Write a Speech

Decide what this speech needs to do.

Before you start writing, get clear on your purpose. Ask yourself:

• Why am I giving this speech right now?
• Who do I want to reach?
• What do I want people to think, feel, or do when I’m done?

Your purpose guides your tone and structure. For example:

• To inspire: rally young people to take action or get involved with MFOL.
• To persuade: urge lawmakers or community leaders to act.
• To inform: explain an issue or policy in a way that motivates understanding.
• To honor or heal: center care, reflection, and solidarity.

If you can’t explain your purpose in one sentence, you’re not ready to write yet.

Find your core message.

This is the heartbeat of your speech — the one thing you want everyone to remember. Every line you write should connect back to it.

Ask yourself:

• What truth am I trying to make people see?
• How can I say it simply and clearly?

Examples:

• “Gun violence isn’t inevitable — it’s a choice our leaders make every day.”
• “No young person should have to organize just to stay alive.”
• “Safety shouldn’t depend on your zip code.”

Keep it short. Keep it sticky. Keep it real.

Build your story.

Your personal story is what makes people care. It gives your message credibility and emotion.

Start by asking:

• What moment or experience made me care about this issue?
• What did I see, feel, or learn from it?
• How does it connect to what’s happening now?

You don’t have to share everything. Choose a detail that helps people understand why this matters to you, and by extension, why it should matter to them.

Example: “I still remember the first time I walked into school after a lockdown. Everyone tried to act normal, but no one could. That’s when I realized: silence isn’t safety.”

The best stories are honest, specific, and human — not perfect.

Build the structure.

Every great speech has a rhythm — a beginning that pulls people in, a middle that moves them, and an ending that makes them act.

Here’s a simple structure to follow:

Opening (Hook): Grab attention with a story, question, or bold statement.

• “Raise your hand if you’ve ever had to text someone to make sure they got home safe.”

Body (Message): Explain what’s happening and why it matters. Bring in facts, examples, or lived experience.

• “We’ve seen too many headlines, but behind every number is a name.”

Call to Action (Inspire): End by telling people what to do next — join, donate, vote, organize, demand.

• “We don’t need more thoughts and prayers. We need action, and it starts with you.”

Keep sentences short. Repeat your key phrase. Let emotion and clarity lead.

Edit and practice for impact.

Once you’ve written a full draft, speak it out loud — multiple times. You’ll quickly hear what sounds real and what doesn’t.

Ask yourself:

• Does it sound like me?
• Is it the right length for the event? (Most speeches should be 2-5 minutes.)
• Does every line earn its place? Two minutes with purpose beats ten minutes of filler.

When you practice:

• Time yourself.
• Rewrite words that trip you up.
• Record yourself and listen for tone and pace.
• Practice breathing before key lines so they land with strength.

A great speech reads clean and sounds alive.

Deliver with confidence and presence.

When it’s time to give your speech:

• Look up and connect with the audience.
• Don’t rush — pauses give power.
• Use gestures that feel natural to you.
• Believe what you’re saying. The crowd will feel it if you do.

Remember: it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present.

INTRODUCTION

Hi everyone — my name is [Name], and I’m here with March For Our Lives because I believe every young person deserves to feel safe in their school and community.

STORY / MESSAGE

When I was [age/grade], [share a short story or moment that shaped why this matters to you]. That experience taught me that silence only protects the problem. Speaking up — even when it’s scary — is how we make change.

CALL TO ACTION

Right now, we have the power to [name a specific action — pass a bill, support a program, join an event]. Change doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when people like us decide to show up and keep going.

CLOSING

Thank you for listening and standing with us. Together, we can build a future where every generation gets to live without fear.