Speech Structure
| Section | Time % | Content |
|---|
| Opening | 10% | Hook: story, question, surprising fact. Promise: what they'll gain |
| Body | 75% | 3 main points — rule of three is memorable. Each with story + data |
| Closing | 15% | Summarize, call to action, memorable final line |
Rhetorical Devices
| Device | Pattern | Example |
|---|
| Anaphora | Repeat opening words | "We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds..." |
| Rule of Three | Three parallel items | "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" |
| Antithesis | Contrast two ideas | "Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country" |
| Metaphor | Compare unlike things | "All the world's a stage" |
Delivery Tips
| Element | Advice |
|---|
| Pacing | 120-150 words per minute. Pause after key points — silence is powerful |
| Notes | Bullet points, not full script. You're speaking, not reading |
| Practice | Record yourself. You'll find 5 things to fix in the first 60 seconds |
Pro Tip: Open with a story or a question, never with 'thanks for having me.' Your first 30 seconds determine whether the audience leans in or checks their phone.