Tips for a great entry
Tips for producing a great My First Speech entry
The My First Speech competition aims to raise awareness of the federal Parliament among young Australians by encouraging students to voice their opinions as if they were making their first speech in the House of Representatives. The competition is open to Australian school students in Years 10 to 12.
Regardless of your topic, there are certain elements that will make your your first speech stand out from the crowd.
Check out our tips and tricks below:
Get Inspired
⬤ Read transcripts and watch videos of first speeches by members of the House of Representatives. You can find speeches to get inspired at: First speeches of the 48th Parliament
⬤ Find out about current political issues through newspaper articles, radio news broadcasts, online news sites, forums and blogs.
⬤ Look at famous, historical speeches from politicians and political figures from around the world.
Write your speech
⬤ While you may have lots to talk about on your chosen topic, aim to have a strong focus. Try to narrow your entry down to one topic, moment, issue, or aspect of your life or community. As a member of parliament, consider the change you want made that will benefit all of Australia.
⬤ You don’t need to tell us everything, think instead about what the most important or interesting aspect is you want to share.
⬤ Decide on the point you want to make, what you want your audience (the Parliament of Australia) to remember and make it the central theme of your speech.
⬤ Select your main topic and research it thoroughly. Consider including facts, recent statistics and financial figures, testimonies and lived experiences from people in your electorate. Remember, you are the newly elected representative for your electorate – you’re representing the views of your constituents.
⬤ Your speech should be no longer than 500 words, or approximately 3 minutes when given verbally.
⬤ After you have written a draft, read it out loud to see how it sounds. Think about parts you want to emphasise with pauses, tone or volume.
⬤ Refine your key points and stay on theme. You can even use repetition to drive home the message if you wish.
Steer clear of using content you don’t own!
Finally, remember that your work must be original. This includes anything generated by AI.
If you have any other questions about entering, check out our FAQs.