Make a Persuasive Speech
Write and deliver a short persuasive speech on a simple topic, plan reasons and evidence, and practice voice, expression, and body language.
Step-by-step guide to make a persuasive speech
How to Write a Persuasive Speech
Step 1
Pick one simple topic you care about and say it out loud in one short sentence.
Step 2
Decide exactly what you want your audience to do and write that goal in one short sentence.
Step 3
Write down three quick reasons that support your goal on your paper.
Step 4
Add one short fact or example next to each reason to make it stronger.
Step 5
Choose the two best reasons with their facts to use in your speech.
Step 6
Write a catchy opening line (a question or fun fact) to start your speech.
Step 7
Write one clear sentence for your first chosen reason that includes its fact or example.
Step 8
Write one clear sentence for your second chosen reason that includes its fact or example.
Step 9
Write a short closing sentence that repeats your goal and asks the audience to act.
Step 10
Put your opening line main reason lines and closing sentence each on its own index card.
Step 11
Say the whole speech out loud while timing it and aim for about 1–2 minutes.
Step 12
Practice the speech three times focusing on a strong voice and clear words and then practice once more using friendly facial expressions and simple gestures in a mirror or for a family member.
Step 13
Share your finished speech on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have index cards or a mirror for Practice Step?
If you don't have index cards, cut regular paper into small squares or use sticky notes for each line, and if you don't have a mirror practice in front of a phone camera or with a family member as the instructions suggest.
My speech runs over 2 minutes or I blank during delivery—how can I fix that?
Use a phone timer as instructed to time your run-throughs aiming for 1–2 minutes, simplify by using only your two chosen reasons with their facts on separate cards, and rehearse the three practice runs plus the final expressiveness run to build fluency and reduce blanking.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older children?
For younger children, have them write one short sentence or draw a picture per card and let a parent time or prompt, while older kids can expand each reason with a stronger fact or statistic, craft a punchier opening line, and aim for the full timed 1–2 minute delivery before sharing on DIY.org.
How can we extend or personalize the persuasive speech after finishing the basic steps?
Extend the activity by adding a simple prop or one-slide visual for each chosen reason, recording the speech to refine voice and facial expressions, and inviting classmates or family for a short Q&A after your closing sentence before uploading the final version to DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to make a persuasive speech
Persuasive Writing for Kids - Episode 1: What is It?
4 Videos
Persuasive Writing for Kids - Episode 1: What is It?
How to Structure a Persuasive Speech (Part 2)
Persuasive Writing for Kids 1 | Brainstorming
How to Structure a Persuasive Speech
Facts about public speaking for kids
⏱️ Short, clear speeches (about 1–5 minutes) are easier to plan and often hold listeners' attention better.
🎓 Aristotle taught three persuasive appeals—ethos (trust), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic)—still used by speakers today.
📚 People remember stories far more than lists of facts, so a short personal example can make your speech stick.
🗣️ Public speaking is one of the most common fears—many people say stage fright feels worse than facing spiders!
🕺 Your body and voice carry meaning—standing tall, using gestures, and changing pitch all help keep an audience engaged.
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