An overview of our persuasive speech assignment.

1. Persuasive Speech Assignment
Purpose: The purpose of this speech is to persuade, convince, or motivate, either by
strengthening or changing an audience’s beliefs, values, attitudes, and/or behavior.
Time Limit: 5 to 6 minutes. Try not to go under or exceed the time limit to any large
extent or it will hurt your grade. Time yourself in rehearsal so that you make maximum
use of your persuasive time.
Topic Selection: Select a topic that you feel is important, one for which you hold a
position, and one which you think will provide a strong opportunity to be persuasive with
the audience. The best topics are one about which the speaker feels strongly.
Supporting Materials: Use your own knowledge of the topic first then find published
and/or interview sources to back up your main points and enhance your credibility as a
speaker. You must use a minimum of TWO sources for this speech. You must also cite
your sources orally during the speech and have a works cited page with your typed
outline.
Audience Analysis: Persuasive speeches are VERY dependent upon how well you
analyze your audience and adapt your speech to them. A personal approach works best
when attempting to influence an audience. Consider your audience’s pre-existing
attitudes toward a topic and how much of a change you will ask of the audience.
Organization and Written Work: You must use an outline for this speech. The speech
should have three main points, and introduction, and a conclusion. The outline you hand
in should conform to the format discussed in class. A works cited page is also required.
Delivery: This is not a manuscript speech. This is an extemporaneous presentation, and
should be delivered as such.

2. Audio-Visual Aides: These enhance any speech. You must use at least ONE visual aide
in your speech! Make sure you do not overuse them.
Evaluation: Your grade will be based on your effort to motivate the audience to behave,
believe, or think as you would like them to as well as your organization, content,
delivery, and language.
Calendar: Speeches will be presented in class on