How to Write a Memorable 1-Minute Speech for a Middle School Contest

Hey there, future speech competitors in grades 8-12! I'm in 8th grade too, and I've written a bunch of speeches for contests just like the one you're eyeing. Here are some tips that might help you craft a persuasive and memorable speech in just one minute!

Pick Your Main Ideas

First things first, keep your speech simple. Studies show that people barely remember what they hear in a speech, so don't try to cram in too many ideas. Aim for just one or two really strong points. You only have one minute! Remember, your goal is not to confuse but to persuade and engage.

A Personal Example

Think of it this way: let's say you're passionate about recycling. Your speech should focus on one idea, like, "Recycling should be mandatory!" Don't try to talk about every single benefit of recycling. Just stick to that one idea and explain why it matters.

Write Like You Talk

Writing a speech is like having a casual chat with your friend, not reciting a formal essay. So, here are some quick tips:

Use short sentences: Instead of a long, complicated sentence, use two simple sentences. For instance:

Data shows that recycling saves energy. We should all do it.

Use contractions: It sounds more natural. Instead of saying "do not," say "don't."

Avoid big words: If you wouldn't use a word in a conversation, don't use it in your speech. Keep it simple: “Waste produces pollution” instead of “Garbage contributes to environmental degradation.”

Read your speech aloud: This is a game-changer! You'll notice right away if you sound like a book. It's like practicing a joke with your friends to make sure it's funny.

Use Concrete Words and Examples

People like concrete examples. When you mention something specific, your speech becomes more engaging. For instance, say:

Open play spaces for children's sports are in short supply. We need more baseball and soccer fields for our kids.

Instead of:

There are not enough open recreation areas for kids to play sports.

The concrete example paints a vivid picture and keeps the audience interested.

Get Your Facts Together

Believe it or not, people need evidence to believe in you. If you want to convince everyone that recycling should be mandatory, you need to do some research. Here's an example:

Assume you want to pass a law that requires all new cars to run on electricity instead of gas. Air pollution is terrible, so let's do something about it! Research how much pollution one car can produce in a year and how many new cars are sold in the U.S. each year. Calculate how much pollution you could potentially reduce with your new law. Your speech will sound much stronger with facts backing it up.

Choose a Passionate Issue

Your speech should reflect something you deeply care about. Here are some ideas:

Maybe you're passionate about the environment. You could propose a law to make all new cars run on electricity instead of gas to cut down on air pollution.

If you care about stopping war, talk about how prevention can save lives.

If you're a music lover, propose increasing art and music classes in schools to foster creativity.

If you're tech-savvy, argue that downloading music on the Internet should be free to support artists.

Make sure your issue reflects who you are and what you care about. It's more powerful when your own passion comes through!

Persuade with a Classic Structure

The key to a great speech is organization. Use the classic structure:

Heres the problem: Maybe your school has no recycling program, or air pollution is a real issue.

Heres why things are so terrible: Explain the consequences, like schools without a recycling program lead to more waste.

Heres what we can do to make things better: Propose a solution, like starting a mandatory recycling program or mandating electric cars.

By following this structure, you'll be able to clearly present your point and persuade your audience.

Simplify Your Speech

After you've written your initial draft, go back and simplify. Cut out any unnecessary words to make your points clearer. A famous speechwriter for a U.S. Senator has a sign that says:

“Some man did the same yesterday. I must do it better today.”

Remember, you don't always need a fancy sentence to make your point. Keep it simple and clear.

So, there you have it! If you follow these tips, you'll be well on your way to crafting a memorable and effective speech. Remember, the key is to stay simple, passionate, and structured. Good luck in your speech contest, and let's make a difference!