Communication 1020
Instructor: Raymond Bingham
Persuasive Speech
July 28, 2011
Julie-Ann Garcia
Persuasive Speech: Become an Organ Donor
Presented by: Julie-Ann Garcia
I.
Opening of presentation: give statistics about the number of people waiting
for a life saving organ donation (100,000).
II.
Present topic: Why YOU should become an organ donor.
1. There is a severe shortage of donors.
2. 20 people die everyday while waiting for an organ donor.
3. ONE person who donates can save up to 8 lives.
III.
Youtube vide of Roger Moore who gives a first hand account of donating his
daughter Tracey’s organs and why (video time 1:52).
1. She suffered from severe asthma, had a bad attack and tried to treat herself
but by the times she was rushed to the hospital she was declared brain
dead.
2. Her family donated her organs partly to help them heal. They feel that it
was/is the only thing a person can/should do after death.
IV.
Debunk myths about organ donation. The more knowledgeable you are about
organ donation the more it gives you the ability to make an informed decision.
1. MYTH – If I agree to donate my organs, the hospital staff will not work as
hard to save my life.
FACT: The doctor in charge of your care has nothing to do with
transplantation; they are there to treat you and save your life.
2. MYTH- Organ donation is against my religion.
FACT: Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of many religions
such as Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, etc. You can get a detailed list
at organdonor.gov
3. MYTH- An open casket funeral isn’t an option for people who have
donated organs/tissue.
FACT: Organ/tissue donation doesn’t interfere with having an open casket
funeral. The donor’s body is fully clothed so it would cover up the areas
that have been affected by the donation. Tissue donation is taken from the
back and in cases where bone donation is taken they put metal rods in
place. No one would be able to tell the difference.
4. MYTH- I’m not in the best health. Nobody would want my organs or
tissue OR I’m too old.
FACT: Very few medical conditions automatically disqualify you from
donating as well as age is not a factor. There have been many successful
transplants for donors who were in their 70’s and 80’s. The decision to use
an organ is based on strict medical criteria of the organ and a person’s
age/health is not taken into consideration; excluding those few medical
conditions.
5. MYTH- I’m under age 18. I’m too young to make this decision.
FACT: Parents can authorize organ donation of their deceased children.
V.
Conclusion: Save a life become an ORGAN DONOR! Give information on
how to become a registered donor.
1. Register with your states donor registry – www.organdonor.gov
2. Designate your choice on your drivers license
3. Sign & carry a donor card – available at www.organdonor.gov
******remember to tell your family members/friends of your decision to become an
organ donor so they can honor your wishes.
Bibliography
http://www.livestrong.com/article/95470-pros-organ-donation/
http://www.yesutah.org/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organ-donation/FL00077
http://www.unos.org/
http://nursebridgid.blogspot.com/2011/04/are-you-organ-donor.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7JpfWOE-xY