Organizing and operating a student council is a massive responsibility for students. According to the Irish Education Act, in 1998, A Student Council is a representative structure through which students in a post-primary school can become involved in the affairs of the school, working in partnership with school management and staff and parents for the benefit of the school and its students. Students campaign for several positions―president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, etc. Campaigning is the most tried and tested way to gain votes till date. The best part of the campaign is the final speech comprising the agenda of the party for the students, which the student-leader promises to fulfill if elected. Buzzle lends a helping hand in preparing a variety of speeches for the different positions you think you are best suited for. ✎ Start your speech with a hook. A hook can either be a statement or a question that will grab your audience's attention. However, introducing yourself again may not be a great option to start your speech with. Chances are someone may have already done that. ✎ After the hook, mention the post you are running for, and the qualification that makes you eligible for it, which adds to your credibility. ✎ The hook should cover the main points in your agenda without divulging the details in the introduction. For example, an anecdote that prompted your attention to one of the main points. An interesting or inspirational quote is also apt. ✎ Draw the attention of the audience to the gist of the main points you desire to take immediate action on. It works as a preview that prepares the audience to focus on. ✎ An elaborate yet concise description of the main points follows the introduction. ✎ Address one point at a time. You can start by telling the audience about the first goal that you would accomplish on winning the election, which is nothing but the pressing issues that need immediate sorting out. For example, you can state, If elected, I will urge the administration to allot more time for the lunch-break. ✎ An explanation of the reduced lunch time being insufficient and an appropriate solution to have it extended would be great. ✎ Make sure that the rest of the points are covered in the allotted time for the speech. ✎ Last but not the least, wrap the speech up by reiterating the role, agenda, the reason why you are the best candidate for the given role, and the three main points of the agenda that you would resolve once elected. ✎ A dramatic, touching vote appeal to the audience and a thank you note at the end of your speech is sure to draw votes in your kitty. That's a speech which is sure to win votes!! ▶ Surprise the audience with a speech blended with humor, personal experiences, entertaining stories and even jokes. Take care that none of these should be offensive as they may harm your prospects of winning votes. Reaching out to the audience in a loving yet serious manner will definitely gain you a fan following and an eventual win. ▶ Start off with an inspirational story or a quote that will set up the mood of the speech revealing your seriousness about the election. ▶ A short and crisp speech will hold the attention of the audience. ▶ Use phrases like "we" and "our" instead of "I" and "mine" which are relationship builders with the audience. ▶ Emphasizing on the slogan is a vital part in the speech. ▶ A conversational tone than an overly friendly one is appropriate. ▶ A Thank You at the end of your speech is just as important. A sprinkling of anecdotes, quotes, stories, inspirational messages along with an effective introduction, impressive points, strong conclusion, and big appeal in the elements of a speech will make you the most eligible candidate for the presidential seat in the student council!