PERSUASIVE SPEECH

Persuasive speaking is the form of communication that people of

diverse backgrounds mostly engage in. This kind of speech can
center on any arguably interesting topic under the sun. When you
deliver your persuasive speech, your primary goal is to influence
the thoughts, feelings, actions, and behaviors or attitudes of your
listeners (Gamble & Gamble, 2012). Likewise, you also aim to
change their perception and convince them that your argument is
more important, practical, attainable, or feasible. In essence, you
—as a persuasive speaker—advocate for whatever your message
is.
 Qualities Guide Question
1. Well-defined goal • What is your specific goal in mind
• Do you expect your audience to think
differently, act differently, or both, after
they listen to your speech?

2. Clear main point • Is the main point of your speech clear

to you
• Is it specific and focused?
3. Sufficient supporting ideas • Do you have factual statements,
reliable sources, or solid evidence to
support your main point?
• Do you have enough number of
supporting statements?

4. Logical reasoning (concrete reasons • How will you state your arguments?
why your listeners should support your • Will you use any of the following?
ideas)
 Qualities Guidance Question
 deductive (general evidence to specific
 inductive (specific evidence to
general)
 causal (cause/s and effect/s, or vice
versa)
 analogy (compared to things or
situations)
5. Effective and powerful ways to gain 1. Do you use any of the following
the attention of your audience effective techniques to grab the
attention of your listeners and engage
them in your speech?
 powerful and relevant question
 striking statistics
 shocking incident
 memorable anecdotes
 humorous observations or experiences
 Qualities Guide Question
6. Compelling ideas to make your target • Do you appeal to your listeners’ minds?
audience feel and think • Do you appeal to your listeners’ hearts?

7. Salient motives to target the salient needs • Do you motivate your audience by
of your audience incorporating ideas and thoughts important
to their growth and development as
individuals?

Types of Claims in Persuasive Speech

1. Speech that Questions Fact
This type questions the existence of a particular event or happening. In this case,
the persuasive speaker poses questions of fact, derives conclusions from different
sources of information, and attempts to convince the audience to believe in his/her
ideas.
Below are a sample argument and a sample outline.
Argument: Death penalty as a punishment is not effective, as it does not deter crime.

A. Purpose: To persuade listeners that the death penalty is ineffective as a

punishment as it does not deter crime.

B. Main Point: Death penalty does not work as an effective punishment because
it does not deter crime.

C. Supporting Idea: In a survey of various experts from the American Society of

Criminology, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, and the Law and
Society Association, it was found that majority of the experts did not see death
penalty as a deterrent to homicide (Radelet & Lacock, 2009)
2. Speech that Questions Value
This type focuses on questions of value regarding topics on the self, family,
friendship, religion, government, freedom, love, and money, among others. In this
case, the persuasive speaker (1) makes a statement or claim which reflects his/her
judgment, (2) attempts to convince his/her audience of his/her judgment, and (3)
justifies it based on standards.
Below are a sample argument and a sample outline.
Argument: Sentencing criminals to death is wrong

A. Purpose: To persuade listeners that the death penalty is wrong.

B. Main Point: Sentencing criminals to death is wrong because human life is

precious; no man has the right to sentence a fellow human being to death, and
even so there is no fair way of meting out this punishment.
C. Supporting Idea: Criminals might be sentenced to death based on other external
factors, such as their race. In fact a study by the American Civil Liberties Union
(2003), found that there is a racial bias in the application of the death penalty.

