The document provides guidance for students on delivering a persuasive oral presentation. It must be a 4-5 minute speech advocating for change on an issue of the student's choosing. It must be thoroughly researched using multiple sources, with an extensive bibliography. The presentation must have a structured format that grabs attention, outlines the topic and arguments, and leaves the audience with a clear message. It is important that it is delivered engagingly without reading directly from notes, making eye contact with the audience and varying vocal tones for emphasis. Students should choose a topic they feel passionate about that has been debated publicly and use the holiday period to research, write and practice their speech.

2. What is the oral presentation?
The persuasive oral is a 4 to 5 minute oral presentation. It
is an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge of
persuasive techniques in a practical situation, in order to
convince an audience of the need for change in an issue
of your choice.
It must be persuasive. It must be a thoroughly researched,
prepared speech. It must be structured. It must be
presented engagingly.

3. It must be persuasive.
• You need to be advocating for CHANGE.
• Often a problem/solution approach works
well in achieving this persuasive focus.
• You need to convince the audience that your
position is correct.
• Pick a topic that you have an interest in/are
passionate about.
• You must use PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES in
your speech.

4. It must be persuasive.
“Presentation of a
complex, sustained, coherent
and logical argument”
“Skilful use of
highly appropriate
oral language conventions to
engage an audience”

5. It must be researched.
• Your speech must be based upon a
foundation of solid RESEARCH.
• Information must be DETAILED.
• Information must be ACCURATE.
• An extensive BIBLIOGRAPHY must be
submitted with your speech.

6. It must be researched.
“Accurate”
“Detailed Knowledge”
“Acknowledgement of Sources (where
appropriate)”

7. It must be structured.
• Begin with something that grabs your audience’s
ATTENTION: an emotive story often works very well.
• Explicitly STATE your topic (problem and solution).
• It is often a good idea to OUTLINE the structure of
your speech.
• SIGNPOST each argument.
• Present 2 or 3 POSITIVE arguments.
• Present 1 REBUTTAL argument.
• Have a brief, forceful CONCLUSION. Leave your
audiene with a message or call to action.

8. It must be structured.
“Presentation of
complex ideas in a
sustained,
coherent and
logical argument.”

9. It must be engaging.
• Minimum expected standard: speech is not
read.
• Minimum expected standard: sustained eye
contact is made with the audience.
• Minimum expected standard: your speech
must be delivered fluently.

10. It must be engaging.
• Modulation: varying the tone of your voice
appropriately to create moments of tension, emphasis
or reflection.
• Volume: tailoring the level of your voice to suit the
space in which your speech is presented and the
nature of your subject matter.
• Pace: using pauses to add emphasis and varying the
speed at which your speak to add emphasis and
influence the emotive impact on the audience.
• Posture: using stance and gestures to communicate
information and engage your audience.

11. It must be engaging.
“Highly expressive”
“Highly coherent”
“Highly eloquent”

12. Choice of Topic
• Your topic must be on a topic that has been
debated in the media.
• You should try to pick a topic that you feel
some passion for, or which you have an
interest in.
• Remember that your presentation is 5 to 7
minutes in length.

13. What do you need to do?
1. Download a copy of the planning sheet from
STL Link. This is due by the end of next week.
2. Select a topic. It should be persuasive in its focus
and be of interest to you.
3. Research your topic. You will need to use a
range of sources. Record everything in a
bibliography.
4. Complete the planning sheet. This will help you
to identify your contention and structure.
5. Write, refine and practice your speech. This will
take place over the holidays.

14. When is it due?
You will be presenting your persuasive speech
during the first week back of term 3.
You must be ready to present on our first day
back.
Your holiday homework is to write and prepare
your speech. Note that you will also have to
read Life of Pi as well (this begins in Week 2).