Mastering the IB English B Speech
Deliver Your Message with Impact
This guide includes theory, worked examples, and revision tasks to help you master speech writing for IB English B Paper 1 and your Individual Oral at B2–C1 level.
21 slides covering foundations, structure, rhetorical devices, worked examples, practice tasks, and a quick-reference checklist.
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What is a Speech?
In IB English B, a speech is a powerful text type designed to be delivered orally to a specific audience.
Main goals of a speech
- Inform — share knowledge or explain information
- Persuade — convince the audience to adopt a viewpoint or take action
- Entertain — engage and amuse your listeners
- Celebrate — honour achievements or special occasions
Unlike essays, speeches are meant to be heard, not just read. Your words must engage listeners in real time — write for the ear, not the eye.
Why it matters for IB
Whether for your Individual Oral or Paper 1, mastering speech writing demonstrates your understanding of language, rhetoric, and audience connection.
The Foundation: C–A–P
Every successful speech is built on three essential pillars:
C — Context
The "where & when"
What is the occasion? A formal debate, school assembly, or community meeting? Context influences your tone and content.
A — Audience
The "who"
Who are you speaking to? Their age, background, and interests dictate your language, examples, and approach.
P — Purpose
The "why"
What do you want them to think, feel, or do? Your purpose drives every aspect of your speech.
Speaking to younger students? Use simpler language and engaging stories. Speaking to experts? Include sophisticated analysis and technical detail.
C–A–P Analysis Example
Sample prompt: "You have been asked to speak at a school assembly about the importance of mental health awareness for teenagers. Your audience consists of students aged 14–18."
Context
School assembly — a semi-formal setting where attention spans may vary. Students are required to attend, so you need to capture and maintain interest.
Audience
Teenagers (14–18) — peers who understand student pressures but may be sceptical or distracted. They value authenticity and relatable content.
Purpose
To inform students about mental health importance and persuade them to prioritise their wellbeing and seek help when needed.
Key considerations
- Use semi-formal, relatable language (avoid being preachy)
- Include personal anecdotes or relatable scenarios
- Make it interactive with rhetorical questions
- Balance a serious topic with an engaging delivery
Revision Task 1: C–A–P Analysis
Identify the C–A–P
Prompt: "Write a speech to be delivered at a community town hall meeting about reducing plastic waste. Your audience includes local residents, business owners, and council members."
Context: Town hall meeting — formal/semi-formal civic setting where community members discuss local issues. Expect diverse opinions and a need for practical solutions.
Audience: Mixed group — residents care about the environment; business owners are concerned with costs and practicality; council members focus on policy and feasibility. You need to address multiple perspectives.
Purpose: Inform about plastic waste problems and persuade all stakeholders to support and implement waste-reduction measures.
Language approach: Formal but accessible. Use data and facts for credibility. Address each group's concerns. Emphasise community benefits and shared responsibility.
Speech Structure: the Roadmap
A well-structured speech takes your audience on a clear journey from beginning to end.
- Catchy introduction — grab attention with a strong hook (rhetorical question, surprising statistic, anecdote, or bold statement). Greet your audience, introduce your topic, and clearly state your purpose.
- Body — 2–3 main points — each point should include a clear idea or argument, evidence and examples, an explanation linking to your purpose, and smooth transitions between points.
- Powerful conclusion — summarise key ideas, restate your main message, and end with a strong call to action or memorable closing statement.
Tell them what you'll tell them (intro) · tell them (body) · tell them what you told them (conclusion).
Hooks That Capture Attention
1. Rhetorical question
"Have you ever wondered why we spend more time choosing a Netflix show than planning our future?"
2. Surprising statistic
"Every single minute, one million plastic bottles are purchased worldwide. By the time I finish this sentence, thousands more will be sold."
3. Personal anecdote
"Three years ago, I stood exactly where you are now, thinking mental health was something that only affected 'other people.' I was wrong."
4. Bold statement
"Today, I'm going to tell you why everything you know about social media is destroying your future."
Example: Introduction
Mental health awareness speech — school assembly
Hook (rhetorical questions)
"How many of you check your Instagram before you check in with yourself? How many scroll through perfectly filtered lives while your own struggles remain hidden?"
Greeting & topic introduction
"Good morning, everyone. I'm here today to talk about something that affects every single person in this room, yet we rarely discuss openly — our mental health."
Purpose statement
"Today, I want to share why prioritising mental health isn't just important — it's essential for our success, happiness, and survival as teenagers navigating an increasingly complex world. By the end of this speech, I hope you'll understand that asking for help isn't weakness — it's one of the strongest things you can do."
The hook uses direct address ("you") and relatable scenarios. The greeting is warm and personal. The purpose is crystal clear.
Revision Task 2: Write an Introduction
Write a speech introduction
Prompt: "Write a speech for your school's International Day celebration about the importance of cultural diversity. Your audience is students and teachers."
Write an introduction (3–4 sentences) that includes an attention-grabbing hook, a greeting and topic introduction, and a clear purpose statement.
