Speech
Learn how to open with impact, organise spoken arguments and close with a memorable call to the audience.
Watch the lesson
Watch the matching Path to Selective lesson when available, then review the structure before you practise.
Purpose, audience and tone
Purpose
Address an audience aloud to inform, persuade or inspire them about a topic.
Typical audience
A live audience such as classmates, school assembly or community members.
Tone
spoken, confident, engaging
Core structure
Follow these steps so your response matches the expected Speech format.
Greeting and hook
Address the audience and open with a question, story or bold statement.
Purpose statement
Tell listeners what your speech is about and why it matters.
Main points
Deliver two or three clear points with examples.
Audience connection
Use inclusive language such as “we” and “you” to involve listeners.
Memorable ending
Finish with a strong message or call to action.
Exam time plan
A clear 30-minute plan for exam conditions.
Example opening or extract
Sample opening
Key features
- A direct address to the audience
- A clear purpose early in the speech
- Spoken techniques such as repetition or rhetorical questions
- Well-ordered main points
- A powerful final message
Common mistakes
- Writing like an essay instead of a spoken address
- Forgetting to greet the audience
- Including too many unrelated points
- Ending without a memorable close
Planning checklist
- Who is my audience?
- What do I want them to think or do?
- What hook will grab attention?
- What are my two or three main points?
- How will I end memorably?
Practice options
Apply what you learned in a timed exam using the Path to Selective exam experience.
Timed Exam Practice
Complete the response under realistic 30-minute NSW Selective exam conditions.
Start 30-Minute ExamFinal editing checklist
- Does it sound natural when read aloud?
- Have I addressed the audience?
- Are my points easy to follow?
- Is the ending strong?
Related formats
Continue with a nearby format to strengthen transferable skills.