Persuasive Speech Guidelines

Objectives:

You will:

1. Construct a carefully formulated specific purpose statement and thesis statement suitable for an original 4-6 minute persuasive speech using the Problem-Solution Organizational Pattern.

2. Conduct research to obtain appropriate supporting materials for your speech.

3. Develop an effective introduction and conclusion.

4. Develop effective transitions to create a logical flow within the speech.

5. Create formal/preparation outline following the guidelines for effective outlining and the directions for the Problem-Solution speech.

6. Deliver the speech using an extemporaneous (conversational) style of delivery.

Overview:
Successful public speaking requires that the speaker appear knowledgeable about his/her topic. Speakers accomplish this by conducting thorough research and citing appropriate sources. The use of clear, accurate, and relevant presentational aids that help to make a point will also bolster the speaker's credibility.

When determining the appropriate support, consider which types of sources and forms of support your audience will value. Who are the authorities they respect? Are certain texts more reliable than others? Are examples more fitting than statistics? You will want to use more than one type of resource (books, journals, magazines, newspapers, interviews, Internet sites, etc.) and more than one form of support. You also will want to be sure that your sources are current. Remember that taking source material out of context to make a point other than that intended by the author is ethically questionable and should be avoided.

Organizing and outlining are intertwined skills involved in the strategic planning of a speech. Organized presentations are more effective and easier to understand than rambling discourse. Outlining assists both the development of a topic and the speech's presentation. Consequently, both skills are essential for a competent speaker.

Once you select and sufficiently narrow your topic, you should develop a specific purpose statement and a thesis. Based on the principles of outlining, the thesis should demonstrate your position or central/main idea. The main idea should be supported by the main points of the speech which also helps to organize the speech.

Audiences do not have the luxury of seeing the various notations, which indicate a presentation's organization. Therefore, an effective speaker must incorporate previews, transitions, reviews and other signals to indicate the movement from one particular part/idea of the speech to another. Oral organization techniques assist the listener's understanding and retention of your presentation.

Effective introductions frame the speech. They gain attention, develop speaker credibility (ethos), and aid the listening process by revealing the topic and previewing the body (organization) of the speech. In many respects and introduction may determine a speech's success! Similarly, conclusions summarize the presentation while creating a sense of closure. Furthermore, they help the audience remember the essential message of the speech. Consequently, introductions and conclusions are vital components of effective speaking.