Persuasive Strategies and Public Speaking at Moody Copyright 2006 IRA/NCTE. All rights reserved. ReadWriteThink.org materials may be reproduced for educational purposes. Images ©2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Why do we do this??? Countless professions expect you to be able to argue/persuade an audience that your way (or your company’s) is the right way –Lawyer, politician, salesperson, business executives, broadcaster, journalist, etc –Convincing parents, teachers, boss, coach that you have something valuable to contribute –Gaining the confidence to speak in public!!!

Persuasive Essay Convince your audience that you are right! Who is your audience? (peers or adults?) Remember there is another side to the argument. You can persuade people that you are right if you are not afraid to present the opposing viewpoint and then REFUTE IT. Essay should have a minimum of three supporting details.

Essay should be a minimum of 5 paragraphs –Intro- state your argument –3 paragraphs, each one is evidence to support your argument –Conclusion – wrap up your argument with one last push to convince your audience that you are right. DO NOT say “So this is why I think that Canada should get out of Afghanistan. Thank you for listening to me. I hope I have convinced you I am right.”

Public Speaking Meeting expectations- “more time spent making eye contact with audience than looking down” Meeting expectations- “Use of voice complements effectiveness of the content” Meeting expectations-”No distracting mannerisms”

Intro- Claim Direct: I believe that Mrs. Thomasen should give us better grades so we can do well in high school. Indirect: High school is tough and our marks are very important for our future. State your argument and a summary of your supporting evidence.

Introduction Get attention Begin with something to get the attention of the audience. This might be a startling statement, statistic, or your own story. Listeners pay close attention when a person begins with, “Two weeks ago as I was driving to work a car pulled out in front of me….” You could begin with a current event: “You might have read in the paper this morning about the flood that….” A question is another way to make people listen. “How many of you feel our society spends too much on medical care?” might be a way to begin a presentation about curbing costs. Whatever technique you use, when you grab the attention of the audience you are on your way to a successful speech.

Tactics to Persuade!!!

Big Names Example: Former U.S. president Bill Clinton thinks that junk food should be taken out of vending machines. Important people or experts can make your argument seem more convincing.

Logos Example: A Snickers bar has 280 calories and 30 grams of sugar. That’s not very healthy. Facts, numbers, and information can be very convincing.

Pathos Example: Your donation might just get this puppy off the street and into a good home. Getting people to feel happy, sad, or angry can help your argument.

Ethos Example: Believe me! I’ve been there before. I’m just like you. If people believe and trust in you, you’re more likely to persuade them.

Kairos Example: This is a one-time offer. You can’t get this price after today. Try to convince your audience that this issue is so important they must act now.

Research Example: A recent study found that students who watch TV during the week don’t do as well in school. Using reliable research can help your argument seem convincing.

Conclusions Something to think about Finally, leave the audience with something to think about. People remember best what you say last. You might summarize your main points, or you might complete the statement, “What I want you to do as a result of this presentation is....” But beyond that, make your last words a thought to ponder. For example, I might end a speech on becoming a better speaker with "As Cicero said centuries ago, 'The skill to do comes with the doing.'" A more modern guide to effective public speaking was penned by some unknown sage: "Know your stuff. Know whom you are stuffing. Know when they are stuffed."