Q&A for How to Write a Speech for School Elections

Say it indirectly. Something like, "I'd be proud to be your leader, and I hope you choose me to serve you" would work.

Breathe in and out. Remember that most of the students in the audience probably didn't run for whatever you are running for because they were too scared.

Ask other students for suggestions on things that can be improved. In your speech, explain that even though you are new, you have experience from your previous school.

This isn't a popularity contest; students will vote for whoever presents themselves well, addresses the school's issues, and seem like they'll make a difference and be a good leader.

The school may give you a time frame to stick to, but if they don't, 2-4 minutes is probably a good window.

Say your name, and what grade and homeroom class you are in. For example, "Hello, fellow students. My name is Billy Bob and I am in eighth grade in Mrs. Montgomery's class."

You should write the speech yourself, but it's okay to ask for help if you have a friend that is very good at writing and/or very persuasive.

Use words like 'next', 'then', 'also', 'additionally', and 'finally'. There are lists of transition words available online. However, don't overdo it as it can become a bit tedious when overused.

The way primary schools vote changes depending on what school you go to. It is probably a good idea to ask your class teacher or your classmates for information.

Respect, reach, role model!

Just state your name, grade, and what position you're running for. For example, you could say, "My name is Alice; I'm in 6th grade, and here are the reasons that I'd make a great school treasurer."

A good speech is short, sharp and shiny. Your school might give you a time limit, but something like 2-3 minutes is good.

The more you practice your speech ahead of time, the better you'll sound when the time comes.

An interesting and gripping way to start a speech is to begin with something like a rhetorical question. For example: “Are you sick of the way our school bathrooms stink every day?”. Then get stuck into the subject, with the audience already on your side and willing to learn more.

Repeat what the main idea of your platform is, for example: “If I am a leader then I will solve all the problems we have.” Be emphatic and engaging.

It's not a matter about people liking you, it's a matter of students believing that you are the best person for the post. If you can do so by means other than campaigning, you'll have their votes.

Practise while your at home and then, after you are confident at speaking alone, try doing it in front of your parents or family members. This should contribute to making you sound good without being cocky, as your test audience can give you feedback on how you come across. Ask them to be honest!

Let them know who you are, but they don't need your entire life story. Focus on your personality traits that would prove you are right for the position.

Three suggestions: 1. Look through all your sentences and make sure they connect to what you are trying to say. 2. Reread the speech without a sentence and see if everything you want your audience to hear is still present in the speech. 3. Try to cut out words from each sentence or merge sentences together. Maybe bring the end of the sentence to the beginning.

As you're new to a school, it's very difficult for you to win. You can win only if you're in the school from first and you are popular, it may not be a popularity contest, yet students vote for the popular people. You still try to persuade people, yet you'll likely only have a 10% chance of winning.

Use quotes in your speech. Just not too many because people have short attention spans and will get bored if something/a tactic is used or said too many times. Definitely have a slogan. It will help people know what you stand for and what kind of person you are.

Time it. You could use your phone, laptop or other device with a timing mechanism on it.

That means to cite the name of someone at school who knows you well.

You can't. You can, however, disguise your bragging by offering a short and straightforward list of your strong points as a leader and innovator who wants what's best for his/her fellow classmates.

To make your speech memorable, add slogans and funny quotes! For example: 'An apple a day, keeps the teacher away!'

Yes. These words are inclusive pronouns, meaning they make the audience feel included and instead for being talked at, they are talked to.

Just state your name anyway, for the sake of formality and in case there are people in the audience who still don't know you. This comes off as more professional and makes sure everyone knows you.

You should try being more confident, because it sounds like you're suffering from low self-esteem. Bullies tend to pick on others who they believe are weak, but people are drawn to those who are confident and strong and able to stand up for themselves. It's okay if you don't feel confident, you just have to fake it til you make it!

Yes! Try to use a side of you that most people don't see. Many people will be shocked at this new side of you, and will probably vote for you. Try adding humor and good ideas.

Try to include some humor in your speech, or come up with a good, catchy, meaningful slogan for your campaign. You don't need to be that popular if you have good ideas and can catch people's interest. Just make sure to put yourself out there and be confident.