Organizational Patterns
The following are some of the suggested patterns that you can use to organize your
persuasive speech.
1. A. F.O.R.E.S.T. (anecdotes, facts and figures, opinion, rhetorical questions,
emotive language, superlatives, tripling)
Below are the rules in applying this pattern.
(1) Anecdotes. Begin your speech with a personal story, observation, or experience.
(2) Facts and figures. Provide striking statistics that can support your ideas
(3) Opinion. Add in your opinion. You can begin your statement with, “I believe
that…”
(5) Emotive language. Appeal to your audience’s emotion.
(6) Superlatives. Use superlatives to exaggerate an idea.
(7) Tripling. The rule of three in the English writing principle simply entails using
three words together to reinforce your point. This may add to the effectiveness of
your persuasion. A classic example is Julius Caesar’s statement: “Veni, vidi, vici” (I
came, I saw, I conquered).
Anecdote 1.0 Introduction
1.1 It is sad to share how my friend’s father died of lethal injection
years ago.
Facts and Figures 1.2 He suffered and was killed for a crime that he never did.
1.3 There is no reason for the state to revive the death penalty.
2.0 Body
2.1 When RA 7659 or the Death Penalty Law was still active, six
innocent people out of 10 convicts were executed.
Opinion Rhetorical 2.1.1 Reviving this is unjustifiable.
2.1.2 How many more innocent men and women will suffer?

Question
Emotive language
Superlatives 2.1.4 Revive the law only when the lives of those wrongly
sentenced are revived.

Tripling 2.1.5 Think. Analyze. Act.

2. Problem-Solution
Here’s how:
(1) Identify the problem.
(2) Provide a solution, which will show the practicality of your proposal. For
example:
A. Purpose: Persuade listeners that the LGBT community should be protected from
discrimination
B. Main Point: LGBT members deserve to be protected by the state against
exclusivity in any workplace or office.
C. Supporting Idea: There have been horrible reports and cases of discrimination at
work in terms of promotion and benefits. Hence, there is a need to create and
implement a policy related to this.
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Current status of LGBT in the workplace
Problem 1.2 Discrimination of LGBT in the workplace
2.0 Body
Solution 2.1 Policy that clearly defines the rights of LGBT
Support 1 2.1.1 for protection
Support 2 2.1.2 for recognition

3. Problem-Cause-Solution
Below are the rules in applying this pattern.
(1) Identify the problem.
(2) Analyze the root causes of the problem.
(3) Provide a solution to the problem.
For example:
A. Purpose: Persuade listeners why the state or government needs to converge with the
private sector in maintaining and protecting national heritage sites.
B. Main Point: Preserving our national heritage sites such as century-old churches,
theaters,
and other artifacts is the least priority of the government, so they should tie-up with
private establishments to maintain these historical places.

Supporting Idea One can observe that these sites are losing their historical and
cultural value.
1.0 Introduction
1.1 List of historical sites in the Philippines
1.2 Not priority of the government
Problem 2.0 Body
Root cause 2.1 Budget allocation
Support 1 2.1.1 Percentage allocated to preservation of sites
Solution 2.2 Promote public-private partnership
Support 2.2.1 Reports showing successful partnerships
4. Comparative Advantages
Below are the rules in applying this pattern.
(1) Identify the problem.
(2) Present at least two solutions to the
problem.
(3) Compare the two in terms of practicality
and feasibility.
For example:
A. Purpose: Persuade listeners on the need for political reform.
B. Main Point: Politics in the Philippines is very dirty.
C. Supporting Idea: There have been a lot of anomalies and illegal transactions going
on in the political system.
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Vision of Philippine politics
Problem 1.2 Dirty politics
2.0 Body
Solution 1 2.1 Pass the genuine Freedom of Information (FO1) Bill into
law
Support 1 Support 2 Solution 2.1.1 achieve transparency
2 2.1.2 achieve good governance
Support 1 2.2 Abolish Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or
Pork Barrel
Support 2 2.2.1 Minimize illegal transaction
Comparison 2.2.2 Minimize corruption
Support 1 2.3 Can be good solutions
Support 2 2.3.1 Practical
2.3.2 Feasible

5. Monroe’s Motivated Sequence

Alan Monroe, a professor from Purdue University, created an outline for making
speeches based on the psychology of persuasion (Ehninger, Monroe, & Granbeck, 1978).

