Persuasive Speech

Definition
Persuade: [Verb] To successfully
convince someone to agree to,
accept, or do something, usually
through reasoning and verbal
influence. To sway.
That salesman was able
topersuademe into buying this bottle
of lotion.
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/persuade

Aristotle

The goal of argumentative

writing and speaking is to
persuade your audience that
your ideas are valid, or more
valid than someone else's. The
Greek philosopher Aristotle
divided the means of
persuasion, appeals, into three
categories--Ethos, Pathos,
Logos.

Ethos, Pathos, Logos

Ethos (Credibility), or ethical appeal, means convincing by the

character of the author. We tend to believe people whom we

respect. One of the central problems of argumentation is to project
an impression to the reader that you are someone worth listening
to, in other words making yourself as author into an authority on
the subject of the paper, as well as someone who is likable and
worthy of respect. Use experts when you quote.

Pathos (Emotional) means persuading by appealing to the

reader's emotions. We can look at texts ranging from classic

essays to contemporary advertisements to see how pathos,
emotional appeals, are used to persuade. Language choice affects
the audience's emotional response, and emotional appeal can
effectively be used to enhance an argument.

Logos (Logical) means persuading by the use of reasoning. This

will be the most important technique we will study, and Aristotle's

favorite. We'll look at and discuss what makes an effective,
persuasive reason to back up your claims. Giving reasons is the
heart of argumentation, and cannot be emphasized enough.

Assignment
Write a persuasive speech.
It is important that your persuasive speech contain the
following elements.

Choose a topic and take a position on an issue.

Do research on the subject.
Write and speak to the audience.
Present a strong argument.
Provide strong supporting information.
Tie it all together with a strong appeal to the audience
asking them to accept your
argument.
Time: 3-5 minutes
Use note cards with an outline

Possible Topics
Universal Health Care -- Term Limits -Value-Added Tax/National Sales Tax Same-Sex Marriages -Affirmative Action -- Death Penalty --School Vouchers -Minimum Wage -- Legalization of Marijuana -U.S. Role as World's Policeman -- Required Testing in Schools
Abortion -- Malpractice Lawsuit Caps -U.S. as Sole Superpower -- U.S.-U.N. Involvement -ANWR Oil Drilling -- CIA-Led Coups -- Mexico Border Fence -Taxing the Rich -- Terrorist Prisoner Torture -- Fat Tax -Oil Windfall Profits Tax -- Civil Liberties in Wartime -War with Iran -- Social Security Privatization-- Legal
Immigration -- Physician-Assisted Suicide -- Gun Control-Unions -- DREAM Act/Path to Citizenship for Illegals -Balanced Budget Amendment Herman Cain's 999 Tax Plan

Step One
Choice of Topic:
_______________________________________
Why did you choose that topic?:
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
____________________________
Teacher Approval ________________________

Step Two
Sub Topics
Politicians
Religion

Abortionmake it illegal
Political
parties

Womens
rights
organizations

The law
and
abortion
Leaders

Teacher Approval _______

Step Three
Research your topic well
List three sources:
1. Author: _______________________________________________________
Publication Title __________________________________________________
Date Published ________________Web address________________________
What did you learn from this source that you may use in your speech?
2. Author: _______________________________________________________
Publication Title __________________________________________________
Date Published ________________Web address________________________
What did you learn from this source that you may use in your speech?
3. Author: _______________________________________________________
Publication Title __________________________________________________
Date Published ________________Web address________________________
What did you learn from this source that you may use in your speech?

Step Four
Use the information from your research to write your
speech using the three parts of a speech-introduction,
body, and conclusion.
I. Introduction
A. Attention Getter.
B. Thesis statement, what the speech will be about.
II. Body
A. Make your argument using your sub topics.
B. Support your opinion with facts and expert opinions.
III. Conclusion
A. Review your argument and try to refer back to the attention getter.
B. Final thought or quote with a strong appeal to have the audience agree with you.

Step Four continued

write your speech on index cards

Use note cards to write your speech.

As you write add details-NEVER use
the words things, stuff, and you
know! Use specific language
instead, in other words tell us exactly
what you mean.

Delivery

Have good posture

Use hand gestures
Only move up to three times (left, right, and center)
Eye Contact, try to look at everyone in the class at least once.
Use facial expressions to emphasize what you are saying.
Personal appearance should not have distracting clothes or
jewelry etc.
Articulate well (word choice)
Pronounce the words correctly
Speak loud enough to be clearly heard in the room
Dont speak too fast
Breath from your diaphragm
Use an appropriate pitch

Extra Credit Practice!

If you practice your speech out loud for a parent,
guardian, or other adult, I will give you 5 points
extra credit. Have them sign this form.
Student: ___________________________________
Adult Listener: ______________________________
How long did the speech last? __________________
Please list one suggestion for improvement here:
_________________________________________________
_____________________________________

Grading Rubric
I will use the following Rubric to
grade you speeches.
1.

2.
3.
4.

Introduction:
Attention Getter?
Thesis?
Overview of main idea?
Body:
Organized?
Descriptive Details?
Conclusion:
Reviewed main idea?
Final thought?
Vocal Delivery:
Volume
Quality
Speed

pitch
Articulation
pronunciation
5. Physical Delivery:
posture
gestures
movements
eye contact
facial expression
personal appearance

TOTAL POINTS _______________

(OUT OF 65)

The End
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