Silver-Tounge:_____________________
Let’s Take Another Look: Persuasive Speech Assignment
The Purpose:
The primary objective of this speech is to persuade, either by reinforcing or altering the
audience’s attitudes, beliefs, values, and/or behavior, or by introducing something new to
your audience.
Choose something authentic (from real life) where you would like to persuade someone
of something. You may wish to consider one of the following, but are not limited to
them:
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Going on your favorite reality show
Selling a product
Raising money for a cause
Convincing someone on a Dating Show
Giving a Political Speech
Interviewing for a Job
Your classmates will be your audience for the speech, but you will take on the persona of
someone trying to persuade your chosen task.
Procedures:
1. Speaking Order: You will select when you would like to go order prior to the first
speaking day. I will not change the order. Remember that if you are not ready to
go the first day, you are docked a letter grade. If you do not go the next day, it
becomes 50% off, and, after that, it turns into a zero. However, I do suggest
being ready early because when someone isn’t ready that day, you can go early for
extra credit.
2. Time Limit: 4 to 6 minutes. You must not exceed 6 minutes nor be under 4 minutes
or you will lose points. Time yourself at home, and in class, so that you make
maximum use of your time.
3. Topic Selection: Select a topic that you feel is important, one for which you hold a
position, and one which you think will provide the opportunity for you to be
persuasive with your audience. I will have a list in class for you, however, you may
choose a topic that is not on my list.
4. Supporting Materials: Use your own knowledge first; then find published and/or
interview sources to back up your points and enhance your credibility as a speaker.
You must include a minimum of 3 sources of at least 2 types (internet and print)
into this speech. Only one personal interview will count as a source. Remember, it is
imperative that you cite your sources orally during the speech, as well as in the
works cited page that you will turn in with your outline.
Silver-Tounge:_____________________
5. Lab Work
Audience Analysis: Speaking effectiveness in persuasion is even more dependent
upon how well you analyze your audience and adapt your speech to them. A
personal, carefully crafted approach works best when attempting to influence an
audience. Especially consider your audience’s pre-existing attitudes about your
topic. Think about how much of a change you will ask of the audience.
Persuasive Techniques: When you establish a topic, audience, and format, you
will decide which writing devices, appeals, and persuasive techniques will work
best. For this assignment, you will decide which 4 best techniques will be used,
along with the rationale for choosing them.
6. Organization & Written Work: Structure your ideas and draft an outline, using your
sources of supporting material for substance. The speech should have only one
overall thesis with 3 to 4 main points. The typed outline you hand in the day you
speak should conform to the format discussed in class. Also to be turned in with the
outline is a complete works cited page (see my website for help) of all sources
cited in your speech in MLA format. There will not need to be a formal (word-forword) transcript.
7. Delivery: Do not read your speech word-for-word. Your notecard should contain
a brief outline containing key words to cue your memory. Also, make sure that you
use your visual aid DURING your speech and not after.
As a final parting gift, you will not be allowed to use the podium for this speech, and
only one side of a basic index card will be allowed. No speaking towards the visual
aide will be permitted. Enjoy! :)
Lab Days:_________________________________________
My speech day: ____________________________________
Checklist for Speech:
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Audience Analysis Sheet
Persuasive Techniques Sheet
Researched sheets (1-3)
Typed outline
Works Cited page (minimum of 3 sources, 1 must be from a book/print source)
Note card (for you to use)
Visual Aid