Speech Writing
for
State Assembly
Speech Writing
Start With the Why
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Speech Techniques
Do:
Do NOT:
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How to Start/End Your Opening Statement
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“Thank you, I yield my time to the chair.”
SPEECH
“Thank you, sir/madame chair. FIRST NAME LAST NAME, YOUR DELEGATION.”
Opening Statement Structure
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Hook = Story, quote, rhetorical question, or strong statement.
Background = Explain the “what” and the “why.” Use facts & stats.
“Thus I propose” or something similar to switch gears.
Persuade = Share the “how” of your bill, or actual idea. Be clear and concise.
Make sure you use Ethos (ethics), Pathos (emotions), Logos (logic)
Sample Opening Statement
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Part 1: Greet your listeners & hook their interest
“Thank you sir/madam chair. YOUR NAME, YOUR DELEGATION. We are here today to propose legislation that will solve the growing crisis of plastic pollution in our local waterways. Imagine with me 10 years from now that you are kayaking down a river. Instead of enjoying the beautiful scenery, all you see is plastic bags, plastic bottles and trash floating by you.” (Use a quote, a story, imagery, a strong statement or a rhetorical question to catch their attention!)
Part 2: Give some background information
“In the state of Ohio, a ban on single-use plastics is urgently needed because a substantial portion of the state’s waste stream is plastic and much of this waste is from items that are used once and then discarded. A statewide waste-characterisation study by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources found that “TOTAL PLASTICS” comprised 15.01% of the net weight of the material stream sampled. In northeast Ohio, it is estimated that nearly 22 million pounds of plastic enter the Great Lakes each year in the form of plastic debris — much of it single‐use or short‐life packaging. Ohio’s waste system is burdened by large volumes of plastic, much of which is not being effectively recycled or diverted from landfills or waterways. Single-use plastics (which typically cannot be easily recycled) are especially problematic because they enter the waste stream rapidly, contribute to litter, degrade slowly, and often escape proper disposal channels (e.g., into the Great Lakes). Without state-level leadership to restrict the worst offenders, local efforts are impeded, and the structural waste problem continues.”
Part 3: Tell them what your bill will do!
“This bill will implement a phased-in ban on single-use plastics to reduce environmental damage, protect wildlife, ease the burden on landfills and waste management systems, and mitigate economic costs associated with pollution. A phased approach allows for a gradual transition, giving businesses time to adapt to new materials and consumer habits to change without sudden disruption. The first year of implementation including single-use plastic bags and straws…” (What you plan to do)
“This type of a ban has already had great success in other states. A statewide bag ban in California resulted in an 86% drop in plastic bag use and a 68% decrease in roadside bag litter within two years” (Give examples of how similar legislation has been effective in other states or locations if available)
Then let your chair know you are finished by saying “I yield the remainder of my time to the chair.”
How to Start/End Your Closing Summation
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“Thank you, I yield my time to the chair.”
SPEECH
“Thank you, sir/madame chair. FIRST NAME LAST NAME, YOUR DELEGATION.”
Closing Statement Structure
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Acknowledgement - “Thank you Chair & thank you to everyone for the great debate”
Rebuttal - Address/clarify big questions or concerns from debate. Can also emphasize good points brought up in debate.
Persuade = Convince listeners why your bill should be passed!
Wow = Have a WOW last sentence for closing (mic drop).
Salutations- “I yield my time to the chair.”
*Don’t forget ethos, pathos and logos!
Sample Closing Statement
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Part 1: Thank your listeners
“Thank you sir/madam chair. YOUR NAME, YOUR DELEGATION. I want to thank everyone for the thoughtful and lively debate today on this bill.”
Part 2: Address the cons that were brought up
Take notes while debate is happening so you can bring it up in your closing. Address the cons from debate and emphasizes good pros brought up during debate. If you want to prepare ahead of time, make a list of possible cons and your responses to them. Then when they are brought up during debate you can simply star or circle them instead of having to take as many notes.
“To address a concern brought up by a previous speaker…”
Part 3: Mic Drop
End your closing with a fact, quote or idea you want to leave everyone to think about regarding your bill. This should be a wow or mic drop moment!!!
Then let your chair know you are finished by saying “I yield the remainder of my time to the chair.”
RESEARCH
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THANK YOU