Persuasion 8-minute Speech Options
For your last full-length speech this semester, you have the option of choosing either a
Fact, Value, or Policy speech proposition. Be sure to then use an appropriate
Organizational Pattern to organize your Main Points. ALSO, BE SURE TO LIST YOUR
“TYPE OF PROPOSITION/CLAIM/QUESTION” (Fact, Value, or Policy) AT THE
TOP OF YOUR OUTLINE, ALONG WITH YOUR “ORGANIZATIONAL
PATTERN.”
The following list is a BRIEF synopsis of your textbook’s recommendations for
Organizational Patterns commonly used for each type of Proposition/Claim/Question.
FACT Speech: Usually uses Topical order of Main Points. These Main Points will
usually present “Reasons Why” the audience should agree your “Fact” is True or False.
VALUE Speech: Usually uses Topical order of Main Points. Since this speech attempts
to convince about right/wrong, good/bad, moral/immoral, we must know the source of
your value judgment. In other words, WHO or WHAT is your authority or “Standard”
for your value judgment that something is right/wrong, etc? Some examples of such
“Sets of Standards” can be: The Bible, Torah, Koran, Philosophers, Experts, Role
Models, Statistics, Theorists, etc. Basically you present in the first main your Standard
and how it establishes the right/wrong; in the second Main Point you apply those
standards to the speech topic.
POLICY Speech: These speeches recommend specific courses of action. They can often
include value or fact issues as well. There are two types: one seeks passive agreement
that an action is desirable; the other seeks to motivate audience to take immediate action.
All Policy (or “Action”) Speeches must address the issues of Need, Plan (Solution), and
Practicality (Visualization).
Four Organizational Patterns are especially recommended: Problem-Solution Order;
Problem-Cause-Solution Order, Comparative Advantages Order, Monroe’s Motivated
Sequence (ANSVA). It is also possible to use some of the other Organizational Patterns
used for Informative Speeches, though they may NOT be as psychologically effective at
“changing the minds” of your audience.
NOTE: Remember: avoid fallacies. Be sure your reasoning in your points is appropriate
(from specific instances, principals, causal, analogical). Use appropriate emotional
appeals. Use appropriate “evidence” (sources supporting points in a persuasive speech).
Keep in mind ALL THREE kinds of Credibility (Initial—before speech; Derived—
during speech; Terminal—after speech.) Stay Audience-Centered (Remember your three
segments of audience—Target, Agreers, Disagreers; Appeal to THEIR NEEDS and
predispositions.)