Introduction to Persuasive Speech Writing

What are the main components of a speech? Leads and a Conclusions Thesis (Purpose) At least three supporting points for thesis Address the audience at the beginning and throughout Organization of the speech Utilize many persuasive techniques Vary tone and speed of delivery Make eye contact with your audience Use correct grammar

First Things First… Before you begin writing your outline or speech, you must consider three things: 1. What is your topic? 2. Who is your audience for the speech? 3. What is the purpose of your speech? (What do you want to persuade your audience to believe after hearing your speech?)

Lead Paragraph: What is a lead? A lead paragraph involves three parts: 1. Hook: Introduce yourself, acknowledge your audience, and create a hook about your topic the catches your audiences attention 2. Background Information: Give general background information about your topic. 3.Thesis: A statement that clearly states your argument and what you are trying to persuade your audience to believe.

Body Paragraphs: In the body you have paragraphs to support or prove the thesis that you’ve directly established in your lead. You always need three points to support your thesis. For each point/paragraph always write a supporting statement for your thesis + PIE. P = Prove with Logic: Facts, Statistics, Expert Testimony, etc. I = Interpret the logic for your audience: Explain the logic and make it connect to your thesis E = Emotional Appeals: develop emotionally charged language to engage your audience

Body Paragraphs: To keep your audience engaged and able to easily follow your argument you should: Use transitional words or phrases such as, “my first point,” “before I conclude,” “The third reason,” etc. Words like however, and although also provide transitions. Address the audience by name several times through the speech

Counterpoints: In persuasive writing, after the writer explains the three points, the writer often addresses the counterpoints. A good writer anticipates what the other side of the issue would argue and addresses that. The placement of counterpoints is flexible. They may appear immediately after your lead paragraph, be woven amongst your three points, or be the last paragraph before your conclusion. Counterpoints are not required for this speech, but it helps enhance your argument if they are addressed.

Conclusion Paragraph: Re-emphasizes the thesis or purpose. This makes your conclusion circle back to your thesis. Call to action: make it clear Leaves the audience thinking Speakers usually end the speech by thanking the audience for listening.

If Your Speech is Effective It Will… Establish your credibility as a speaker on that topic (ethos), use various persuasive techniques like logos, pathos, rhetorical question, allusion, parallelism, etc. Make certain your audience understands: Where you stand on that topic What you are asking your audience to believe Why you believe your position is valid What needs to be done about the topic (call to action)

Characteristics of a Speech Address the audience at the beginning. Hook, or attention getter, makes the audience want to listen to the rest of the speech. The three main points summary in introduction are clear. Each of the three main points should begin with a transitional word or phrase. It is clear when one main point ends and the next begins. Address your audience within the speech a couple of times. Remember a speech is to be read aloud.