How to Analyze and Teach Powerful Speeches…to Teens

Analyzing speeches is a great way for teens to understand the mechanics of effective communication and improve their own speaking skills. In my class, from tenth to twelfth, my students have to do at least one presentation or speech. Heck! My 6th graders had to share out, in front of the class, at some point, so let’s get these future speakers started.

Here’s a framework for analyzing speeches that you can teach your students, and it doesn’t have to be in an English or Language Arts classroom. Any content area can use theses skills and the resources below.

1. Speech Purpose and Context

• What is the speaker’s goal?
  Is the speech meant to inform, persuade, or entertain? Understanding the purpose helps set the framework for analysis.
• Who is the audience?
  Discuss how the speaker tailors the speech for a particular audience (e.g., formal or casual, age group, profession).
• What is the occasion?
  Explore why the speech was delivered (e.g., a political rally, award acceptance, or graduation).

2. Structure of the Speech

• Introduction:
  Did the speaker use a hook? (e.g., question, quote, statistic, story). How effective was it in grabbing attention?
• Main Points:
  How are the ideas organized? Are there clear transitions between points? Does the speaker provide supporting evidence for each point?
• Conclusion:
  Did the speaker summarize their message and leave a strong final impression (call to action, memorable quote, etc.)?

3. Language and Rhetorical Devices

• Word choice:
  Is the language formal, casual, or poetic? How does the word choice match the audience and topic?
• Rhetorical devices:
  Analyze the use of:
  • Ethos: Credibility of the speaker
  • Pathos: Emotional appeal
  • Logos: Logical arguments
  • Repetition: Reinforcing key points
  • Metaphor/Simile: Creating vivid imagery
  • Anaphora: Repetition of phrases at the beginning of sentences

4. Delivery

• Voice:
  Did the speaker use variations in tone, volume, and pacing? Were there pauses that added impact?
• Body language:
  How did the speaker’s gestures, posture, and eye contact contribute to their message?
• Engagement:
  Did the speaker connect with the audience? How did they maintain attention and engagement throughout the speech?

5. Emotional Impact

• Did the speech evoke emotions?
  Analyze the emotional tone of the speech. How did the speaker connect with the audience emotionally?
• Memorability:
  What made the speech stand out? Was there a line or moment that resonated with the audience or left a lasting impression?

6. Effectiveness

• Did the speaker achieve their goal?
  Was the message clear? Did the speaker successfully persuade, inform, or entertain the audience?
• Audience Reaction:
  If available, explore how the audience reacted. Did they applaud, cheer, or respond positively? Did the speech create a conversation afterward?

Example Speeches for Analysis

• Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream”: Focus on repetition, imagery, and emotional appeal.
• Malala Yousafzai’s UN Speech: Look at ethos, personal story, and logical arguments.
• Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement Speech: Analyze personal anecdotes and inspirational tone.

For the past two weeks, I’ve had my students presenting their “Success Project” Presentations, and even though it was exhausting (for me…lol), presenting students and the class members started to see what their individual issues were while presenting. Some problems stemmed from logging in to not being loud enough, gesticulating too much to using the wrong color combinations on their PowerPoints, etc.

After each presenter went, I’d usually start off by asking the class what each person did right, then wrong. However, after I did that a few times, the class (and yes, even the presenter) realized what they were doing wrong. It’s great!

Here are a few of the resources I use to get students to analyze famous speeches, present or give their own speeches.

Hoping you give your students the chance to wow you with their speeches.