Persuasive Speech Requirements

Prepare and deliver a 3 to 5 minute persuasive speech. A persuasive speech is designed to reinforce or change the beliefs or actions of your audience members. Persuasive speaking is more challenging than informative speaking which is designed to convey knowledge and understanding.

Select a topic that is appropriate for your audience but also a topic on which you feel very strongly. Some of the most interesting topics for persuasive speeches focus on controversial issues. Review several types of print media and watch television news programs, local and national, to see what controversial issues are being discussed. Remember that you are taking a stand on a position in this speech. Some audience members may agree and others may disagree with your position. Your goal is to reinforce the audience members who agree with you and to change the mind of those who do not. This will be challenging but very exciting! Think about the power of your "words" ! (I love listening to my students' persuasive speeches because they are so creative and strategic in trying to persuade the audience.)

In developing your specific purpose, take a stand or position on a current issue. Review different news media to keep abreast of controversial and current issues, local, national, and international. Take a position on a particular issue. Make sure that you are really committed to the position. The stronger you feel about your position, the harder you will work to convince your audience.

Do not use the following or related topics:

• Health Issues
• Food
• Continuing you Education
• Religion, Political Parties
• Cults
• Do not sell a product of any kind.

Your central idea should consist of three main points. Thinks in terms of reasons in developing the main points. What are three reasons that you can give your audience members that will persuade them to do what you want? Once you develop your central idea, you should list three reasons to support your position. These three reason will serve as your three arguments for the body of your speech.

Research is required for this speech. Your ideas and opinions are great, but do research to find an experts or peers to support your ideas. You need to have at least 5 sources and they should be orally cited within the speech. This is a must. The more support, the better the speech. Do not plagiarize. It is appropriate and you are encouraged to use ideas from different sources, but always give the source credit.

 Use various sources:

• books
• periodicals
• daily publications
• electronic media
• the web

(In addition to the above sources, you may use the encyclopedia and dictionary for general information and definitions.)

Use sentence outline. Use the outline format to assist in the development and organization of your speech. Use the sample persuasive outline as guide. Your central idea should include at three main points and no more than four. Most audiences are very comfortable with three main Pont.

Typed outlines are required for all speech deliveries in class. You may use 3-3x5 Notecards front side only when delivering your speech

The extemporaneous mode of delivery is required for all speeches. In order for an extemporaneous delivery to be effective, most public speaker rehearse their speeches many, many times. I am suggesting that you rehearse your speech at least 50 times or until you are comfortable with the information.

Include the following in your speech:

• Use classroom technology. You must have a power point presentation with a minimum of 5 slides.
• If you utilize You-Tube your clip cannot exceed 30 seconds
• You must have an outline the day your speech is due. If you do not, you will not be able to present. Absolutely No Late Speeches accepted unless you have a documentable emergency. Documentable is not sending me an e-mail it is proof of your emergency (Doctor’s notice, Police report accident, ect.) 
• If you are not in class within 15 minutes of the time that class starts, you will not be able to speak.