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Manu Kōrero Speech Writing

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Manu Kōrero Speech Writing

At a campsite, Hugo, Manaia and Tevita are preparing short speeches for a youth speaking event. Explore how Manu Kōrero speeches communicate ideas with purpose, then plan and draft your own speech. Use te reo Māori respectfully; check meaning and pronunciation with a trusted speaker when possible.

Understand the purpose

Read the mini-brief before answering. Manu Kōrero is a Māori speech competition. Strong speeches develop a clear message with reasons and examples, and use structure and delivery to connect with listeners.

1.The phrase “He taonga te reo Māori” is often used when speaking about te reo Māori. What idea does the phrase communicate?

Te reo Māori is valuable and should be treasured.
Learning any language is impossible.
Only objects can be treasures.
A speech must be about money.

2.Which purpose best describes Manu Kōrero?

To celebrate Māori oratory, language, knowledge and leadership.
To test who can memorise the longest speech.
To practise reading silently.
To advertise camping equipment.

3.Manaia is planning a speech about protecting a local awa. Which is the best way she could develop her ideas?

Give a specific example of pollution and its effect.
Say the issue matters, but give no reason or connection to the audience.
Insert a whakataukī without checking its meaning or whether it fits the topic.
Repeat the same sentence several times without adding information.
Add unrelated facts to make the speech longer.

4.Improve this weak point for a speech: “People should care about the awa because it is important.” Rewrite it with a reason and a concrete example.

Build a speech plan

A focused speech has a central claim, developed supporting points, and a conclusion that leaves the audience with something to consider or do.

5.Choose one topic for a two-minute speech: protecting an awa, keeping te reo Māori strong, or showing leadership in your community. Write a clear claim that gives your position.

6.For your chosen topic, write two questions your speech could answer. Make them specific enough to guide research or examples.

7.Plan two supporting points for your claim. For each, add a reason, example or explanation that would help persuade an audience.

8.Put these speech parts in a logical order by writing 1–4 beside each: conclusion and call to action; opening that gains attention; supporting point and evidence; claim and preview of main points.

Craft an introduction

A strong introduction gains attention, states the speaker’s position and previews the direction of the speech. The sentence starter below means “This is the topic of my speech…”

9.Complete the starter with a focused topic: “Tēnei te kaupapa o taku kōrero…” (This is the topic of my speech…).

10.Draft a three- or four-sentence introduction for your chosen topic. Include an attention-grabbing opening, your claim and a preview of two points you will develop.

11.Explain one way a relevant whakataukī or a carefully chosen phrase in te reo Māori could strengthen a speech. What must the speaker do so it is respectful and clear?

12.Hugo ends his speech by repeating his claim and asking the audience to take one realistic action. Why is this likely to make a stronger conclusion than adding a new, unrelated fact?