Participating in student councils can be a good way to help out within the school. Becoming part of it, however, is not that easy. Among the various skills required of a good student representative, you will also need to demonstrate that you are able to deliver a good speech in front of an audience.
Steps
Method 1 of 1: Write a Speech for a Student Council
Step 1. Think about it
Why do you want to join the student council? What will you do if you get admitted? Think about these questions; if you don't find a valid answer, perhaps it would be better to give up. As an example, here are some of the changes a good student representative might want to make to the college cafeteria:
- add a dessert stand and a salad section;
- sell healthier foods;
- add picnic tables for outdoor dining;
- sale of ice cream;
- sale of fresh popcorn or cookies during breaks;
- add a coffee and chocolate dispenser.
Try to take an example from your colleagues who are already on the board. Did they advise you to include something in your speech? How long does it have to be?
Step 2. Write down your ideas
It is always useful to write down the answers to the questions that you will probably be asked, such as why the school will be a better place thanks to you, what are you going to do, how the board can implement your ideas, etc.
Improving the canteen:
- add a dessert stand and a salad section
- sell healthier foods
- add picnic tables for outdoor dining
- sale of ice cream
- sale of fresh popcorn or cookies during breaks
- add a coffee and chocolate dispenser
Reforms:
- assigned parking spaces
- equality between sports and activities for men and women
- new security systems
- incentives for those who attend and have good grades
- Access to sports facilities and gym on weekends
- two more minutes of break between lessons
- five more minutes of lunch break
- permission to use electronic tools for taking notes
Step 3. Start writing your speech
Start by listing your reasons for joining the student council and setting out what you will do once you are admitted. Write a meaningful and seasoned speech with a little sense of humor. The public generally loves the jokes. Take an example from the speeches of the most famous comedians and politicians. A good example would be:
"Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for considering my candidacy as the next student council president. Since the first year of university I have been personally committed to our student body. When the scandal about the spoiled cafeteria food broke out, I personally made a petition calling for better service from suppliers and better control from school administrators. It was unacceptable that our health was compromised by food from our own canteen. Many of you agreed with me and the petition reached the support of 85% of the students. Since then, the administration has observed the safety rules of the canteen with greater attention and severity. In response to my requests, the administration has also begun to make public the ingredients and nutritional values of the foods offered by the canteen, so that students can make more informed and informed choices about what they eat ".
Step 4. Remember to conclude by asking your listeners to rate you
An example would be: “Thank you for listening to me. That is why I beg you to vote me as the next student council president. I thank you once again for your attention”.
Step 5. Read the speech aloud
How does it look to you? Is there anything you would like to change? Edit any parts that don't convince you.
Step 6. Ask for someone's sincere opinion
Ask this person if they would vote for you after listening to you.
Step 7. Read everything one last time
You could also write your speech on a card.
Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for considering my candidacy as the next student council president. Since the first year of university I have been personally committed to our student body. When the scandal about the spoiled cafeteria food broke out, I personally made a petition calling for better service from suppliers and better control from school administrators. It was unacceptable that our health was compromised by food from our own canteen. Many of you agreed with me and the petition reached the support of 85% of the students. Since then, the administration has observed the safety rules of the canteen with greater attention and severity. In response to my requests, the administration has also begun to make public the ingredients and nutritional values of the foods offered by the canteen, so that students can make more informed and informed choices about what they eat.
The following year I was elected as a representative on the student council. One of my best results has been the increase in transparency regarding the board's budget. Now everyone can view the council's budget on the university's website, with regular updates every month. This initiative in favor of transparency has allowed us to reduce the price of numerous initiatives in favor of students. Once we realized that we still had funds available for previous initiatives, we redirected the money in question towards new school initiatives, in order to make them even more accessible for all students.
If I am elected, I will continue my battle for justice, transparency and equality in our student body. I will create a student representation channel in our school administration: too often the voice of us students is not taken into consideration by those who should be responsible for our safety. I will try to reform the course registration system, so that enrollment can be done electronically, increasing efficiency and minimizing the frustration resulting from the numerous errors. I will continue my battle for healthier and more nutritious meals, trying to forge partnerships between the university and local farmers, so that they can provide us with fresh, zero-kilometer products for our canteen. My personal story is an example of a passionate commitment to the common good. I am interested in your thoughts and opinion. I intend to ensure that the opportunities within our university are distributed equally to each of you. Share your ideas with me: I will try to make them come true. It is for these reasons that you should vote for me as a member of the student council. Thanks for your attention.
Step 8. Try to include things your peers might like
For example: theme days, school events, fundraisers. Don't forget to also ask the teachers what they think.
Advice
- Try to promise only things you can really do. Don't promise everyone that you will put automatic doors if you can't really do it. Be honest!
- When giving your speech, don't advise your audience NOT to vote for another candidate. It would ruin your chances of victory.
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There are several sites online that offer expert advice on how to deliver a similar speech.
It is normal to feel nervous. Practice breathing before you start talking. Remember that no one in the audience knows that you are nervous. Keep your goal in mind and move on
- Do some research to find out how such speeches are structured. You may be looking for videos on the internet.
- When giving your speech, remember to look the audience in the eye and use your body language.
- Ask your classmates what they would appreciate if the student council did.
Warnings
- If you lose, use losing to improve. Think about what the winner did to win. Was it thanks to his speech, his gestures, his words or his sincere promises? Try again to reapply next year, and use the tricks you will have learned over time!
- Don't insult anyone in your speech. You wouldn't make a good impression.
- You may lose. Don't feel too bad about it.
