Persuasive Speech: This Is The Final Major Speech And Provid
Persuasive Speechthis Is The Final Major Speech And Provides The Oppor
Persuasive Speech this is the final major speech and provides the opportunity to demonstrate all you have learned this semester in a grand masterpiece. This assignment is worth more points than any other assignment in the course and is the longest speech you will give in the class. For this presentation, you are to deliver a five to seven-minute speech that you expect will change your audience members’ beliefs, attitudes, values, and/or behaviors. You want to have an effect on your audience members’ lives. Please take this responsibility seriously!
Matters of ethics are important in every type of speaking, especially when attempting to persuade your audience. You have a choice in this speech between attempting to change people’s thoughts (which are beliefs, attitudes, and values) or their behaviors. Keep in mind that beliefs, attitudes, and values affect a person’s behavior. While the two goals may overlap (e.g., you may have to change a person’s perceptions to change their behaviors), they can be separate. For example, few people doubt the safety benefits of wearing a seatbelt.
So, if you were to try to change the behavior of non-seatbelt-wearers, you would not need to change many beliefs about safety. However, you could deliver a speech convincing people that Columbus was not the first European to find North America without expecting people to change any of their behaviors. Moreover, many speeches will incorporate both perceptual and behavioral changes. A successful speech persuading people that we need to protect our environment more carefully ought to result not only in changed perceptions but also in changed actions.
Overview:
In this speech, you are asked to put together all that you have learned throughout the semester. Therefore, everything is important! The new areas of focus are your delivery skills, application of persuasive methods, persuasive theories, logical reasoning, and motivational techniques.
Evaluation Criteria:
- Introduction:
- Gains audience attention and interest
- Properly introduces topic and previews main points
- Establishes credibility and relates to audience
- Content:
- Topic is challenging, ethical, developed properly, and adapted to the audience and occasion
- Specific purpose and thesis are chosen and articulated well (not word for word)
- Adheres to subject and specific purpose throughout
- Well-supported and makes an impression on the audience
- Organization and Context:
- Follows a persuasive format as discussed in class
- 2 to 5 main points are clear with possible enumeration
- Transitions are smooth
- Quality of Sources Cited:
- Minimum of five credible sources, including at least one internet and one interview
- Full oral citation made for each source
- Sound reasoning and credible sources
- Persuasive Techniques:
- Uses emotion appropriately to motivate
- Recognizes audience’s “golden mean” of persuasion
- Uses logical reasoning, avoiding fallacies
- Language:
- Clear, appropriate word choice and sentence structure
- Correct grammar
- Absence of nonfluencies
- Voice:
- Clear articulation, pronunciation
- Vocal variety (volume, pitch, rate)
- Enthusiasm, confidence, and appealing attitude
- Expressive, conversational, dynamic
- Eye Contact:
- Effective use of eye contact with audience
- Nonverbal Communication:
- Effective gestures, facial expressions, posture
- Appropriate attire and grooming
- Conclusion:
- Summarizes main points
- Relates to specific purpose
- Provides a fitting closing device
- Time:
- 5 to 7 minutes
- Outline:
- Single-spaced, following class-discussed format
- Contains references in APA style
- Due before speech
- Demonstrates audience of at least five people (proof required in recording)
- Visual proof is essential; no edits allowed, or deduction applies
---
Paper For Above instruction
Effective persuasion requires a strategic blend of ethical considerations, audience awareness, well-structured content, and dynamic delivery. When designing a persuasive speech, it is imperative to balance emotional appeal, logical reasoning, and credible evidence to influence beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors in a meaningful and ethical manner.
The foundation of any persuasive speech is a compelling introduction. This segment must immediately capture the audience’s attention and establish relevance. An effective speaker introduces the topic clearly, previews the main points, and builds credibility — demonstrating why they are qualified to speak on the issue and why the audience should listen. Ethically engaging the audience ensures respect for their perspectives, which fosters a receptive environment for persuasion.
