A persuasive speech outline that leads to a clear action
Organize a persuasive talk around a specific problem, credible evidence, a fair objection, and an achievable request.
2 min read
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Practical help for whatever is on your blank page.
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A proofreading routine that catches more than typos
Review structure, sentence meaning, factual details, and final presentation in separate passes instead of checking everything at once.
2 min read
A short award acceptance speech with a sample
Accept an award graciously, thank people specifically, and share what the recognition means without a long list of names.
2 min read
A thank-you speech for volunteers
Recognize volunteers with specific contributions, inclusive thanks, and a sample speech you can personalize.
2 min read
A warm wedding toast: structure and sample
Write a personal wedding toast with one story, a welcome to both partners, and a simple closing wish.
2 min read
Active and passive voice: choose for clarity
Understand who performs an action, recognize passive voice, and choose the structure that best fits your purpose.
2 min read
Angels come in many forms: an archived anecdote
Read “Angels come in many forms” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
10 min read
APA book references: archive examples
Browse older APA book-reference formats and follow the link to current APA examples before preparing your reference list.
3 min read
APA references for journal and magazine articles: archive
Explore older APA article-reference examples, with a link to current guidance for journals and magazines. Check the edition your assignment requires.
4 min read
APA sample bibliography: archive template
See a sample bibliography from the original Can U Write collection, with guidance to check current APA conventions.
4 min read
APA website and online-source references: archive
Review older website and electronic-source citation examples. Follow current APA guidance for the reference format your assignment needs.
4 min read
Appearances can be misleading: an archived anecdote
Read “Appearances can be misleading” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
2 min read
Asia Pacific Heritage Month Speech
This sample speech for Asian Pacific Islander Heritage month is intended for use by speakers at Asian / Pacific Islander / Asian American events honoring…
9 min read
Benjamin Franklin and a new republic: an archived anecdote
Read “Benjamin Franklin and a new republic” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
2 min read
Biblical translations: an archived anecdote
Read “Biblical translations” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
2 min read
Black History Month Speech
I'd like to begin by saying how pleased I am to have been invited to speak here today. It's truly an honor to join all of you in recognizing Black History…
6 min read
Change of Command Sample Speech for keynote or guest speaker
Many times a military change of command ceremony or change of responsibility ceremony have a top commander, keynote or guest speaker who highlights the…
4 min read
Committee work: an archived anecdote
Read “Committee work” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
2 min read
Don't mess with Marines Anecdote: an archived anecdote
Read “Don't mess with Marines Anecdote” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
3 min read
Einstein and school: an archived anecdote
Read “Einstein and school” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
2 min read
Einstein and the statue: an archived anecdote
Read “Einstein and the statue” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
1 min read
Einstein impersonator: an archived anecdote
Read “Einstein impersonator” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
2 min read
Essay format example
Every essay outline follows the same basic formula and learning how to structure and write an essay can be easy if you follow the outline formula. Whether…
4 min read
Eulogy for death of person with special needs
This eulogy is to be used at a funeral or memorial service as a sermon, speech, or for remarks by friends, family, religious officiant, leader or others.…
8 min read
Expect the unexpected: an archived anecdote
Read “Expect the unexpected” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
3 min read
Fill-in sample condolence letter
This page contains an example condolence letter that you can fill in and use. But how do you write a condolence letter or sympathy card to someone who you…
2 min read
Free Sample employee welcome letter
This free sample template can be used for new employees, in a welcome packet, a handbook, an orientation guide or more. You can use this sample employee…
2 min read
Friend or foe?: an archived anecdote
Read “Friend or foe?” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
1 min read
Funny Jokes for a Roast, Speech or Funny Toast
A Roast speech is a type of speech meant to tease, joke around with and make fun of someone - all in good humor - often for their birthday, retirement,…
3 min read
Gandhi and religions: an archived anecdote
Read “Gandhi and religions” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
2 min read
Gandhi travels in 3rd class: an archived anecdote
Read “Gandhi travels in 3rd class” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
2 min read
Gandhi's affiliation with the poor: an archived anecdote
Read “Gandhi's affiliation with the poor” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
2 min read
Gandhi's project in prison: an archived anecdote
Read “Gandhi's project in prison” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
3 min read
Gandhi's treatment of a goat: an archived anecdote
Read “Gandhi's treatment of a goat” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
2 min read
Grammar Tips: Most Commonly Confused Words
Is it its vs it's? You're or your and fewer or less? There, they're and their, and affected vs effected. Which do you choose? This article contains the…
5 min read
Hispanic Heritage Month Speech
This sample speech for Hispanic Heritage month is intended for use by speakers at Latino / Latina / Latinx events honoring Hispanic heritage. These…
8 min read
Holiday Celebration Sample Speech
This sample speech template can be used for a December celebration at the end of the year such as a Christmas party, Hanukkah celebration, Holiday…
4 min read
How long should an essay or research paper be?
