<p>I prefer to use more serious, passionate speeches when campaigning. Not precisely formal, but still serious, sophisticated, eloquent.
Ideally, I’d like to be resounding. Memorable. But I’m not quite skilled enough as a writer to always be able to pump out speeches like those.
I know many people prefer to incorporate humor into theirs. I’m, however, not exactly a humorous person. </p>
<p>Do you prefer to keep it casual? Or do you do something else?</p>
<p>I prefer to not speak in front of people at all.</p>
<p>Humor is risky. It works well if you’re good at it, because high school students are shallow and will vote for the person who looks better or can make them laugh more. But if you’re not good at it, you’ll look ridiculous, so I would definitely go with serious if you’re not a humorous person. But smile and everything. Don’t be a downer.</p>
<p>This is actually a useful thread, because in a few weeks, I’m running for Key Club Lieutenant Governor of my division. I need all the help I can get for my speech…once I start writing it, of course…</p>
<p>Agreed…any advice anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated. I’m not really a fan of public speaking myself.</p>
<p>I’ve found that being honest helps.
Rather than just listing qualifications, it’s better to try a different approach, something that speaks about your connection to your audience.
For example:
Instead of:
" I believe that I am qualified to represent our school because I get good grades, served on student council last year as Spirit commissioner, am involved in many school activities such as the spelling bee and school play. I worked as a library helper, a family representative, served on lunch crew and worked at the Snack Shack."
It sounds considerably more leader like, rather than just ambitious, if you say it like so:
“Since I came to SCHOOLNAME, I’ve competed in spelling bees and school plays and had a great time. I’ve worked as a library helper, served on school council…etc. I’ve always loved my school and my friends throughout the school. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that I would want to continue to work for my friends and school to make this another great year.”</p>
<p>Like supersmartguy1 said, I agree on the whole not listing off your qualifications things. If you’re running for a school office and your school or club isn’t ridiculously huge, most people already know what activities you’re involved in. I automatically rule people out when they list off other clubs and activities they’re in because its really annoying that they think being in another club qualifies them to be the president of this one or whatever it is. However, if you say specifically what you learned in those clubs that qualifies you for the position, then that’s different. I would stay away from humor unless you’re campaigning for prom or homecoming haha. I also prefer sophisticated speeches, but I never completely memorize mine or read them off because I think they sound so much better when you improvise a little because they end up sounding a lot more genuine.</p>
<p>Listing off qualifications, in my experience, is a big no. Unless you have some amazing qualification you think would be beneficial to mention, often (especially in high school) people have the same types of qualifications, and listening to speech after speech listing them off is incredibly boring.</p>
<p>Humor is also a no. People still expect you to take your speech seriously as well as take them seriously. Using humor makes you seem like you think the whole thing is a joke.</p>
<p>That said, it is okay to incorporate a little sprinkling of smart or witty humor where appropriate. I’ve found the key to a successful speech is being personable and passionate. You don’t need to be overly fancy or casual; just “speak from the heart.”</p>
<p>I think a little humor is ok. At my school, the people who got elected were those that used phrases that were popular. They kept on saying “YOLO” and “swag”. My speech for secretary was based on The Cat in the Hat to make it memorable. Instead of just saying “I have done this” or “Pick me because of that” I made it like the first ten or so pages of the book. Everyone still remembers it, and the teachers loved it.</p>
<p>The biggest thing is know your audience. Don’t go give a speech to high schoolers doing your best to give speeches like Patrick Henry or Pres. Obama (unless you are either). Wit is fine, but don’t try to be funny. It’s a fine line between witty and really missing a joke. Be yourself, smile, and show no fear.</p>
<p>Is it really all in the speech?
I’m running for Key Club Vice President, but I know the people I’m running against are more popular than me…and I also happen to be fairly unattractive.
Plus, two people who are running for President and Vice President are brother and sister, and it seems like they will win because most people think it would be “cool” to have a sibling duo for the board.</p>
<p>I have been unfortunately cursed with never winning a treasurer election. It’s pretty funny, actually, because my friends had always thought I was a shoo-in because of math. But I lost the 10th grade class treasurer election, the election for drama club treasurer, and the election for Key Club treasurer (<— this one was quite depressing because I was beat by a senior who ran off the floor and pulled the “I’m a senior and this is my last year to be really involved in Key Club” card)</p>
<p>@Propinquity, I think it is part speech and part popularity. It depends on what kind of school you go to. If you go to the kind of school where everyone already knows who they are going to vote for before the speeches are made, then it is tough. But even then, if you make your speech as memorable, unique, and awesome as possible, you will have a higher chance of winning. Good luck!</p>
<p>I would disagree with what people are saying and say humor is key. I usually have time working humor into speeches but I find if incredibly easy to make a large group of people laugh when they’re bored (so most jokes sound funny, not awkward). Also, at my school at least, 80% of winning elections is based on friendships, your reputation, etc., so I think the speech is a good medium to get votes by being different (ie humor) because most of your friends/ people that were planning on voting for you won’t stop because you were funny, but others might vote for you because you’re funny.</p>
<p>But I agree some seriousness is needed. Last year I gave a speech with the theme of promises, and started by promising people things that they already had (ie I know people hate the bathrooms so I said “I know many of us want improvements to the bathrooms, and if elected, I promise next year there will be bathrooms”) then I went on the make a couple more similar jokes, and ended with 2/3 promises of stuff that were actual ideas. </p>
<p>As an end note: If you really feel uncomfortable with humor, skip it, because nothing’s worse than uncomfortable speeches.</p>
<p>Do you hesitate about running against a close friend?</p>
<p>I generally don’t let that bother me too much.
