Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and actor Charles Dance stress the importance of effective delivery when making a speech.
On the stage of a West End theatre, Simon is given expert advice on presentation skills and practical tips on how to deliver a speech, by Shakespearean actor Charles Dance OBE.
Energy is a crucial ingredient, to be carefully controlled and released, as if using a pressure cooker.
Pauses and silences are useful in allowing audiences time to digest and prepare for the next idea.
Pace should be varied for impact.
Clarity of diction is key to effective communication as are volume and pitch. A confident physical stance is also a vital component when making audiences listen.
This clip is from the BBC series, Speeches that Shook the World, first broadcast in 2013.
Teacher Notes
This video could be used as preparation for delivering individual presentations or talks.
The class could list key presentation skills mentioned in the clip and identify them in any striking example of a speech.
Curriculum Notes
This short film is suitable for teaching KS3 English in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and third level in Scotland.
More videos on making great speeches:
Getting your message across. video
Simon Armitage explores the art of persuasion in powerful speeches.
Great speeches - the art of persuasion. video
Simon Armitage explores key features of persuasive speeches using examples from the last hundred years.
Key elements of making a great speech. video
Simon Armitage looks at the importance of engaging with your audience when delivering a speech.
