Silotto Fall 2011
Writing and Delivering a Persuasive Speech
Overview: For this assignment, you will write and deliver a persuasive speech on an idea that
could influence, shape, or change your country, community, or school for the better. So, you
will need to: 1. Identify an existing problem in your country, community or school. 2.
Convince your audience that it is necessary that this problem be addressed (tell us why it is
important). 3. Provide a solution that will remedy this problem.
Your speech will need to be 4-7 minutes in length. You will also need to use rhetorical
devices. Do not forget to cite sources for your written copy of the speech in MLA format. We
will discuss the guidelines for MLA format after you conduct your research, and compile at
least 5 credible resources from books, magazines, or scholarly journals from a database.
Wikipedia and blogs are not credible resources.
Requirements:
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You may only choose one side of the argument, not both. You must also provide a solution
and convince the class that your solution is viable. This is a persuasive speech, not a
summary of research on your topic.
The speech needs to be 4-7 minutes long.
You must use rhetorical devises.
You need to turn in a typed copy in MLA format with a works cited page.
Use MLA format: Double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman font, 1 inch margins,
header in upper left corner, page number and last name in upper right corner. Also be sure to
cite within the text in parenthesis and on the Works Cite page, which is on a separate page.
Use pages 146-155 in Literature Book to help you write this persuasive piece.
Also, use the MLA formatting guide on the main page of the class website to aid your writing!
Written drafts are due on day of presentation!
Presentations Begin (We will give 5-6 speeches a day until they are complete.):
Red Day: 12/7
Black Day: 12/8
*Additional requirements: Can be found on Page 319 of Grammar Book
Specific purpose (complete sentence):
Thesis statement (complete sentence):
Silotto Fall 2011
Persuasive Speech Outline
I. Introduction: Describe issue, propose solution, and gain audience’s attention.
A. Thesis:
II. Body Paragraph 1: A reason why your solution is needed, and relevant evidence supporting your
solution
A. Reason:
B. Evidence:
C. Analysis:
III. Body Paragraph 2: A reason why your solution is needed, and relevant evidence supporting your
solution
A. Reason:
B. Evidence:
C. Analysis:
III. Body Paragraph 3: A reason why your solution is needed, and relevant evidence supporting your
solution
A. Reason:
B. Evidence:
C. Analysis:
IV. Conclusion: Summarize the problem, your solution, and end with a call to action (use active
verbs)!
A. Call to Action: