Speech Communications
Ms. Radlinger
Final Speech- Taking a Position
GUIDELINES
4 - 5 minutes
The aim of an informative speech is to give information as impartially as possible, while the aim of a
persuasive speech is to argue for a particular point of view in an attempt to convince the audience to believe
you.
Topics for persuasive speaking deal with controversial issues that involve people’s most basic attitudes,
values and beliefs.
Go to:
www.debatepedia.com
For your final speech you will present a QUESTION OF VALUE speech in which you will TAKE A POSITION
on a controversial issue stating the right/wrong, good/bad, morality/immorality of it and WHY!
WRITING A QUESTION OF VALUE SPEECH
Five Steps
___ 1. Approach your topic in a question form that can be answered from different
sides.
Example
Should abortion be legal?
_____ 2. From this preliminary question choose ONE side of the issue and develop the
major points of your argument with REASONS why you have chosen that side.
Abortion should (not) be legal because 1, 2, and 3.
___ 3. Support your position with a variety of types of evidence from:
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Facts or statistics
Anecdotes (short story) or case studies (observations)
Scenarios (what if? futuristic speculation)
Testimony (interview quotes or survey results)
___ 4. Counter argue by presenting objections to your position and prove them
wrong.
 Acknowledge objections to your position. Shows you are open minded and thorough. Introduce
objections with lead-ins such as “Some critics say…” or “One argument against…” or “Those that
disagree argue…” or “One student at M.G.H.S. feels…” Use quotes from sources including
surveys!!!
 Accommodate objections by incorporating them into your argument.
 Refute objections. “Ok you’ve got some good points, but I am still right.”
“Even though Mr. Smith makes a valid point he neglects to recognize….”
___ 5. Persuasive, Rhetorical & Figurative Language
will make your argument stronger. Include,
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highlight, and label ALL of the following:
parallelism
repetition
figure of speech (simile, metaphor…)
rhetorical question
historical/literary allusions
emotional appeal
logical appeal
personal appeal
___ 6. SOURCES You are expected to cite at least 10 bits of information
from three different sources in your speech.
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Use lead ins – According to…… (must see 6-8) HIGHLIGHTED!!!!!!
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Provide a proper bibliography.
SPEECH Requirements
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Speech Outline MUST BE TURNED INTO ME B/4 SPEECH
Introduction & Conclusion in complete sentences attached
Must be memorized!!!!
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Body – OUTLINE FORMAT (Roman numerals, etc.)
with lead-ins & parenthetical documentation
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Bibliography page attached
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Visual Aid – Powerpoint required!!!!!!!!!!!
Persuasive Speech Outline
I.
Introduction A. Attention Getter
B. Background information (explain the situation)
C. Thesis = topic + position + three reasons
II.
Body
A. General Statement Reason 1…
1. Evidence or supporting details (AWE) #1…
 Include lead in and (author page #)
 omit author name if included in lead in
2. Explanation of evidence – your own words…
3. Evidence or supporting details (AWE) #1…
 Include lead in and (author page #)
 omit author name if included in lead in
4. Explanation of evidence – your own words…
5. Acknowledge Objections…
 Include lead in and (author page #)
 omit author name if included in lead in
6. Refute objections – your own words..
ONE Appeal - HIGHLIGHT & LABEL
ONE Rhetorical device – HIGHLIGHT & LABEL
B. General Statement Reason 1…
1. Evidence or supporting details (AWE) #1…
 Include lead in and (author page #)
 omit author name if included in lead in
2. Explanation of evidence – your own words…
3. Evidence or supporting details (AWE) #1…
 Include lead in and (author page #)
 omit author name if included in lead in
4. Explanation of evidence – your own words…
5. Acknowledge Objections…
 Include lead in and (author page #)

omit author name if included in lead in
6. Refute objections – your own words..
ONE Appeal - HIGHLIGHT & LABEL
ONE Rhetorical device – HIGHLIGHT & LABEL
C. General Statement Reason 1…
1. Evidence or supporting details (AWE) #1…
 Include lead in and (author page #)
 omit author name if included in lead in
2. Explanation of evidence – your own words…
3. Evidence or supporting details (AWE) #1…
 Include lead in and (author page #)
 omit author name if included in lead in
4. Explanation of evidence – your own words…
5. Acknowledge Objections…
 Include lead in and (author page #)
 omit author name if included in lead in
6. Refute objections – your own words..
ONE Appeal - HIGHLIGHT & LABEL
ONE Rhetorical device – HIGHLIGHT & LABEL
III.
Conclusion
A. Restate thesis
B. Review main ideas
C. Profound statement (big picture/connection)
WORKS CITED