Parent guide · Blooms, ages 11–15
How can my 11 to 15 year old write a speech for house captain, prefect or student council?
A good school election speech for house captain, prefect or student council is short (one to two minutes), personal and specific: an opening that grabs attention, two or three real things the student will do, a quick example that shows they can be trusted, and a memorable last line. Practising it out loud several times, in front of family first, makes the delivery calm and confident.
Key takeaways
- Keep it to one or two minutes: about 150 to 250 words.
- Open with a hook: a question, a short story or a surprising fact about the school.
- Promise two or three specific, realistic things, not “I will change everything”.
- Show you’re trustworthy with one real example.
- Practise out loud at least five times before the day.
How should a school election speech be structured?
- Hook (1 to 2 sentences): “How many of you have waited 15 minutes in the lunch queue this week?”
- Who I am (1 to 2 sentences): name, class, and one thing that connects you to the role.
- What I’ll do (2 or 3 points): each specific and possible, such as a suggestion box, a house sports day or a reading corner.
- Why trust me (1 example): “Last year I organised our class charity stall and we raised…”
- Closing line: short and memorable, ending with what you want: “Vote for me, and let’s make Blue House the house that shows up.”
What are some good opening lines?
- “Imagine a school where every student’s idea gets heard. That’s the school I want to help build.”
- “I’m not the loudest person in this hall, but I am the one who will listen.”
- “Three words describe our house: proud, loud and ready. I want to add one more: united.”
What should my teen promise?
Only what a student can actually do. Teachers and classmates notice realistic plans. Good examples: a monthly suggestion box, helping juniors settle in, organising house practices fairly, or speaking to teachers about a specific student concern. Avoid promises the student can’t control, like shorter school days or no homework.
How can my teen deliver the speech confidently?
- Write key words on a cue card instead of reading a full script.
- Learn the first two lines and the last line by heart.
- Practise out loud: alone, then to family, then to a friend. Building up step by step in front of others helps reduce speaking nerves.1
- Speak slowly, pause after important points and look at different parts of the room.
- Stand still with feet apart; use one or two natural hand movements.
What if they get nervous on the day?
Nerves are normal. Slow breathing before walking up (in for four counts, out for six) helps, and so does finding two friendly faces in the audience. If they lose their place, a pause and a glance at the cue card is all it takes. Our guide on overcoming stage fear has more.
How do Little Lingos classes help?
In Blooms, our stage for ages 11 to 15, teens plan and deliver talks, open strong, use voice and pace and handle questions, in live 40-minute classes of 3 to 6. See our public speaking classes.
Keep reading: extempore speech tips, Annual day speech and group discussion tips.
Questions parents ask
Questions parents ask
How long should a house captain or prefect speech be?
One to two minutes is usually right, which is about 150 to 250 words. Check if the school has set a time limit, and practise with a timer.
Should my teen use humour in an election speech?
A light, friendly joke can help, especially at the start. Avoid jokes about other candidates or teachers, and keep the main message serious.
Can a parent write the speech for their child?
It’s better for your teen to write it in their own words, with you helping to plan and check it. Students and teachers can tell when a speech doesn’t sound like the speaker.
What if my teen loses the election?
Praise the courage it took to stand and speak. Ask what they learned and how they could help the school anyway. Many students who don’t win still get noticed for a good speech.
Should the speech be memorised?
Memorise the opening and closing lines, and use a cue card with key words for the middle. Full memorising can make a speaker freeze if they forget a line.
Sources
- Ebrahimi, O. V., Pallesen, S., Kenter, R. M. F., & Nordgreen, T. (2019). “Psychological interventions for the fear of public speaking: A meta-analysis.” Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 488. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00488.
Sources checked 3 November 2026. This guide is general information for parents, not medical, psychological or speech-therapy advice.
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