What four methods of organization are used most often in persuasive speeches questions of policy?

Unit 15: Persuasive Speaking

Most speakers consider persuasive speaking as the most difficult of the three basic types (informative, persuasive, and entertaining). One of the reasons why understanding the demands of persuasive speaking is more difficult is because it requires a knowledge of terms that are specific to argumentation, such as claims and evidence. What is important to realize, however, is that while the terms may be different, most of the elements they refer to function in ways that are similar to what occurs in informative and entertaining speeches. Main points are called arguments, supporting detail is evidence, but presenting your observation and then backing them up with the kind of information your audience can understand, accept, and/or appreciate is universal communicative behavior.

Completing this unit should take you approximately 9 hours.

• Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • apply common communication theories to persuasive presentations, i.e., social judgment theory, cognitive dissonance theory, or the elaboration likelihood model;
  • identify the four types of persuasive claims;
  • identify examples of the two types of policy claims; and
  • identify common organizational patterns for persuasive speeches.

• 15.1: Persuasive Speaking

  • Read the introduction to chapter 17 and Section 17.1 to learn about persuasive speaking. In persuasive speeches, we attempt to mold people's opinions and encourage them to take action. Persuasive speaking also poses ethical dilemmas. Complete the exercises at the end of the section.
    

  • This chapter reviews persuasive speaking, its purposes, and its models. It defines three types of persuasive speeches: propositions of fact, propositions of value, and propositions of policy. It also gives general guidelines for success with receptive, neutral, and hostile audiences and reviews four organizational patterns: Monroe's motivated sequence, direct method, causal, and refutation.
    

  • This video gives an overview of persuasive speeches and suitable topics for them. The presenter also gives examples of topic development.
    

  • This video gives tips for developing a persuasive speech and addressing audiences who agree with you and those who do not.
    

  • This is an example of a persuasive speech. Using what you have learned, evaluate the successes and flaws in the presentation.
    

• 15.2: Types of Persuasive Speeches

  • This section discusses claims. Most people use the term "argument" instead of "claim", but there are subtle distinctions. A claim is a declaration about attitudes, values, beliefs, or behaviors. An argument is a series of statements used to persuade someone of something. A claim is the conclusion you want your audience to arrive at after presenting your arguments and the evidence that supports them. In persuasive speaking, you establish your claim in your thesis statement, and you establish that claim via the arguments (the main points of your speech). Complete the exercises at the end of the section.

  • Read these insights into how language moves an audience to our point of view or to take action. These are important in persuasive speaking.
    

• 15.3: Persuasive Organizational Patterns

  • This section covers the three most commonly used organizational patterns in argumentation. The "trial lawyer" model uses a point-counterpoint pattern to refute each opposing claim and is used when the number of arguments for and against is balanced. The "refute and overwhelm" model is used when one side has more arguments for it than against it and starts with a balanced refutation of opposing claims and then moves on to "overwhelm" the opposition by presenting additional irrefutable arguments. Complete the exercises at the end of the section.

  • This video discusses persuasive speaking strategies and organizational patterns. It gives examples of ethos (the speaker), logos (the message), and pathos (the audience) to develop a persuasive appeal.
    

  • This video provides details about Monroe's motivated sequence, a popular organizational approach to persuasive arguments. It includes the following steps: attention, need, satisfaction, visualization, action, and action/approval.

• 15.4: Unit 15 Exercises

  • After you finish this unit, respond to these questions. If you get any incorrect, review that material from the chapter.