advantage of visually seeing the words, a speech’s organization (preview, transitions, signal phrases) is of the utmost importance. An outline allows students to see each point individually.

Creating speech outlines for students can be tricky though. You want to provide an example, but you don’t want to limit their creativity.

Writing outlines with students is an important activity . Looking at a speech line by line aids in transitions, and in creating a balance of material. An outline is also a working document. As students practice their delivery, they can easily add and subtract from an outline. When I taught middle school speech, I found that designing a speech outline with students calmed nerves and gave students a tool for practicing.

Why is it important for students to create a speech outline before delivering their speeches?

Creating a speech outline helps students organize their thoughts, structure their speech, and ensure a clear flow of ideas. It serves as a roadmap for the speech, helping students stay focused and on track. Additionally, outlines help students remember key points and maintain coherence in their delivery.

What are the benefits of starting with speech outlines for students?

Eventually, public speakers move away from the classic outline—a sort of personalized approach takes over a speech outline template. A successful presentation does not mandate a one-size-fits-all-approach.

Still, for new speakers, a sample speech outline that serves as a mentor text helps. Once they focus on a basic speech outline, they can work on eye contact, vocal variety, body language, visual aids—the other components to consider.

So, to begin, an outline is the preferred design. As the teacher, you must decide which speech outline students should use: sentence or topic. Here are pros and cons when deciding between speech outlines for new speakers.

Sentence Outlines

Pros : A sentence outline gives a polished picture of the speech. Speakers can add sentence transitions, which help an audience more than one word transitions. The speech is typically more developed than a speech from a topic outline.

Students can also read over the speech and get an idea of how the speech will sound. From a topic outline, students will need to develop different parts of the speech each time. With a sentence outline, students will hear the speech in their heads, and it may come naturally to them as they deliver the speech.

Cons : Students who dislike writing struggle with this stage. They may enjoy the different pace of a speech class, but they feel that they are writing papers with an additional step (speaking). Finally, speakers can be reluctant to alter a sentence outline. These outlines are longer, and they may leave a portion that needs work because that one portion interferes with the flow of the entire speech.

Topic Outlines

Pros : The short nature of topic outlines is easy to manipulate. During practice, students can add points, practice, and then move or delete what doesn’t work. It is more a working document—moldable.

Topic outlines don’t take long to write. Because they are short, speakers can spend more time practicing the speech than writing the speech.

Cons : Students can write the subjects and not fully think the talking points for the speech. If they practice a topic outline, they may deliver a strong speech. If students do not practice, a speech given from a topic outline is short. A topic sentence does not force students to think completely through a speech. A speaking experience like that can frustrate.

Thesis, Main Points, Transitions: Choosing an Outline

What do I use? At first, I only used sentence outlines. Students were more prepared, and the longer outlines gave them structure. One time (I can’t remember why), I assigned a topic outline. And? As they progressed, the topic outlines turned into sentence outlines. Some students did not write enough information, but for the those who put forth effort, their outlines were their own, very organized and personalized.

Furthermore, to include all the necessary pieces like a main idea, thesis main points, and on, classes benefit from sample outlines. Therefore, I provide students with outline examples for how-to speeches and narrative speeches . Giving examples builds relationships with students and trust because they see my process.

You can always try both versions with classes, and then decide, or allow students to provide input. When deciding what speech outline is best for your circumstances, consider their need for structure and abilities to create different types of outlines.

Now, my classes write sentence outlines until I feel they are capable of a topic outlines. I give students the goal of eventually writing a topic outline, and they are willing to work toward it.

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Examples of Student Work

This section provides examples of student outlines, visual aids, and speeches.  Use these to help inform your choices as you begin formatting your informative, persuasive, and/or commemorative speeches.

Principles of Public Speaking Copyright © 2022 by Katie Gruber is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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