Persuasive Speech Outline
Alvaro Larrea
Mr. Korey Bowles
COMS 101
October 26, 2022
Topic: The importance of performing arts for holistic development.
Speech Pattern: Topical
Audience Analysis: The audience comprises ten college students and a professor. The audience
is respectful and open to learning new things. The audience responds well to presentations and
gives good verbal and non-verbal feedback.
Introduction:
I. Attention-Getter
We’ve all watched at least one musical or show in our lives. The stunning musical
numbers and the heartwarming message are what we remember most. But what if I
told you that some great benefits could come from involvement in the theater?
II. Credibility Statement
By being involved in theater throughout my life and conducting research, I have seen
firsthand the benefits of theater in people’s lives.
III. Purpose or Thesis Statement
People should get involved in theater because it helps holistic development by
igniting creativity and decisiveness, improving physical development, and providing
a solid community built on trust and teamwork.
IV. Preview Statement
That’s what we’re going to do today. We will see how theater ignites decisiveness and
creativity, aids physical development, and provides a beautiful community that can lead
to lifelong friendships.
Transition: Let’s first look at how theater brings out people’s creativity and decisiveness.
Body:
I. Main Point 1: Participating in theater ignites the child’s creativity and decisiveness
through problem-solving. Bringing other worlds and characters to life allow children
to express themselves and let their imagination soar.
A. “For one example, tech theatre work--building scenery, hanging lights, making
props, running the show, and so on--is a particularly good way to learn how to
think on your feet, identify problems, evaluate a range of possible solutions, and
figure out what to do” (Catron, n.d.).
B. “When creating characters and situations,4kids have their ability to view things
in4a new way and4from different perspectives. The ability to put themselves in
other roles and situations4can transfer into the ability to come up with solutions to
real problems” (7 Life Skills Kids gain by Participating in Theatre, 2016).
Transition: These are some examples of how theater benefits the development of the child’s
mind with creativity and problem-solving; now, let’s look at how it aids in their physical
development.
II. Main Point 2: Theater is a very physical activity. When taking on a role, actors need
to memorize their lines and learn how to move, talk and behave like their character.
This requires patience and concentration, which is something children will learn not
only if they are part of a show but even if they see one. There are other types of
theater, like Musical theater, that involve singing and dancing as well as acting, which
exercises much more of the actor’s body.
A. “Theater requires concentration for a sustained period of time. Because theater is
communal, children of all ages will also learn how to sit quietly and respect others
for longer periods of time” (Fierberg, 2021).
B. “Most acting classes and4pre-performance routines include a physical4warm-up
comprised of stretching, movement and concentration activities to help prepare
actors for the physicality and mentally4of any role they might play” (7 Life Skills
Kids gain by Participating in Theatre, 2016).
Transition: We have looked at how theater can ignite creativity and promote physical
development. So lastly, let’s take a look at how theater can be a source of community.
III. Main Point 3: By being in a cast and working together to build a show, people learn
how to work as a team and trust one another to do their part for the show's success.
A. Gabriella Franco has experience in musical theatre. She shared, “When you’re in
a cast with everyone, it gives you a sense of community and builds up a
foundation for friendship” (Badamo, 2017).
B. “Those feelings of friendship, support, and community are why theatre is so close
to the heart of the performer. With the months of hard work and preparation that
go into making a production, it’s hard not to form lasting bonds with the people
around you” (Badamo, 2017).
C. In my opinion, this is the best benefit of being part of the theater. My closest
friends are people I met through theater, and the trust one builds with others when
working on a show is like no other.
Transition: Hopefully, by now, you can see all the benefits of being involved in theater. So let’s
recap what we went through.
Conclusion:
I. Summary
The theater is an activity that can aid in a person’s holistic development by sparking
their creativity. It also helps with concentration and can aid physical development
through acting. Finally, it provides a solid community built on teamwork and trust,
which can give a person a safe place where they can be themselves and make friends
that last a lifetime.
II. Call to Action
So, to finish up, I encourage you all to get involved in theater, whether here at Liberty
or back in your hometown during the winter or summer, because there are many
things to do and always a place for one more person.
References
7 Life Skills Kids gain by Participating in Theatre. (2016, September 22). Retrieved from Saint
Mary's University of Minnesota: https://mca.smumn.edu/2016/09/22/7-life-skills-from-
theatre/
Badamo, M. (2017, October 4). The Benefits of Musical Theatre. Retrieved from The Outlook:
https://outlook.monmouth.edu/2017/10/the-benefits-of-musical-theatre/
Catron, L. E. (n.d.). 25 Special Advantages the Theatre Major Has - (and may not even know!).
Retrieved from Appalachian State University - Department of Theater Arts and Dance:
https://theatreanddance.appstate.edu/students/prospective-students/25-life-skills-learned-
theatre#:~:text=Many%20students%20find%20that%20theatre,additional%20experience
%20talking%20to%20groups.
Come From Away. (2022). Retrieved from ATG Tickets:
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/come-from-away/phoenix-theatre/
Fierberg, R. (2021, May 14). 9 Benefits of Introducing Your Child to Theater. Retrieved from
Parents.com: https://www.parents.com/kids/development/benefits-of-introducing-your-
child-to-theater/
Macaulay, A. (2012, May 28). Judging Tony Nominees by Their Dance Numbers . Retrieved
from The New York Times:
https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/29/theater/theaterspecial/the-choreography-of-tony-
nominees.html
Parris, S. (2015, May 16). CLOC Musical Theatre: Mary Poppins review. Retrieved from Man in
Chair: https://simonparrismaninchair.com/2015/05/16/cloc-musical-theatre-mary-
poppins-review/
Schoettmer, H. (2019, August 2). Why Aren’t Young Characters Always Played by Young
Actors? Retrieved from encore: https://encorespotlight.com/why-arent-young-characters-
always-played-by-young-actors/
Shannon, B. (2021, May 5). Break a leg: 7 things leaders can learn from the theater |
FastCompany Article. Retrieved from Barbara Shannon:
https://www.barbarashannon.com/blog/break-a-leg
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