Speech Help
Wed Aug 31, 2005 1:49 am
So I'm running for school president this year and we have to make a speech, but I have no idea what to say. I can't say "I promise to get soda machine's, more field trips, etc. because our school is dirt poor. I just have no idea what to say. 
Wed Aug 31, 2005 2:54 am
It's good that you realize that you can't do the impossible for your school. If you're going to run, though, you need to figure out what you can do - talk to people you know, or even teachers, and try to get a sense of what some important issues at your school are. At the very least, even if your job is too limited for you to actually be able to do much, you can truthfully promise that as president you'll listen to what all your classmates have to say. Also think about what qualities you have that would make you good at the position. Tell everyone about them, and how they will help you. You can also talk about anything you've accomplished that's relevant - this is definitely not the time to be modest!
...of course, this is all on the assumption that people are actually taking the race seriously. If they're not, just go out and tell everyone you run into to vote for you (that's how it is at my school, at least :/).
At any rate, good luck!
...of course, this is all on the assumption that people are actually taking the race seriously. If they're not, just go out and tell everyone you run into to vote for you (that's how it is at my school, at least :/).
At any rate, good luck!
Wed Aug 31, 2005 3:05 am
Thanks for the advice. One problem that I have also is that I'm afraid this will turn into some sort of popularity contest >.<
Wed Aug 31, 2005 3:11 am
Oooh... the senior students did something like that...it's called a student union thing (it's going to be our turn -_-). Some of them were hilarious, some of them were serious (mostly hilarity though 
and there were year 13 hecklers ). What style you're deciding to use all depends on you; I'd say stick to "yourself". If your own style is casual, then go with it.
You get the drift.
As Starchaser mentioned, you need to hit the key issues that would appeal to students, and possibly teachers too. For that, you might want to do some research, info gathering. If you don't have a limited time, or the time you can use is quite long, then I suggest it'd be a good idea to explain why and how you're going to do it. I suppose it's more convincing.
Ignore popularity; just do your best.
Good luck and have fun while you're at it!
and there were year 13 hecklers ). What style you're deciding to use all depends on you; I'd say stick to "yourself". If your own style is casual, then go with it.
You get the drift.
As Starchaser mentioned, you need to hit the key issues that would appeal to students, and possibly teachers too. For that, you might want to do some research, info gathering. If you don't have a limited time, or the time you can use is quite long, then I suggest it'd be a good idea to explain why and how you're going to do it. I suppose it's more convincing.
Ignore popularity; just do your best.
Good luck and have fun while you're at it!
Wed Aug 31, 2005 6:53 am
Research stuff that you know the students will enjoy which will also cost nill to nothing as well. Then tell them in your speech that you'll try to organise these events (and actually do organise them if you win).
Things like concerts go down really well. Last year, our school held an event called 'De La Idol'. Stupid name, but a great concept. Students then organise a group or solo act; it can be singing, playing instruments, or even comedic. Give them a few weeks to prepare, then set aside a few periods or a lunch time for the preliminary performances. Encourage everyone to go because it'll be free. Allow students to vote for their favourite performances.
Then, a few days later, set aside some time for the top performances. Charge a small admission fee this time. The top 3 or 5 from this (voted by the students) will carry on to the finals. Again, you can charge a small admission fee, and set aside some time for it. And at the end, offer the winners a $20 school kiosk voucher or something.
That's just an example of something you can promise to do, and which will cost practially nothing as well.
Be creative, make some kind of promises which you know you can keep, and assure them all that you'll be one helluva School President. Fulfill your promises, and you'll also be remembered.
Things like concerts go down really well. Last year, our school held an event called 'De La Idol'. Stupid name, but a great concept. Students then organise a group or solo act; it can be singing, playing instruments, or even comedic. Give them a few weeks to prepare, then set aside a few periods or a lunch time for the preliminary performances. Encourage everyone to go because it'll be free. Allow students to vote for their favourite performances.
Then, a few days later, set aside some time for the top performances. Charge a small admission fee this time. The top 3 or 5 from this (voted by the students) will carry on to the finals. Again, you can charge a small admission fee, and set aside some time for it. And at the end, offer the winners a $20 school kiosk voucher or something.
That's just an example of something you can promise to do, and which will cost practially nothing as well.
Be creative, make some kind of promises which you know you can keep, and assure them all that you'll be one helluva School President. Fulfill your promises, and you'll also be remembered.
Wed Aug 31, 2005 10:45 am
Michelle wrote:One problem that I have also is that I'm afraid this will turn into some sort of popularity contest >.<
Argh, I know. I hate it when that happens. It sucks!
Sorry I can't be more useful. ><
Wed Aug 31, 2005 11:12 am
Michelle wrote:Thanks for the advice. One problem that I have also is that I'm afraid this will turn into some sort of popularity contest >.<
yeah, it might turn into one.
i would advise to ignore the "key issues" you wont be able to change sqaut, so just make alot of obviously grandiosse claims (i will strive to achieve immortality for all who vote for me)
yeah, probably wont get you a win, but with one big popularity contest who knows.
Wed Aug 31, 2005 4:20 pm
My school's are usually like popularity contests!! =P
Anyways. The girl who gave the winning speech at my school spoke loudly and confidently. I just think you have to seem confident and everything. And remember to stress (maybe even shout out) the most important parts like your name and the "REMEMBER TO VOTE FOR ME!" part!
