Overview
The purpose of a
speech is often to inform or persuade an audience.
Speeches are usually written
to be spoken directly to an audience and can be used to entertain, influencing
the listeners that the viewpoint of the speaker is correct.
Speeches can also be
used to encourage the audience to take action or to change their behaviour in
some way; for example, to join a particular school club or society, or to
recycle more.
The ways you use language and vocabulary when writing the words
of a speech will depend on the audience and the purpose you are writing for;
for example, in a speech to a group of teachers and parents giving your views
on a recent proposal, formal language is most appropriate.