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Persuasion Web 1 PDF
Persuasion Web 1 PDF
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chapter 16
introduction
At the gas pump, on eggs in the chapter outline:
grocery store, in the examination room chapter objectives:
After studying this module, you should be able Introduction
of your doctor’s office, everywhere you to: What is Persuasive Speaking?
go, advertisers are trying to persuade Functions of Persuasive
you to buy their product. This form of 1. Explain what a persuasive Speeches
persuasion used to be reserved for speech is. o Speeches to Convince
magazines and television commercials, 2. Describe the functions of o Speeches to Actuate
but now it is unavoidable. One persuasive speeches. Types of Persuasive Speeches
marketing research firm estimates that 3. List the different types of o Propositions of Fact
a person living in a large city today persuasive speeches. o Propositions of Value
4. Identify persuasive o Propositions of Policy
sees approximately 5,000 ads per day
strategies that make a Choosing a Persuasive Speech
(Story, 2007). It is easy to assume that Topic
speech more effective.
our over-exposure to persuasion makes 5. Apply the appropriate Approaching Audiences
us immune to its effect, but research organizational pattern o Receptive Audiences
demonstrates that we are more based on your persuasive o Neutral Audiences
susceptible than ever. In fact, goals. o Hostile Audiences
advertisers have gotten even better at 6. Distinguish between Persuasive Strategies
learning exactly the right times and ethical and unethical o Ethos
places to reach us by studying different forms of persuasion. o Logos
audiences and techniques (Aral & 7. Apply module concepts in o Pathos
Walker, 2012; Blackman, 2009; final questions and Organizing Persuasive
activities. Messages
Rosendaal, Lapierre, van Reijmersdal,
o Monroe’s Motivated
& Buijzen, 2011). Sequence
background unbeknownst to you. o Direct Method Pattern
I do not read advertisements. Amidst being persuaded, you were also o Causal Pattern
I would spend all of my time actively persuading others. You may o Refutation Pattern
have tried to convince the Internet sales Conclusion
wanting things. person to give you a better deal and an Module Activities
~ Franz Kafka extended contract, and later persuaded Glossary
a group of friends to enjoy a night on References
for consent are solid practices with scientist would likely recite a number
desirable outcomes. By the same of statistics linking human productivity
token, safer sex advocates also with global warming in her effort to
routinely spread the message to convince the government officials that
populations who might be likely to both the causes and solutions to the
engage in unsafe or nonconsensual climatic changes were a distinctly
sexual behavior. human problem.
In a nutshell, persuasive speeches
must confront the complex challenge of
influencing or reinforcing peoples’
beliefs, attitudes, values, or actions, all
characteristics that may seem natural,
our point of view. Persuasion ingrained, or unchangeable to an
“encompasses a wide range of audience. Because of this, rhetors (or
communication activities, including speakers) must motivate their audiences
advertising, marketing, sales, political to think or behave differently by
campaigns, and interpersonal relations” presenting reasoned arguments.
(German, Gronbeck, Ehninger, &
Monroe, 2004, p. 242). Because of its The triumph of persuasion
widespread utility, persuasion is a
pervasive part of our everyday lives. over force is the sign of a
Although persuasion occurs in nearly civilized society.
every facet of our day-to-day lives, ~ Mark Skousen
there are occasions when more formal
acts of persuasion—persuasive
speeches—are appropriate. Persuasive functions of persuasive
speeches “intend to influence the speeches
beliefs, attitudes, values, and acts of So far, we have discussed the
others” (O’Hair & Stewart, 1999, p. functions of persuasive speeches—to
influence or reinforce—only speeches to actuate
337). Unlike an informative speech, Other times, persuasive speeches
where the speaker is charged with peripherally as they relate to our
working definition. Next, we turn to an attempt to influence or reinforce
making some information known to an actions. Speeches to actuate are
audience, in a persuasive speech the in-depth discussion about how
persuasive speeches function. designed to motivate particular
speaker attempts to influence people to
behaviors. Think of a time when you
think or behave in a particular way. speeches to convince found yourself up at 2 a.m. watching
This art of convincing others is Some persuasive speeches attempt to infomercials. Someone on the
propelled by reasoned argument, the influence or reinforce particular beliefs, television screen was trying very hard
cornerstone of persuasive speeches. attitudes, or values. In these speeches, to sell you a $20 spatula that morphed
Reasoned arguments, which might called speeches to convince, the into a spoon with the click of a button.
