Unit 6 Extension Lesson
Analyzing Persuasive Speeches
Common Core Standards: RI.7 Analyze various accounts of a subject told in different mediums RI. 8 Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a
text, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient SL 1d Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives SL. 2 Integrate
multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source. SL. 3 Evaluate a
speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric
Directions: Watch the videos below. Your goal is to identify the speaker’s claim, the reasons and evidence they provide to
convince listeners to agree with their claim, and any rhetorical devices they use to be persuasive.
1. Example of a student persuasive speech: Persuasive Speech: Fast Food Leads To
Obesity http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v10r9icot4E
2. Five Epic Persuasive Speeches in Movies http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIdXOfcvExg
3. Four Great Persuasive Inspiration Speeches: MLK, John Lennon, JFK, and Steve Jobs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnvpbW2CGkw
4. The girl who silenced the world at the U.N. for 5 minutes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1I6ljzaY9k
5. Examples of inspiration speeches by successful women: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fia4HY9pWuo
6. Steve Jobs (with English subtitles): In this commencement speech, Jobs describes why dropping out of college, and
following his intuition, was the best decision he ever made. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJ5o_Y0dh2w
7. Bill Gates Speech at Harvard (part 1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP5VIhbJwFs
8. George Bush on 9/11: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbqCquDl4k4
Questions (see graphic organizer on next page for assistance organizing your thoughts):
1. What is the topic of the video? How do you know? Explain.
2. Who is the speaker? Are they a credible source? Why or why not? Explain.
3. Who is their intended audience? Do you think the speech is appropriate for this audience? Why or why not?
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
What is the speaker’s claim?
What are two to three reasons the speaker presents to support the claim?
What evidence does the speaker present to help prove their reasons are valid and relevant?
What rhetorical devices does the speaker use? What is the effect? Explain your answer.
Choose one speech and write a paragraph explain the speakers claim, two of their reasons, and the supporting evidence. Describe
why the speech was or wasn’t persuasive. Discuss how they presented their perspective, the reasons and evidence provided, and the
rhetorical devices utilized and why it was or was not successful in your opinion. Be sure to cite evidence from the speech.
Claim
Reason
Reason
Reason
2 pieces of
evidence
2 Pieces
evidence
2 Pieces of
evidence