Choose a topic that is a PROBLEM existing in society that you can both persuade and propose a plan of action for your audience to carry out in response to your persuasive message. Developmental Skill

John Doe

COMM 120

January 1, 20_ _

YouTube Link to Speech:

A Persuasive Speech Outline

(Monroe’s Motivated Sequence)

1. Introduction – Getting Attention: Attention Getter

   1. Problem Thesis Statement: A definite, concise statement of the problem. (Example: “I feel”/ “I believe” “there is a problem with….”)

   2. Overview: State the main sections or issues for which you will discuss.

2. Body – Showing the Need: Describe the Problem

   1. Evidence: (Facts)

      1. Present statistics, testimony, illustrations and other forms of support showing the extent and seriousness of the problem.

      2. Discuss the causes, effects, and harms that the problem creates.

      3. Make clear to the listeners how the problem directly affects them. Why should they be concerned about this problem? How are they harmed?

   2. Meeting Objections: Answer any objections which might be raised against what you are saying. Acknowledge the other point of view.

3. Satisfying the Need: Presenting the Solution

   1. Solution Thesis Statement: State your solution to the problem. Be creative, but be practical.

   2. Explain your proposal clearly (this is where diagrams/charts come in handy). Through reasoning, show how your proposed solution meets the need. And, discuss the advantages of your solution.

   3. It Has Worked! Provide facts, statistics and testimony of experts to prove that your proposal has worked effectively where it has been tried.

   4. Meeting Objections: Answer and satisfy your listeners’ probable objections and questions about your solutions. Lightly acknowledge possible weaknesses, but emphasize the advantages of the solution, and how they outweigh the disadvantages.

4. Visualizing the Results: Project a picture for the audience of how conditions will be in the future. Present a creative illustration of the bad effects or disadvantages that would be experienced if the problem continues; or discuss the good effects or advantages of your plan. In essence, you are a fortuneteller.

5. Conclusion – Call for Action!

   1. Move the audience into acting. Tell them how they can help you alleviate the seriousness of the problem. Provide concrete instructions, for example, provide the name and address of your congressperson, tell them to boycott a product and show what the products looks like; then provide the name, address and phone number of an organization you want your audience to contribute money to; present a petition and have them sign it, etc.

   2. Effective Concluding Statement

Grade Breakdown: 40 Points Total

Overall Organization (spelling, grammar, clarity) = 5 pts., Intro = 10 pts. Body = 10 pts, Conclusion = 10 pt., Source Citations (including Works Cited/Reference Page) = 5 pts