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.
About this activity
Write and deliver a short persuasive speech on a simple topic, plan reasons and evidence, and practice voice, expression, and body language.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Pick one simple topic you care about and say it out loud in one short sentence.
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Step 2
Decide exactly what you want your audience to do and write that goal in one short sentence.
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Step 3
Write down three quick reasons that support your goal on your paper.
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Step 4
Add one short fact or example next to each reason to make it stronger.
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Step 5
Choose the two best reasons with their facts to use in your speech.
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Step 6
Write a catchy opening line (a question or fun fact) to start your speech.
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Step 7
Write one clear sentence for your first chosen reason that includes its fact or example.
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Step 8
Write one clear sentence for your second chosen reason that includes its fact or example.
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Step 9
Write a short closing sentence that repeats your goal and asks the audience to act.
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Step 10
Put your opening line main reason lines and closing sentence each on its own index card.
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Step 11
Say the whole speech out loud while timing it and aim for about 1–2 minutes.
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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.
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Step 13
Share your finished speech on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I help my child write and deliver a short persuasive speech?
Start by choosing a simple, familiar topic (e.g., 'Why we should have more recess'). Guide your child to pick one clear opinion, list 2–3 reasons, and add one piece of evidence or example for each reason. Teach a short structure: opening, reasons, conclusion. Practice speaking aloud in 1–2 minute chunks, focusing on voice, expression, and body language. Give gentle feedback, model good delivery, and do a final run in front of family or record for review.
What materials do I need for a persuasive speech activity?
Basic materials include paper or a notebook, pencils, and index cards for note cues. Use a timer or stopwatch to keep speeches short, and a phone or tablet to record practice sessions. Optional items: simple props or a single visual aid (poster or slide), a checklist of persuasive words, and a quiet space with a small audience. Printed planner templates with opening/reasons/conclusion boxes help younger kids organize their thoughts.
What ages is this persuasive speech activity suitable for?
This activity scales by age: preschool and kindergarten (4–6) can do very short opinion statements with adult support. Early elementary (6–9) can plan 1–2 reasons and speak for 30–60 seconds. Upper elementary (9–12) manage 1–2 minute speeches with simple evidence. Teens can develop longer, researched arguments and refine voice and body language. Adjust expectations and complexity to individual attention and language skills.
What are the benefits of practicing persuasive speeches with children?
Practicing persuasive speeches builds communication, critical thinking, and organization skills. Children learn how to form opinions, support ideas with reasons, and use evidence. Rehearsing delivery improves voice control, facial expression, and confident body language. It also boosts listening skills and empathy when they consider counterarguments. Regular practice increases self-esteem and helps in classroom participation, presentations, and everyday conversations.
Watch & Learn
Need 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.