PERSUASION The IPSOC way

Basic Format  Introduction  Problem  Solution  Opposition  Conclusion IPSOCIPSOC

I. Introduction (in outline format) A. Attention Getter 1. break into parts 2. perhaps? B. Link C. Thesis

Thesis  As always, this needs to inform the audience what they are about to hear  For persuasion, must contain two parts: There is a problem, (transition) it can be solved.

Sample Thesis There is a problem, (transition) it can be solved. The United States currently faces an energy crisis that is getting worse, but if we all take a few simple steps, we can ensure a secure future for the next generation and beyond.

II. Problem A. Status Quo  What does this mean? Well, not exactly…

Status Quo Definition: The current situation; the way things are now Teenage obesity is on the rise. Though it is illegal to use a cell phone while driving in Illinois, countless drivers continue this unsafe practice. Same-sex marriage has just become legally recognized in Illinois, but many states have placed bans on this practice, showing that our country still has ways to go for acceptance. Examples (note the absence of really detailed statistics):

II. Problem A. Status Quo B. Prove that a problem exists  Discuss (one or more) history, causes, effects, current legislation, data, etc. based on topic.  This section is where a lot of your research will come in…

Example Problem Section II. Problem A. Status Quo 1. evidence of SQ 2. evidence of SQ B. Causes of Problem 1. cause #1 a. evidence b. evidence 2. cause #2

Example Problem Section C. Effects of problem 1. Effect #1 a. evidence b. evidence 2. Effect #2 a. evidence b. evidence OR maybe you need to define your problem (i.e. racial profiling) OR show some history related to your problem (i.e. cell phone while driving), causing your causes & effects sections to be B., C., D., or E., depending on your needs

III. Solution A. Big Picture  what society needs to do to solve the problem B. Individual  what we can each do to solve the problem  These can be placed in either order, depending on what makes the best sense to you for your topic, but they BOTH need to be here and supported

Example Solution Section III. Solution A. As a society/community (big picture) 1. B.P. Solution #1(i.e. as a nation) a. rationale (why?) b. projected outcome i. evidence ii. evidence 2. B.P. Solution #2 (i.e. as a school) a. evidence or rationale b. projected outcome

Example Solution Section B. Individual Solutions 1. Solution #1(what you can do #1) a. rationale (why should you?) b. projected outcome i. evidence ii. evidence 2. Solution #2 a. evidence or rationale b. projected outcome

IV. Opposition A. The opposing POV presented  what is the “other side” of the argument  sometimes you have to think about this  example: no one thinks drunk driving is a good idea, yet some still do it B. Rebuttal  why the opponents’ perspectives are wrong!

V. Conclusion A. Visualization  different from visual aide, which you’ll also need  Imagine the future with AND without this problem solved B. Call to Action  bring it back to them – remind audience what they can do C. Strong Finish  Hit ‘em hard & leave them thinking!  Come back to Attention Getter – lock-tight strategy

That’s it!  Sounds easy, right?  The answers to a few of your questions…

Sources  Must use at least 3 sources  At least 2 must be print sources  These include any database research – as long as it was originally available in print!

Time Limit: how long will it be?  4-6 minutes  Over or under=loss of points  -1 per fraction of 10 seconds

Visual Aide You will need one Like it sounds, it should be a visual way for the audience to connect to your topic ◦ Power Point ◦ Slide Show of images ◦ Data (graphs, poster, etc.) ◦ Video? (maybe, but no longer than secs.) You need to reference it during your speech, not just hold it up