Tips on Writing Speeches
A student council election speech is a crucial determinant of the success of your election campaign.
It is often the case that an effective speech drives the candidate towards the winning spot. While
you may have ambitious plans and you know you will make a good student council president, you
may have difficulty in preparing that winning school council speech. Here are some tips that will
make the speech effective enough to get you winning the election.
Running-of-the-mill and boring speeches are a big no no. To make a speech appealing to your
fellow schoolmates, put yourself in their place and retrospect as to what kind of kind of speech
would appeal to you.
Start it with an introduction of yourself. Keep it simple. It is a good idea to start with an inspiring or
interesting quote. Don't forget to mention the position you are contesting for. These should be a
must in your speech. Moving further, you can make it interesting and different. Here's how:
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It is common for the candidates to ask other students about what changes they would like
to see in the school. You should do it too. But don't turn all the suggestions into promises.
Be authentic. Promise only things that can be accomplished.
Humor is a good tactic. It will increase audience's attention and help you make the
audience comfortable with your speech. This may even build trust among the audience. But
watchful and don't let humor overpower the tone of your speech. You enter the danger
zone and you may just end up sounding ridiculous. While humor is good, include aspects of
substance. It matters.
Be persuasive. Don't brag about yourself. Instead of "I am creative", you can use
something like "I encourage creativity". Pay close attention to how you phrase your ideas.
The closing should be powerful. Close the speech with a promise, something that the
audience will remember and vouch for. This could be very crucial in getting more people to
vote for you.
How to Write a Student Election Speech
By Brandi Laren, eHow Contributor Write a Student Election Speech
Running for student government is one of the first ways kids can get a first-hand lesson in
leadership, voting, elections and politics. Whether they are running for president, vice
president or secretary of the student council, they must prepare a speech and present it to
classmates. This speech, along with other campaigning tactics, like putting up posters,
can make a big difference.
Things You'll Need
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Paper
Pencil or pen
Start your speech by welcoming your classmates and thanking them for
attending. Then, introduce yourself, describe what office you're running
for and quickly state why you're the best candidate. For example, "Good
morning, everyone. My name is John Smith and I'm running for president
of the student council. As students, we are ready for change in our school.
I am the person who can help. As president of student council, I would
fight for better school lunches, more after-school activities and more field
trips."
Talk briefly about some of your other leadership positions at school and
why they have prepared you for the position.
2. Focus on the student body's interests. What are some things that
students have been requesting at your school? What have they been
complaining about? If you could improve five things about your school,
what would they be? Use these elements in your speech. Let them know
that you've been paying attention. For example," We are tired of bad
school lunches. As president of the student council, I will fight to get us
better meals."
Try not to make false promises. Talk about school supplies and events and
other things that you will have control over. State these things briefly in
your speech.
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3. Conclude by letting your classmates know that if you are elected, you'll
be working for them. Tell them that you'll always be open to their ideas on
how the school can be improved and be more fun and enjoyable.
Your campaign speech should only be about one to two minutes long, so
make sure you keep your points short and meaningful.
Tips & Warnings
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If you have a catchy slogan you've been using on your posters around the school,
don't forget to say that at the end of your speech.
WATCH STUDENT VIDEOS OF SPEECHES
http://hill.troy.k12.mi.us/staff/bnewingham/myweb3/speeches.htm
STUDENT EXAMPLES
Hi. My name is Noah. You may not want to vote for me
now, but you might after you hear this. I will try to
bring up all of your suggestions of how to improve the
rules. I think I am very creative. I think I am very
honest, also. Do you think you want to vote for me
now? If you don't, here's more. I'll make realistic
decisions. I will tell you want happened at the council
meetings- like what assemblies we will be having, and
when we will be having spirit days if I am elected. I
think I am a good kid and do my best job in school. If
I'm elected I will be all of these things-creative, honest, realistic, and
talkative about your ideas. I think I would be a good student council member
because I am good at making good decisions.
Hi, I'm Veronica. Good afternoon classmates. I'm
lucky to be up here, and I'm lucky to have such good
friends in Room 10 at Hill Elementary. Why you
should vote for me for student representative is
because I'm nice, I'm kind, I'm caring, and I'm a real
friend. I am also hardworking, responsible, honest
and you can trust me to report your ideas to my
committee. I also have good ideas. It's been nice
talking to you.
Don't forget to vote for Veronica for your student
representative!