consist of facts, statistics, personal speaker seeks to establish agreement The salesperson described its utility
testimonies, or narratives, are employed about a particular topic. For instance, a and innovation for your kitchen, and he
to motivate audiences to think or climatologist who believes that global described why it would be a good
behave differently than before they warming is caused by human behavior purchase for you—after all, how does a
heard the speech. might try to convince an audience of busy person like you have time to use
There are particular circumstances government officials to adopt this two different utensils? “But wait,” he
that warrant a persuasive approach. As belief. She might end her speech by would say, “there’s more!” In case he
O’Hair and Stewart point out, it makes saying, “In recent years, humans have had not already convinced you that you
sense to engage strategies of persuasion been producing machines that expel needed this kitchen tool, he ended his
when your end goal is to influence any CO2 either in their production, their spiel with a final plea—an extra
of these things—“beliefs, attitudes, consumption, or in both. At the same Spoonatula for free. In this infomercial,
values, and acts”—or to reinforce time, the level of CO2 in the the salesperson attempted to convince
something that already exists. For atmosphere increased dramatically. you that you needed to buy the kitchen
instance, safe sex advocates often The connection is clear to many of us tool—it will save you time and money.
present messages of reinforcement to that humans have caused this damage Thus, not only was the commercial an
already safe sexual actors, reminding and that it is up to us to similarly attempt to convince you to change how
them that wearing condoms and asking intervene.” Throughout her speech, the you felt about spoons and spatulas, but
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also an effort to incite you to action— Heather MacDonald (2002) proposes “Carmageddon” because they proposed
to actually purchase the Spoonatula. that studies confirming racial profiling there would be an “inevitable and likely
This illustrates a function of persuasive are often based in “junk science”; in epic traffic tie-up” (Kandel, 2011, para.
speeches, to motivate behavior. fact she says, “there’s no credible 1). As a result of the predictions
evidence that racial profiling exists” motorists stayed off the roads and made
types of persuasive (para. 1). To substantiate her alternative plans that weekend resulting
speeches proposition, MacDonald relies on a in much lighter traffic than expected.
Persuasive speeches revolve around study of traffic stops on the New Jersey The proposition may have been true,
propositions that can be defended turnpike along with personal narratives, but the prediction was not fulfilled
through the use of data and reasoning. policy analysis, and testimony from a because people were persuaded to stay
Persuasive propositions respond to one criminologist. The claim that racial off the freeway.
of three types of questions: questions of profiling exists is either true or false, When advancing propositions of
fact, questions of value, and questions but there is evidence for and against fact, you should focus on the evidence
of policy. These questions can help the both propositions; therefore no you can offer in support of your
speaker determine what forms of consensus exists. proposition. First, make sure that your
argument and reasoning are necessary
While some propositions of fact deal speech contains sufficient evidence to
to support a specific purpose statement.
with the existence of a particular back up your proposition. Next, take
Everything we hear is an phenomenon or the accuracy of a the time to interpret that evidence so
theory, others focus on causality. For that it makes sense to your audience.
opinion, not a fact. example, the U.S. government Last, emphasize the relationship
Everything we see is a appointed a commission to evaluate the between your evidence and your
perspective, not the truth. causes of the nation’s recent economic proposition as well as its relevance to
crisis. In their report the commission the audience (Herrick, 2011).
~ Marcus Aurelius concluded by proposing that
recklessness in the financial industry Bitter experience has taught
propositions of fact and failures on the part of government us how fundamental our
Questions of fact ask whether regulators caused the economic crisis.
However, Congressman Paul Ryan has values are and how great the
something “can potentially be verified
as either true or false” (Herrick, 2011, proposed that Medicare is to blame, mission they represent.
