How to Structure a Persuasive Letter or Speech

Follow a clear blueprint for persuasive letters and speeches, with layout, paragraphing, tone, and strong openings and endings.

Letter Layout (exam version)

Greeting: Dear Headteacher, / Dear Mr Ahmed, / Dear Sir or Madam,
Introduction: State purpose and stance, give a brief overview of your reasons.
Body paragraphs (2–3): One clear reason per paragraph with evidence and explanation.
Counterpoint + rebuttal: Acknowledge a concern; refute it politely.
Closing + CTA: Summarise and ask for a specific action.
Sign-off: Yours sincerely (named person) / Yours faithfully (unknown name)

Speech Structure

Openings that work

Direct address: “Fellow students, teachers, friends—”
Rhetorical question: “What kind of community do we want to be?”
Short story: a 2–3 line anecdote that sets context

Closings that stick

Rule of three: “Safer, cleaner, prouder—if we act now.”
Call to action: “Join us on Monday; bring one idea each.”
Echo the opening image or question for a circular end

Paragraph Plan (5 parts)

Hook + Purpose: One sentence hook + what you want.
Reason 1 (strongest): Evidence and impact on the audience.
Reason 2: Evidence and practical benefits/costs.
Counter + Rebuttal: Respectfully counter an objection.
Conclusion + CTA: Clear, polite, confident ask.

Tone and Register

Letters to authority: formal, courteous, solution-focused.

Speeches to peers: energetic, inclusive (we/our), respectful humour allowed.

Articles: informative but persuasive; confident, measured voice.

Sentence Frames

Openers

“I am writing to urge you to…”, “It is essential that…”, “We cannot ignore the fact that…”

Connectives

“Moreover…”, “Furthermore…”, “However…”, “Therefore…”, “Consequently…”

Checklist

□Correct greeting and sign-off
□Clear stance in the first paragraph
□Each paragraph = one reason with evidence
□Counter-argument addressed respectfully
□Specific, polite call to action
□Accurate punctuation and paragraphing

Practice

Prompt: Write a letter to your headteacher arguing for a new outdoor reading space. Use a respectful tone and include one counter-argument with rebuttal. 200–250 words.