Persuasive Essay and

Speech

Persuasive• Choose a topic that REALLY interests

you• Choose a topic that is important to you• Purpose: convince readers to THINK,

FEEL, ACT the same way as you

• Subject must have two sides (controversial)

Types of Persuasive Speeches• Address Attitudes- aimed at changing the

way people think or feel about a subject (drug testing on the job, tougher tobacco laws)

• Urges Action: aimed at getting people to do something (volunteer for community service)

• Connection: aimed at refuting opposing arguments (national health care plan, stadium funding with taxes, capital punishment, abortion)

Motivation Sequence• Get audience’s attention-open with a provocative

statement, question, example, or anecdote related to the topic

• Establish a need-describe the problem, current situation that needs attention, a lack, or misconception

• Satisfy that need-offer a solution to the problem, a corrective to the misconception

• Visualize the future-describe what the future will be like if things aren’t changed, and what it will be like if they are

• Ask for action-encourage your audience to implement your solution, adopt your attitude, vote for your proposal, etc.

Speech• Introduction-attention getter and topic

clearly stated in a creative way (NOT My topic is…)

• Content Knowledge-demonstrates full knowledge and evidence to support topic

• Organization-presents information in logical, interesting sequence which audience can easily follow

• Conclusion-Student clearly points out reasoning, and the audience clearly understands the position taken

Speech• Eye Contact- maintains eye contact rarely

looking at notecards• Elocution/Voice Quality-uses strong, clear

voice and correct, precise pronunciation• Posture/Attire- professional, no rocking,

swaying, etc, and dressed with effort made as a presenter

• Time- fulfill FIVE minute time slot

Ethos, Pathos, Logos• Aristotle • Ethos- Ethics (be truthful/use

honest facts) • Pathos- Emotions (reach your

audience emotionally)• Logos- Logic (use strong facts and

stats that support topic)

Dates•Library Days: Jan. 25, 26, 30, 31, and Feb. 1•Note Cards due: Feb. 1•Outline Due: Feb. 6•Computer Lab: Feb, 13, 14, 15•Essay due: Feb. 15•Speeches: Feb. 23, 24, 27, 28, 29