The Persuasive Speech

Persuasion Defined

Communication intended to influence choice

- is intentional

- involves influence, not control

Persuasive Speeches Include :

Supporting materials that prove

Language that includes emotional words

Delivery that is more forceful & direct

Organizational patterns that influence

Persuasive Speech Types

Speeches to convince

Speeches to actuate

Speeches to inspire

The Challenges of Persuasion

Enticing a reluctant audience to listen

Remove barriers to commitment

Move from attitude to action

Topic Selection

Topic that fits assignment

Controversial topic

Topic you feel strongly about

Topic you know a lot about

Research Topic

Research supporting materials

Research arguments for & against position

Research answers to audience objections

Research additional benefits

Position Statement

A simple sentence that states exactly how you feel about

the issue.

PROPOSITIONS

Process of Persuasion

A. AwarenessB. UnderstandingC. AgreementD. EnactmentE. Integration or change into belief and values

BASIC Steps of an Argument

1. make claim: conclusion of argument/thesis

2. offer evidence: supporting material

3. show how the evidence proves/disproves

the claim

Major Persuasive Functions

Addressing attitudes and values

Urging action

Contending with opposition

Persuasive Organizational Patterns

Claim

Causal

Problem-solution

Comparative-advantages

Criteria-satisfaction