Leaders Vote For 5-Part Keynote Speech Structure

We do like some structure and organisation to a speech, particularly when it's a keynote or conference speech. And that particular liking is probably shared right now with both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. That's because both politicians have produced a five-point plan for Britain. Admittedly the Rishi Sunak plan has to be completed before the next General election when the smell of Conservatives toast will probably be overpowering. And the Keir Starmer plan is one for government after an election that Labour is tipped to win convincingly. But their keynote speech structure is obvious.

Rule of Three For Keynote Speech Structure

Now typically the rule of 3 is most prevalent in speeches. So, we have lists of three, three reasons, three explanations. There's an example with this Nick Clegg speech. And it works. Indeed, it's worked for thousands of years. And that's probably because of its natural flow and also its memorability.

Although we must note that if you don't use notes then your memory could still let you down. That was certainly the experience of Governor Rick Perry some years ago on the campaign trail. He thought he could memorise the key parts of his stump speech. However, he couldn't remember the third part of a vital 3-part list during a live television debate. Oops. That ended badly!

So what's the big deal with organisation and structure in a keynote speech?

Well it makes sure that your content is relevant to your audience, whether you're speaking in Manchester, London or elsewhere.

It allows you to set the scene, make an argument, lay out the evidence and draw the all-important conclusions. So, not greatly different to the skills required of a lawyer. Not surprisingly, these are the skills of conference and keynote speakers.

And beyond the 5-part lists, how were these speeches themselves? Well, they certainly did their jobs. However we do struggle with the tone/ intonation of both Party leaders. That's because both Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak struggle with their voice tone. They appear too "whiny". It's certainly very odd. We heard much of the same tone with early Ed Miliband speeches. And things didn't work out too well.

With a populated speech backdrop of activists, we heard some good metaphors from this Keir Starmer speech.

Drive our country forward

and,

Britain must be on the start line not back in the changing room tying laces

This comment fitted in very neatly with his Arsenal football introductory remarks to his 400-strong Manchester audience at the Co-Op building.

Repetition Suited The Keynote Structure

We also heard some good 3-part repetition in this keynote speech.

Some nation is going to lead the world in offshore wind. Why not Britain?

Some nation will create the first generation of quantum computers. Why not Britain?

Some nation will design medicines personalised to match our unique DNA. Why not Britain?

Why not? Because sticking plaster politics holds us back.

And we also heard a good 2-part repetition.

Britain needs both. With Labour Britain will get both.

It's classic political speech writing!

Rishi Sunak: Building A Better Britain

And the Rishi Sunak speech delivered in early January?

Well, it was more than competent. We noted his pausing strategy, a regular pace and solid keynote speech structure with his 5 priorities for a better Britain in 2023. However, his tone remains slightly shrill. Slightly pleading, perhaps?

And like his fellow Party Leader the Prime Minister isn't afraid of some good repetition even with a bit of variety.

So I want to make five promises to you today.

Five pledges to deliver peace of mind.

Five foundations, on which to build a better future for our children and grandchildren. 

The Prime Minister is also fond of a bit of metaphor in his speeches, so we heard:

The ability to do your job better and get paid more;

And greater self-confidence to navigate a changing world.

Sentence Structure In This Sunak Keynote Speech

A characteristic of this speech, as a listener and not a reader, appeared to be long sentences. Now that might be the Prime Minister's pausing strategy. Or it could be that Michael Gove had a hand in writing this speech. Because a Michael Gove speech typically features long sentences.

However, the Prime Minister also included the short listing sentences so beloved of the speeches of a former Chancellor, George Osborne.

They want government to focus less on politics and more on the things they care about.

The cost of living, too high.

Waiting times in the NHS, too long.

Illegal migration, far too much.

But this keynote speech certainly had the structure and content to work for the Prime Minister as a New Year leadership speech And, importantly it set him up for an excellent question and answer session. He does these very well.

When you want to build some organisation and structure into your next keynote or conference speech then you can always review our public speaking tips and videos. And when you want to take your skills that bit further you're welcome to enroll on an online public speaking course. Or, you can always ask us to organise a training event for all your team. At your office or another location. So, when the time is right, please don't hesitate to get in touch.