p. 20). These questions can seem very and the chief investment officer at JP ~ Jan Peter Balkenende
straightforward—something is or it is Morgan has proposed that U.S. housing
not—but in reality, the search for truth policy is the root cause of the problem
is a complex endeavor. Questions of (Angelides, 2011). Each of these three propositions of value
fact rarely address simple issues such propositions of fact is backed by its Persuasive speakers may also be
as, “is the sky blue?” They tend to deal own set of historical and economic called to address questions of value,
with deep-seated controversies such as analysis. which call for a proposition judging the
the existence of global warming, the (relative) worth of something. These
cause of a major disaster, or someone’s propositions make an evaluative claim
guilt or innocence in a court of law. To regarding morality, aesthetics, wisdom,
answer these questions, a proposition or desirability. For example, some
of fact may focus on whether or not vegetarians propose that eating meat is
something exists. For example, in the immoral because of the way that
U.S. there is a debate over the animals are slaughtered. Vegetarians
prevalence of racial profiling, the may base this claim in a philosophy of
practice of law enforcement officers utilitarianism or animal rights
targeting people for investigation and (DeGrazia, 2009).
arrest based on skin color. On one Sometimes a proposition of value
hand, the American Civil Liberties compares multiple options to determine
Union advances the proposition: Propositions of fact may also be used which is best. Consumers call for these
“Racial profiling continues to be a to make predictions concerning what comparisons regularly to determine
prevalent and egregious form of will happen in the future. In the which products to buy. Car buyers
discrimination in the United States” summer of 2011, ten miles of a popular may look to the most recent Car and
(ACLU, 2012, para. 2). They verify Southern California freeway were Driver “10 Best Cars” list to determine
this claim using data from government closed for an entire weekend. their next purchase. In labeling a car
studies, crime statistics, and personal Motorists, news outlets, and one of the best on the market for a
narratives. However, journalist government officials called the closure given year Car and Driver (2011) says
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and rural towns (Bingham, 2011; advocate for better mental health care Decaro, Adams and Jefferis offer
Stephenson, 2012). A full year later, for people who have fought in wars. advice for carrying out a thorough
the policy proposition passed the U.S. And candidates, of course, will give audience analysis in Chapter 5 of this
Senate but continues to await approval many speeches during a campaign that book. Some questions you might ask
in the House (Stephenson, 2012). tease out the various reasons they, and before giving a speech include, “Who
not another candidate, should be is hosting the speech?” Often this can
choosing a persuasive elected. Appendix A (at the end of the provide a great deal of information
speech topic chapter) offers a lengthier list of about who will be in the audience.
In order to offer a persuasive speech, possible topics for persuasive speaking, Audience members at a National Rifle
you must decide precisely what it is but keep in mind the advice that Association gathering probably do not
you want to talk about, to whom you Burnett offers in Chapter 8 (public need to be convinced that the Second
will be speaking, and to what ends you speaking: the virtual text) regarding Amendment to the U.S. Constitution—
hope the speech will lead. Persuasive topic selection. The topics in Appendix the right to keep and bear arms—is
speeches do not normally happen A are written as propositions that can worth upholding. You should also ask,
within a vacuum, even in a public be defended. Some are propositions of “Is the audience fairly heterogeneous?”
speaking course where that might seem fact, others are propositions of value, In a public speaking class, you may be
to be the case. In fact, most persuasive and yet others are propositions of able to gauge that through your
speeches serve as a response to larger policy. interactions with your fellow
circumstances—gas prices increase classmates before you make your way
dramatically and drivers cannot afford If I can get you to laugh with to the podium; but in other settings this
to fill up their tanks; war veterans may not be the case. If an organization
suffer from post-traumatic stress
me, you like me better, which
is sponsoring or has invited you to
disorder (PTSD) and can find little makes you more open to my speak, this is a question that can be
governmental assistance for the ideas. And if I can persuade directed to organizational staff with
necessary treatments; an election is access to demographic information.
forthcoming and candidates need to
you to laugh at the particular
Some demographics that may be
secure votes. These are just a few point I make, by laughing at useful as you craft your speech include
times when a persuasive speech would it you acknowledge its truth. age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic
make sense. A driver might try to or cultural background, socioeconomic
persuade their employer to embrace
~ John Cleese
status, religion, and political affiliation.
telecommuting as a response to the Each of these characteristics is known
high rate of gasoline. Veterans with approaching audiences to influence a listener’s beliefs,
PTSD might stage speeches to a When choosing a topic for your attitudes, values, and actions.
national audience imploring them to persuasive speech, it is crucial to
consider the composition of your
audience. Because persuasive speeches
are intended to influence or reinforce
an audience’s thoughts or behaviors,
speakers must consider what and how
the audience thinks, feels, and does.