I'm not too experienced in speeches, sorry I couldn't help you further =). Good luck!
Anyways. The girl who gave the winning speech at my school spoke loudly and confidently. I just think you have to seem confident and everything. And remember to stress (maybe even shout out) the most important parts like your name and the "REMEMBER TO VOTE FOR ME!" part!
I'm not too experienced in speeches, sorry I couldn't help you further =). Good luck!
Thu Sep 01, 2005 1:09 am
Thanks everyone! Today we had to actually start writing out speeches. I only have two sentences though xD "Hi My name is Michelle" and the ending sentence "Please vote for me for President!" Everything in between is hard to write >.<
Thu Sep 01, 2005 1:30 am
Be sensible. Tell people how it is. Tell them, "Look, I can't promise you new soda machines or anything like that, because that's an unreasonable and impossible thing to promise. I can promise you that I'll work hard to create fundraisers so that we can make money for our class." Remember to repeat your name a couple of times throughout the speech so that it sticks with people. Let your fellow students know that the money your class makes is going toward THEIR prom, so it'd be in their best interests to elect a candidate who's actually going to do the work. Have a plan and let people know you have one. Assure them that you have ideas and goals that are attainable and reasonable.
Basically, if you let people know that if they vote for a crap candidate their prom is going to be in the gym, they'll be a bit keener on voting for somebody serious.
Practice your speech. Don't become flustered or read the whole thing off of notecards. Make sure you know what you want to say and that you say it loudly, clearly, and confidently. Nobody is going to vote for someone who blushes and stutters and fumbles with notecards and papers throughout their entire speech. Look into the crowd (or camera, based on your school's budget, lol) and don't fidget or squirm. If you want people to see you as a leader, you have to look like one.
I know it's nerve-wrecking to give a speech, but I'll tell you a trick that works every time for me. Pretend you're someone else. Pick a confident, intelligent character and give the speech like you think they would. As strange as it sounds, Hannibal Lector and Dumbledore are my favorite two to pick. They are both extremely intelligent, charismatic (even if one of them DOES eat people, lol), and they make you want to listen to what they have to say. This may sound like a strange method of giving a speech, but it really works. Try it when you're practicing your speech in front of family/friends. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
Basically, if you let people know that if they vote for a crap candidate their prom is going to be in the gym, they'll be a bit keener on voting for somebody serious.
Practice your speech. Don't become flustered or read the whole thing off of notecards. Make sure you know what you want to say and that you say it loudly, clearly, and confidently. Nobody is going to vote for someone who blushes and stutters and fumbles with notecards and papers throughout their entire speech. Look into the crowd (or camera, based on your school's budget, lol) and don't fidget or squirm. If you want people to see you as a leader, you have to look like one.
I know it's nerve-wrecking to give a speech, but I'll tell you a trick that works every time for me. Pretend you're someone else. Pick a confident, intelligent character and give the speech like you think they would. As strange as it sounds, Hannibal Lector and Dumbledore are my favorite two to pick. They are both extremely intelligent, charismatic (even if one of them DOES eat people, lol), and they make you want to listen to what they have to say. This may sound like a strange method of giving a speech, but it really works. Try it when you're practicing your speech in front of family/friends. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
Thu Sep 01, 2005 3:14 am
As said, don't say you'll try to do things you can't, and see what the students and teachers would like you to do. I would also suggest thinking of any group activities that you can let people do, like fundraisers for charity and such.
Thu Sep 01, 2005 3:14 am
Fiddelysquat wrote:Pick a confident, intelligent character and give the speech like you think they would. As strange as it sounds, Hannibal Lector and Dumbledore are my favorite two to pick.
This is the man of, "Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"?
Other than that, the advice is spot on, though.
Thu Sep 01, 2005 4:54 am
Oh thank you so much Fiddelysquat, you helped so much. Also thank you to everyone else! 
Now I basically know what I want to say, but I need it to make sence since I don't want to say "Hello my name is Michelle, I will help make money for the school, etc." Well the basic question is, how do I begin to write the speech?
"Hi My name is Michelle, and I am running for school president."
Does that make sence?
Ahh I'm hopeless. >.<
Now I basically know what I want to say, but I need it to make sence since I don't want to say "Hello my name is Michelle, I will help make money for the school, etc." Well the basic question is, how do I begin to write the speech?
"Hi My name is Michelle, and I am running for school president."
Does that make sence?
Ahh I'm hopeless. >.<
Thu Sep 01, 2005 9:46 am
Michelle wrote:Oh thank you so much Fiddelysquat, you helped so much. Also thank you to everyone else!
"Hi My name is Michelle, and I am running for school president."
Does that make sence?
Ahh I'm hopeless. >.<
Here's a try: Get right into the issues. They know what you're running for, so there's no need to spoon feed that to them. Mention it during your speech:
"My name is Michelle _______. I believe that, if elected president, I can sucessfully raise money for our class, etc. I'm a serious candidate and I am running because I want to make sure our prom isn't held in the gym and that we have sufficient funds to make prom night memorable..."
Assure them that you won't make phony promises or flake out on them. Tell them that you have the leadership and organizational skills it will take to assist the student body. Give people a reason to vote for you. Many candidates make the mistake of thinking the election is about *them*. It isn't. It's about telling people why you are the best choice, of course, but it's about influencing your audience and making an impression.