Persuasive Speech Speaking to Persuade
Understanding the Types of Persuasion 1. A question of fact concerns statements that can be seen as either true or false. You offer proof, but the audience determines whether you have convincingly proven that the statement is true. Example: Recycling can (cannot) save local communities money.
Understanding the Types of Persuasion 2. A question of belief focuses on what is right or wrong, good or bad, moral or immoral. While you can not prove that a belief is true or false, you can supply convincing information to justify the belief. Example: Small schools are (are not) better for most students than large schools.
Understanding the Types of Persuasion 3. A question of policy focuses on a particular action. You try to convince the audience to act on some policy or to agree that some policy should be changed. Example: High school athletes should (should not) be required to maintain a B average in order to compete.
Using Persuasive Techniques Applying logical reasoning Building an argument that is based on reasons supported by evidence Using reasons that explain or justify your thesis—They answer the question “Why?” Using evidence or material that establishes the soundness or each reason
Evaluate Your Reasons 1. Is each reason relevant to your thesis? 2. Is each reason distinct? 3. Does each reason provide strong support for the thesis? 4. Will the audience consider the reason important? 5. Do you have just enough reasons? (2- 3)
Supporting Evidence with Reasons You should offer at least two pieces of evidence for each of your reasons. If you offer fewer, the audience may not take your reasons seriously. Facts-can be verified, checked, observed, etc. Expert opinions-a statement of belief by a knowledgeable person recognized as an authority on that subject
How to Evaluate Evidence Is the evidence relevant to the reason it supports? Is the evidence verifiable and reliable? Is there enough evidence?
Include personal references Emotional Appeals Cite specifics Use vivid language Include personal references
Establishing your Credibility Credibility is the quality of being believable. Three characteristics: Competence-being well qualified Sincerity-being genuine Dynamism-being energetic and enthusiastic
Things to Avoid in Persuasive Speech It is unethical for public speakers To lie or deceive To distort To engage in name-calling To attack a person or an idea without giving evidence To manipulate (withhold key info., present half-truths, or purposely misrepresent ideas and details)
Organizing your Speech Deductive Approach Thesis Supporting Reason Supporting Reason Supporting Reason
Two Types of Deductive Approach Statement of reasons Simply list your reasons with support Problem-solution method Establish problem first Give solution
Organizing your Speech Inductive Approach Supporting Reason Supporting Reason Supporting Reason Thesis
Two Types of Inductive Approach Negative method You show that no option other than the one you propose is acceptable. Monroe Motivated Sequence Draw attention to the problem Show a need for some action Outline a plan that will satisfy that need Help the audience visualize the benefits Suggest a specific action that puts the plan into practice