Your audience might be ambivalent
about your topic, or they may be
strongly opposed, in strong agreement,
or somewhere along the spectrum. In
persuasive speeches, it matters where
they fall on this continuum. For
instance, if you want to argue that
abortion should be illegal and your
audience is composed of pro-life
advocates, your speech might seem like receptive audiences
you are preaching to the choir. But if Persuasive speakers will not
your audience is made up of staunch generally address an audience that
pro-choice activists, your speech would already fully agrees with them and is
be raising a significant objection to a behaving in the way they would like,
set of beliefs, values, attitudes, and because that audience no longer needs
actions the audience was already to be persuaded. However, you may
committed to. find yourself in situations that allow
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audience is opposed to your persuasive strategies has concluded (Zarefsky, 2005, p.14).
proposition, there are a few steps that ethos This means that what you wear and
you can take to encourage them to at In addition to understanding how how you behave, even before opening
least hear you out. If the audience is not your audience feels about the topic you your mouth, can go far in shaping your
likely to agree with your proposition, are addressing, you will need to take ethos. Be sure to dress appropriately
wait until later in the speech to offer it. steps to help them see you as credible for the occasion and setting in which
Opening with a clear statement of and interesting. The audience’s you speak. Also work to appear
purpose, which a receptive audience perception of you as a speaker is confident, but not arrogant, and be sure
welcomes, will make an unreceptive influential in determining whether or to maintain enthusiasm about your
audience more hostile to your goals. not they will choose to accept your topic throughout the speech. Give great
For example, if you begin by telling proposition. Aristotle called this attention to the crafting of your opening
business owners that you think they element of the speech ethos, “a Greek sentences because they will set the tone
should pay workers more, they are word that is closely related to our terms for what your audience should expect
likely to think of all the reasons that ethical and ethnic” (Campbell & of your personality as you proceed.
will threaten their livelihood rather than Huxman, 2009, p. 232). He taught
listening to your message. Instead, speakers to establish credibility with I covered two presidents, LBJ
begin by highlighting issues on which the audience by appearing to have good and Nixon, who could no
you agree. You might open with a moral character, common sense, and
discussion of the challenges businesses longer convince, persuade, or
concern for the audience’s well-being
face in attempting to retain quality (Beebe & Beebe, 2003). Campbell & govern, once people had
workers and increase productivity. Huxman (2009) explain that ethos is decided they had no
not about conveying that you, as an credibility; but we seem to be
I have spent many years of individual, are a good person. It is
my life in opposition, and I about “mirror[ing] the characteristics more tolerant now of what I
rather like the role. idealized by [the] culture or group” think we should not tolerate.
(ethnic) (p.232), and demonstrating that ~ Helen Thomas
~ Eleanor Roosevelt you make good moral choices with
regard to your relationship within the
logos
Once you have identified areas of group (ethics).
Another way to enhance your ethos,
agreement, you can offer your and your chances of persuading the
proposition as a way of addressing your audience, is to use sound arguments. In
shared goals. To promote an increase a persuasive speech, the argument will
in wages, you might explain that a focus on the reasons for supporting
study of more than 10,000 workers and your specific purpose statement. This
managers in a variety of industries argumentative approach is what
demonstrated that companies who pay Aristotle referred to as logos, or the
their workers more were also more logical means of proving an argument
motivated to invest in new technology, (Braet, 1992).
enhance their management techniques,
better train workers, and better deliver When offering an argument you
their services, all of which lead to begin by making an assertion that
higher productivity and increased requires a logical leap based on the
profits (Applebaum & Bernhardt, available evidence (Campbell &
2004). Focusing on areas of agreement Huxman, 2009). One of the most
will make the audience more receptive popular ways of understanding how
to your proposition, but they will still this process works was developed by
hold some reservations. Acknowledge British philosopher Stephen Toulmin
those reservations and demonstrate that (Herrick, 2011). Toulmin explained
you have given them ample that basic arguments tend to share three
consideration. Cite credible evidence common elements: claim, data, and
that supports your proposition in light warrant. The claim is an assertion that
While there are many things
of those reservations. Showing that you want the audience to accept. Data
speakers can do to build their ethos
you understand and respect their refers to the preliminary evidence on
throughout the speech, “assessments of
opposing position is the most important which the claim is based. For example,
ethos often reflect superficial first
step toward encouraging a hostile if I saw large gray clouds in the sky, I
impressions,” and these first
audience to at least hear you out. might make the claim that “it is going
impressions linger long after the speech
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backing
“As a rule processed foods are more ‘energy dense’ than fresh
foods: they contain less water and fiber but more added fat and
sugar, which makes them both less filling and more fattening”
(Pollan, 2007).
