Name: _______________________________________________________ Hour: ____ Date: _____________________________
Creating and Presenting a Persuasive Speech
Standards:
SL.11-12.3: Evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning and use of evidence and rhetoric, assessing the stance, premises, links among
ideas, word choice, points of emphasis, and tone used.
SL.11-12.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can
follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style
are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.
Assignment
Your assignment is to create and present an original persuasive speech. We have examined rhetorical appeals and rhetorical devices.
You have looked at syntax (repetition, restatement and parallelism, antithesis and rhetorical ?s) and its influence on rhetoric. Now it
is your turn to demonstrate the art of persuasion/argument by writing and delivering a two- to three- minute persuasive speech that
addresses a contemporary issue.
Steps (read this list when you don’t know what to do)
Planning
1.
Complete the brainstorming page.
a. Review the provided list and brainstorm a few of the topics provided. Brainstorm those contemporary issues
about which you can take a strong stance.
b. Narrow your list and select an issue. Decide which side of the issue you would like to take.
c. Research your issue. Find at least TWO sources you can cite to support your claim.
d. Select a strategy and create a graphic organizer that you can use to plan your speech. On it:
i. Compose a thesis statement that effectively presents your stand on the issue.
ii. List the purpose you will be attempting to achieve.
iii. List the supporting evidence you will provide.
iv. Include the types of rhetorical appeals and devices that will help you achieve your desired purpose.
Drafting
2.
Compose your speech. Examine and consider your choices in terms of syntax. You will need to include at least three
syntactical tools in your speech – you determine which ones will suit your purpose and audience. You will also add outside
source material at this time. You make the call about what evidence would be the most persuasive and where it would fit
best in your speech.
Revising
3.
4.
Allow at least two peers to read your speech and make constructive comments using the peer review sheets. Your peer
reviewers should identify:
a. your purpose
b. your supporting reasons
c. your use of rhetorical appeals and devices
Use the comments made by your peer reviewers to make revisions on your speech.
Rehearsing
5.
6.
Then, consider the delivery style you will use to deliver your speech to your classmates.
a. Mark your text for appropriate inflection and use of gestures.
Practice delivering your speech. Ask someone to time you as you practice and revise your speech or delivery style if
necessary to fit within the two- to three- minute time frame. You might want to practice in front of a mirror or record your
speech so that you can replay it and make changes as needed.
Presenting
7.
Be prepared to give your speech on the day your teacher assigns.
a. Consider how your physical appearance will affect your delivery, and try to dress appropriately for the nature of
your speech.
b. Be prepared to submit a final draft of your speech to turnitin.com prior to your presentation.
Reflecting
8.
As you view your peers’ speeches, fill out the speech viewing guide.
a. After all speeches have been presented, complete the written reflection (you’ll get this later).
Persuasive Speech Scoring Guide
Scoring Criteria
Ideas
Use of outside support
Use of Language
Presentation
Reflection
A
B-C
D-F
The speech presents a
significant and compelling
thesis on a contemporary
issue; the thesis is clearly
developed and supported.
The argument is convincing
and adeptly uses a variety of
rhetorical appeals (ethos,
pathos, logos) and at least 3
syntactical tools.
The speech presents a clear
thesis on a contemporary
issue; the thesis is sufficiently
developed and supported.
The argument is plausible and
effectively uses rhetorical
appeals and some syntactical
devices.
Outside sources are quoted as
support for claims. Sources
are relevant and compelling.
Speaker uses at least 2
sources in a highly effective
manner.
The speaker deliberately and
effectively uses rhetorical
devices and varied syntax for
the intended purpose.
The speaker demonstrates
well-placed inflection and
gestures that create an
engaging delivery style
indicative of advance
preparation and rehearsal for
the delivery.
Outside sources are used to
support claims, but may not
be compelling. Speaker uses
the minimum of (2) sources
somewhat effectively.
The speech presents a
position that is difficult to
distinguish or is insufficiently
developed and supported.
An attempt has been made to
make an argument, but it is
not plausible and uses
persuasive appeals
ineffectively. It fails to
implement effective
syntactical devices.
Outside sources may not be
used or are used in a way that
does not support claims.
Sources may not be credible
or present.
The writer’s reflection
demonstrates a thorough and
detailed analysis of the
components of an effective
speech.
The speaker clearly attempts
to use rhetorical devices and
varied syntax for the intended
purpose.
The speaker demonstrates
some use of inflection and
gestures that create an
appropriate delivery style
indicative of advance
preparation and rehearsal.
The overall organization of
the speech shows a
thoughtful attempt to
encourage audience
engagement.
The writer’s reflection
demonstrates an adequate
analysis of the components of
an effective speech.
If the speaker attempts to use
rhetorical devices and varied
syntax, the result is ineffective
for the intended purpose.
The speaker demonstrates
minimal use of inflection and
gestures to create an
appropriate delivery style
indicative of advance
preparation and rehearsal.
The speech is disorganized
and shows little attempt to
encourage audience
engagement.
The writer’s reflection
demonstrates a minimal
analysis of the components of
an effective speech.