Persuasive Speech Directions
Step 1: Pick a topic. List what you know about that topic and what you need to find out.
Step 2: Decide what evidence you are going to use to support yourself. Each appeal should be used as evidence.
Research should be evident in the appeal to authority and appeal to reason. At least 2 sources must be used.
USE EASYBIB TO PROPERLY CITE THEM.
Step 3: Create your speech according to the following guidelines. Overall speech should run 3-5 minutes.
A. Introduction
a. Line that gains reader interest
b. Background/information about organization
c. Call to action—by the end of the speech I hope to convince you to…
B. Weakest Appeal
a.
b.
c.
C. Second Strongest Appeal
a.
b.
c.
D. Strongest Appeal
a.
b.
c.
E. Counterargument/Refutation
a. What might other people say against your argument? (Although, Even though…)
b. Refute their argument
c. Try to do this two times…
F. Conclusion
a. Why should I support this cause?
b. What is the call to action again?
c. Interesting ending…
*Don’t forget to name your appeal to authority. Who is it and why should I take this person’s word for it?*
Other Info:
Rhetorical questions should be used
Imagery must be used in appeals
Charged words should exist
Authority Source must be identified verbally
All Appeals must be used
A. Attention-Getter
a.
Rhetorical Question: Could you imagine what it would be like to try to identify objects by touch? Could you imagine never
having the opportunity to drive? Could you imagine reading a novel, not by sight, but by hand?
b.
Surprising Fact: There are 4.3 million people in America who are blind or severely visually impaired.
B. Strongest appeal—Appeal to Logic
a.
Only 10-15% of blind people know how to read Braille.
b.
Seventy percent of the able-bodied blind population is unemployed simply because they are blind.
c.
Helping Hands for the Blind is a non-profit organization to assist blind people in their daily activities.
d.
Wouldn’t you want to help those who can’t get groceries? Or fill out paperwork?
C. Second appeal—Appeal to Authority
a.
Helen Keller, a successful blind woman, said that she “depended on books not only for pleasure and for the wisdom they
bring to all who read, but also for that knowledge which comes to others through their eyes and their ears.... books have
meant so much more in my education than in that of others ...”
b.
Even though she can’t read with her eyes, her hands are her “eyes”. She must have a gentle touch to “see” the words.
D. Third appeal—Appeal to Emotion
a.
Those with the disability of blindness experience many hardships, tribulations, and adversities. Sometimes blind don’t have
people to assist them in their daily duties. Could you imagine what it would be like to try to sign up for a credit card and not
know what the questions are? Could you imagine walking around the grocery store, not knowing where supplies are?
b.
The blind people in America need your help. They don’t have sight, in addition to not having assistance, money or jobs.
E. Counterargument/Refutation
a.
However, it’s clear that there are already assisted living homes for blind people. Furthermore, due to the faulty economy,
times are tough with money, especially if you have a family to care for.
b.
On the other hand, how can donating $1 hurt your pocket? So, you don’t buy that ice cream bar at lunch, you do help the
visually impaired obtain a book to listen to.
F.
Summary and call to action
a.
Helping Hands for the Blind can be reached at www.helpinghands4theblind.com. The headquarters is located in Chatsworth,
California. Your generous donation will help the impaired get the support and assistance they need to live a life like you.