Varieties of Persuasive Speeches
Persuasive speeches come in different forms, shaped by their content and the subject matter at hand. When
considering a persuasive speech topic, it typically falls into one of these three categories:
• Value Persuasive Speech
Value persuasive speeches revolve around the morality of an issue, such as the aversion to taxes and
whether it is justifiable. These speeches demand the speaker to introduce appeals or information and
establish criteria for judgment. The speaker must convince the audience of the rationale behind their
stance on determining what is right or wrong. Often, this type relies on cultural perspectives on
ethics, delineating what is culturally acceptable and what is not.
• Policy Persuasive Speech
Policy persuasive speeches tackle critical policy issues, often presented by individuals in government or
those seeking political office. Their aim is to sway an audience to either support or reject a specific
policy or candidate. Examples of such speeches can be found in presidential campaigns, where candidates
from both sides employ policy persuasive techniques.
• Factual Persuasive Speech
Factual persuasive speeches concentrate on the truth within a topic and are typically supported by
evidence. For example, a student might endeavor to persuade their audience that there is life on Mars,
providing substantial evidence to substantiate the claim. Various methods can be employed to ascertain
the factual nature of a statement, including historical controversy, which draws on historical records
to establish truth. Another method involves the present existence of a phenomenon, demonstrating its
current occurrence. Lastly, predictions about future events can also be used, provided the speaker has
researched and can present supporting evidence to validate their theory. This ensures the audience
awaits the anticipated outcome.
Persuasive Techniques
The effectiveness of persuasive techniques in convincing an audience hinges on the type of speech and the
chosen persuasive essay topic. Some key persuasive techniques include:
• Appeal to Reason and Logic/Logos
This technique targets the audience's intellect. For example, in discussing climate change, you can
present information on changing weather patterns and the greenhouse effect, illustrating their
implications for climate change. Using this logical argument as a foundation, you can then elaborate on
why it is crucial to address and combat the situation.
• Appeal to Emotion
Also known as pathos, this technique involves evoking emotional responses from the audience to support
your persuasive speech topic. For example, if your aim is to encourage people to donate to a charity in
foreign countries, you can elicit feelings of sadness, anger, or happiness by describing how their
contribution could rescue a child from the streets and provide them with proper schooling and at least
one meal a day.
• Appeal to Ethics/Morals/Ethos
If you appeal to your audience's sense of morality, it can bolster your case. For instance, emphasizing
that killing goes against the laws of the land and is immoral in every sense may sway your audience's
perspective.
The aforementioned techniques have stood the test of time, with speakers dating back to ancient Greece
employing them to persuade audiences. In many instances, speakers use a combination of these techniques
to achieve maximum impact. Additional types of appeal, while not as effective, can still be
employed:
• The Concept of Plain Folks
Occasionally, individuals, especially politicians, gain the trust of the public by adopting an approach
that mirrors ordinary people. This involves engaging in activities typical of everyday life, such as
assisting communal workers in garbage collection. By presenting yourself as an average person in your
speech, you can effectively persuade the audience. Utilizing real-life examples that demonstrate your
connection to reality is one way to achieve this.
• Rhetorical Questions
Rhetorical questions serve not only to draw attention to the persuasive speech topic but also to engage
the audience in thought alongside the speaker.
• Repetition
Repetition, whether of patterns or information, reinforces a point and enhances the audience's likelihood
of belief.
Tips for Writing a Good Persuasive Speech
• Strong Openings
A compelling opening will keep the audience on the edges of their seats. Initiate your speech with
something attention-grabbing, swiftly connecting yourself and the topic to the audience. It may be
helpful to elucidate your credentials or goals and provide insight into the issues you intend to
address.
• Persuasive Evidence
As discussed earlier, employing various strategies to persuade your audience is essential. However,
ensure that your points maintain logical coherence, flow smoothly, and that your sources are
credible.
• Address Opposing Parties
When addressing opposing views, refrain from denigrating them. Instead, provide an objective explanation
and employ the aforementioned techniques to persuasively present alternative perspectives.
• In your conclusion, utilize your main points to introduce a call to action, particularly if your
objective was to garner support for a specific cause.
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