to rain today.” The gray clouds (data) just considered, you could explain that
are linked to rain (claim) by the the color of a cloud is determined by
warrant, an often unstated general how much light the water in the cloud
connection, that large gray clouds tend is reflecting. A thin cloud has tiny
to produce rain. The warrant is a drops of water and ice crystals which
connector that, if stated, would likely scatter light, making it appear white.
begin with “since” or “because.” In our Clouds appear gray when they are filled
rain example, if we explicitly stated all with large water droplets which are less The opposite of inductive reasoning
three elements, the argument would go able to reflect light (Brill, 2003). is deductive reasoning, moving from a
something like this: There are large general principle to a claim regarding a
gray clouds in the sky today (data). Logic is the beginning of specific instance. In order to move
Since large gray clouds tend to produce wisdom, not the end. from general to specific we tend to use
rain (warrant), it is going to rain today syllogisms. A syllogism begins with a
(claim). However, in our regular ~ Leonard Nimoy
major (or general) premise, then moves
encounters with argumentation, we to a minor premise, then concludes
tend to only offer the claim and The elements that Toulmin identified with a specific claim. For example, if
(occasionally) the warrant. (see Table 16.1) may be arranged in a you know that all dogs bark (major
To strengthen the basic argument, variety of ways to make the most premise), and your neighbor has a dog
you will need backing for the claim. logical argument. As you reason (minor premise), you could then
Backing provides foundational support through your argument you may conclude that your neighbor’s dog
for the claim (Herrick, 2011) by proceed inductively, deductively, or barks (specific claim). To verify the
offering examples, statistics, testimony, causally, toward your claim. Inductive accuracy of your specific claim, you
or other information which further reasoning moves from specific must verify the truth and applicability
substantiates the argument. To examples to a more general claim. For of the major premise. What evidence
substantiate the rain argument we have example, if you read online reviews of do you have that all dogs bark? Is it
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possible that only most dogs bark? pathos and endless days in the hospital, she
Next, you must also verify the accuracy While we have focused heavily on spent her time thinking of ways to make
of the minor premise. If the major logical reasoning, we must also life better for other women battling
premise is truly generalizable, and both recognize the strong role that emotions breast cancer instead of worrying
premises are accurate, your specific play in the persuasive process. Aristotle about her own situation. That concern
claim should also be accurate. called this element of the speech for others continued even as Susan
pathos. Pathos draws on the emotions, neared the end of her fight (Komen
sympathies, and prejudices of the National, n.d.).
audience to appeal to their non-rational Brinker promised her sister that she
side (Beebe & Beebe 2003; Reike, would continue her fight against breast
Sillars, & Peterson, 2009). Human cancer. This story compels donors to
beings are constantly in some join her fight.
emotional state, which means that
tapping into an audience’s emotions Speakers can also tap into emotions
can be vital to persuading them to using nonverbal behaviors to model the
accept your proposition (Dillard & desired emotion for their audience. In
Meijnders, 2002). the summer of 2012, the U.S. House of
Representatives debated holding the
One of the most helpful strategies in Attorney General in contempt for
appealing to your audience’s emotions refusing to release documents
is to use clear examples that illustrate concerning a controversial gun-tracking
your point. Illustrations can be crafted operation. Arguing for a contempt
verbally, nonverbally, or visually. To vote, South Carolina Representative
offer a verbal illustration, you could tell Trey Gowdy did not simply state his
Your reasoning may also proceed a compelling story. For example, when claim, instead he raised his voice,
causally. Causal reasoning examines fundraising for breast cancer research, slowed his pace, and used hand
related events to determine which one Nancy Brinker, creator of Susan G. motions to convey anger with what he
caused the other. You may begin with Komen for the Cure, has plenty of perceived as deception on the part of
a cause and attempt to determine its compelling statistics and examples to the Attorney General (Gowdy, 2012).
effect. For example, when the offer. Yet, she regularly talks about her His use of volume, tone, pace, and hand
Deepwater Horizon drilling rig sister, explaining: gestures enhanced the message and
exploded in the Gulf of Mexico in Susan G. Komen fought breast built anger in his audience.
