1. Policy Speech
7.11 A: Students will analyze the structure of the central argument in contemporary policy speeches (argument by cause and effect, analogy, authority) and identify the different types of evidence used to support the argument. (Persuasive Text)

2. What is policy speech?
An oral argument, usually about a particular issue.
Anyone in a public office will give policy speeches.
Structured the same way persuasive text can be, and uses same techniques.
Wants to convince the listener of their point of view

3. Introduction
Starts off with introduction, often using a hook to engage the listener
If the speaker is going to argue that the state should lower the speed limit, they may start with a dramatic example of a car accident in which someone was speeding.
They will state their claim
The central idea that the speaker wants to persuade listeners to agree with.
Expresses the speaker’s point of view
In the story above, the speaker’s claim is that the current speed limit is dangerous and so it should be lowered.

4. Text Structure
Once the speaker’s claim has been established they will construct the argument to lead the audience through their speech and thus to their side.
Full of evidence – points to support their claim
Usually uses text structure of cause and effect
To show what they think caused the issue and then to show a number of effects to show the effect.
Listen closely to their examples
General/Broad to Specific

5. Analogy Can also use Analogy to help the audience understand.
Uses a similar situation to illustrate their point.
Helps make an abstract idea (hard to understand) seems more concrete (easier to understand)
Helps the audience relate better
For example the speaker says:
The Rules committee is the backbone of our organization. Without oversight and the structure it provides, the organization would fall to pieces.

6. Analogy
For example the speaker says: The Rules committee is the backbone of our organization. Without oversight and the structure it provides, the organization would fall to pieces. The speaker compares the Rules Committee to the backbone of a skeleton. We may not know what the Rules Committee does or why it’s essential but the analogy makes it clear it’s important and essential because they compared it to a backbone and everyone knows those are important. Notice he didn’t lie to you, but he did manipulate you by comparison.

7. Authority
As evidence to support their claim, they cite their own experience and expertise.
Their firsthand expertise is effective, and little to no evidence is needed to persuade you.
For example; the speaker calling for lowering the speed limit might tell about his own experiences in a car accident that was caused by someone speeding.
This is evidence to support his claim to lower speed limits – although no outside facts were brought in.

8. Authority
If the speaker went on to reveal that they are the head of Texas Department of Transportation and continue to talk about their experiences…
You would consider that person an expert, since her job had a lot to do with transportation.
Ultimately the audience would likely be convinced, yet few actual facts were given.

9. Thinking it Through PRACTICE
Read the speech and then answer the question that follows. Most of us in Austin love the music festival that takes over our town every March. It brings in thousands of people, and those people spend money in our hotels and restaurants. Undoubtedly, the festival is good for Austin’s business. But the festival has grown substantially in recent years. As director of the Public Safety Department, I’m here to tell you that the police department needs more funding in order to handle the increasing crowds. Last year we were especially short- staffed on the outskirts of the festival, which continue to spread. We cannot control crowds and keep everyone safe without more officers, more technology and more equipment.
What persuasive technique does this speaker use? Explain how you know.
The speaker uses authority because he or she is the director of the Public Safety Department. He or she has both experience and the expertise to speak about the issue.