Access this site so students can listen to some past presidential campaign speeches and inaugural addresses. Inaugural address etc. Have each student pick one excerpt from a speech to present to the class as though he or she were the actual speech-giver. Allow time for students to practice their delivery of the lines. Explain that it's not necessary for students to memorize the whole speech.
Most public speakers refer to a copy of a speech as they speak.
Suggest that memorizing the opening line and the last line is a good idea. In this way, speakers start and end by looking at the audience. Encourage students to make the posters or flyers authentic to the time period. Set the tone for the speeches by having volunteers introduce each speaker, telling who it is, what year it is, and where it's taking place. Have students take turns presenting their speeches to the class.