Writing Student Congress Speeches

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1) Educate: An effective speech educates

the audience in some way.

2) Engage: Be interesting! Grab

attention; vary vocals; use gestures

3) Persuade: make arguments; compel by

using rhetorical devices; DEBATE!

Goals of the Congress Speech

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Create a document (T-Charts work best or Pro/Con Outlines)
that contain arguments and evidence for
both sides of the legislation.

First Step: Research

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Prepared Speeches

1) All the parts of the speech

2) 2 to 3 points with sources

3)Conclude by telling the chamber how to
vote; (Say, “I urge a pro vote.”)


4)Have a printed out version of your
speech. DO NOT READ YOUR SPEECH!

1. Relate the speech to ideas that are, or
might be, brought to the floor for debate.

• Use a quotation; and/or
• Use an analogy; and/or
• Use statistics to raise awareness of a
problem (AGD Examples Video Linked Here)

2. State purpose/thesis (about 10 seconds)

Introduction
(15 - 30 seconds)

Introduction
(15 - 30 seconds)

Attention Getting Device

seize the audience’s attention with a startling
statement or series of statistics, quotation, or anecdote (story)
related to the topic/thesis.

Should include 2 or 3 arguments, each containing the following

Body

(approx 2 minutes)

1. Claim - why affirming or negating the bill matters

2. Data (Proof)- evidence that supports the claim

3. Warrant & Impact - why the claim matters - can be something beneficial or

harmful that results from affirming or negating the bill

(30 seconds)

1. State primary points and issues

2. Summarize key arguments

3. Encourage support or negation

Conclusion

For these reasons, I urge
an affirmative vote.

Successful Congressional speakers…

● Listen carefully
● Collaborate with peers politely
● Well-researched
● Prepared
● Are polite
● Are active participants
● Establish excellent note-taking skills

Primary goal

Rebut arguments made by the
previous speaker on the opposing
side, while also advancing the
discussion by making new
arguments and counterarguments

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Extemporaneous
Speeches
Not all the speeches are prepared in
advance in students congress.

You will have some speeches that you
prepare and practice delivery in advance,
but you will also need to deliver
extemporaneous style speeches.

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Extemporaneous and Rebuttal Speeches

Here is where you debate the other members of the chamber.

Your speech is given from notes taken during the session.

You will still need to provide evidence,
sources, and logic.

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Judges will rank each one of your speeches. Your speech

scores are totaled at the end of the session.

Ranks (1-6) a (1) is the lowest score and a (6) is a high score

Speaking style should be conversational. (NO READING)

You may use a flow pad while you are speaking.

Speech Delivery and Style

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The speeches are how students win student

congress.

Keep in mind the judge will hear 20+ speeches within

the session.

As a speaker, you want to stand out from the other

speakers.

Keep in Mind

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When the author of the legislation is not present, the first speech

can go to anyone speaking in favor of the legislation.

Sponsorship Speech