This document discusses strategies for persuasive speaking. It explains that persuasion involves reinforcing or changing beliefs and actions through mental dialogue that anticipates objections. The speaker should identify their target audience, which must be people who initially disagree. Speeches can focus on questions of fact, value, or policy. When arguing policy, the speaker has the burden to prove the policy is needed and present a practical plan that solves the problem without causing new issues.

1. Chapter 15: Speaking to
Persuade

2. • Persuasion: the process of creating,
reinforcing, or changing people’s beliefs or
actions.
• Mental dialogue: mental give-and-take
between speaker and listener (anticipate
possible objections and respond in the
speech)
• Who is your target audience? (What kind of
person do you want to persuade? Remember:
this must be a person who disagrees with you)

3. 3 focus options:
1. Speeches on questions of FACT
-arguing about the truth or falsity of an
assertion
examples...
Will a deadly earthquake hit California within 10
years?
Did William Shakespeare write all of the plays
attributed to him?
Did Lee Harvey Oswald act alone, or was he part
of a conspiracy?

4. 2. Speeches on questions of VALUE
-arguing the worth, rightness, or morality of
an idea or action
Examples...
Is cloning human beings ethical?
Is capital punishment morally acceptable?
Is spanking an acceptable form of discipline?

5. 3. Speeches on questions of POLICY
-arguing whether a particular course of action
should or should not be taken

6. Examples...
To gain passive agreement (agree without taking
action)
–There should be stricter safety standards on
amusement park rides
-The driving age should be raised to 18
To gain immediate action (take action in support
of a policy)
-Give blood through the Red Cross
-Vote in local elections

7. Analyzing questions of policy:
• Is there a real need for this policy?
(this is the burden of proof: speaker’s
obligation to prove change is necessary)
• Do you have a plan for accomplishing it?
• Will this really solve the problem?
(this is practicality: speaker’s obligation to
present a plan that will actually work without
creating new problems)