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Paper Instructions:

Persuasive Speech Assignment

Assignment:  
• Present a 6-8-minute extemporaneous persuasive speech to the class. Do not write out a speech like an English paper.  The outline will serve as speech notes.
• Include, as specified, an appropriate typed outline, works cited page, and copies of your research sources.  
• A professional, appropriate college-level visual aid is required with your presentation (as discussed). Visual aid must be incorporated into your speech (used effectively).
• Include at least 3 to 4 vocal citations in your speech.
Description of a Persuasive Speech:  
A persuasive speech attempts to change or reinforce the attitudes, beliefs, values and/or behavior of receivers. 
Persuasive speeches may attempt to: 
(A) Persuade the audience “what is or what is not so”.  For example, “the Loch Ness monster is real” or “aerobic exercise prevents heart attacks.”
(B) Persuade the audience how good or bad something is (the value/worth of an idea, action, person, or object).  For example, “killing animals to get meat is morally wrong”.
(C) Persuade the audience what ought to be (what should or should not be done).  For example, “violent video games should not be sold to children” or “the drinking age should be lowered to 18", 
or may cover any combination of these objectives.
Objectives of Persuasive Speech Assignment: 
To provide an opportunity for practicing presentation skills, to promote critical thinking skills, especially that of being able to consider/reason from/understand a variety of perspectives other than one's own, to encourage informed global citizenship through the presentation process, to promote information competency/literacy.
Time Limits:  6-8 minutes  
Failure to meet these time guidelines (short or long) will result in a lower evaluation.  Consider that you may be nervous, so you may speak faster or slower than normal.  You should practice and time your speech multiple times. 
What to Turn in at the Time of Your Speech:  
At the time of your speech you will turn in: 
1) Comprehensive Outline of your speech. Follow my example. A detailed Works Cited page in MLA style. Uploaded in Canvas
Research Source Guidelines: 
For this assignment you must have at least 3 to 4 credible and/or scholarly research sources besides yourself.
• Wikipedia does NOT count as a source.

Remember anytime you cite statistics, stories, etc. in your speech, you must tell us where the information came from (give vocal citations in your speech; parenthetical citations in your research paper).  For example, “According to a study reported recently in National Geographic, forty-percent of the earth’s animals are considered endangered species.”

Follow these steps to create a speech:
1. Analyze your audience and your interests, selecting an appropriate, worthwhile, and interesting topic on which you can find adequate research.
2. Develop and design your speech using adequate research material to meet the time limits.
3. Create your speech using a clearly organized structure.
a. Before creating an outline, clearly define the purpose of the speech in your mind.  
Example: “To persuade the audience that organically grown food is healthier than ‘regular’ food and they should eat it”. 
b. Use an introduction that includes an attention-getter, establish creditability, and preview, and that establishes relevance to the audience.  In a persuasive speech the introduction should clearly indicate the desired audience response.
Example: “How many of you have ever heard the saying ‘You are what you eat’?  That’s a frightening thought when you begin to consider how many chemicals,
hormones and unsanitary substances there are in many of the things we ingest every day.  And let’s face it – we’ve all got to eat.  But fortunately, there are alternatives.  Organically grown food is healthier than non-organic 'regular' food, and you should eat organic whenever it is feasible.  Today I will explore why organic food, organic produce and eggs, is a healthier option than non-organic food and discuss some easy and inexpensive ways that you can 'go natural'."
c. Clearly establish the problem/need and explain the solution, giving attention to how the solution will work, positive and negative effects of accepting the solution, and audience concerns. Organize a body which includes main points, supporting ideas, and varied support devices.  In a persuasive speech these points will probably be reasons for the position you are advocating.  For example, “1. Organically grown produce does not contain harmful chemical pesticides or growth treatments.  2. Organically produced eggs do not come from chickens that were given growth hormones or altered feed.” 
d. Once main and sub-points have been established, provide varied support in the form of stats, examples, stories, quotes, comparisons, etc.
e. Use transitions.  
f. Incorporate a conclusion that reviews/summarizes the main points and lets the audience know the presentation is ending (provides closure).  The conclusion should recap the desired audience response.
Example: “Today we’ve looked at some of the differences between organically grown and non-organically grown foods and some easy ways to incorporate organic foods into your lifestyle.  It’s only smart to include organically grown products when possible.  So the next time you head to the grocery consider exactly what you’re putting in your cart: chemicals, hormones and pesticides or simply vitamins and minerals.  Make the healthy choice and go natural – choose organic foods.”
4. Reason logically.  Example: If you are talking about organic food, you might cite instances where various pesticides commonly used on produce were linked to some form of illness, say, cancer (of course you would have to research to gather this information).  After making your case and citing appropriate examples you might draw the conclusion that pesticides commonly used in non-organic farming are potentially harmful (inductive reasoning).  Remember to check for logical fallacies.
5. Make use of the Persuasion and Monroe’s motivated sequence (These are things you can do to increase your persuasiveness as a speaker):
A. Identify your goal
B. Know the receivers you’re trying to reach
C. Understand factors affecting your listeners’ attitudes and beliefs
D. Use the 2 principles of influence: consistency and social proof
E. Reason logically (deduction, induction, causal reasoning, reasoning from analogy, etc.) THIS IS HOW YOU WILL MAKE YOUR CASE.
F. Reason ethically (avoid logical fallacies)
G. Gain your listeners’ attention
H. Make your listeners feel as well as think
I. Evoke relevant needs and issues
J. Promise a reward (show how your position can benefit your listeners!!)
6. Use at least 3 or 4 vocal citations as explained.
7. Use appropriate, visible, professional, college-level, and useful visual aids.  Practice using them beforehand.  You must incorporate your visual aid into your speech.
8. Language/Nonverbal – Work on these elements: eye contact, appropriate gestures and posture, avoiding “uhs”, rate, volume, articulation, professional and conversational tone, and appropriate language and grammar.  Use correct pronunciation.  No gum.  Remember the “3 C’s” of speaking: Strive to appear confident, competent, and conversational.  Be enthusiastic.
9. Delivery Style – This is an extemporaneous speech!  DO NOT READ YOUR SPEECH. Do not memorize your speech.  You may have notes cards while you present.  Notes should be used as support, not as a crutch. 
10. Practice, practice, and practice - the #1 thing you can do to insure a good speech.
11. In this class we are here to improve our communication skills, not engage in moral, ethical or political debate over speech content.  Disrespect for fellow speakers will not be tolerated.  Just because you don’t happen to agree with a speech doesn’t mean it’s bad.