These tips on how long an essay, research paper or writing assignment will help you make good grades and take your papers and essays from just ok to an A+…
4 min read
How to ask for a deadline extension
Request more time with a realistic proposed date, a concise explanation, and a plan for what happens next.
2 min read
How to ask someone for a recommendation letter
Request a recommendation with enough context, a clear deadline, and an easy way for the writer to decline.
2 min read
How to decline an invitation politely
Say no to an invitation clearly and warmly, without overexplaining or suggesting commitments you cannot keep.
2 min read
How to end an essay without repeating the introduction
Write a conclusion that answers the central question, explains the significance, and closes at the right scale.
2 min read
How to explain evidence instead of dropping in a quote
Introduce evidence, interpret the relevant detail, and connect it to your claim so the reader can follow your reasoning.
2 min read
How to fix a comma splice: four clear options
Recognize two complete sentences joined by a comma and choose a period, semicolon, conjunction, or dependent clause to repair them.
2 min read
How to fix unclear pronouns
Make “it,” “this,” “they,” and other pronouns point to an unmistakable person, thing, or idea.
2 min read
How to give a Eulogy
When a person dies, the funeral usually includes a eulogy that talks about the life of the deceased and honors them. Often times a family member is chosen…
7 min read
How to give a thoughtful birthday toast
Celebrate someone with a small story, a recognizable quality, and a warm wish that fits the person and the occasion.
2 min read
How to introduce a guest speaker
Give a guest speaker a concise introduction that connects their experience to the audience and ends with their name.
2 min read
How to introduce two people by email
Make a useful introduction with permission, a clear reason for connecting, and a low-pressure next step.
2 min read
How to make lists parallel and easier to read
Align the grammatical shape of list items so readers can compare ideas and understand instructions quickly.
2 min read
How to make sentences concise without losing warmth
Remove empty openings, repeated ideas, and unnecessary noun phrases while preserving useful detail and a natural tone.
2 min read
How to organize a compare-and-contrast essay
Choose meaningful comparison criteria and use either a point-by-point or subject-by-subject structure consistently.
2 min read
How to paraphrase a source without copying its structure
Restate a source's meaning in your own sentence structure, preserve important qualifications, and give appropriate credit.
2 min read
How to reach an essay word count without adding filler
Develop reasoning, evidence, and necessary context when a draft is short, instead of stretching sentences with padding.
2 min read
How to rehearse a speech without sounding memorized
Use aloud practice, cue words, and deliberate pauses to make a prepared speech sound natural and stay within time.
2 min read
How to say no to a work request clearly
Decline or renegotiate a request by naming the constraint, protecting priorities, and offering only realistic alternatives.
2 min read
How to start a speech without a tired opening
Open a speech with a specific moment, useful question, or clear promise. See examples and a simple opening you can adapt.
2 min read
How to title or write a name for a poem or song
Coming up with a title or a name for your poem or song can be tough. Whether its romantic, funny, thoughtful, sad or represents any other emotion, it can…
3 min read
How to title or write a name for your written product
Coming up with a title or a name for your writing project can be tough. Whether its an essay, research paper, assignment, term paper or article or…
4 min read
How to turn a real moment into a useful anecdote
Choose a small event, build a clear sequence, and connect the story to your point without inventing details.
2 min read
How to use a reverse outline to fix an essay draft
Map what each paragraph actually does, then find repetition, missing steps, and ideas that need to move.
2 min read
How to use AI feedback without losing your writing voice
Ask focused questions about a draft, evaluate suggestions, and verify every change instead of accepting a rewrite automatically.
2 min read
How to use apostrophes to show possessive, for contractions, s' and 's
Apostrophes can be confusing but there are only 3 ways to use them. This page will explain how to use them in an easy to understand way, and give you some…
4 min read
How to use I, me, myself and other personal pronouns
This grammar check page will help you fix your common grammar mistakes in English when using personal pronouns. You will know when to say I or me, she or…
4 min read
How to write a Change of command speech as Incoming Commander
Plan an incoming commander’s change-of-command speech with guidance on length, introductions, and acknowledging the people you will lead.
3 min read
How to write a Change of command speech as Outgoing Commander
Prepare an outgoing commander’s change-of-command speech with advice on timing, appreciation, and a thoughtful handover.
4 min read
How to write a clear customer service complaint
Describe a service problem with a short timeline, supporting details, and a reasonable request for resolution.
2 min read
How to write a condolence letter
Writing a condolence letter or sympathy card can be very challenging but it is very important after a death to comfort the family or spouse of the…
4 min read
How to write a fair counterargument paragraph
Present a serious objection accurately, acknowledge its strongest point, and explain how your claim responds.
