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Year 9

Considering non-verbal features in presenting a speech

I can understand how non-verbal features contribute to an effective speech.

icon-background-square
New
New
Year 9

Considering non-verbal features in presenting a speech

I can understand how non-verbal features contribute to an effective speech.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The pitch, tempo, loudness and tone of voice used in speeches can enhance the content.
  2. Gesture and posture can be used to engage the audience and to add emphasis to important points.
  3. Spoken language often needs to be slower than feels natural.
  4. You need to consider your spatial behaviour - too much movement can be distracting but too little can be wooden.

Keywords

  • Pitch - this refers to the highness and lowness of your voice

  • Tone - this refers to the attitude and emotion of your voice

  • Posture - refers to the way someone holds themselves when they’re seated or standing

  • Non-verbal features - aspects of communication that do not involve spoken words, such as body language and tone of voice

Common misconception

Content alone is enough for an effective speech.

Consider the most engaging speakers and how they use tone, gestures and eye contact. Giving a speech is so much more than just the words on a page.


To help you plan your year 9 english lesson on: Considering non-verbal features in presenting a speech, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

This lesson focuses on improving an existing speech so students will need to have a previously written speech with them when completing the tasks related to improving non-verbal communication.
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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the primary purpose of writing a letter to MPs to stop sewage companies dumping in our oceans?
Correct answer: persuade
inform
entertain
explain
Q2.
Which word beginning with 'T' describes the mood, feeling and attitude of a speech?
Correct Answer: Tone
Q3.
When a text appeals to the reader using the pronoun 'you' this is an example of ...
Correct answer: direct address
anaphora
repetition
rule of three
Q4.
Match these devices to the correct speech openings.
Correct Answer:direct address,You must act now.
tick

You must act now.

Correct Answer:rhetorical question,How can another day pass without action?
tick

How can another day pass without action?

Correct Answer:anecdote,I remember the loud bang of the explosion.
tick

I remember the loud bang of the explosion.

Correct Answer:rule of three,Ignoring this plea will be disastrous, catastrophic and tragic.
tick

Ignoring this plea will be disastrous, catastrophic and tragic.

Q5.
What type of sentence is being used here: 'Continue to break down the barriers you face.'?
Correct answer: imperative
declarative
interrogative
Q6.
What features has the following closing used? "Like the sounds of the battle field, we must be loud, explosive and send a message."
direct addess
Correct answer: simile
Correct answer: rule of three
rhetorical question
anecdote

6 Questions

Q1.
Which word can be used to describe the highness and lowness of a voice?
Correct answer: pitch
tone
pace
Q2.
Which word beginning with 'P' refers to the speed at which you deliver your speech?
Correct Answer: pace
Q3.
Which of these could be considered non-verbal features?
Correct answer: pace
Correct answer: pitch
vocabulary
punctuation
Correct answer: tone
Q4.
Which of the following would you use to show confidence when delivering a speech?
Correct answer: open body language
Correct answer: assertive tone
Correct answer: good eye contact
closed body language
fidgeting
Q5.
Which tonal words could be used to describe Emma Watson's and Emmeline Pankhurst's speeches?
Correct answer: urgent
sarcastic
Correct answer: determined
offensive
impartial
Q6.
Which answers would not be considered an appropriate tone in which to deliver a persuasive speech about gender inequality to world leaders?
confident
Correct answer: humourous
assertive
Correct answer: casual
urgent