Persuasive SpeechSpeaking to Persuade

Understanding the Types of Persuasion1. A question of fact concerns

statements that can be seen as either true or false. You offer proof, but the audience determines whether you have convincingly proven that the statement is true.◦Example: Recycling can (cannot)

save local communities money.

Understanding the Types of Persuasion2. A question of belief focuses

on what is right or wrong, good or bad, moral or immoral. While you can not prove that a belief is true or false, you can supply convincing information to justify the belief.

◦Example: Small schools are (are not) better for most students than large schools.

Understanding the Types of Persuasion3. A question of policy focuses

on a particular action. You try to convince the audience to act on some policy or to agree that some policy should be changed.◦Example: High school athletes

should (should not) be required to maintain a B average in order to compete.

Using Persuasive TechniquesApplying logical reasoning

◦Building an argument that is based on reasons supported by evidence

◦Using reasons that explain or justify your thesis—They answer the question “Why?”

◦Using evidence or material that establishes the soundness or each reason

Evaluate Your Reasons1. Is each reason relevant to

your thesis?2. Is each reason distinct?3. Does each reason provide

strong support for the thesis?4. Will the audience consider the

reason important?5. Do you have just enough

reasons? (2-3)

Supporting Evidence with ReasonsYou should offer at least two

pieces of evidence for each of your reasons. If you offer fewer, the audience may not take your reasons seriously.◦Facts-can be verified, checked,

observed, etc.◦Expert opinions-a statement of

belief by a knowledgeable person recognized as an authority on that subject

How to Evaluate EvidenceIs the evidence relevant to the

reason it supports?Is the evidence verifiable and

reliable?Is there enough evidence?

Emotional Appeals

Cite specificsUse vivid language

Include personal references

Establishing your CredibilityCredibility is the quality of being

believable.

Three characteristics:◦Competence-being well qualified◦Sincerity-being genuine◦Dynamism-being energetic and

enthusiastic

Things to Avoid in Persuasive SpeechIt is unethical for public speakers

◦To lie or deceive◦To distort◦To engage in name-calling◦To attack a person or an idea without

giving evidence◦To manipulate (withhold key info.,

present half-truths, or purposely misrepresent ideas and details)

Organizing your SpeechDeductive Approach

Thesis

Supporting Reason

Supporting

Reason

Supporting

Reason

Two Types of Deductive Approach

Statement of reasons◦Simply list your reasons with support

Problem-solution method◦Establish problem first

◦Give solution

Organizing your SpeechInductive Approach

Thesis

Supporting

Reason

Supporting

Reason

Supporting

Reason

Two Types of Inductive ApproachNegative method

◦You show that no option other than the one you propose is acceptable.

Monroe Motivated Sequence◦Draw attention to the problem◦Show a need for some action◦Outline a plan that will satisfy that need◦Help the audience visualize the benefits◦Suggest a specific action that puts the

plan into practice