If we were true friends, I’m certain that a position that would only last a year or so would not jeopardize our friendship.</p>
<p>I think all speeches should have a little bit of humor in them, but if you don’t feel comfortable with it then it’s best to stay away from that. Sincerity is very important though, so try to make your speech relatable and genuine- from the heart, as cliche as that may sound.</p>
<p>Do you think speeches are more effective when they are longer or shorter?
Say, 1-2 minutes vs 3-5 minutes.
I’m trying to decide for my next speech… we’re kind of given free reign as to the requirements of the speech.
Most of the other candidates seem to be using a fairly typical speech format. Essentially, name, qualifications, why they’re running.
I wanted to take somewhat of a more radical approach…not sure if that’s a good idea, though.
Does anyone have any examples of effective campaign speeches they’d be willing to share? Perhaps an old speech previously used?</p>
<p>It think a speech that is 2-3 minutes is usually best. 1 minutes comes off like saying “I did not put as much thought or work into this speech as I should have”, whereas with 4 or 5 minutes, you’re getting into that area where your listeners get bored and stop listening to you, so that you end up just wasting your breath.</p>
<p>But that is just my opinion.</p>
<p>Any other advice?
bump</p>
<p>Is there anything I could have done to make this speech better?
Nonetheless, I still lost. Everyone else did the generic “Hey, my name is ____ I’m good at this, this is what I want to do, vote for me kthxbai!”
Most of the other candidates were fairly popular and had a lot of friends in Key Club.</p>
<p>This is a revised edition of my speech (the one I actually read to the club), so if you’ve read it before, please read it again if you don’t mind.</p>
<p>I’m proud to say I’m a part of Key Club. It’s not only because of all the great, new people I get to meet, but because I know that with everything we do to service our community, we are benefiting the world. We all want to change the world for the better. It is impossible to understand how much we, as Key Clubbers, touch and impact the lives of others when we care and when we show we care. Some don’t take that first step, but just by being in Key Club we all have taken that step, by becoming members of one of the oldest and largest service organizations in the world. But to me, being a member isn’t enough. Not only do I want to benefit the community, but I also want to benefit our club. I want to take on an officer position because I believe I could help (blank) Key Club take the next step to a better year for 2013-2014. Some goals I have in mind include keeping the club on top of things. That means: no procrastinating. By being on top of things it’ll allow room for improvement or even new ideas. And of course as a vice president I’d assist the president and all of the other officers to the best of my ability. I’d be that shoulder to lean on. If you need something done? You can count on me. I’m the type of person you can rely on. Another goal in mind is to successfully establish and strengthen our committees. Last year, we didn’t have enough applicants. As part of my responsibilities as vice president, I’d encourage more members to become more involved in Key Club and help them see that there are greater opportunities beyond the normal membership level. I’d support the committee chairs and provide them with ideas and ensure the job is getting done. If need be I’d be more than willing to help the various committees with any problems they may be having I’d help Party Committee develop games for our members to make meetings more fun, and I’d help Service Events with planning. Now, these are only some goals I’d like to work on. But I don’t want to only help the officers. I also want to help the members. My greatest goal is to help our members find their passion in Key Club. Even though one of our main goals is to gain more members, keeping the ones we already have involved as dedicated members is more important. I believe connection is KEY. Connecting with members will ensure not only more people at service events but a stronger club. Working with a group of friends who share the same goal of spreading kindness creates a positive energy and a fun environment. Connecting to other schools, divisions, and regions is certainly important. But it all starts here—with my connection to all of you in this room. And I think it all begins with one simple word, “Hello.” So…Hello my name is (blank), and I’m running for (blank) Key Club’s vice president.</p>
<p>I actually think this is quite a good speech. Especially in light of what your opponent said.
Very simply, humans are vain, selfish creatures.
Especially in high school. Most people will simply vote for who they think is the most attractive, the most popular, the funniest.</p>