UNIT SIX - PERSUASIVE SPEECH REQUIREMENTS
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: In a five to seven minute speech, convince your audience that your
opinion (stance) on a particular issue is the correct and proper one.
RESEARCH: You may use the Pro/Con.org database, which is explained in your packet, or any
other credible source, to gather as many types of support (proof) as possible.
INTRODUCTION: Memorize! Make sure your introduction includes……….
(1) an attention-getter
(2) an audience connection
(3) a credibility statement - this is new!
(4) a thesis statement.
CONCLUSION: Memorize! Make sure your conclusion includes…………
(1) signal word(s) - “In conclusion,….”
(2) a credibility statement - again
(3) thesis - again
(4) a call to action - What do you want your audience to think and/or do?
(5) end with “Thank you” then say “Are there any questions?”
SPEECH BODY: Extemporaneous! You must support your position/stance with at least three
mutually exclusive main points/reasons.
TYPES OF SUPPORT/PROOF: facts, statistics, expert testimony, examples, incidents, etc. You
must include at least one quotation in your presentation. Use the following format when you
say your quote:
John Doe, forensic scientist, said QUOTE “now say the exact words John Doe
said……………….,” then say END QUOTE!
Also, do not say he quoted. HE didn’t quote it, he SAID it.
CREATE A VISUAL AID: The visual aid (VA) must meet the requirements outlined in the book
and in class. Refer to your VA during the body of your speech at the appropriate time. Do NOT
wait until after you have finished!
QUESTION/ANSWER SESSION: At the end of your speech you will say “Thank You,” and ask
“Are there any questions?” Respond to the best of your ability, but never make anything up. If
you do not know the answer, simply say “I don’t know.”
WHAT WILL YOU NEED ON THE DAY OF YOUR PRESENTATION?
(1) a folder with pockets
(2) graphic organizer
(3) source material - not just the URLs - the actual pages
(4) key words and phrases notecards (put these in after you are done)
(5) a visual aid - you must have one, but you may have more
(6) attire to meet the Dress Code
HELPFUL TIPS
Turn the “Core Question” (from Pro/Con.org) into a Purpose Statement, which will be written
on the top of your graphic organizer.
EXAMPLE: The purpose is my speech is to persuade my audience that the death penalty
should be allowed. -OR- The purpose is my speech is to persuade my audience that the death
penalty should not be allowed.
*DO NOT SAY THIS IN SPEECH! The purpose statement is a guide to your research and
preparation. It is NOT the same as a thesis statement.
After reading the Top 10 Pros and Cons section of Pro/Con.org., decide which three main
ideas/reasons support your stance best. I chose (A) morality, (B) deterrence, and (C) cost of
death vs. life in prison as my three.
Make sure your three reasons are mutually exclusive, meaning they all support your stance,
but are different from each other.
Now, you can write your thesis statement. SAY THIS AT THE END OF YOUR INTRODUCTION!
Pro - The death penalty works and must continue to be used because it is society’s moral
obligation to the innocent victim, a deterrent against future crimes, and less expensive than the
cost of keeping a murderer alive for the rest of his/her life.
Con - The death penalty is an unfair legal option and should not be used because it is immoral,
it does not deter crime, and is less expensive than execution.
You must establish your credibility in your introduction AND your conclusion. Simply say “In
my research I have found…………then go right into your thesis statement. Also, if you have firsthand experience related to your topic, you should explain this to your audience.
Example: Pro - wearing seatbelts - Maybe you knew someone who was not using his/her
seatbelt and was hurt in a car accident.
UNIT SIX - PERSUASION
“The most important persuasion tool you have in
your arsenal is integrity.” - ETHOS
Goal: Students will learn persuasive philosophy and techniques and
take a quiz over Ch. 14; research a controversial topic; take
notes; complete a graphic organizer; create a visual aid; and
present a persuasive speech; which concludes with a question and
answer session.
CONTENTS
Persuasive Speech Requirements & Tips
1-2
The perfect visual aid assignment
3
How to use Pro/Con.org
4-14
Graphic Organizer - Sample
15-17
Note cards - Sample
18
Logical/Emotional/Personal Appeals Worksheets
19
Blank Graphic Organizer
20-24
General Vocabulary Terms
25
Chapter 14 - Sections 1-3 - Persuasive Speaking
26-30
Chapter 13 - Section 3 - Audio and Visual Aids
31-32
GRAPHIC ORGANIZER
PURPOSE STATEMENT:
TYPE OF AUDIENCE:
TYPE OF VISUAL AID:
TYPE OF INFORMATION ON THE POSTER:
TYPE OF ATTENTION-GETTER:
AUDIENCE CONNECTION:
STATEMENT OF CREDIBILITY:
THESIS STATEMENT:
MAIN IDEA/REASON #1 - Write out your transition statement here - write the
same sentence on the top of your first body card.
SUPPORT GOES HERE - Use bullets - no complete sentences!
MAIN IDEA/REASON #2 - Write out your transition statement here - write the
same sentence on the top of your first body card.
SUPPORT GOES HERE - Use bullets - no complete sentences!
MAIN IDEA/REASON #3 - Write out your transition statement here - write the
same sentence on the top of your first body card.
SUPPORT GOES HERE - Use bullets - no complete sentences!
SIGNAL WORD(S):
CREDIBILITY STATEMENT:
THESIS STATEMENT:
CALL TO ACTION: change beliefs
(circle one of the above requests)
change actions
both
CHAPTER 13 - SECTION 3
AUDIO AND VISUAL AIDS
Name__________________________________Period________Date_______
Read pp. 338-344 and complete the worksheet.
A. Define the following terms:
1. map
2. diagram
3. graph
4. handout
5. overhead projector
6. model
7. cutaway