Principles of Public Speaking
Instructor: Roger Altizer
Persuasive Speech Assignment – 150 points
Description:
Persuasive speeches are designed to evoke a response from listeners. Often, they attempt to
persuade an audience of a particular position or to take a certain action. Persuasive speaking is one
of the most widely practiced forms of speaking. From trying to lobby the local school board to not
cancel the football season, to convincing your employer that you deserve healthcare, how well you do
is determined by how well you understand persuasive speaking.
Time: 6-8 minutes
Requirements: (all requirements affect your total points received for the speech)
1. A detailed outline of your speech is due on 6/16– Persuasive Speech Workshop Day
2. Your speech will have:
a. Identifiable introduction, body, and conclusion
b. At least three verbal citations (evidence, must be cited properly in your
manuscript)
c. Organization based on one of the following methods from Chapter 26
i. Problem Solution Pattern
ii. Monroe’s Motivated Sequence
iii. Comparative Advantage
iv. Refutation Pattern
d. Optional: Visual Aid
3. Bring a blank VHS tape to class on the day of your speech
4. Bring a typed copy of your speech with you on the day of your speech, which should
also include a bibliography of your sources. Treat this like a written paper assignment.
Staple it. Do not write on it. Do not simply turn in your speaking notes. Use APA style.
Like informative speeches, persuasive speeches also aim to increase understanding and awareness,
the difference being that they also intend to influence audience decisions. Therefore, this speech
should be treated as a formal presentation. You no longer are just giving the audience information,
you are asking something of them in return.
Name:
Date:
Topic:
Persuasive Speech
Criteria
Content:
Audience Analysis
________/10_____
Effective Introduction
________/10_____
Effective Conclusion
________/10_____
Organization (Followed Persuasive Structure)
________/20_____
Delivery:
Communicative attitude appropriate to topic
________/10_____
Nonverbal Communication
________/10_____
Persuasiveness
________/20_____
Use of voice (e.g., volume, pitch, quality, articulation/enunciation, fluent)
________/5______
Notes -- not used or used properly
________/5______
TOTAL
_______/100_____
Points will be deducted for being over or under time.