Speech Planning Worksheet example
This example shows how a worksheet can be used to plan a speech to employees of a major bakery
about a community service sponsorship project in which the company will donate bread to the Meals
on Wheels service. It is adapted from a worksheet prepared by Alicia Barnes for an assignment based
on this topic.
Speech Planning Worksheet
1. Format
Introduction
Attention getter: tell people why they should listen
Establish rapport: create a bond with your audience. Show them what you have in
common.
Preview: tell people what they are going to hear.
Body/Discussion
Main points, arranged logically, usually in order of importance.
Data supporting each main point.
Conclusion
Review: Summarise the key points the audience has heard.
Memorable statement: Create a desired frame lf mind that will stay with the
audience.
Call for action – if that is appropriate, needed, applicable.
2. Detailed planning
Preliminary questions
1. What are the expectations of this audience?
a. Toward me?
To present the company’s objectives for this major
community service initiative.
b. Toward my topic?
To demonstrate how this community service
project is worthwhile and how it will enhance
positive associations with the company.
c. Toward this specific situation (Are
To know why Meals on Wheels is an important
there any extenuating circumstances community service.
that should be covered?)
2. How do I expect the audience to be affected by my speech or presentation?
Will the general purpose of my speech or
The general purpose is to inform employees
presentation be to inform, persuade,
about the sponsorship. The company wants
reinforce certain ideas or entertain?
employees to understand the reasons it has
initiated the sponsorship.
What is the specific point I want the
That Meals on Wheels is a vital community
audience to remember, or the call for action service; the company’s sponsorship is a
I want to leave with them? (For example,
positive and valuable assistance for Meals on
complete this sentence during your speech
Wheels; employees will have a positive
planning: After this speech or presentation,
attitude towards the company and Meals on
the audience will ….)
Wheels resulting in some volunteering to help
the service.
The body of the speech
3. My speech/presentation be arranged
Chronologically
Spatially
Topically

By cause and effect
By problem and solution
 box
4. The structure I have chosen is best because the speech needs to highlight that Meals on
Wheels is a valuable community service; that the bakery’s $2 million over five years sponsorship is
a significant commitment; that the bread is nutritious; that employees can be proud of being part of
the sponsorship
5. What are the three or four main points suggested by the structure I have chosen?
Main point 1:
The $2 million sponsorship is a valuable and generous community initiative.
Main point 2:
Meals on Wheels provides a valued community service.
Main point 3:
Employees can feel proud to be part of this initiative.
Main point 4:
We’ll be using our most nutritious bread for the sponsorship.
6. How will I support the main points? Will I use statistics, examples, analogies, case studies,
direct quotations?
Main point 1 will be supported by statistics that show Meals on Wheels need for sponsorship,
including the number of people who rely daily on the service.
Main point 2 will be supported by as for point 1.
Main point 3 will be supported by examples: staff at other sponsoring organisations have reported
feeling proud of their organisation’s involvement in community projects.
Main point 4 will be supported by examples and independent test results that show our product is
nutritious.
7. How should I adapt my language and word choice to suit audience expectations?
To what extent should I use jargon and buzz Minimal
words?
To what extent should I be conscious of
Define technical terms clearly, especially those
defining certain words?
related to corporate philanthropy.
8. Visual aids
What should be visualised?
Why should it be
visualised?
How should it be
visualised?
CEO at desk; Meals on Wheels delivery; bread production.
This will put the sponsorship in context and show the ‘human
side’ of the CEO.
Shoot footage of the CEO delivering the speech; use stock
footage of Meals on Wheels and bread production.
9. How should I introduce the speech or presentation?
Why should my audience listen to this
Because this sponsorship will directly benefit a
message?
worthwhile community service.
How will my audience benefit by listening to They will be satisfied that the company has
me?
taken this step – it shows the company is
How can I make my audience want to listen?
The audience should listen to me because
…..
Conclusion
10. How should I conclude the speech?
How do I relate the conclusion to the main
points I have covered?
In conclusion …..
socially responsible and ‘giving something back’
to the community.
By writing a clearly expressed speech that will
be delivered in a simple way that shows the
company cares about the work of Meals on
Wheels.
Employees will be interested in an initiative
that has valuable community outcomes and
that has been explained in a clear and visual
way.
Summarise the main points succinctly.
Stress the company’s commitment to socially
responsible actions and thank employees for
their involvement in the project – and for
watching the webcast.