Speech Writing and Delivery Flashcards

Grade 8 · English · Flashcards

Core terms for writing and performing effective speeches using rhetorical strategies.

Flashcards

Ethos

Appeal to credibility. Speakers establish ethos by demonstrating expertise, honesty, and reliability. Example: citing personal experience or professional credentials.

Pathos

Appeal to emotion. Speakers use stories, vivid descriptions, and relatable examples to make the audience feel something.

Logos

Appeal to logic and reason. Includes statistics, research, reasoned arguments, and cause-effect reasoning.

Hook

A compelling opening that grabs the audience's attention — a question, bold statistic, story, or dramatic statement.

Speech structure

Introduction (hook + purpose) → Body (2-4 main points with evidence) → Conclusion (restatement + memorable close).

Call to action

A conclusion technique asking the audience to do something specific, used especially in persuasive speeches.

Eye contact

Looking directly at audience members during delivery to build trust and engagement. Essential for effective public speaking.

Pacing

The speed of delivery. Vary pace: slow down for key ideas, speed up for less critical details, pause for emphasis.

Volume and projection

Speaking loudly and clearly enough that all audience members can hear, even in the back of the room.

Filler words

Non-content words ('um,' 'uh,' 'like,' 'you know') that weaken delivery. Reduced by practicing and using deliberate pauses instead.

Verbal emphasis

Stressing certain words or phrases with increased volume, slower pace, or a pause to signal importance to the audience.

Rhetorical question

A question asked for effect rather than an answer, used in speeches to engage the audience and introduce a key point.

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