Persuasive Speech

Name

Date of speech

Type of Speech (Informative/Persuasive)

SPEECH TOPIC

General Purpose: To inform or persuade

Specific Purpose: To inform or persuade my audience about__________________________________.

INTRODUCTION

Attention Getter: Be sure to grab your audience’s attention in a creative and exciting way. Quotes,

unusual facts, hypothetical stories, amazing statistics are all examples of possibilities for your opening.

Reason to Listen: Try to think of some way of connecting the audience to the topic. Why should they

connect or listen to your speech.

Credibility Statement: Why have you chosen this topic? Do you have any association with this topic?

Are you able to express that you are an experienced person or an expert in this field? Do you know

someone who has experienced this situation? There are many ways of tying yourself into the speech

topic.

Statement of Intent: Last sentence of Intro paragraph. Responsible for introducing speech topic and

previewing main points. Be clear. Be direct. There should be no misunderstanding as to what is your

topic and main points.

(Transition – 1st signpost) This statement should help tie together the introduction with the main body

of the speech. This statement should be written out and introduces first main point.

BODY

I. First Main Point: Be sure to write only one, simple, direct sentence which preferably

incorporates parallel structure with each of the other main points.

A. Subpoint: This part may be written in phrases. Be sure to identify your materials with

proper citing.

B. Subpoint: Remember, when there is an “A” there must be at least a “B”

(Transition – 2nd signpost) This statement introduces second main point. Tie each main point to the

next by reviewing and emphasizing the skeleton of the speech.

II. Second Main Point: Again, a full, direct, concisely phrased sentence preferably in parallel

form with the other main points is recommended.

A. Subpoint: ___________________________

B. Subpoint: ________________________________

(Transition – 3rd signpost) This statement clearly identifies 3rd main point. It is important to introduce

each main point so that the audience knows where you are and where you are headed – psychological

unity.

III. Third Main Point: A full sentence that identifies speaker’s goal of expressing 3rd idea to be

covered in detail.

A. Subpoint:___________________________________________________

B. Subpoint:____________________________________________________

CONCLUSION

Transitional Sentence: Sentence should start with a transitional phrase that indicates speech is coming

to an end and then repeats main points and topic.

Summary: Write at least 2-3 sentences that summarizes that body of the speech. Review the facts of

what you have already mentioned in the Body of your speech. Never end by saying, “I told you about

such and such.” Repetition is necessary in oral presentations. Never forget the listening problems all

audiences experience.

Memorable Statement: Here is your last chance to have the audience meet the purpose and objectives

of your speech. Often a startling statement, quote, finish the rest of the story you started with, updated

statistics, or any other form of attention getter/memorable statement techniques can help keep the

message of the speaker in the minds of the listeners long after the speech is over. Just don’t drop off

and stop suddenly. There is a rhythm to a speech. By the end, everyone should know it is the end – this

is what we call psychological unity. Vocally you slow down, become emphatic, and prepare the listener

for the last, memorable thoughts.

Works Cited

Follow standard MLA style for you citing throughout the outline as well as in the Works Cited page.

Always cite all sources that are incorporated in the speech both orally and on the outline. All sources

need to be properly identified in MLA format on the Works Cited page that were used as reference. The

web address of Visual Images will be included on the Works Cited page as well. It is proper to list the

Visual Images in the order they were presented in your speech.