2010, scientists explained that because cancer with her heart, body and soul.
many animals in the Gulf were nesting Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, Speech is power: speech is to
and reproducing at the time, the spill
could wipe out “an entire generation of persuade, to convert, to
hundreds of species” (Donovan, 2010, compel. It is to bring another
para. 2). Their argument reasoned that out of his bad sense into your
the spill (cause) would result in species
loss (effect). Two years later, the good sense.
causal reasoning might be reversed. If ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
we were seeing species loss in the Gulf
(effect), we could reason that it was a
In addition to verbal and nonverbal
result of the oil spill (cause). Both of
illustrations, visual imagery can
these claims rely on the evidence
enhance the emotional appeal of a
available at the time. To make the first
message. For example, we have all
claim, scientists not only offered
heard about the dangers of drugs, and
evidence that animals were nesting and
there are multiple campaigns that
reproducing, but they also looked at the
attempt to prevent people from even
effects of an oil spill that occurred 21
trying them. However, many young
years earlier in Alaska (Donovan,
adults experiment with drugs under the
2010). To make the second claim,
assumption that they are immune from
scientists could examine dead animals
the negative effects if they only use the
washing up on the coast to determine
drug recreationally. To counter this
whether their deaths were caused by
assumption regarding methamphe-
oil.
tamines, the Montana Meth project
combines controversial statements with
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The school board voted to buy new picnic tables for the lunch room. Many students
were out sick the following day. The students must be upset about the picnic tables.
Bandwagon Everyone takes out a loan to buy a car, so you should too.
Fallacy
None of the cool kids wear helmets when they ride bikes. You should take yours off.
Begging the Lion King is an excellent film because it has excellent animation.
Question
Marijuana is good for you because it is natural.
Fallacies Directed to the Person
Ad Hominem We should reject President Obama’s health care legislation because it is socialism.
We should ignore Donald Trump’s opposition to tax hikes because he’s just rich and
selfish.
Poisoning the Before the defense makes their closing statement, keep in mind that their client has not
Well said one truthful word throughout the trial.
My opponent is going to try to manipulate you into thinking her plan is better for the city.
Appeal to First, I wanted to tell you that this is my favorite class. I tell all my friends how much I love
Flattery it. I just think I deserve a better grade on my exam.
You are such a generous person, I know you’ll want to donate to this cause.
Fallacies of Case Presentation
Non Sequitur I don’t plan to vote today because I am moving next week.
So many highly respected musicians will be there: Paul McCartney, Elton John, LMFAO,
Billy Joel . . .
It is appropriate to use fictional phrase, “hypothetically,” or “imagine,” strategies insures that you have
scenarios to demonstrate your point, to signal that you are making it up evidence to back up emotional claims,
but tell the audience that is what you (Beebe & Beebe, 2003). Additionally, and that you are sensitive to the
are doing. You can accomplish this by be sure to offer a mix of logical and audiences’ emotional reactions to your
introducing fictional examples with the emotional appeals. Blending these logical claims. Attending to both
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supports the central claim you wish to words, a causal pattern first addresses
make. As Jaffe (2004) points out, “It’s some cause and then shares what
a good pattern to use when listeners are effects resulted. A causal speech can be
apathetic or neutral, either mildly particularly effective when the speaker
favoring or mildly opposing your wants to convince their audience of the
claim” (p. 329). The outline for a relationship between two things. With
speech on vegetarianism in Figure 16.2 sound causal reasoning, a speech of this
provides three reasons that sort can be used to convince the
vegetarianism provides useful health audience of something they were
benefits for people struggling with previously opposed to believing.
obesity. As the example in Figure 16.3
illustrates, the basic components of the
Figure 16.2 Direct Method causal speech are the cause and the
Pattern Sample Outline effect. Such an organizational style is
Proposition: Vegetarianism offers useful when a speaker needs to share
the results of a new program, discuss persuade audience members that your
many positive health benefits for side of the argument is better or more
people struggling with obesity.
how one act led to another, or discuss
the positive/negative outcomes of accurate. In a refutation speech, the
I. Vegetarianism often speaker must anticipate the audience’s
taking some action. Through this
reduces the amount of opposition, then bring attention to the
pattern, the speaker can convince
processed food that one tensions between the two sides, and
audiences to adopt a new belief about a
eats. finally refute them using evidential
particular phenomenon.
