Persuasive Speech Format
Throughout this speech you will be asking a question and persuading the audience that your “answer” is
the correct and only possible answer. An example of a question: “What can we, as high school students,
do to help stop global warming? The answer to this question is simple, recycle.”
Your outline should look like this:
I. Introduction
A. Attention Getting statement/story
B. Make a proposition – ask your question and give your answer.
C. Audience needs addressed – why should they listen?
D. Preview main points – example: “Let’s look at. . .”
1. Address PROBLEM/NEED
2. Address SOLUTION
3. Address VISUALIZATION
II. Body
A. Need Step – something needs to be done. What is wrong with the current system? What is
wrong with society? What is the problem?
B. Satisfaction Step – how to solve the problem. Give a solution.
C. Visualization Step – the results of your solution. What will society/system/people/the world
be like after the problem has been solved? What will happen if we do/don’t do your solution? What
will the outcome be?
III. Conclusion – call to action
A. Review question: “In my speech I have addressed the question, should______________?”
The answer to this question is clearly ______________ because:
1. PROBLEM/NEED
2. SOLUTION
3. VISUALIZATION
B. Ask the audience to take one kind of action. Remember to make the action fit your audience.
C. End with a “zinger” (it is nice if you can tie it back to the attention getter)