Persuasive Techniques Crafting Powerful Speeches Grade 11 SUP English Ms. Dennis/DMCI

Power of Three A good presentation technique is the rule of three. The rule of three is based on the technique that people tend to remember three things. In oratory (speeches)it comes up all the time.

Emotive Language A powerful speech leaves the audience feeling something. You want to touch on emotions and feelings that they can relate to.

Rhetorical Questions A rhetorical question is a common device where a question is asked by a speaker, but no answer is expected from the audience. This distinguishes it from explicit verbal audience interaction where a speaker asks a question, and then waits for a response or calls on someone to answer it.

Say Again Repetition can be powerful as it reinforces an important idea and makes your speech more compelling. You can use this technique by making your point in various ways or by repeating a word or phrase throughout your speech.

Undermine Opposing Views With this technique, you evaluate the merits of your point and any evidence against it. This shows you’re willing to engage with other points of view, and rather than undermining your argument, it serves to strengthen it. Your evaluation can include research findings that contradict the evidence you provided, quoting authorities who disagree with you. Again, it can include anecdotes and stories.

Anecdote Anecdotes are another good way to persuade; an anecdote is a short account or retelling of a particular event. It is important to choose anecdotes that are relevant to the argument and which help to demonstrate the point being made.

Direct Address This technique gets the reader involved by using the pronoun “YOU”. It personalizes your speech and lets the audience feel that you are including them in your arguments. When they feel connected to an idea, they will be more apt to believe it.

I am going to move to the moon! Exaggeration When information is given that is over the top, or slightly untrue it can be an effective attention grabber or help solidify an idea. e.g. If I get one more piece of homework, I am going to move to the moon!

Power of three Emotive language Rhetorical questions Say again Undermine opposing views Anecdote Direct address Exaggeration