Persuasive Oratory Speech
This is the mastery speech for the semester. This unit must be successfully completed in
order to fulfill the course requirements.
Length: Minimum of 5 minutes
Directly quoted sources: 3
Paraphrased sources: 2
Total of 5 sources needed.
Basic requirements for the speech:
Because this is persuasive, you must go beyond the informative content. Make sure that
you are proving an approved thesis statement, not just giving us facts and information
that we might already know. YOU MUST PRESTENT THIS SPEECH FROM
MEMORY! NO NOTE CARDS AND I WILL FOLLOW ALONG WITH THE COPY
OF THE MANUSCRIPT!
Divide your speech into 3 major sections, which are divisions of your thesis. The most
obvious format is:
Introduction (Includes thesis and sign-posting)
Section #1 of body – where the current situation is explained. (History of the
problem or situation might be included here)
Section #2 of body – where the impact of the problem is explained.
Section #3 of the body – where possible solutions are presented.
Conclusion – which should be circular and refer back to the introduction.
Keep careful track of the sources you use. You will be turning in a formal bibliography,
as well as all of your printouts and notes, when you turn in the final copy of the speech on
the day that you give it.
You will turn in with your speech, a double spaced copy of your manuscript. You will
need two copies of the manuscript, one for you and one for me to follow along. Use
Times New Roman 12 pt. font.
You will need to type an outline to show the organization of your speech (see page 3)
1
My topic thesis is:_________________________________________________________
Examples of an oratory topic versus and oratory thesis
A thesis statement encapsulates the entire meaning of your oratory into one or two
sentences. A topic is a one or two word phrase that gives a broad idea of what your
oratory will cover. These examples of oratory topics and thesis statements are taken from
past oratories from Public Speaking students. When we start working on other aspects of
an oratory (intro’s, outlines, etc.) we will refer to the same works so you can see how
these past speakers worked all of these elements into their oratory.
Topic – Government
Thesis – These laws illustrate the epitome of the efficiency of and the effectiveness of
today’s government.
Topic – Generation X
Thesis – Despite the problems shown to us in the media and our seeming inferiority to the
generations before us, I believe that my generation has the ability to overcome its
obstacles and gain the respect it deserves.
Topic – Desegregation
Thesis – The St. Louis Desegregation program has some advantages and disadvantages,
but ultimately, it should be continued.
Topic – Self-Esteem
Thesis – But today, many children and teenagers lack that personal pride, that sense of
self-worth.
2
Sample outline and problem statement
Problem Statement: Roads and bridges in Missouri are deteriorating rapidly, and
something must be done to correct these serious problems.
Bibliography (List all sources, alphabetical by author, that you have found and plan to
use to this point.)
Outline: (Model yours after this one)
Introduction:
Example: Will include quote from source #3, then there will be a transition into
my problem statement. Signposting will happen next.
I.
II.
III.
Bridges and roads are in horrible condition in Missouri.
a. History of the problem through the 20th century and into the 21st.
b. Statistics of road conditions (from Source #1)
c. Statistics of bridge problems (from Source #4)
d. Current status of legislative support fro these repairs (from Sources #2,
#4).
Impacts of poor infrastructure
a. Increased car repair bills (Source #2)
b. Increased number of deaths due to bridge accidents (Source #3)
c. Wasted funds for “half repairs” (Sources #1, #4)
Something must be done to correct these conditions
a. Legislation must allot more road funds (Source #2)
b. Use workers from the U.S. Job Corps (Source #1, #2)
Conclusion:
Example: Use a quote from St. Louis mayor and quote from Missouri Governor;
end with call-to-action.
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Alternative Oratory Outline
Thesis:__________________________________________________________________
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Introduction
a. Attention-getter. Light hearted (or not) but that gets the serious point
across.
b. Sign-posting. Tell the audience what is coming up in your speech…”First,
we must look to the history of keeping one’s word. Then by determining
when this trend of breaking one’s word began, perhaps we can find a
solution to our problem.”
The Problem
a. State the problem again, how it came about, its history, etc.
b. Relate the problem to the audience
i. Current events
ii. Relevant stories or hypothetical situations
c. Explain how it involves the audience. Using words like “we” or “the
society as a whole” gives a sense of unity. Therefore you are not placing
BLAME but rather addressing a problem we are all a part of.
Impact of the problem. Why should we care about this?
a. Quotes/Statistics
b. Personal anecdotes
The Solution. Once you get the audience to want to fix the problem, you must
give them ways to go about doing so.
a. Tried and true methods that have worked.
b. Your own methods that have worked for you.
c. End with the best, most important solution to the problem. Give advice,
but don’t lecture.
The Conclusion. Wrap it all up with something catchy but that captures the
seriousness of the problem. Many times this will refer back to your Intro.
Smile and you are DONE!! 
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