II. Vegetarianism promotes a support. Refutation patterns are
sense of reflective Figure 16.3 Causal Pattern frequently seen in debates, where
consumption. Sample Outline speakers are fundamentally opposed to
III. Vegetarianism decreases one another’s arguments. Refutation
Proposition: Macintosh
the likelihood that one will generally happens through a set of four
contract some diseases,
computers make people steps: (1) signaling the argument to
such as cancer and heart more creative. which you are responding, (2) stating
disease. I. Macintosh computers rely your own argument, (3) providing
As you can see from this example, on a simple, intuitive justification or evidence for your side
the statement of reasons that interface and are sold of the argument, and (4) summarizing
follows the proposition directly through a marketing your response. An advocate of reusing
supports the central claim of the campaign that as opposed to recycling might present
speech. Each reason offers encourages users to the argument in Figure 16.4 to respond
another bit of evidence that “Think Different.” (cause) to someone who believes recycling is
vegetarianism is a good option II. The simplicity of the best way to individually work on
for people struggling with obesity. Macintosh computers environmental stewardship. As this
allows people to be more example illustrates, a refutation speech
creative since they are should clearly delineate where the
History creates not spending their time audience is perceived to stand on an
figuring out how to use issue, why their view is in
comprehensibility primarily their computer. And disagreement with the speaker’s, and
by arranging facts these same consumers why the audience should adopt the
meaningfully and only in a are socialized to “think speaker’s position. Moreover, the
differently” with their speaker should be sure to highlight the
very limited sense by Macintosh computers importance of the debate, which will
establishing strict causal from the moment they clue the audience into why they should
connections. consider purchasing one. spend their time listening to a speaker
(effect) who clearly disagrees with them. An
~ Johan Huizinga example of this pattern can be found on
refutation pattern the next page in Figure 16.4.
causal pattern Sometimes an occasion will arise
Similar to a problem-solution Neither irony nor sarcasm is
when your audience is already opposed
speech, which was covered in Chapter
to your argument. In this case, a argument.
8, a causal speech describes a general
refutation pattern can be engaged to ~ Samuel Butler
cause and a specific effect. In other
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review questions
1. Early in the chapter the prevalence of persuasion was discussed. Think of an instance in which you knew you were
being persuaded. What were you being persuaded to do? Was the persuader focused on changing your beliefs, attitudes,
values, or actions? How do you know?
2. Imagine you are giving a persuasive speech on ______________ [you fill in the blank]. Draft a specific purpose
statement on this topic for a speech to convince. Next, draft a specific purpose statement on the same topic for a speech to
actuate.
3. Draft a proposition of fact, proposition of value, and proposition of policy for one or more of the following topics:
a. Shortening class time
b. Pro-anorexia images on social networking sites
c. Airline fees
4. You have been invited to speak to administrators about increasing alumni support for the school. What steps will you
take to build your ethos for this audience? What logical appeals will you make? How will you appeal to their emotions?
6. Imagine you are giving a speech in which you hope to convince audience members to begin retirement planning while
they are still in their twenties. Which of the organizational patterns described above best fits this topic? Why? Describe its
advantages over the other organization styles for the specific purpose.
activities
1. Using a recent newspaper, locate an example of a proposition of fact, a proposition of value, and a proposition of
policy, and underline each one. Then, see if you can locate the data, warrant, and backing for each of these claims. If
you cannot locate one or more of the elements, write your own based on the information provided in the article.
2. Two organizations, Mercy For Animals (MFA) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), sponsor
billboard advertisements to advocate that people transition to a vegetarian diet.
MFA: http://www.mercyforanimals.org/advertisements.aspx
PETA: http://www.peta.org/mediacenter/ads/Outdoor-Ads-Vegetarianism.aspx
Examine the billboards from each organization and consider the following:
a. What logical claims are advanced by each organization’s billboards?
b. Are there any logical fallacies on the billboards?
c. What emotional appeals are used on the billboards?
d. Are any of the emotional appeals unethical? If so, why?
e. Which is the more ethically persuasive campaign? Why?
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glossary
Answers to question 5:
a. begging the question, b. causal fallacy, c. bandwagon fallacy, d. poisoning the well
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photo credits
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