Speaking to persuade

Purpose: Convince others

to change their belief (TF), feelings/opinion (goodbad/fair-unfair), or behavior.

Choosing your topic

Really interests you Suggests a change thats not too large Is controversial (for our class) Activities, pp. 123 & 124

Determining specific purpose

Consider: Do you want

to change audiences
belief, feelings/opinion, or behavior? Activity, p. 126

Analyzing your audience

What are their current beliefs, opinions, &

behaviors regarding the topic?

Affects speechs content

Activity, p. 128

Gathering information

What you already know

Library (reference librarians)

Internet (check quality!) Interview experts, people with interest in topic

Organizing your speech

Opener: build agreement

Statement of purpose (thesis)

Preview
(Examples, p. 132)

Body (evidence)

Organizing your speech

Summary Memorable concluding remark

Example speech: pp. 136-141

Preparing visual aids

Add interest

Can be a powerful
persuasive tool

Let audience SEE your

evidence

Reviewing the process

Select & narrow topic. Determine purpose. Analyze audience: why opposed or indifferent? Gather information. Compose speech:
opener purpose statement preview evidence summary concluding remark

Prepare visual aids.

Speaking to persuade

Purpose: Convince others

to change their belief,

opinion, or behavior.

Evidence is important!