Persuasive Speeches

Speech

Talofa Lava everyone, my name is Haylee and in my point of view we, New Zealanders have made the right choice to keep our flag that we fly today. When this event occurred it made me think about why they would change the national flag when the flag has a lot of history and meaning behind it. It made me so frustrated that people were moaning about not getting their vote counted. It was time that they should’ve realised that the flag has a lot of history and meaning so we can’t, and we shouldn’t throw the history of our flag away.

For over the last 100 years the flag has flown, the armed New Zealand forces have worked and fought hard with the flag on their arms and in their souls. Changing the flag would mean wasting millions of dollars and disrespecting those who have fought and risked their lives for the freedom we have today. 

$26 million dollars is a lot of money being spent on designs that never got chosen. Yes the designs took time and effort to make but this money could’ve been spent on other things that could’ve helped others or animals or even construct shelters for the homeless. If the money was spent wisely it could help keep all of us above the breadline.

If we didn’t have this election the money could’ve been spent on things that were in need. This election wouldn’t be needed because others need to know that the flag means a lot to people, and the people that have past, have died knowing that the flag that we fly today, will always be in their hearts. Imagine having to change a tradition that had lasted for over 100 years because others didn’t like how it was. To me the New Zealand flag is a reminder of my ancestors and the past.

Our national flag should never be taken away because a few people want a change. Our flag should stay the same because it’ll cost money for new things, and the money may be needed for other situations. There will always be a time where you want a little change but remember, you are not the only person in this world and others have different opinions. I hope you think twice about things and don’t rush straight to conclusion.

LI: To write a speech that persuades others to think the way you do.

This week we wrote persuasive speeches for the speech hall competition. For my topic I chose to write about the election that happened during the flag change a couple of years back. We had a few weeks to plan our speeches and communicated with each other to proof read and give feedback. We used OREO which stands for opinion, reasons, explanation, and opinion. While doing the speech we were to give the audience eye contact, show expression, to be confident and hook in our audience with persuasive language features. Some read aloud to the class and some read in groups. In groups we read our speeches together and gave marks to everybody and told them our feedback. I think I did well at speaking clear and loud and giving the audience eye contact times. I don't think I did well at showing expression so next time I should try doing that. We all voted for who should go into the speech hall competition and they had a chance to say there speeches in front of the class before the competition on Wednesday. On Wednesday we had a guest from Tamaki College, Mr Stevenson to judge the speeches. Everybody did great and I enjoyed listening to their speeches.