"Imagine a world where everyone looked the same, thought the same, and ate the same food every single day. Sounds boring, right? Good morning, teachers and fellow students. Today, as we celebrate International Day, I want to talk about why our differences aren't just something to tolerate — they're our greatest strength. I'm here to convince you that cultural diversity isn't just nice to have; it's essential for innovation, understanding, and creating a better future for all of us."
Rhetorical Devices: Your Secret Weapons
1. Rule of three
Grouping ideas in threes makes them memorable and powerful.
"We need solutions that are practical, affordable, and sustainable."
2. Repetition
Repeating key phrases emphasises your message.
"We can do better. We must do better. We will do better."
3. Direct address
Using "you" and "we" creates connection.
"You have the power to make a difference. We, together, can change this."
4. Rhetorical questions
Questions that make the audience think (no answer expected).
"Is this the world we want to leave for future generations?"
5. Vivid imagery
Figurative language that creates a picture in the listener's mind.
"Plastic waste is strangling our oceans, turning crystal-clear waters into murky graveyards."
Example: Body Paragraph
Body point 1 — mental health speech
Main idea
"Let's start by acknowledging the reality: teenage mental health is in crisis."
Evidence
"According to recent studies, one in five teenagers experiences a mental health condition each year. Depression and anxiety rates among students have doubled in the past decade. These aren't just statistics — they're our friends, our classmates, maybe even ourselves."
Explanation
"Why is this happening? The pressure to succeed academically, maintain perfect social media profiles, plan for uncertain futures — it's overwhelming. We're expected to have it all figured out while our brains are still developing. That's not realistic, and it's certainly not healthy."
Link to purpose
"Understanding this reality is the first step toward creating a supportive environment where we can all thrive. We can't fix what we don't acknowledge."
Every body paragraph follows: main idea → evidence → explanation → link to purpose.
Revision Task 3: Write a Body Paragraph
Develop one main point
Scenario: You're writing a speech about reducing plastic waste at a community town hall meeting.
Develop ONE body paragraph about: "The environmental impact of plastic waste"
"First, let's examine the devastating environmental impact of our plastic consumption. Our community generates over 500 tons of plastic waste annually, with only 15% being recycled. The rest? It ends up in our local rivers, parks, and eventually the ocean, where it takes up to 1,000 years to decompose. We've all seen the heartbreaking images of marine life entangled in plastic, but the damage goes deeper — microplastics are now found in our drinking water and food chain. This isn't a distant problem; it's happening right here, right now, affecting our health and our children's future. By reducing plastic waste today, we're not just protecting wildlife — we're protecting ourselves and preserving the natural beauty that makes our community special."
Example: Powerful Conclusion
Conclusion — mental health speech
Summary
"Today, we've explored the reality of teenage mental health challenges, discussed why prioritising wellbeing matters, and identified resources available to all of us."
Restate main message
"But here's what I want you to remember most: your mental health is just as important as your physical health. There's no shame in struggling, and there's tremendous courage in seeking help."
Call to action
"So I'm asking you to do three things. First, check in with yourself regularly — your feelings matter. Second, reach out to someone you trust when you're struggling — you don't have to face it alone. And third, be that person for someone else — a kind word or listening ear can save a life."
Memorable closing
"We spend so much time building our futures — let's make sure we're here, healthy and whole, to enjoy them. Thank you."
Summary · restated message · specific call to action · memorable final statement. Leave the audience inspired to act.
Language & Tone
Register
For IB English B, use a semi-formal to informal register, depending on your audience and context.
Semi-formal — good
"We need to tackle this problem together."
"Let's be honest about what we're facing."
"This matters because…"
Too formal — avoid
"It is imperative that we collaboratively address this matter."
"One must acknowledge the veracity of the situation."
"The significance thereof is…"
Tone options
- Serious — for important issues (mental health, environment)
- Enthusiastic — for celebrations or motivational topics
- Urgent — for calls to action
- Inspirational — to motivate and uplift
Persuasive Language Techniques
1. Vivid imagery & figurative language
"Plastic waste is strangling our oceans, turning crystal-clear waters into murky graveyards."
2. Facts & statistics
"Studies show that 75% of students feel overwhelmed by academic pressure."
3. Personal anecdotes
"I remember the day I realised I needed help. I was sitting in class, unable to focus…"
4. Emotive language
"Devastating," "heartbreaking," "inspiring," "transformative" — words that evoke feeling.
5. Contrasts & comparisons
"We can either continue down this destructive path, or we can choose a sustainable future."
Revision Task 4: Add Rhetorical Devices
Enhance this paragraph
Plain version:
"Climate change is a serious problem. The temperature is rising. We need to do something about it. Everyone should help reduce carbon emissions."
Rewrite using at least 3 rhetorical devices: direct address, rule of three, rhetorical question, vivid imagery, or repetition.
