Master the Art of Essays & Speeches
Welcome to Essay & Speech — your comprehensive resource for learning how to write powerful essays, deliver compelling speeches, and communicate effectively. Explore our guides, tips, and tutorials.
Browse Guides by Topic
Not sure where to start? Pick the skill you are working on and read the guides in order.
College Admissions
Rhetoric
Speech Practice
Speech Writing
- What Is an Entertainment Speech? How to Make One Your Audience Enjoys
- How to Narrow Down Speech Topics: 5 Methods to Go From Broad to Focused
- How to Write a Manuscript Speech That Doesn't Sound Read
- What Is a Prepared Speech? Types, Examples, and How to Prepare One
- How to Write an Informative Speech (Plus 40 Topic Ideas)
- How to Write a Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide With a Sample Outline
Speech Delivery
- What Is a Memorized Speech? How to Memorize a Speech Without Sounding Robotic
- What Is an Extemporaneous Speech? How to Prepare and Deliver One From Notes
- What Is Modulation in Speech? 5 Elements of Vocal Variety (With Exercises)
- How to Overcome Stage Fright: A Practical Plan for Nervous Speakers
- How to Give an Impromptu Speech: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- 10 Public Speaking Tips to Deliver Powerful Speeches
Essay Writing
- How to Do a Literacy Essay: Write a Literacy Narrative Readers Connect With
- What Is a Great Thesis Statement? 7 Tests That Separate Good From Great
- How Do You Write an Essay Outline? A 5-Step Method With Templates
- What Are the Parts of an Argumentative Essay? The 7 Building Blocks Explained
- How to Edit and Proofread Your Essay: A Three-Pass System
- The Ultimate Guide to Essay Structure
- How to Write an Argumentative Essay Using the Toulmin Model
- Transition Words for Essays: 150+ Examples and How to Use Them
- How to Write a Conclusion That Leaves a Lasting Impression
- How to Write an Essay Introduction: Hooks, Context, and Thesis
- How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement (With 15 Examples)
- How to Write a Persuasive Essay: A Complete Guide
- How to Write a Narrative Essay: Turn Your Experience Into a Story
- How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay: Methods, Outlines, and Examples
Research & Citation
Why Choose Essay & Speech?
We combine expert knowledge with practical tools to help you master the art of written and spoken communication.
Clear, Tested Methods
Every guide explains one skill step by step, shows a worked example, and ends with a practice exercise. We check our advice against established style guides and composition textbooks, and we update articles when readers point out gaps.
Practical Tips & Methods
Go beyond theory with actionable tips, step-by-step methods, and real-world examples that you can apply immediately to your essays, speeches, and presentations.
Real Examples, Not Just Rules
Our guides include sample thesis statements, model paragraphs, speech outlines, and before-and-after revisions, so you can see exactly what good work looks like before you write your own.
All Skill Levels
From beginners writing their first essay to advanced speakers preparing for professional presentations, we have content tailored to every experience level.
Speech & Presentation Skills
Master the art of public speaking with techniques for impromptu speeches, persuasive presentations, audience engagement, and overcoming stage fright.
100% Free Resources
All our guides, tutorials, and tools are completely free to use. No subscriptions, no hidden fees—just high-quality educational content available to everyone.
Your Writing & Speaking Toolkit
From essay outlines to speech scripts, we provide the resources you need to communicate with confidence.
In-Depth Guides
Words of Free Instruction
Free Access
How Essay & Speech Works
Browse Guides
Explore our extensive library of essay writing and speech delivery guides.
Learn Techniques
Master proven methods for structuring arguments, engaging audiences, and polishing your prose.
Practice & Improve
Apply what you learn with practical exercises and real-world examples.
Essay & Speech Skills Overview
| Skill Area | What You'll Learn | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | Structure, argumentation, thesis development, citations | Beginner–Advanced |
| Speech Delivery | Public speaking, tone, pacing, audience engagement | Intermediate |
| Persuasive Writing | Rhetorical devices, emotional appeals, logical reasoning | All Levels |
| Creative Writing | Storytelling, narrative techniques, descriptive writing | Beginner |
| Academic Presentations | Slide design, data visualization, Q&A handling | Advanced |
Latest from Our Blog
Stay up to date with our newest guides, tips, and insights on essay writing and public speaking.
How to End a Personal Statement: 7 Final-Line Techniques (With Examples)
Struggling with the last line of your personal statement? Learn seven techniques for ending a personal statement memorably, with examples for each, the endings admissions readers see too often, and a final-sentence test.
How to Write a Conclusion for a Rhetorical Analysis Essay (Step-by-Step + Example)
Learn how to write a rhetorical analysis conclusion that goes beyond summary. Follow a four-part structure, use sentence starters, see a full example, and get tips for AP Language timed essays.
50 Entertainment Speech Topics (Plus Examples of a Speech to Entertain)
Find 50 entertaining speech topics for school, college, work, and events, sorted by category, plus a short example of a speech to entertain and tips for choosing the right topic for your audience.
What Is an Entertainment Speech? How to Make One Your Audience Enjoys
Learn what an entertainment speech is, its types and purpose, and how to make one step by step: choosing a theme, building a structure, adding humor and stories, and delivering it well. Includes topic ideas and a sample outline.
What Is a Memorized Speech? How to Memorize a Speech Without Sounding Robotic
Learn what a memorized speech is, when to use one, and seven proven techniques to memorize a speech quickly, from learning the structure first to chunking and the memory palace, plus what to do if you forget a line.
How to Narrow Down Speech Topics: 5 Methods to Go From Broad to Focused
Learn how to narrow down a speech topic using five practical methods: purpose and audience filters, the topic ladder, mind mapping, the 5 Ws, and the time test. Includes before-and-after examples and a worksheet.