Persuasive Speech Outline

EXAMPLE*

Model Outline - Persuasive Speech

Purpose:

To persuade my classmates that law enforcement officials should be required to use body cameras at all times.

I. Introduction

a. Teaser: Discussion of Michael Brown incident.

b. Thesis: Law enforcement officials should be required to wear body cameras.

c. Preview Statement: In this speech, I will first discuss the problems that arise from the lack of a video record of police-civilian interactions; second, discuss how that problem is caused by a lack of accountability; and, third, argue body cameras will alleviate this problem.

Transition: Before examining why cameras are so important, let’s look at the problems that arise when cameras are not present.

II. Body

a. Main Point 1: The problems due to a lack of video evidence are significant.

1. Decreases credibility of witnesses.

2. Allows for police abuse.

3. Prevents analysis of incidents for decreasing future incidents.

Transition: Now that we understand the problems, let’s look at some of the causes.

b. Main Point 2: Resistance to the accountability of wearing body cameras is great.

1. Resistance from police unions.

2. Resistance from governmental bodies.

Transition: Despite this resistance, there are things we can do to reduce this problem.

c. Main Point 3: Solutions are available at the federal, local, and personal level.

1. Federal level

2. Local level

3. Personal level

Transition: So, as you can see, requiring body cameras is necessary.

III. Conclusion

A. Restate Main Points: Serious problems arise when video evidence is not available, resistance to such accountability is great, however, we can take steps to solve this problem.

B. Restate Thesis: Law enforcement officials should be required to wear body cameras.

C. Clincher: Story of how protests and bad blood could have been prevented through body camera technology