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 to persuade me
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
Women’s
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
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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
Don’t 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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