persuasive speech

Length: 6-8 minutes

 

Requirements:                     

1.   Full Sentence Outline using Motivated Sequence Outline

2.   PowerPoint or Prezi 

1. A minimum of three sources

2. Self Evaluation

3. Recording Device- Optional

  

The organization plays a central role in a persuasive speech:  the speech must logically establish why the audience must change.  (Unless audience members believe there is something wrong with what they are doing or feeling, they are unlikely to change.)  The most widely used organizational pattern for public speaking is Monroe’s Motivated Sequence.

 

1. Monroe’s Motivated Sequence (problem-solution format) 

2. Gain the audience’s attention.  Attention-getters grab the audience, arousing curiosity about what the speaker is going to say.  To help avoid the effects of psychological resistance, the preview statement should be omitted.

3. Identify unfulfilled needs. The speaker must establish a clear, urgent, and unfulfilled need in the mind of the audience.  This is a critical step in the sequence.  No solutions should be proposed during this stage.

4. Propose a solution that satisfies.  Present the solution to the needs or problems described in Step 2.  During this stage, speakers must also identify and eliminate possible objections to the solution

5. Visualize the resulting satisfaction.  Intensify audience members’ desire for the solution by getting them to visualize what their lives will be like once they’ve adopted it.  Use vivid images and verbal illustrations to support the benefits of the proposed solution.

6. Define specific actions.  In the final step, the speaker must turn the audience’s agreement and commitment into positive action.  Tell audience members what they need to do to obtain the described solution and its benefits.

 

Making the most of Monroe’s Motivated Sequence.

 

To make the most of Monroe’s Motivated Sequence, the steps should be followed in sequence. The most critical principle in Monroe’s sequence is the identification of the audience’s needs before proposing a solution. The Visualization step also enforces the sequence of motivation to enact change.

Outlining the persuasive speech

 

Each of the five steps in Monroe’s Motivated Sequence should be represented by a Roman numeral.  Main points and subpoints are represented by capital letters and numbers, respectively. 

 

For this assignment, you will attempt to evoke reactions in your audience.  This speech is meant to appeal to the audience’s attitudes, beliefs, and values about the issue in question and to sway listeners toward the speaker’s point of view.  

 

Persuasive Speech

 

Follow these steps for developing your speech:

 

First:               Select and research a local nonprofit (Oregon/Washington).  After researching your nonprofit you should be able to answer the following questions:

 

What is the purpose of the nonprofit?

What population does the nonprofit serve?

What are the problems your nonprofit attempts to alleviate? 

How can you help this nonprofit achieve their goal/s?

How does this nonprofit improve the community?

 

 

Second:          Narrow your focus by selecting one problem your nonprofit faces or attempts to alleviate. 

 

Third:             Define your proposed solution to the problem.  This can be directly related to or inspired by your nonprofit.

 

Fourth:           Expand your research.  This assignment requires four source citations: three scholarly journals and one interview with a representative from your nonprofit.  Documentation of the interview must be stapled to the back of your outline.  For example, include a copy of the email that states agreed upon interview time and date or include a sample section of the emailed interview questions with responses.  (Make contact with nonprofit as early as possible).

 

                        Tips for research

 

· Find supporting material that establishes the validity of your problem. 

· Incorporate local information and statistics and then expand your scope (Portland, Oregon, Northwest, United States,…)     

· Include supporting material that appeals to our pathos (emotional appeals).  The interview might be a great place to gather this type of research.

 

Fifth:              Start writing your speech using Monroe’s Motivated Sequence

           

1. Attention (Introduction)

2. Unfulfilled Needs (Problem)

3. Solution

4. Visualization

5. Action/Conclusion

 

Sixth:             Practice you speech in front of friends or family.

 

Seventh:         Deliver your speech with full confidence.