Writing a speech | Starter Quiz | Oak National Academy

What does the word 'purpose' mean?

• a desire or want

• the reason you do something

• what you think or believe

Answer explanation

Think about why you do things or why things are made. Purpose is like the reason behind it. Why do you brush your teeth? Why are shoes made? That's what purpose is all about.

When should a speaker decide the purpose of their speech?

• before they start writing it

• while they are writing it

• while they are delivering it

Answer explanation

A speaker should have a clear purpose for speaking so they know what impact they wish to have on their audience.

Why might a person make a speech to an audience?

• to persuade them

• to hear themselves talk

• to show off their public speaking skills

Answer explanation

A speaker will often be persuading an audience to agree with them. This can also be called 'convincing'.

A good speech will have an impact on who?

• the speaker

• the audience

• the government

Answer explanation

The speaker must know what impact they want to have on their audience before they write their speech. Often, this will be considering what emotional reaction they want them to have to the speech.

What should the audience's emotional reaction to a speech be linked to?

• the speaker's age

• the speaker's voice

• the speaker's purpose

Answer explanation

A speaker should be aiming to provoke an emotional reaction from the audience that helps them to achieve their purpose.

A short story told from real life experience can also be known as what?

• a song

• an anecdote

• a rap

Answer explanation

Anecdotes can make an audience feel lots of different emotions depending on the content of the story.