- Define and explain Planning a Talk in your own words
- Use key terms such as discourse marker accurately
- Apply what you have learned to new examples and questions
- Avoid the common mistakes learners make with this topic
This lesson focuses on Planning a Talk: organise ideas into a clear beginning, middle and end.
Organise ideas into a clear beginning, middle and end.
Key ideas
Plan before you speak
Even a short talk needs a plan: one clear opening line, two or three main points in order, and a strong final sentence. A plan stops you rambling and gives you confidence when nerves strike.
Your voice is an instrument
Pace, pause and emphasis change how words land. Slow down for important points, pause before a key idea, and stress the words that matter. A monotone voice sends listeners to sleep, however good the ideas.
Key term — discourse marker: A word or phrase that organises speech, such as firstly, however and in conclusion. Markers act as signposts for your listener.
Plan a short talk persuading your class that school should start later.
Opening hook: Imagine waking up without an alarm and still arriving on time. Point 1: teenagers' brains work better later in the morning, so they would learn more. Point 2: calmer mornings mean happier, less stressed pupils. Closing line: A later start means better learning and better mornings for everyone. Add a discourse marker to each section: firstly, secondly, in conclusion.
Answer: A planned talk with a hook opening, two ordered points and a strong closing line, signposted with discourse markers.
- Reading every word from notes Notes should be bullet points, not a script. Reading aloud sounds flat and stops you looking at your audience.
- Speaking too fast when nervous Nerves speed everyone up. Practise pausing — it feels long to you but sounds confident to listeners.
Practice
Any two of: firstly, in addition, however, in conclusion.
It sounds flat and stops you engaging with your audience.
The people you are speaking to.
So the listener has time to absorb it and recognises that it matters.
Quick check
Which of these best defines "discourse marker"?
How can you include a quiet person in a discussion?
How do you disagree politely in a discussion?
- Planning a Talk: organise ideas into a clear beginning, middle and end.
- Plan before you speak: Even a short talk needs a plan: one clear opening line, two or three main points in order, and a strong final sentence.
- audience: The people listening to you.
- Watch out for: reading every word from notes