Persuasive Speeches

Just try to convince me!

Types of Persuasive Speeches

1. FACTS

Persuade that your fact is true.

Prove that your claim is the best and defend yourself against oppositional ideas.

Example: Persuade your audience that space exploration is beneficial.

Types of Persuasive Speeches

1. FACTS

Most are absolute, but . . .

Future: Royals? Economy? Iraq?

Inconclusive: Life on Mars? Causes of Cancer?

Nonpartisan = Informative – All facts are equal

Partisan = Persuasive – This is your view

Types of Persuasive Speeches

1. FACTS An Example:Purpose Statement: To persuade my audience that a major earthquake will hit California in the next five years

Central Idea: There are three good reasons to believe that a major earthquake will hit California in the next five years.

I. California is long overdue for a major earthquake

II. Many geological signs indicate that a major

earthquake may happen soon.

III. Experts agree that a major earthquake could hit

California any day.

Types of Persuasive Speeches

2. VALUES Persuade that something is right or wrong, moral or immoral, valuable or worthless.

Appeal to the beliefs, morality and values of your listeners.

Example: Persuade your speech class mates that cheating at school is absolutely unacceptable.

Types of Persuasive Speeches2. VALUES An Example:

Purpose Statement: To persuade my audience that capital punishment is morally and legally wrong.

Central Idea: Capital punishment violates both the Bible and the U.S. Constitution.

I. Capital punishment violates the biblical command-

ment “Thou shalt not kill”

II. Capital punishment violates the U.S. Constitution

prohibiting “cruel and unusual punishment”

Persuasive Speeches

Just try to convince me!

Types of Persuasive Speeches

1. Facts

2. Values

3. Policies

Types of Persuasive Speeches

3. POLICIES Persuade that there is a problem and get the audience to agree with your solution. Motivate them to act or change attitudes, policies or regulations.

Appeal to human needs, reason and emotion.

Example: Persuade your public to keep the thermostat in your home at 68 F in winter and 72 F in summer.

Persuasive Speeches• We speak to influence audiences

• Lead them with logic – develop your point step by step

• Regularly let the audience know where you are and where you are going

• Elements that build credibility:

Quote authorities

Document factual information

Persuasive Speeches• Elements that build credibility:

Quote authorities

Document factual information

Experience “in my 15 years as …”

Mandate -

Specificity “give money to children overseas” or “let’s help Emma to get a good meal tonight”

Persuasive Speeches• Your opening and closing are critical:

Why should they listen?

Why you? Why now?

Close – don’t quit.

Work the audience to your conclusion and ask them to stand with you!

Persuasive Speeches• Your voice and body language are critical:

Mood conveys meaning

Changes in speed and intensity keeps attention

Your body should exude confidence

Your gestures should be firm

Hints for Success

1. Open with an emotional appeal, a startling statistic or an clear example that illustrates your issue clearly.

2. State the facts of the problem you are trying to solve.

Hints for Success

3. Use statistics, facts and as many quotes from experts as possible to lend credibility to your argument, energize your audience and get them poised for action.

4. Propose a solution to your problem. (It is important to show that the problem can be solved.)

Hints for Success

5. Create a vivid mental image for them of two possible futures.

6. Issue your call to action. Make your final appeal an emotional one that will get them on their feet in support of your cause.