COM 1040

Persuasive Speech Topic Proposal

(worth 5 points)

Overview:
Everyone is required to submit a proposal which describes your persuasive speech topic. Topic
proposals are required in order to move forward with the next steps of the persuasive speech
(the outline/references and the speech itself).

Directions:
 BEFORE YOU COMPLETE THIS ASSIGNMENT: Read the persuasive speech
assignment guidelines and review the rubric that will be used to assess your speech.

 Steer clear of topics that may be “trigger topics” or potential controversial topics
(Ex: Roe v Wade, heartbeat legislation, police brutality, school and mass shootings,
capital punishment, integration and segregation, racial, gender, women’s rights, including
Black Lives Matter, illegal immigration/border control, gun laws/possession/use,
replacement theory, critical race theory). We never know what experiences our fellow
classmates bring to class. If you are second guessing if this applies to your topic, chances
are you might want to change/tweak your direction or include more than one proposal.
Please e-mail me if you are unsure and or you would like guidance.


 Your topic proposal must center around a persuasive topic that is relevant to your
classroom community.

 Research requirements – 2 quality sources minimum.

It’s important that your topic submission is supported by research and not simply
opinions. You will demonstrate the preliminary research you have done on your topic on
the worksheet below.

Approval Process:
I will review your proposal and determine if it meets the speech requirements. I will notify
you via drop-box if your submission has been approved OR it requires re-writing. Failure to
submit a topic proposal will result in a grade of 0.

Topic Proposal (Download and fill in):

1. I have read the persuasive speech guidelines prior to filling out this worksheet (initial
here):

2. Proposed topic:
3. Which type of persuasive speech will you be delivering? Review the chapter if
necessary. Specify here:

4. Which organizational pattern will you be following? Review the chapter if necessary.
Specify here:

5. What is your thesis statement? Review the chapter for how to construct a thesis
statement if necessary.

6. Describe how your topic is persuasive in nature:

7. Identify and describe your three main persuasive points:

a. Point 1:

b. Point 2:

c. Point 3:

8. List at least two credible references that support your speech topic:
1.

2.