1. Positive Persuasive Techniques

2.  Supporting our ideas with: ◦ Facts, details, statistics ◦ Quotes ◦ Reasons ◦ Examples ◦ Explanation of benefits, advantages, and consequences ◦ Personal experience/story

3. Relevant information that supports your position “Our animal shelter needs to reduce its number by 75% to make room for more animals. If these animals are not adopted, they will be put to sleep. Can you help?”

4. An explanation of what others have said or thought that supports your position The director stated “I am sure if the public understands how serious overpopulation at our shelter is, they will come to our rescue.” So if you are looking for a dog or a cat, have you thought about going to the animal shelter?

5. A statement of reasons and explanation of why they should be accepted Adopting a pet from the animal shelter is so much better than buying one from a pet store because adopting means saving an animal’s life. Also adopting does not cost as much.

6. Important examples that help your audience “see” your point of view For example, you can expect to pay around $400 for a normal cross-breed, from $550 to $700 for a pure breed and around $800 for a ‘designer’ breed. In contrast, it only costs about $50 for an adoption fee.

7. An explanation of what others stand to gain from agreeing with you and the consequences if they don’t Even if you are not able to adopt an animal, you could help by volunteering at our local animal shelter. And if you are not able to do that, please spread the word that our animal shelter needs help. By taking action, you will feel good yourself. If you do nothing, many animals will suffer.

8. An explanation of a relevant personal experience that helps support your opinion When I visited the animal shelter, looking into the eyes of those poor dogs made me feel very sad, but I was excited to think that I could make the difference in the life of one of them. I hope you can make a difference too.

9. Prepared by: Jennifer Bernhard Jennifer.bernhard@clark.kyschools.us