Guidelines

Definition
A persuasive speech is one that establishes a fact, changes a belief, or moves an
audience to act on a policy.
Establishes a fact:
A persuasive speech that establishes a fact proves that something is true or false. Examples
of propositions:

I want to persuade the class that Bob Ewell was guilty of falsely accusing Tom
Robinson.
I want to persuade the class that certain minority groups are discriminated against.

Changes a belief:
A persuasive speech that establishes or changes a belief is one that focuses on what is right
or wrong, good or bad, best or worst, moral or immoral. A belief cannot be proven to be
either true or false. Examples of propositions:

I want to prove that the White Australia Policy was a misguided Government
initiative.
I want to prove that Slumdog Millionaire was the best film ever produced.

Moves an audience to act on a policy:

A persuasive speech that changes a policy is one that focuses on a particular action. When
you give a speech on a policy, you try to convince the audience to act on some policy or
agree that some policy should be changed. Examples of propositions:

I want to prove that the budget for Medical Research should be increased.
I want to persuade members of our class to fight for social justice in the future.

Humour:
Dont forget the place of relevant and sensitive humour in your speech. Humour relaxes the
audience, cuts through resistance, and paves the way to a receptive audience. Humour is a
significant tool to effectively persuade your audience.

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Persuasive Speech Outline

A.

Begin with an Attention Step or opening statement of interest (use one or more of
the following):
A rhetorical question
A startling statement
A quotation
An illustration or story
A reference to the subject
A reference to the occasion

Motivate audience interest in your subject by alluding to: (use one or more of the
following):
The practical value of the information for your audience
A reason to listen
The audiences sense of curiosity
Establish your credibility by:
Alluding to any first-hand experience you may have had
Alluding to sources of information you have consulted
Provide orienting material by: (use one or more of the following):
Previewing main points
Defining any technical terms that you will be using

B.

Need Step

There are potentially two kinds of needs (your speech uses one of these):
To urge a change - point out whats wrong with present conditions
To demand preservation of present conditions - point out the danger of a change
The Need Step is developed by:
Illustration: Tell of one or more incidents to illustrate the need
Ramifications: Employ as many additional facts, examples, and quotations as
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are required to make the need convincingly impressive.

Pointing: Show its importance to the individuals in the audience.

C.

Satisfaction Step

The Satisfaction Step presents a solution and is developed by (use one or more of the
following):
Statement of solution: a brief statement of the attitude, belief, or action you wish
the audience to adopt.
Explanation: Make sure that your proposal is understood.
Theoretical demonstration: show how the solution logically and adequately meets
the need pointed out in the need step, point-by-point!
Practical experience: actual examples showing where this proposal has worked
effectively or where the belief has proven correct.
Meeting objections: forestall opposition by showing how your proposal overcomes
any objections which might be raised.

D.

Visualisation Step

The visualization step must stand the test of reality. The conditions you describe must be at
least realistic. The more vividly you make the situation seem, the stronger will be the
reaction of the audience. There are three methods of visualizing the future. (use one or
more of the following):
Positive: Describe the conditions if your solution is actually carried out. Picture the
listeners in that situation actually enjoying the safety, pleasure, or pride that your
proposal will produce.
Negative: Describe conditions if your solution is not carried out. Picture the audience
feeling the bad effects or unpleasantness that the failure to affect your solution will
produce.
Contrast: Combination of 1 and 2. Begin with the negative method (undesirable
situation) and conclude with the positive method (desirable solution).

D.

Action Step (use one or more of the following):

Restatement of main idea and summary of main points.
Statement of specific action or attitude change you want from the audience.
A statement of your personal intent to take the course of action or attitude
recommended.
A concluding statement to recapture interest (a reason to remember).

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Checklist
I have selected a topic that involves a problem that needs to be solved.
I have clearly stated the purpose of my speech.
My thesis statement is written as a complete declarative sentence.
My introduction gains attention and interest, establishes my credibility, and
previews the main points of my message.
My first main point presents the problem.
My sub points for the first main point describe the problem, show its importance,
and demonstrate the consequences of inaction.
I have adequate supporting material for each of my sub points relating to the
problem.
My second main point presents my solution to the problem.
My sub points for the second main point demonstrate how the solution addresses
the problem, describe a plan of action, and picture the results of the solution and I
have adequate supporting material.
My conclusion contains a summary that recaps my message and remarks that reflect
on the meaning and significance of my speech.
I have provided transitions where they are needed to make my speech flow
smoothly.

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