In this three-step online workshop, two Scholastic experts show students how to write and present a compelling speech.

 

 

In Scholastic’s interactive “Speech Writing with Karen Finney and Lou Giansante” workshop (grades 4–12), students learn the process of writing and delivering a speech. Our two experts — Lou "The News Guy" Giansante and speechwriter Karen Finney — help with idea generation, research, writing, and delivery. The workshop includes:

Step 1: Write It

Students imagine they were elected President and have to give an inaugural address. While writing their speeches, these three main ideas help them craft a powerful start, middle, and end.

Step 2: Say It

Two main ideas help students prepare to deliver their speeches.

1. Say It Out Loud: Practice reading your speech as if you were talking to a group.

2. Mark Up Your Script: Make notes on your speech to help you remember how you want to sound when you record your words aloud.

Step 3: Deliver It

Slow it down, keep it lively, make eye contact – students learn how these tips can enhance their presentations.

Tips from the Pros

Expert political speechwriters share their secrets with Scholastic.

Here, students have the unique opportunity to Listen to Student Writing, featuring audio of their peers’ presenting their speeches.

Learning Objectives

While participating in the “Speech Writing with Karen Finney and Lou Giansante,” students will:

• Follow the writing process to create original writing.
• Use web technology to post original writing online.
• Understand how to review and revise their own writing.
• Learn to think critically and objectively about their reading.
• Learn to review and revise their own writing.
• Produce written work to show evidence of knowledge of the different genres.