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Read our latest articles on essays, speeches, and communication.

Showing 13–24 of 34 results

How Do You Write an Essay Outline? A 5-Step Method With Templates

Learn how to write an essay outline in five steps, with free templates for five-paragraph, argumentative, and compare-and-contrast essays, plus a filled-in example and tips for turning your outline into a draft.

What Are the Parts of an Argumentative Essay? The 7 Building Blocks Explained

Learn the seven parts of an argumentative essay: introduction, thesis, claims, evidence, counterargument, rebuttal, and conclusion. Each part includes its purpose, a sample sentence, and common mistakes.

How to Start a Why Us Essay: 6 Openings Admissions Readers Remember

Learn how to start a Why Us college essay with a specific, personal opening. Includes six proven opening strategies, before-and-after examples, and the first lines to avoid.

How to Write a Conclusion for a Personal Statement (With a 4-Step Framework)

Write a personal statement conclusion that ties your story together and looks ahead. Follow a four-step framework, see full example conclusions for college and graduate school, and avoid common mistakes.

How to Edit and Proofread Your Essay: A Three-Pass System

Improve any draft with a three-pass revision system covering structure, clarity, and correctness, plus the most common grammar errors and a printable editing checklist.

How to Write an Informative Speech (Plus 40 Topic Ideas)

Learn the four types of informative speeches, how to explain complex ideas clearly, how to use visual aids, and how to outline your talk, with 40 topic ideas to choose from.

20 Rhetorical Devices Every Writer and Speaker Should Know

Learn 20 essential rhetorical devices, from anaphora and antithesis to tricolon and chiasmus, with definitions, famous examples, and tips for using them in essays and speeches.

How to Write a Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide With a Sample Outline

Learn how to write a speech that works out loud: define your purpose, analyze your audience, structure your points, write for the ear, and time your draft.

How to Overcome Stage Fright: A Practical Plan for Nervous Speakers

Understand why stage fright happens and use a step-by-step plan, from preparation weeks ahead to the first thirty seconds on stage, to speak with more confidence.

How to Give an Impromptu Speech: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to organize an impromptu speech with a clear point, a useful example, and a confident ending, even when you have little time to prepare.

30 Impromptu Speech Topics and a Practical Speaking Routine

Practice thinking on your feet with 30 impromptu speech topics, sample outlines, and a short routine for clearer, more focused answers.

How to Cite Sources in MLA and APA Style: A Beginner's Guide

Learn when to cite, how in-text citations and reference lists work, and the MLA 9th edition and APA 7th edition formats for books, journal articles, and websites.