The second core element is strong content development. The topic should be thoughtfully chosen, addressing a challenge that is ethical and relevant. For example, suggesting policy changes for environmental conservation or promoting healthy lifestyle choices involves moral responsibility and potential societal benefit. The thesis must be precise, articulating the specific change the speaker advocates. Supporting evidence should be drawn from credible sources such as peer-reviewed articles, reputable news outlets, or expert interviews. Logical reasoning underpins the persuasive appeal, avoiding fallacies like false dichotomies or ad hominem attacks. This logical framework builds trust and strengthens arguments.
Organizational structure is vital for clarity and impact. Follows a clear persuasive format with two to five main points helps deliver a focused message. Transitions facilitate the smooth progression from one idea to the next, ensuring the audience stays engaged and understands the logical flow. For example, starting with the problem, illustrating its significance, presenting solutions, and concluding with call-to-action represents a common and effective structure.
The quality and credibility of sources are critical. Citing a minimum of five sources, including at least one internet and one interview, broadens the evidence base and enhances reliability. Proper oral citations during the speech show transparency and lend authority. Credible sources like academic journals, government reports, or expert interviews inform the audience and fortify persuasive appeals.
Persuasive techniques involve the strategic use of emotional appeals and logical reasoning while maintaining audience appropriateness. Emotion can motivate action when used responsibly; for instance, a vivid story about a person affected by climate change can generate empathy and urgency. Recognizing the audience's “golden mean”—their threshold for persuasion—helps avoid excessive influence that might backfire, maintaining credibility and engagement.
Language plays a significant role. Clear, concise, and vibrant word choice enhances understanding and engagement. Proper grammar and sentence structure eliminate distractions. Avoiding nonfluencies such as “um” or “like” ensures professionalism and confidence.
Voice modulation—vocal variety in volume, pitch, and rate—demonstrates enthusiasm and confidence, making the speech more engaging. Expressive delivery, coupled with appropriate gestures and facial expressions, reinforces key points and maintains audience interest.
Effective eye contact conveys sincerity and helps establish a connection with the audience. It also allows the speaker to gauge audience reaction and adapt presentation dynamically. Nonverbal cues such as gestures, posture, and facial expressions enhance message clarity and credibility. Proper attire and grooming demonstrate respect for the occasion and professionalism.
The conclusion summarizes key points, reiterates the specific purpose, and leaves a lasting impression with a memorable closing device, such as a compelling call-to-action or a powerful quote.
Lastly, adherence to the time limit—five to seven minutes—and preparation for the outline, including APA citations, are essential. The outline should be single-spaced, well-organized, and submitted before the speech. Visual proof must be provided during the recording, with no edits allowed, to verify audience engagement and participation.
References
- Cialdini, R. B. (2009). Influence: Science and Practice. Allyn & Bacon.
- Petty, R. E., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2018). Attitudes and Persuasion: Classic and Contemporary Approaches. Routledge.
- Jowett, G. S., & O’Donnell, V. (2018). Propaganda & Persuasion. SAGE Publications.
- Perloff, R. M. (2020). The Dynamics of Persuasion: Communication and Attitudes in the 21st Century. Routledge.
- O’Keefe, D. J. (2016). Persuasion: Theory and Practice. SAGE Publications.
- Burgoon, J. K., Guerrero, L. K., & Floyd, K. (2016). Nonverbal Communication. Routledge.
- Gass, R. H., & Seiter, J. S. (2018). Persuasion, Social Influence, and Compliance Gaining. Routledge.
- Chung, D., & Sun, K. (2020). Ethical persuasion in digital communication. Journal of Media Ethics, 35(1), 15-28.
- Fogg, B. J. (2003). Persuasive Technology: Using Computers to Change What We Think and Do. Ubiquity.
- Hovland, C. I., Janis, I. L., & Kelley, H. H. (2015). Communication and Persuasion. Yale University Press.