Creating a Persuasive Speech
Argumentation - Review Every argument needs to have three parts: Claim Your main idea/point Evidence Support from other sources (may fall within logos, pathos and/or ethos) Reasoning The explanation of how your evidence supports your claim. Repeat this basic structure as much as you need to in a speech
Three Common Persuasive Devices Logos: the logic of an argument. First and foremost, and argument has to make sense. It has to be logical, well supported by a number of experts in the field, and within realm of the audience s experience. Here is where we consider evidence and reasoning as parts of the persuasive process. Pathos: the emotion of an argument. A persuasive message should also appeal to the emotions of the audience. To do this, arguments should be supported with concrete examples to show the audience that the speech can directly relate to them or people like them. Sometimes we come to believe something or to act upon something just because of a gut feeling or an appeal to our emotions. We act out of fear and greed, as well as out of love and compassion. Ethos: the credibility of the speaker. Sometimes we believe something or act upon something simply because someone we trusted told us it was so. A testimonial may help an argument. You also have ethos. In order to build credibility, speakers need to dress properly, act professionally, use believable, well-documented sources, and have charisma. A credible speaker is liked and trusted by the audience.
The Classical Argument There are many ways to present your argument, but the Classical Argument has been used since rhetors (people who taught the proper use of language) taught Greek farmers this strategy to present their sides in court cases during the fifth century B.C. This argument is meant to be logical and told to an open-minded audience.
Elements of the Classical Argument The introduction, which warms up the audience, establishes goodwill and rapport with the audience, and announces the general theme or thesis of the argument. I will look for: Attention-getter Thesis Statement Preview of your main points
Elements of the Classical Argument The narration, which summarizes relevant background information Think about your audience. How much do they know about this topic? Provide them with any background information they are going to need.
Elements of the Classical Argument The confirmation, which lays out in a logical order the claims that support the thesis, providing evidence for each claim. This is where the elements of argumentation come in. Repeat the process of claim, evidence and reasoning as many times as you need to. What are all the persuasive points you want to make? Why should the congress vote for the bill? Why should the congress vote against the bill? Remember internal citations for evidence. Tell the audience where your information came from. There isn t a Works Cited page to show the validity of your sources.
Internal Citations You don t need a Works Cited for your speeches, but you do need to give credit for your research. This is true for both Pro and Con speeches. Some ideas for internal citations: According to the World Wildlife Fund John Smith wrote in a January 8 th article in the New York Times that The U.S. Department of Labor s website reports that The website achieve.org notes that
Elements of the Classical Argument The refutation and concession, which looks at opposing viewpoints. The savvy speaker is going to look at the other side of the argument and mention some of the opposing arguments and answer them before the argument is made. Why would people vote against your bill? (If you are pro.) Or, why would people vote for this bill? (If you are con.)
Elements of the Classical Argument The summation, which provides a strong conclusion Review your main thesis, all the reasons why they should vote your way and tell them how to vote.
Beware of the Media As you prepare your ideas for your speech, you do need evidence/research to back up your points. Try to choose sources that are unbiased.
Your Turn! You will start by writing a Pro speech a speech in favor of a bill. Next you will write a Con speech a speech against one of the bills.