- 1). Determine the purpose of the speech. A speech meant to inspire the class to work hard for the next four years reads differently than a speech on homecoming weekend safety. You have goals in this speech and information to disseminate, so figure out what they are as you start writing.
- 2). Begin the speech with a short introduction. This part of the speech grabs the audience's attention and introduces the topic you want to address such as character, integrity or potential. Consider opening with a famous quote, for example, and explain how it relates to the occasion.
- 3). Focus on the past, present and future. If the freshman class has not been together very long, devote more time to talking about the present and future -- what will happen over the course of the coming year and then in the following years. For a speech at the end of the year, spend some time addressing the accomplishments of the class during its freshman year.
- 4). Address the key topics of your speech in its body; this is the bulk of the speech and an opportunity to go into detail about your topic. For example, if you are reflecting on the freshman class's achievements from the past year, this is the time to go into detail about what they were and why they are significant.
- 5). Share anecdotes. Remind the class of good times it has had together and things that it has overcome, like when it won the homecoming float contest or exceeded its fund-raising goals.
- 6). Address issues that are significant to the class while remaining inclusive. At a religious institution, for example, talk about faith -- at an art school, talk about the importance of creativity and individuality.
- 7). Keep the speech succinct and to-the-point. Don't dwell on any one topic for too long -- instead, simply make your point and end the speech while your audience is still captivated and focused.
- 8). Conclude your speech by summarizing your main points and hearkening back to your introduction. You may, for example, reemphasize the quotation you included at the beginning of your speech.
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