Imagine you were the Taoiseach and you could make a speech to the people of Ireland about any topic you want – what topic would you talk to them about?
2. Write three bullet points about what you would say in your speech. 3. Also, explain where you would broadcast your speech from and why you’ve chosen this location.
Listening
On Saint Patrick’s Day 2020 the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was in the United States. He made a televised address to the people of Ireland. In this speech, Varadkar talks about the things that the government is doing to prevent the spread of coronavirus. It is a dramatic speech, made at a tense and uncertain time in Irish history. You can watch the speech here: Link: Ministerial Broadcast by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar about the Covid-19 pandemic Search Terms: Ministerial Broadcast by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar about the Covid-19 pandemic
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1. Copy the following grid into your copybook, and as you listen take notes under the headings in the grid.
2. Compare your notes with other students until you can each fill the grids in your copybook.
Notes
How does the Taoiseach open the speech? What’s the purpose of the speech? How do you know?
Note down an example of easy-to-understand, suitable language from this speech. Note at least one memorable image from this speech. Note at least one piece of data from this speech. How does he conclude the speech?
Note: If you wish to analyse the speech further, you can read the transcript. Link: Transcript Search Terms: The full transcript of Leo Varadkar’s St. Patrick’s Day address to the nation
Personal response
1. Do you remember listening to this speech back in March 2020? If so, did it have an impact on you?
2. As you listen today, do you feel that the speech reached out to you, as a young person living though the pandemic?
3. Is this a good speech? Give reasons for your answer and reference the five key rules on page 198.
