English 10
Instructor: Mrs. Graham
1
Public Speaking
Notes on the Persuasive Speech
The persuasive speech seeks to win an audience to your point of view; to either accept a
solution to a specific problem or to agree with you that one thing is better, in some
respects, than another.
The method for organizing your speech is called the Problem-Solution method.
It consists of five parts.
1. Getting attention (Introduction)
The following methods of beginning your speech effectively are available to you:
A specific example
A rhetorical question
A shocking statement
A literary or famous quotation
A humourous story
2. Presenting the nature of the problem
Demonstrate the extent of the problem
Demonstrate the effects of the problem
Demonstrate the causes of the problem
Demonstrate how the existence of the problem affects the listeners
3. Presenting the solution to the problem:
Make a clear statement about the best procedure and methods to be used.
4. Visualizing the solution
Show how the solution will
eliminate the causes;
reduce or eliminate the symptoms;
help people;
result in great advantages;
reduce costs;
increase efficiency.
You might also paint a picture in your listener’s mind about what might happen if
your solution is not adopted.
5. Explicitly inspiring audience action:
In the closing portion of your speech you should return to the beginning of your
speech, your attention-getting device, and tie it to your final appeal for action. You
should also:
Challenge the audience to act
Provide a summary of important points
Indicate your own intention to do something
direge me in verita tua
-1St. Thomas Aquinas High School
From: Language Aloud, compiled by June James and Lee-Ann Winters, School District 36, Surrey.
English 10
Instructor: Mrs. Graham
Public Speaking
Notes on the Persuasive Speech
***** Style for effective speech making:
-
Use short, simple sentences.
When the test came, you did not fail. Most of you risked your own lives to save the lives of
others. And three of those whom we honour today died in the attempt to help.
I know you must be wondering: was I happy during this time? Let me tell you, I was not. I
was constantly tired and miserable.
-
Use words that influence feelings and attitudes responsibly
I have suffered the same trials and social misunderstandings that so many members of
this society have experienced.
-
Use words that promote action.
This is especially important if you are trying to persuade your
audience to do something.
However, if you elect me as President, my first act will be to become a full-fledged
member.
I feel my tardiness, which could be viewed as a fault by some, simply proves my work as a
procrastinator and makes me all the more deserving of the title of President.
-
Repeat key words and ideas.
Notice how the words procrastinator and procrastination are repeated
in the speech.
direge me in verita tua
-2St. Thomas Aquinas High School
From: Language Aloud, compiled by June James and Lee-Ann Winters, School District 36, Surrey.