Make a list of points you want to raise in your speech about appearances. Think of examples of things that glittered, but were not gold.
Work backwards. Instead of writing your speech, record yourself speaking into a tape recorder. Listen to how oral language is very different from the written word and try to emulate that tone. Too often speeches are stilted because people read from their notes and it doesn't sound "natural."
Craft an audience-catching opening sentence. Think of your listeners and start with something about appearances that will appeal to them. Addressing a group of seniors requires a different opening than speaking to an audience of teenagers.
Outline the direction of your speech in your introduction, so your audience knows where you want to go. Think of your introduction as a road map for your listeners. They want to have an idea of what to expect.
Write supporting paragraphs -- the body of your speech -- using clear, concise words. Read each paragraph out loud and listen to it for tone and quality. This helps you avoid long run-on sentences that will leave you gasping for breath.
Consider supporting your speech with visuals. For example, you could show your audience a photo of a star all dressed up for the Oscars and then juxtapose it with a tabloid shot of the same individual. Same person, different appearance.
Support your thesis statement with examples. Offer illustrations to support your ideas about appearances being secondary. Talk about people who maintain a high-flying lifestyle on overdrafts and credit cards, because they want others to think they are rich.
Recap your ideas about appearances in your concluding paragraph and relate it back to your thesis statement. End with a punchy sentence that your audience will remember.
Read your speech into a recorder. Listen to it for tone and clarity. Edit accordingly.