In this activity your students will write their own campaign speech. As imaginary candidates, students should first identify the place and audience for their campaign speech. This will in turn suggest a topic for the speech. For example, a candidate visiting a local school might want to focus on education, while a candidate visiting a workers union might talk about job security or raising the minimum wage. After students have chosen an audience and place for their speech they should identify the subject of their talk.
Topics can range from the environment to education, the economy, homelessness or violence.
Students should choose a topic that they have a personal interest in. After researching their topic, students should write a one-page speech about that subject. Students should also keep in mind how their speech can grab the audience's attention and convince them about their point of view. Some ways to do this include citing statistics and other facts, including true stories and identifying workable solutions Have students deliver their speeches to the class. Discuss what makes an effective campaign speech.