Persuasive Speech Assignment
- The goal of this speech is to persuade your audience about a question of policy. Your specific purpose should be in the following format: To persuade my audience that X should do Y.
- You must have your topic approved by me verbally or via email by Tuesday, March 27. You are not allowed to change your topic after this date unless approved by me. You are allowed to refine or slightly modify the topic.
- Your speech must be 5 to 7 minutes long. If you are more than 30 seconds short or long, there will be a 10-point penalty. Practice your speech to ensure that you are within time limits. I recommend that you mark on your notes where you should be at certain times so you can adjust your delivery if you are not on pace to finish within the time limits.
- You must use visual aids to make your speech clearer and more persuasive.
- You must use at least three sources, more if you like. At least one of your sources must be a book, magazine, journal, or interview. Cite everything.
- You must address the main opposing argument(s) in your speech and discredit it using your evidence. A good debater can argue the point; a great debater can take out the opposition before he has even begun.
- You must give the speech extemporaneously using a brief speaking outline that must be approved by me. This outline will not contain full sentences with two exceptions: the first sentence of your introduction and the first sentence of your conclusion can be written completely. For the rest of the notes, you should have very brief phrases for each important point. You can write out statistics or quotes that you need to remember. If your speaking notes are significantly longer than those suggested, you will not be allowed to use them. Do NOT read a PowerPoint presentation.The outline will stay on the podium, untouched. Use a font that you can see.
- You must complete a formal outline as shown on pages 250-51 in your textbook. This outline will contain full sentences.
- You must submit both speech outlines along with your MLA works citedby class time on April 3. The formal outline is worth 50 points. The speech outline is worth 20 points. The works cited is worth 30 points. I will happily review it with you before your speech. Late work will not be accepted.
- Your speech must have a title.
- I suggest a six-paragraph format: (do not write a paper)
- Introduction
- Three of the strongest arguments arranged logically
- Discrediting the opposition (may be done alongside your arguments) respectfully
- Conclusion with a call to action.
Choose a topic that is debatable. No one is going to argue for overfishing or animal cruelty. It must be a topic that people dispute.
Choose a topic that is debatable in the time frame. Be certain to narrow the topic. For example, why the government should end animal acts is unwieldy. The better choice would be why the government should end acts involving elephants. You must argue thoroughly, and a topic that encompasses too much does not allow that.
Be certain that your call to action is timely.
Be respectful of the audience and opponents. A truly debatable issue will have valid reasons on both sides. Do not mock or taunt. Persuasion means being heard and understood. Arguing is spouting off.
Use logos, ethos, and pathos. Your arguments should be logic-driven to lead the audience down your persuasive path. Statistics are useful and helpful, but remember that the human condition is a powerful persuader. Use a variety of evidence.
Use dynamic diction. This is a college class. You are extremely smart. Use your intelligence. If you find the words “good” “bad” “a lot” “gets” or anything else along those lines, change them! Part of winning a debate means sounding more intelligent than your opponent. Use the jargon of the topic; just be sure to explain it. Use transitional phrases instead of simple cues such as “next” or enumeration.
Elaborate to motivate listeners, but do not bore or disgust them.
Dissonance is a powerful tool if used meaningfully. Too much will make the audience disregard your proposition.
Even if you cannot change your opponent’s mind, they should accept your debate as valid. Therefore, be certain all of your information is valid.
Positive and negative motivation works. Decide which is best for your speech or if both will be useful.