"Climate change isn't just a problem — it's a crisis threatening our planet, our future, and our children's survival. Can we really stand by while glaciers melt, forests burn, and oceans rise? We can't, we won't, and we must act now. Each of us — yes, you, me, and everyone in this room — holds the power to reduce carbon emissions. Together, we can create a sustainable, livable, and thriving world for generations to come."
Devices used: Bold statement · rule of three (×2) · rhetorical question · direct address · repetition · emotive language
Complete Speech Example
Digital wellbeing for students — ~425 words
Introduction
How many hours did you spend on your phone yesterday? Five? Seven? Ten? Good morning, everyone. I'm here to talk about something that's quietly taking over our lives — our screens. By the end of this speech, I hope you'll understand why digital wellbeing isn't just about limiting screen time; it's about reclaiming our mental health, our relationships, and our real lives.
Body point 1
Let's face the facts: we're addicted. Studies show that the average teenager spends over seven hours daily on screens, not including schoolwork. That's nearly half our waking hours staring at a digital world while the real one passes us by. We check our phones over 150 times per day — that's once every six minutes. This isn't connectivity; it's compulsion. And it's affecting our sleep, our concentration, and our happiness.
Body point 2
But here's what really concerns me: social media is destroying our self-esteem. We scroll through carefully curated highlights of others' lives and wonder why ours feels ordinary. We measure our worth in likes and follows. We compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else's highlight reel. Research shows that students who spend more than three hours daily on social media are twice as likely to experience depression and anxiety. That's not a coincidence — that's a warning.
Body point 3
So what can we do? First, set boundaries — designate phone-free times, especially before bed and during meals. Second, curate your feed consciously — unfollow accounts that make you feel inadequate. Third, embrace real-world connections. Put down the phone and have actual conversations. Your followers can wait; your friendships can't.
Conclusion
Today, we've explored how excessive screen time impacts our wellbeing, why social media affects our mental health, and practical steps to regain balance. Remember: technology should serve us, not control us. You are more than your online presence. Your worth isn't measured in likes. Your life is happening right now, in this moment, not through a screen. So I challenge each of you: tonight, put your phone away an hour before bed. Use that time to read, think, create, or simply be present. Your future self will thank you. Thank you.
Hook · clear three-point body structure · rhetorical devices throughout · rule of three in conclusion · memorable closing challenge.
Writing for the Ear
Even though your speech is written, keep these delivery principles in mind:
Write for the ear, not the eye
Use shorter sentences, contractions, and conversational language. If it sounds awkward when read aloud, rewrite it.
Build in pauses
Use punctuation strategically. Dashes, ellipses, and paragraph breaks signal where to pause for effect.
Vary sentence length
Mix short, punchy sentences with longer, flowing ones. Creates rhythm. Keeps attention. See?
Build to crescendos
Structure your speech so energy and emotion build toward key moments, especially your conclusion.
Read it aloud while drafting
If you stumble over a phrase when reading, your audience will too. Revise until it flows naturally.
Revision Task 5: Write Your Own Speech
Full speech — 450–600 words
Choose one prompt:
- Option A — Write a speech for your school's sustainability week about why students should care about climate action. Audience: fellow students.
- Option B — Write a speech for a local youth leadership conference about the importance of volunteering in your community. Audience: teenagers from various schools.
Your speech must include: an engaging introduction with hook · 2–3 body paragraphs with clear points · rhetorical devices throughout · a powerful conclusion with call to action · semi-formal, engaging tone.
C–A–P awareness · clear structure · direct address · at least 3 rhetorical devices · varied sentence length · memorable closing · 450–600 words
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too formal — sounds like an essay
Avoid: "It is evident that one must consider the ramifications…"
Better: "Let's be honest about what this means for us…"
No direct address
Avoid: "People should care about this issue."
Better: "You might think this doesn't affect you, but…"
Weak conclusion
Avoid: "So that's why this is important. Thank you."
Better: "We have a choice: continue down this path or create real change. I know what I'm choosing. What about you? Thank you."
No rhetorical devices
Avoid: Plain statements with no engagement techniques.
Better: Questions, repetition, rule of three, and vivid imagery used strategically throughout.
Quick Reference Checklist
Before you write
- Analysed context (occasion and setting)
- Identified audience (who and what matters to them)
- Defined purpose (inform, persuade, entertain, celebrate)
Structure check
- Strong hook in introduction
- Clear greeting and purpose statement
- 2–3 well-developed body points
- Each point: idea + evidence + explanation + link
- Smooth transitions between points
- Summary of key points in conclusion
- Clear call to action or memorable closing
Language & style
- Semi-formal register appropriate for audience
- Direct address (you, we) used throughout
- At least 3 rhetorical devices included
- Varied sentence length for rhythm
- Sounds natural when read aloud
- 450–600 words · proofread for errors
You're Ready to Speak
Mastering the IB English B speech is all about:
- Practise reading your speech aloud multiple times
- Time yourself to meet the word count
- Record yourself to hear how it sounds
- Get feedback from others
- Remember: confidence comes from preparation
Good luck with your IB English B exam.