2 min read
How to write a letter of recommendation
If you hold any kind of leadership position, you may be asked to write a letter of recommendation. These tips can help anyone - a supervisor, a coach, a…
4 min read
How to write a meaningful thank-you note to a teacher
Thank a teacher with a specific moment, the difference it made, and a sincere closing in your own voice.
2 min read
How to write a meeting recap with clear action items
Turn meeting notes into a short record of decisions, owners, deadlines, and unresolved questions.
2 min read
How to write a memoir scene from an ordinary memory
Build a scene around a specific place, action, and remembered detail while being honest about what memory can and cannot supply.
2 min read
How to write a military letter of recommendation
Writing a military style letter of recommendation is not markedly different from writing a business or college style letter. The largest difference in a…
3 min read
How to write a polite follow-up email
Send a useful follow-up that restores context, asks for one clear action, and makes replying easy.
2 min read
How to write a professional apology email
Acknowledge a mistake, explain its effect, and offer a specific repair without hiding behind excuses.
2 min read
How to write a project status update people can use
Summarize progress, next steps, risks, and decisions in a short update that makes the important action visible.
2 min read
How to write a retirement speech that feels personal
Celebrate a colleague's retirement with specific memories, meaningful thanks, and a future-focused ending.
2 min read
How to write a short, professional resignation letter
Use a simple resignation letter that states your decision, names the intended last day, and supports a clear handoff.
2 min read
How to write a three-minute speech
Build a short speech around one point, one example, and one clear ending, then trim it by rehearsing aloud.
2 min read
How to write a useful article headline
Create a headline that names the topic and reader benefit accurately, with examples of clearer alternatives to vague or exaggerated titles.
2 min read
How to write an essay introduction with a clear purpose
Move from relevant context to a focused question and thesis without relying on clichés or oversized opening claims.
2 min read
How to write an interview thank-you email
Send a concise interview thank-you that refers to the conversation and reinforces a relevant connection to the role.
2 min read
How to write handoff notes someone can act on
Prepare a clear handoff with current status, next actions, deadlines, document locations, and unresolved questions.
2 min read
How to write personal wedding vows you can actually keep
Turn memories and values into specific, realistic promises, with a flexible vow structure and example.
2 min read
How to write the introduction, body and conclusion of an essay
How do I write an introduction? How do I write the body of an essay? How do I write a conclusion? How do I use all of these to write an amazing essay that…
6 min read
How to write topic sentences that move an argument forward
Make a paragraph's main point clear and connect it to the essay's larger argument, with practical before-and-after examples.
2 min read
How to write your own wedding vows
Plan your own wedding vows with practical tips on gathering memories, choosing promises, and preparing to say them aloud.
3 min read
I will be sober: an archived anecdote
Read “I will be sober” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
1 min read
Introduce a guest speaker speech sample
This page contains a sample introduction speech template for introducing a guest speaker or key note speaker for an event, banquet, conference, lecture…
3 min read
Its or it's? A quick test with examples
Use “it is” or “it has” to test the contraction, and use “its” when something belongs to it.
2 min read
Letter of recommendation sample
Writing a letter of recommendation or letter of reference is easy with our sample template, specifically designed to be used for or by anyone. Just fill…
3 min read
Letter of recommendation sample for volunteer or student
Writing a letter of recommendation or letter of reference is easy with our sample template, specifically designed for volunteer managers, leaders of…
3 min read
Look at the bright side: an archived anecdote
Read “Look at the bright side” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
4 min read
Making a difference: an archived anecdote
Read “Making a difference” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
2 min read
Mandela and fear: an archived anecdote
Read “Mandela and fear” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
3 min read
Memorial Day speech sample
This Memorial Day speech sample can be used as is or modified to meet a specific event. It is designed for use by a keynote speaker. It is copyright free…
5 min read
Middle School or Elementary School graduation speech
This page contains a funny sample speech for Middle School or Elementary School graduations for principles, teachers or other key note speakers. The…
5 min read
MLA book citations: archive examples
Explore the original MLA book-citation examples and consult the current MLA guide before formatting a works-cited entry.
5 min read
MLA sample works-cited list: archive
Browse a sample list from the MLA reference archive and check the current MLA guide for up-to-date formatting conventions.
