Sierra Schulte

CMST& 220
11/17/17
Persuasive Speech Outline

Topic: ​Prevent Driving under the Influence

Purpose of Speech:​ To persuade my audience that drunk driving is a recurring major problem
that needs to be continually addressed in our society.

Introduction
l. Attention Getter (Ethos): ​Today is April 1st, 2013. I’m walking with a heavy heart
today. My family and I are here standing strong, fighting to overcome the tragedy that
happened last monday. My grandparents lives were taken away, and my aunt and cousin
will be suffering from injuries for the rest of their lives. This is because of a drunk driver.
ll. Thematic Statement: ​Tonight I want to remind you about the dangers of drunk
driving and persuade you to never do it.
lll. Relevance to Audience​: Most students in college either participate in drinking or
know somebody who does, so everyone needs to know how to keep themselves and their
loved ones save when alcohol is involved.
lV. Preview:​ I will explain how my family was affected by drinking and driving, why
drinking/driving is an issue, and give you simple solutions to prevent this event.

Body(Logos)
l.​ My family was affected by the repercussions of driving under the influence.
A.​ On March 25, 2013 my grandparents Dennis and Judy Schulte, my aunt Karina
Schulte and my cousin Elias Schulte were hit while crossing the street by a drunk
driver. Both of my grandparents died at the scene, while my aunt and cousin were
rushed to urgent care. They both survived.
B.​ In an article by Ann Linde published in August 2016 entitled Associations
between Responsible Beverage Service Laws and Binge drinking and Alcohol
Impaired driving I directly quote “In 2014, according to the national highway
traffic safety administration, nearly 10,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes
involving alcohol impaired driving”.
C.​ This wasn’t Mark W. Mullan’s (the driver who hits my family) first
drunken-driving accident. During this time, he was already under the supervision
of Seattle Municipal Court because of previous drunk driving arrests.
ll.​ It’s clear that driving under the influence of alcohol is a contributing factor to a
number of road traffic deaths. But, what about the behaviors that lead up to these
accidents?
A.​ In an article by Keatley in February 2017 entitled Driving under the influence
of alcohol: A sequence Analysis Approach I directly quote “statements were
taken from individuals in an interview, reporting a time they had consumed
alcohol and driven a vehicle. A significant chain of events showed that
individuals who had attempted to calculate their blood alcohol concentration and
then drive a vehicle felt unsafe to drive, after driving. Also, many individuals did
not intend to drink and drive; however, influences such as peer pressure and being
surrounded by alcoholic drinks, led them to being more likely to consume
multiple drinks, and then drive a vehicle”.
B.​ It’s common to be unprepared when attending a social event that involves
drinking.
C.​ Even if your intention isn’t to cause harm, you’re still committing a crime.
D.​ ​In a book by Bonnie Steinbock published in 1985 entitled Drunk Driving:
Philosophy and Public Affairs, I quote directly “Even though the drunk driver
does not mean to kill anyone, to engage in an activity as dangerous as driving
while severely intoxicated is so risky as to evidence extreme indifference to the
value of human life”.

lll.​ (Argument) Some may argue that it’s okay to have a couple of beers and still get
behind the wheel. Every body is different and you’re able to determine if you are too
drunk to drive or not.
A.​ (Rebuttal) In an article by Matthew Rossheim published in October 2016
entitled feeling no bizz or slight buzz is common when legally drunk I quote
directly “In face-to-face interviews, we asked participants how intoxicated they
felt at the moment, with the available response options of: no buzz, slight buzz, a
little drunk, and very drunk. Among the combined 3,112 participants, 76% were
college students. We found that 40% of the participants who reported being
slightly buzzed were legally impaired for driving purposes and 16% who reported
no buzz were also legally impaired for driving purposes.
B.​ One third of the participants who reported slightly or no buzz were impaired to
drive.

lV.​ Drinking and driving under the influence is a situation that is 100% preventable. Here
are some tips to prevent it.
A.​ Choose a non-drinking designated driver if you plan on consuming alcohol.
 B.​ If you are in a situation where you are unable to drive, speak up and ask for a
ride from someone who can.
C.​ Protect others and take their keys if they attempt to drive after consuming
alcohol.

Conclusion
l. Overview:​ You now are reminded of the dangers of drunk driving and I hope I have
persuaded you to never drink and drive.
ll. Summar​y: I’ve showed you what driving under the influence can do to your family,
the constant issues involving drinking and driving and the steps you can take to prevent
yourself from being in that situation.
ll. Closing comment (Pathos): ​Don’t compromise somebody else’s bright future. Don’t
drink and drive.