Master the Art of Essays & Speeches
Step-by-step guides to writing essays and giving speeches, from thesis statements and outlines to stage fright and vocal delivery. Every guide includes worked examples, checklists, and a practice exercise.
Browse Guides by Topic
Not sure where to start? Pick the skill you are working on and read the guides in order.
Speech Writing
- How to Write a Graduation Speech: Structure, Tips, and a Sample Speech
- How to Write a Eulogy: A Gentle Step-by-Step Guide With an Example
- How to Write a Persuasive Speech: Structure, Techniques, and Example
- 50 Entertainment Speech Topics (Plus Examples of a Speech to Entertain)
- 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
College Admissions
- How to Write a Scholarship Essay That Stands Out: Steps, Prompts, and an Example
- How to Write a College Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Personal Statement
- How to Start a Why Us Essay: 6 Openings Admissions Readers Remember
- How to Write a Conclusion for a Personal Statement (With a 4-Step Framework)
Essay Writing
- How to Write a Descriptive Essay: Steps, Sensory Details, and an Example
- How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay: From Close Reading to Final Draft
- How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay: Structures, Thesis Examples, and Outline
- How to Write a Body Paragraph: Topic Sentence, Evidence, Analysis, and Link
- How to Write an Expository Essay: Types, Structure, and Example
- How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay: Step-by-Step Guide With Example
- How to Do a Literacy Essay: Write a Literacy Narrative Readers Connect With
- 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
Speech Delivery
- Body Language in Public Speaking: Posture, Gestures, Eye Contact, and Movement
- 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: Steps, 30 Practice Topics, and Sample Outlines
- 10 Public Speaking Tips to Deliver Powerful Speeches
Why Choose Essay & Speech?
Each guide is written and edited by one experienced writer and speaker, and built around worked examples you can learn from.
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.
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.
Speech & Presentation Skills
Master the art of public speaking with techniques for impromptu speeches, persuasive presentations, audience engagement, and overcoming stage fright.
Free to Read
Every guide is free to read, with no sign-up. Each one links to related guides so you can work through a skill from start to finish.
Latest from Our Blog
Stay up to date with our newest guides, tips, and insights on essay writing and public speaking.
How to Write a Graduation Speech: Structure, Tips, and a Sample Speech
Learn how to write and deliver a memorable graduation speech, whether you're the valedictorian, class president, or guest speaker. Covers choosing a theme, structure, humor, timing, and delivery, with a sample speech and an outline.
How to Write a Scholarship Essay That Stands Out: Steps, Prompts, and an Example
Learn how to write a winning scholarship essay: analyzing the prompt and the funder, choosing the right story, structuring your essay, and connecting your goals to the award. Includes a sample essay excerpt, common prompts, and a checklist.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay: Steps, Sensory Details, and an Example
Learn how to write a descriptive essay that readers can see, hear, and feel: choosing a subject, gathering sensory details, finding a dominant impression, and organizing your description. Includes a sample essay excerpt, topic ideas, and a checklist.
How to Write an Annotated Bibliography: Format, Steps, and Examples
Learn how to write an annotated bibliography step by step: choosing sources, writing descriptive, evaluative, and reflective annotations, and formatting entries in MLA and APA style. Includes sample annotations and a checklist.
How to Paraphrase and Avoid Plagiarism: A Step-by-Step Guide With Examples
Learn how to paraphrase a source in your own words without plagiarizing: a five-step method, side-by-side examples of bad and good paraphrases, when to quote or summarize instead, and a checklist for citing borrowed ideas correctly.
How to Write a Eulogy: A Gentle Step-by-Step Guide With an Example
Learn how to write and deliver a eulogy that honors someone's life: gather stories, choose a theme, structure your tribute, balance grief with warmth or humor, and get through the delivery. Includes a sample eulogy, an outline, and tips for staying composed.