Persuasive Speech Outline Sample
Title:
Acupuncture
Specific Purpose:
To persuade my audience to consider using acupuncture when they are
sick or in pain.
Central Idea:
There are many reasons why you should consider acupuncture apart
from the Western medicine: Acupuncture is a medically proven
treatment; it is safe and painless and it effectively treats many conditions.
Introduction
I.
What is acupuncture? Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe? Are there any
side effects to acupuncture? Is it better than the modern medical treatment? These
might be just some of the questions you are asking yourself about acupuncture
especially those who never heard of this Asian traditional medical treatment before. I
will prove today that acupuncture can be an alternative medical treatment that can
cure a number of physical and emotional conditions.
II.
We all know someone who has been sick or in pain at some point in their lives.
Maybe you, a friend, or a family member has had painful surgery, or suffers from
depression. Often, the medicines the doctors prescribe have side effects and make the
patient feel even worse. No one likes to suffer. When we don’t feel well, we would all
like to recover and feel better as quickly as possible. Acupuncture might be the
solution for what is ailing you.
III.
I may not have been formally educated in acupuncture; however, my interest in
Asian traditional medical treatment has led me to research acupuncture extensively. I
believe that acupuncture can be an alternative to modern medical treatment.
IV.
We should consider using acupuncture apart from the commercially available
Western medicine due to three factors: Acupuncture is a medically proven treatment.
Acupuncture is safe and painless, and it effectively treats many conditions.
Transition:
Many of us might be skeptical about acupuncture because it is not a commercially available
treatment. You will be amazed to learn that acupuncture has been effectively used for
thousands of years and is medically respected by people of all races and religions in Malaysia.
Body
I.
Acupuncture is a medically proven treatment.
A. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, acupuncture is an ancient Chinese
medical technique for relieving pain and curing disease. It has been successfully
used in Chinese cultures for more than 2,500 years.
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B. Acupuncture is endorsed by American mainstream medicine as well as by
international organizations. In 1997, a panel of scientists and researchers at the
National Institutes of Health determined that acupuncture had been clinically
proven to be effective against a variety of medical problems and diseases.
C. The World Health Organization (WHO) also endorses acupuncture as a
medically proven treatment. They have endorsed the use of acupuncture as a
medical therapy for over fifteen years.
Transition:
Many of us might be worried that acupuncture is not safe. You will be very pleased to learn that
acupuncture is extremely safe and painless.
II.
Acupuncture is safe and painless.
A. According to the Medical Acupuncture Online Journal, acupuncture is extremely
safe with virtually no chances of any side effects. Many patients become addicted
to pain medicines which can have serious side effects. This won’t happen with
acupuncture.
B. According to the book Acupuncture for Everyone by Dr. Ruth Lee, acupuncture is
an effective treatment for pain, and it is not addictive. Also, there is absolutely no
risk of catching any type of communicable disease from acupuncture needles.
This is because modern acupuncturists use only sterilized, individually packaged
needles which they throw away when they are done with each treatment. The
same needles are never used twice.
C. You will also be happy to know that acupuncture treatments are painless. There
may be a tingling sensation associated with the insertion of the acupuncture
needles in some points, but the overall effects if very relaxing.
Transition:
Some of us might think that acupuncture is helpful for only a few minor problems. I will now
prove that acupuncture treats a wide variety of problems and diseases.
III.
Acupuncture effectively treats many conditions.
A. Clinical studies have shown that acupuncture is effective in treating patients
with chronic pain. The WHO has determined that acupuncture is effective in
treating painful conditions such as headaches, arthritis and back pain. It also
reduces the pain of menstrual cramps, pain from surgery and other
musculoskeletal pain.
B. Acupuncture also treats a variety of diseases and other physical conditions. It has
been proven to help people with allergies, asthma, and heart problems. It even
helps people with insomnia to sleep better at night.
C. Acupuncture also effectively treats many emotional or psychological problems. It
has helped many people overcome tobacco, alcohol, and drug addictions. It helps
people overcome eating disorders and obsessive behaviors. Acupuncture also
enables people who suffer from depression to feel better and to stop taking
depression medication.
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D. In general, acupuncture helps people’s immune systems to function better. This
helps them avoid colds, the flu, and other respiratory infections. Many people
simply use acupuncture as an effective form of preventative medicine.
Transition: We have looked at the benefits of considering acupuncture as a medical treatment,
and this indicates its positive and effective method to cure many diseases.
Conclusion
I.
I hope that I have convinced you to consider acupuncture as a medical treatment.
Remember that acupuncture is a clinically proven and respected medical treatment. It
is perfectly safe and painless, and it treats a wide variety of physical and emotional
problems.
II.
Throw away those medicines that bother your stomach or make you sleepy.
Remember: There is an alternative. The next time you aren’t feeling well, acupuncture
may be the way to go.
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