Overview
I explained the difference between the informative speech and the persuasive speech for this course. The difference will be primarily in your introduction. Your specific purpose and thesis will change. Since this is a persuasive speech then using words like “persuade, convince, and reasons” will be crucial to your intention. You need to reframe your thesis with "reasons" rather than "explain." For example:
III. Today I will convince you that public colleges and universities should be free. (specific purpose
IV. My reasons include a college education will improve our individual well-being and our communities. (thesis).
I also encouraged students to cite more credible sources in their persuasive speech. This will help develop more “ethos” for yourself and your speech. This is the primary method students will use for their persuasive speech. Be aware of ethical fallacies name-calling, advocating harm, plagiarizing, providing false information, and more. I suggest students focus providing their perspective rather than employing a pro and con organization. Student will need to provide a statement to avoid the ethnical fallacy of “card stacking.” A simple statement can mitigate this fallacy. “I encourage you to do your own research and develop your perspective on this important topic.”
Another method posited by Aristotle is “pathos.” This is the emotional appeal, which can be effective. This includes appeals to our morals, values, and the collective greater good. “This is the right thing to do.”
Logos is the last method. This is based on logical reasoning. It can be very convincing providing you are able to clearly articulate your rationale, which the audience understands. Be aware of logical fallacies like biased sampling, hasty generalizations, faulty analogy, irrelevant evidence, red herring, straw man, and more (please read chapter 16 for specific explanations). It is imperative that your sources are credible and provide empirical support for your reasoning.
- Cite your sources accurately (see page 127 in the textbook Persuasive Speech OutlineIntroductionI.
- Choose a controversial topic. This can be providing insights into a very mundane topic that we often overlook.
- Conduct extensive research. Again, I believe you need to cite more credible sources for persuasive speech.
- Phrase your specific purpose properly. “Today I want to convince (or persuade)...”
- Develop sound arguments and coherent organization. Again, citing credible sources and elaborating on their insights can intrigue your audience.
- Construct a sophisticated introduction. Make the effort to integrate one of the many strategies discussed in chapter 10.
- Develop a forceful conclusion. Consider issuing a challenge or appeal. “I challenge you to stand up and let your voice be heard!”
- Build an effective delivery. Review my evaluation from your informative speech. Work on making more eye contact. Speaking deliberately. And making sure your nonverbal communication is congruent with your verbal communication.
Persuasive Speech Outline
Introduction
I. First sentence (greeting or strategy)
II. Strategy (e.g. asking a question, stating a statistic, telling a story, or more)
A. Elaborate above
B. Continue elaboration with another sentence
III. Specific purpose (Today I want to convince you ….)
IV. Thesis (My reasons are...two or three main reasons)
Body
I. There are many causes of problematic internet use for adolescents.
A. According to the Journal of Child Development published in 2021 the main driver is loneliness.
1. The authors characterize loneliness as a lack of satisfying interpersonal relationships.
2. And lonely individuals perceive themselves as less socially competent.
B. In Addictive Behaviors published in 2019, the critical role of parents’ relationship is emphasized.
1. Parent neglect is reflected in unresponsiveness to adolescent needs.
2. The parents are not there.
3. Adolescents need parental attention.
Conclusion
I. First sentence (e.g. In conclusion, today I have provided reasons to convince you ….)
A. My first reason …. (first of two or three main reasons)
B. My second reason….
C. (Third reason if necessary)
II. I encourage you to do your own research using credible sources to reach your own conclusions.