This outline is known as Monroe’s Motivated Sequence. Here’s how to apply this
technique.
1. Grab the attention of the audience by identifying the challenge you plan to confront,
or the problem you plan to address.
2. Establish the need or urgency to address the identified challenge or problem.
3. Present possible solutions to your audience to satisfy the need.
4. Help your audience visualize. Use vivid words to convince your audience about the
benefits they can gain from the solutions you presented.
5. Engage the audience to participate in promoting change through a call for action.
For example:
A. Purpose: Persuade the audience to abstain from consuming alcohol.
B. Main Point: Abstaining from alcohol will help students live a healthy and safe life
for themselves and those around them while avoiding any criminal actions.

Campaign Against Underage Drinking

Attention-grabber 1. Picture the following situation: It is Friday night; classes have

just ended, and
you and your friends are looking for something fun to do.
Everyone heads to
your classmate’s house, and soon bottles of alcohol are being
passed around.
As the night deepens, everyone falls under the spell of alcohol,
things get out of
hand, and some commit mistakes they would not do when sober.
 Campaign Against Underage Drinking
Attention-grabber a. This phenomenon of underage drinking is steadily affecting more
young
Filipinos, as a study from the University of the Philippines found that
5.3
million youths drink alcoholic beverages.
b. I have researched this topic heavily, and today I will present the
startling
facts about underage drinking that many teenagers might not know.
c. This speech aims not only to inform you of the risks of underage
drinking,
but also to convince you to take action and campaign against underage
drinking to protect the youth.

2. According to a study on the alcohol drinking patterns of high school

students
Need in selected parts of the Philippines, a little more than one-third of the
sample
population drink alcohol. These can have serious effects on underage
drinkers,
such as the following:
 Campaign Against Underage Drinking
Need a. Studies have shown that people who drink at a young age are more
likely to
experiment with harder drugs.
b. People in an inebriated state have higher chances of being victims of
sexual
assault.
c. Alcohol abuse among the young could lead to sexual behavior, which in
turn
leads to teenage pregnancy or sexually-transmitted diseases.

Satisfaction 3. We have to educate the youth about the dangers of drinking alcohol.
a. Videos and posts on the risks of underage drinking can be shared on
various
social platforms.
b. In school, events can be organized to promote knowledge of the
disadvantages
and consequences of underage drinking.
 Campaign Against Underage Drinking
Visualization 4. We have to take it upon ourselves to act now if we do not want
the youth to be
victims of the following potential effects of underage drinking:
a. Accidents caused by underage drinking
b. Dropping out of school due to alcohol addiction
c. Sexual assault brought by drunken behavior
d. Teenage pregnancies
e. Alcoholism

5. I earnestly challenge you to abstain from alcohol and to take

Call to action action and campaign
against underage drinking. Are you with me?
 METHODS OF PERSUASION
Consider what Lucas (2011) writes about how the audience can be persuaded by a
speaker. The
audience can be persuaded by the following reasons.
• They perceive that the speaker has credibility.
• They are convinced by the evidence presented by the speaker.
• They are convinced by the speaker’s reasoning.
• Their emotions are touched by the speaker’s ideas or use of language.

The above ideas highlight some of the methods you can use in your persuasive speech.
These
methods are commonly used and proven to be effective by any prominent and excellent
speaker
across the globe.
The following are some tips on how to enhance your credibility, how to use
evidence, how to use reasoning, and how to observe ethics and emotional appeal in a
persuasive
speech.

1. How to enhance your credibility

a. Explain how you became an expert on the topic.

You can do this by sharing how well you read, investigated, or researched the topic.

