How to Write a Discursive Speech

Have you ever been asked to write a discursive speech and wondered what it is? And if you’ve ever needed to create a discourse speech, you know how daunting the task can be. Discourse speeches are designed to convey a simple idea or opinion.

They can range from a short statement to a long speech, but they all need the right word choice to attract readers. Further, these speeches teach you how to think cognitively and critically; thus, you need thorough preparation in their composition.

But how can you write a discursive essay? Despite requiring you to gather evidence and present your findings logically, which might seem complex for some, it is easy if you have the correct information.

This guide discusses how to write a discursive speech that will make your argument stick with your audience long after they hear it.

What is a Discursive Speech

A discursive speech is a discussion, not a presentation. Therefore, you will argue for a specific position or inform readers and listeners to abandon a long-held position.

The aim is not to necessarily prove another belief is wrong— because they may agree with you. Instead, these speeches want to show how the issue can be approached differently or how it could be approached differently than it is now.

Also see: How to write a discursive essay

A discursive speech must also include a conclusion. The conclusion entails a summary of your points and serves as the last chance for you to make a final appeal to restate your arguments.

Tips on How to Write a discursive Speech

A discursive speech has three major components; the introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction is the first part, includes a broad overview of your speech or text, and lays a background for your points.

In addition, opening your speech with a joke, anecdote, or practical example helps get your readers and audience on your side. This is a powerful tool for laying the groundwork for the rest of your talk, and people will remember it long after they’ve forgotten what else you said.

Similarly, the body has your points, supporting facts, and pieces of evidence. On the other hand, the conclusion is the closing part and is just a summary of your speech. Generally, these parts require thoughtfulness, conciseness, and clarity

These three will make your writing sharp, bringing your arguments close and, thus, serving the intended purpose. Here are some of the tips on how to write a discursive speech.

1. Identify the main theme

Identifying your central theme is vital to writing a discursive speech. This is because, without knowing the main idea, you won’t be able to write a good introduction or follow up on it during your speech.

Additionally, knowing the primary theme will help ensure that each section of your speech relates to it. Also, you need to have well-defined points in mind before starting to write so that no matter where your thoughts take you, they will all lead back to this one thing.

2. Know your audience

Your audience is a critical player in discursive speech writing. This is because they will influence your language, writing style, and words. Conversely, a knowledgeable audience will demand technical and formal language, whereas a less knowledgeable one will need simple language.

The audience also determines which points are more crucial than others. For example, if writing about the effects of climate change on farmers, declined output will be a vital point, compared to the same topic when written for environmentalists.

3. Write in a formal and unbiased manner

When writing a discursive speech, you should write formally and unbiasedly. Avoid using slang or colloquialisms, as this may make it difficult for some audience members to understand what you are saying.

Also, avoid contractions and use proper grammar at all times. The tone of your voice should be formal as well. It is recommended you use a professional style when discussing more serious topics.

Further, while writing about things that interest and concern you personally, it is essential not to let your personal opinions come through too strongly. Instead, focus on presenting all sides of an argument fairly and evenly.

4. Give topic sentences for each paragraph

A topic sentence is a simple statement that summarizes the paragraph’s main idea. They effectively convey your point in an essay, provide a transition between ideas, and help the reader understand how each paragraph fits into the overall piece.

Further, these sentences are like a thesis statement on a micro level, as it provides a single idea that is then elaborated upon in the rest of the paragraph.

This means your speech’s paragraphs should start with a clear, concise, and specific sentence that has the paragraph’s idea.

5. Write the way you talk

One of the best ways to write a discursive essay is to write in a manner that reflects how you speak. This means using a conversational tone and short sentences rather than long sentences.

One way to achieve this is by using humor, metaphors, and other rhetorical devices to make your speech more interesting and engaging for the audience. However, if writing about an unfamiliar topic, it might be better to use formal language and avoid words that are too difficult for your audience to understand.

6. Be authentic

Writing an excellent discursive speech requires you to be yourself. It also means you are genuine and honest. In addition, you should not try to be someone else or pretend to be someone else. This is because your audience and readers can sense when you are yourself or imitating someone. And an audience will likely not believe or listen to you if they feel you are not real.

Generally, the best discursive speech is true to yourself and your audience. Know what you want to say, why you want to say it, and how you will say it.

7. Make counter-arguments

Including counterarguments is a great way to ensure you address all sides of the argument. You can also use this process for a rebuttal speech, where you’ll write against other points contrary to your view.

Conclusion

So there you have a few simple tips for writing a discursive speech. Following these tips, you should write an excellent paper to impress your teacher and classmates.