Interested in becoming an OSIS administrator but having trouble composing a quality campaign speech? Keep reading this article for some powerful tips!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Writing Introductory Sentences
Step 1. Choose a statement that is unique, interesting, and able to grab the attention of the audience in an instant
If you want to fill the position of student council president, make sure you start your speech with a sharp statement that is able to attract the attention of the audience. You'll most likely be delivering your speech in the middle of school hours so understand that your friends' focus may be a bit off.
- Don't start by saying, "My name is _, one of the student council candidates.". The statement is less unique because everyone who hears you already knows the information. Remember, you can convey basic information after successfully grabbing the audience's attention!
- You could start your speech with a question like, "If there's one thing you could change about this school, what would it be?" this?'” then continue by conveying your ideas. Another idea, you can also start your speech with a quote about leadership and power; but make sure you check the source first (especially if you find the quote on the internet). mind, some sites like Quote Garden or Brainy Quote sometimes display quotes with wrong sources.
- If your brain is stuck, try looking for examples of inspiring speeches in books or on the internet (eg speeches by presidents, world leaders, human rights activists, etc.). Pay attention to the way they start their speech and ask yourself, “Was the opening sentence interesting? Did the opening sentence make me curious and want to keep reading/listening? If so, why?"
Step 2. Provide basic information
After successfully grabbing the attention of the audience, convey basic things such as what your name is and what position you want to fill.
- State your name and class. Even if it doesn't feel necessary (considering that most or all of the students may already know you), you should still do it for formal reasons. If you omit this section, you are likely to appear less prepared than the other candidates.
- Say what you want. In other words, explain what position you are aiming for. Would you like to fill the position of chairman, vice chairman, secretary, or treasurer? Even if most students already know the position you want, make sure you stick with it.
- Provide the shortest possible explanation (1 sentence is sufficient) because this section is not as important as your qualifications and plans to improve the quality of the school. For example, you can say, "My name is Ramona Hart from class XI IPA-1, candidate for Treasurer for the 2017-2018 student council management.".
Step 3. Write down your qualifications
One of the most important things you need to do at the introduction stage is to convey all your positive qualities. Remember, your audience needs to know what benefits they will get after choosing you!
- Describe any accomplishments that are relevant to the position you are seeking. If you want to become a student council secretary, please state that you have worked part-time as an administrative clerk at your uncle's law office. If you want to be the student council president, tell me about your experience as a swim team captain.
- Although this section is very important, do not talk too long and convoluted. Remember, the body of the speech doesn't just contain your qualifications. Generally, conveying it in 1-2 sentences is enough. You might say, “For three years in a row, I was voted the best student in Economics. My perseverance and knowledge of numbers makes me a potential candidate to fill the position of Treasurer in the student council management.".
Part 2 of 3: Writing the Body of a Speech
Step 1. State your main idea
At least, you must have three main ideas that can bring real benefits to the school and its contents. Show that you want the position because you want to help others; Surely, your chances of being selected will be even greater.
- Write down all your ideas and describe them one by one in the body of your speech. Chances are, you'll need to do a little research to find out what really needs to change. Ask people at your school (such as students and teachers) about changes that need to occur in your school environment. What problems are most of the students in your school having? What situations make them feel uncomfortable? What do they think needs to be changed? Asking these questions will go a long way in helping you develop important and relevant ideas.
- Remember, don't make promises you can't keep. Don't talk carelessly just because you want to be elected. Also try to always focus on issues that are important to improve the safety and efficiency of your school. Instead of pledging to break the chewing gum ban or extend your break, try to focus on more important issues like bullying, academic achievement, and extracurricular activities.
- In the opening paragraph, emphasize that the issues are important to you; Also explain what you want to do about it. If you want to fill the chair, try saying, “I understand that we need to further reduce bullying rates, increase students' interest in extracurricular activities, and improve students' overall grade point average. If later elected as student council president, I will invite speakers to address the issue of bullying in the classroom, promote more vigorously in sports tournaments, and organize additional class programs for students who have academic difficulties."
Step 2. Find arguments to support your idea
At this stage, you should do a little research and discuss it with your classmates and teachers. Provide a clear plan of action to bring about change in your school.
- Take advantage of the school library and/or the internet to find the right solutions to problems at your school. How do other schools often do to overcome the problem of bullying? What are their solutions for dealing with poor student grades and students' low interest in extracurricular activities? What concrete steps can you take as a student council member to overcome these problems?
- Of course you don't have to go through them one by one; simply summarize your solution ideas in a few sentences to set you apart from the other candidates. In any electoral process, the candidate who knows how to solve the problem – rather than simply identifying the problem – is the most likely to win.
Step 3. Make sure your idea is short but well conveyed
The body of the speech should not exceed two paragraphs of 5-6 sentences each. Even if it seems very short (given the amount of information you need to convey), always remember that you have limited time and should not bore your audience. To make things easier for you, try to write whatever you want to convey; after that, edit your speech by removing information that is less important. Keep your speech concise, concise, and clear so that it can capture the audience's attention until it's finished.
Part 3 of 3: Writing Strong Conclusions
Step 1. Keep your main idea short, concise, and straightforward
When reaching a conclusion, make sure you start by reaffirming your main idea. Generally, you only need to write a sentence or two that goes something like, “With experience and a strong desire, I'm sure I can be a good leader for all of you. I promise to do my best to reduce the potential for bullying, increase student interest in academia, and improve the overall academic achievement of our school.”
Step 2. Reiterate the benefits you will provide to the audience; but make sure you do it in a different way from the time of introduction
Simply restate your qualifications briefly, but don't focus on the information. At this stage, make sure you explain your desires, goals, and desires sincerely. Show that you not only perform well, but also have a genuine concern for your school. Emphasize your passion and show how much you want to see students at your school succeed. Remember, all candidates must have proper qualifications; make yourself stand out by showing genuine concern
Step 3. Ask for the voice and support of the audience
The last part of your speech should contain a sincere request for the audience to vote for you. Also make sure you convey it with humility. Instead of saying, "Support me on Saturday, okay?", say something more formal, like, "I'd be very honored if my friends were willing to vote and support me on Saturday.".
Step 4. Ask others to rate your speech
Try reading your speech in front of your friends, relatives, teachers, or classmates, then ask them to provide constructive criticism and suggestions. Make sure your speech is written at least a few weeks before the election so you have time to practice it in front of other people. You can even create a scoring sheet containing various criteria with benchmarks ranging from 1-5.
Try to find inspiration by watching videos of similar speeches that are scattered on the internet
Tips
- Make sure you only promise something you can keep.
- Learn to read your speech a few times to lessen the D-Day nervousness.
Warning
- Even though the speech you wrote was very good, understand that the possibility of losing will always exist. Prepare to lose with honor and don't be shy to congratulate the winning candidate.
- In contrast to politically charged campaigns, OSIS board candidates should not attack previous administrators, other students, or fellow candidates. If you do, you will surely leave a bad impression in the eyes of potential voters and risk getting into trouble.