For example: You could share that in the beginning you did not know much about your
topic until you researched about it. By saying you researched on your topic, your
audience
will feel that you made an effort in building your credibility by collecting information.
b. Connect your experiences, beliefs, values or attitudes with your audience’s.
You can do this by telling your audience that you have the same experiences, beliefs,
values or attitudes.
For example: In the beginning of your speech, you can emphasize to your audience that
regardless of background, status, age, gender, beliefs, and values, among others, you all
have one thing in common and then add that which you have in common. By saying this,
your audience will feel respected and comfortable because you can identify with their
experiences, beliefs, or values.
c. Practice more often so you can deliver your speech with conviction.
You can do this by exposing yourself more often to speaking situations such as reciting
and reading announcements in class, introducing people in a program, hosting events,
participating in debates, or acting as a spokesperson of a group. Also, simply practicing
more often before your actual speech performance will increase your confidence and help
you deliver your speech with conviction.
2. How to use evidence

a. Specify evidence.
You can do this by citing statistics, research studies, and other valid and credible
information.
For example: When stating a fact, do not simply say a general detail. Instead of
saying,
“There is a law that protects women and their children against violence,” state the
exact
details, as in, “RA 9262 is an act that protects women and their children against
violence.”
By specifying your evidence, you give the impression that you know what you are
saying.
c. Choose reputable or credible sources for your evidence.
You can do this by carefully identifying and evaluating your sources.
For example: You are persuading your audience that your solution in improving the
interest of readers in Philippine literature is the most efficient method, but you cite
sources such as fan sites, Wiki answers, Yahoo answers, or blogs. This creates a bad
impression, as it might come off that your arguments and points are based on unreliable
facts. As a guide, Google, Yahoo, or any search engine can provide you a wealth of
reputable or credible sources for your evidence.

3. How to use reasoning

Avoid logical fallacies or errors in reasoning.
You can do this by studying the types of logical fallacies. The following are some of the
most common errors in reasoning.
• Ad Hominem: This happens when you attack the character of a person instead of
his argument.
Example: Professor X does not deserve to be the head of this organization because he
is separated from his wife.
How to avoid: When you give your rebuttal, focus on the arguments of the person,
not on his/her character or values.
• Circular Argument: This happens when the idea of a stated argument is repeated.
Example: My mother is a good teacher because she teaches me well.
How to avoid: Do not repeat the argument; instead, prove it.
• False Analogy: This happens when two things, which might be alike in some
respects, are compared and assumed to be similar in other ways.
Example: President Aquino is the Socrates of the 21st century.
How to avoid: Look at the characteristics, features, or components of two people or
objects closely to see whether they can really be compared or not.
• False Authority: This happens when a statement of someone who is not an expert
in the field in question is being used in an argument.
Example: I avoid drinking coffee at night because of the advice of my English teacher.
How to avoid: Check properly the qualifications of the person being cited
• False Cause and Effect: This happens when the connection between two consecutive
events are not clear.
Example: Because I attended a party, I got a high grade in my persuasive speech.
How to avoid: Clarify the connections between the events by explaining both
backgrounds clearly.
• Hasty Generalization: This happens when a conclusion is drawn from insufficient
evidence.
Example: The senator stuttered while giving his speech, therefore government
officials are not good in public speaking.
How to avoid: Provide enough pieces of evidence before making any conclusions.
• Red Herring: This happens when the answer does not address the question.
Example: Question: Should the President sign Cyberbullying bill into law? Answer:
The President has other priorities.
How to avoid: Do not avoid opposing arguments. Instead, address them properly.

4. How to use emotional appeal

a. Internalize what you are saying.
The audience will be more convinced of your message if you also show conviction in
what you are saying.
For example: If you use emotionally charged words, but you deliver it in a monotonous
voice, the audience will not see the sincerity of your message. Instead, make sure to
observe your non-verbal cues and to ensure that you believe in what you are saying.
b. Use emotion appropriately.
Although a well-executed emotional appeal can be used as a
strong weapon in persuasive
speech, take note to use it only when appropriate to the
message. Use it as an accessory
only; make sure not to replace evidence and reasoning with
pure emotion.
For example: If you are making a speech on a question of fact,
there is little need to use
emotional appeal to your audience since you are dealing with
facts and information.
However, if you are making a persuasive speech to change a
certain policy, you can add
emotional appeal to your speech to capture not only the minds
but also the hearts of
your audience.
By:
Kim Plamio
Princess Importante
Willyn Joy Vego