HOWARD UNIVERSITY

The John H. Johnson School of Communications

The Department of Communication and Culture
PRINCIPLES OF SPEECH
The Persuasive Speech Speech #3

My Persuasive Speech Date: ________________________________

TASK
Your task is to prepare a 5-7 minute persuasive speech about a subject on which you would like to influence your
classmates attitudes, beliefs, values, and or/ behaviors. This speech will be an extemporaneous speech based on
your use of an outline. (Note: You will be penalized for running overtime and receive NO credit for reading).
BACKGROUND
A persuasive speech is one designed to accomplish one of the following goals:
1. Strengthen or weaken audience attitudes, beliefs or values
2. Change audience attitudes, beliefs or values
3. Motivate to action
PLANNING
1)
2)
3)
4)
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11)

Formulate a thesis and specific purpose suitable for a persuasive speech of 5-7 minutes. (Thesis statement)
Analyze the class and list how your topic can relate to your audience. (Relevance statement).
Determine why you are a good person to talk about this subject. (Credibility statement).
Identify the most appropriate organizational pattern you want to use to present your speech. (problem/solution,
cause/effect, motivated sequence)
Craft an introduction that grabs the attention of the audience and familiarizes them with your topic/purpose.
Outline what you will cover in your persuasive speech. (Preview)
Acknowledge the oppositions viewpoint, if appropriate. (Meet Objections).
Identify 2-3 main points to support your thesis and support them with logical, motivational and credible appeals. (Body)
Craft a conclusion that summarizes your main ideas and brings the speech to a close with a memorable thought.
Use 4-5 outside references to support your ideas. These references should be cited within the presentation of the speech,
not as an addendum. No more than two can be from on-line sources.
Prepare a non-PowerPoint visual.

PREPARE
1) Preliminary Speech Outline is due November 8, 2013 in class, based on the handout that is attached
2) References must be included at the end of your outline.
3) APA style must be used.

PRACTICE
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Practice by becoming an expert on your topic; know BOTH sides of the issue.
Practice delivery out loud.
Practice involving the audience in some way. Create immediacy!
Practice being a professional.
Have fun!

BASIC PARTS OF A SPEECH

The Basic Persuasive Speech
I.

THE INTRODUCTION
A. Attention-Getter/First focus - A quote, statistic or startling statement, etc. to
focus the audience on your presence and presentation. Pauselet it sink in
before continuing. (Also establish a rapport or common ground with audience
to maintain their attention).
B.

Thesis - One statement summarizing your main idea.

C.

Preview statement - A sentence listing the specific points (a,b,c, etc) you will
discuss to support your thesis (explain your map to your destination).

D. Relevance - A sentence informing the audience about why they should listen to
your topic. (Consider the diversity of backgrounds and opinions in the room).
E.

II.

Credibility - A sentence explaining why the audience should listen to you speak
about the topic. What makes you qualified?

THE BODY
A. Acknowledge Validity of Opposition/ Meet Objections (optional)
1. Example/Evidence/Supporting statement (with explanation of relevance as needed)
2. Example/Evidence/Supporting statement (with explanation of relevance as needed)

III.

B.

Second point (or Reason)

1. Example/Evidence/Supporting statement (with explanation of relevance as needed)
2. Example/Evidence/Supporting statement (with explanation of relevance as needed)

C.

Third point (or Reason)

1. Example/Evidence/Supporting statement (with explanation of relevance as needed)
2. Example/Evidence/Supporting statement (with explanation of relevance as needed)

THE CONCLUSION
A. Restate thesis
B. Summarize main points
C. Final memorable thought/Call to action
NOTE: No new information should be given in the conclusion

Name _______________________________

TYPE on a separate sheet & attach references (in APA

format).

Persuasive Speech Worksheet

The purpose of this speech is to persuade the audience about

_____________________________________________________________________________________
I.

THE INTRODUCTION
A.
Attention-getter ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
B.

Thesis (Main idea) _______________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________
C.

Preview statement (Major/supporting 3 points to be discussed)

1. _____________________________________________________________________________________

D.

Relevance statement (Why audience should to listen to your speech)

_______________________________________________________________________________________

E.

Credibility statement (Why audience should listen to or believe you)

_______________________________________________________________________________________

II.

THE BODY
A.

First Point: Acknowledge Validity of Opposition/Meet Objections (optional) _________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________
1. _____________________________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________________________

B.

Second point ____________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________
1. _____________________________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________________________

C.

Third point ______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________
1. _____________________________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________________________

III.

THE CONCLUSION
A.

Restate thesis____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
B.

Summarize main points ____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
C.

Final Memorable thought/Call to Action_______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Principles of Speech
PERSUASIVE SPEECH (Speech #3)
Evaluation Form (100 Points)
Speakers Name_______________________________________________Section __________Points_________
Topic ___________________________________________________________ Date______ Grade _________

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Very
Exceptional Good

Average

Fair

Weak

Comments

1.

Attention-Getter

________________________________

2.

Credibility/Relevance

________________________________

3.

Persuasiveness

________________________________

4.

Use of logical/emotional appeals

________________________________

5.

Organization of Information

________________________________

________________________________

6.

Thesis Statement
Preview Statement

Command of Information/Clarity

Transitions

7.

Use of References

________________________________

8.

Use/ Choice of Visual Aids

________________________________

9.

Choice of Words

________________________________

________________________________

________________________________

10.

Conclusion

11.

Grammar
Vocal Interrupters
Creative/Professional words
Review
Summary
Final Thought

Outline/Purpose Fulfilled

PRESENTATIONAL STYLE
12.

Gestures, Posture

________________________________

13.

Eye Contact

________________________________

14.

Space & Logistics

________________________________

15.

Voice control-Variety, Rate, Volume

________________________________

16.

Confidence & Poise

________________________________

17.

Appropriate Expression

________________________________

18.

Audience Rapport

________________________________

19.

Professional Attire (SUIT)

________________________________

20.

Time Management __________

________________________________

_____

______

(-1pt for every .30 seconds over)

OVERALL

______ _____ _____ =

__________ Final Pts)

The strongest part(s) of your presentation: ___________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Suggestion(s) for further enhancements_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________