5 min read
Most common English irregular verbs and how to use them
It's easy to confuse the irregular verbs in English. Think or thought, read or read (rhymes with bed), teach and taught, fall, fell and fallen? Between…
3 min read
Most commonly confused words
Everday or every day? Two, too or to? Lay or lie? Set or sit? Suppose or supposed to? Which do you choose? This article contains some of the top ten most…
5 min read
Mother Teresa and a reply about suffering: an archived anecdote
Read “Mother Teresa and a reply about suffering” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
2 min read
Mother Teresa's mission: an archived anecdote
Read “Mother Teresa's mission” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
2 min read
Native American Heritage Month Speech
This sample speech for Native American Heritage month is intended for use by speakers at Native Indians events honoring the Native American heritage.…
16 min read
Padre Pio and the birth of a child: an archived anecdote
Read “Padre Pio and the birth of a child” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
2 min read
Philosopher's questions: an archived anecdote
Read “Philosopher's questions” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
1 min read
Philosophy of new places: an archived anecdote
Read “Philosophy of new places” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
3 min read
Presidential poultry: an archived anecdote
Read “Presidential poultry” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
2 min read
Press release template and sample
This article will explain how to write a press release. Getting the press to show up to your event is not always easy. There are many things happening in…
3 min read
Profound Anecdotes
This page contains profound and deep anecdotes for speeches, roasts, toasts, essays, articles and more. If instead, you're interested in humor anecdotes…
22 min read
Recommendation letter template for a manager
Use a manager’s recommendation letter outline to describe an employee or volunteer with specific examples of their contribution.
3 min read
Romantic wedding vows: first sample
Explore a romantic wedding-vow example and adapt its language to your relationship, values, and personal promises.
3 min read
Romantic wedding vows: second sample
Find another wedding-vow sample to help shape a personal expression of love and commitment in your own words.
3 min read
Sample business letter template
This sample business letter template allows you to fill in the blanks for an easy, fast way to write a professional business letter. We provide tips for…
2 min read
Sample Funny graduation speech for guest speaker
The sample graduation speech for keynote speaker below is a funny, entertaining speech meant mainly to be used for guest speakers at college or class…
6 min read
Semicolon or colon? How to choose the right mark
Learn when to connect complete thoughts with a semicolon and when to introduce an explanation, example, or list with a colon.
2 min read
Sinking Ship: an archived anecdote
Read “Sinking Ship” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
2 min read
Speech for Martin Luther King Day
This speech is intended for use as a keynote speech for a Martin Luther King Day event. If you are a key note speaker for an MLK day event, you can modify…
8 min read
Speech one liners & jokes
When writing a speech for public speaking, it's important to have a good speech opener, a conclusion that is inspirational, funny or profound, and some…
6 min read
Speech transitions that help listeners follow your ideas
Connect sections of a talk with clear transitions for examples, contrasts, summaries, and changes of direction.
2 min read
Speech Women's Equality Day
I'm very pleased to have the opportunity to speak with you today on this occasion of Women's Equality Day. This is an opportunity to honor one of the most…
6 min read
The Amazing Human Body: an archived anecdote
Read “The Amazing Human Body” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
2 min read
Their, there, or they're? Choose by meaning
Tell apart possession, place or existence, and “they are” with practical examples and a short editing test.
2 min read
Thomas Edison and salt: an archived anecdote
Read “Thomas Edison and salt” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
2 min read
Thumbs up: an archived anecdote
Read “Thumbs up” from the Can U Write story archive. Explore a speech example and check historical attributions before use.
2 min read
Tips for how to write a good press release
Writing a press release or news release can be easy if you include some vital information, but getting the media to cover your story can be more…
5 min read
Tips for how to write a strong thesis statement
Writing a strong thesis statement is absolutely central to writing a great essay, English paper or research paper and getting a good grade on your papers…
3 min read
Top 10 tips to choose an essay topic
Choosing a topic for an essay, research paper or writing assignment can be difficult. Read our tips for some easy ideas will help you improve the scores…
7 min read
Top 10 ways to improve your writing skills and get a better grade in English
This page contains some easy and very basic solutions that will help you get better grades on papers in high school and in college. You have to write…
4 min read
Top 20 tips for writing papers
If you want to write great essays and research papers, here are some tips and ideas that will make your essays amazing. If you want tips on building the…
5 min read
Tricks to make an essay longer or shorter
My essay is too short. My research paper is too long. Those are problems anyone can have while writing a research paper. If you're looking for ideas,…
4 min read
Veterans Day speech sample
This Veterans' Day speech sample can be used as is or modified to meet a specific event. It is designed for use by a keynote speaker. It is copyright free…
4 min read
Welcome letter sample for conference or event
This sample welcome letter for a conference or special event template can be used free for your event. Just customize the welcome letter for your…
3 min read
Welcome speech for Conference or Special Event
This sample welcome speech for a conference or special event is a free template you can use to prepare a talk for an event. Public speaking can be tough…
3 min read
What to write in a short condolence message
Offer a simple expression of sympathy, a genuine memory when appropriate, and specific support without asking for a reply.
2 min read
When to use a hyphen in a compound modifier
Use hyphens to show which words work together before a noun, and avoid adding them where the connection is already clear.
2 min read