Speeches to Persuade: Part 3 Organizing Speeches to Persuade

For Claims of Value Use topical structure 1st point—establish standards for judgment 2nd point—apply standards to your topic

Claim of Value--Example Claim: Bicycle riding is an ideal form of city-wide transportation 1st point: Ideal city transportation should meet three standards: (1) economical, (2) non- polluting, (3) personally beneficial. 2nd point: Bicycle riding meets the standards: its (1) cheap, (2) non-polluting, (3) promotes health.

For Claims of Policy Three basic issues: Need—existence of a serious problem Plan—specific solution for the problem Practicality—show the plan will work

Claims of Policy: Four Patterns Problem-Solution Problem-Cause-Solution Comparative Advantages Monroe’s Motivated Sequence

Problem-Solution Most common structure 1st point--Show extent and seriousness of the problem 2nd point—Explain your plan and show it is practical

Problem-Solution--Example Claim: California should increase fines for texting while driving. 1st point: Texting while driving is a serious and dangerous problem. 2nd point: Increased fines would reduce texting while driving.

Problem-Cause-Solution Order Focuses on causes of the problem as a check for solution effectiveness 1st point—Seriousness of the problem 2nd point—Major causes of the problem 3rd point—Solution for the problem

Problem-Cause-Solution--Example Claim: Childhood obesity is a serious problem requiring changes in diet and exercise. 1st point: Childhood obesity is a major problem in the US. 2nd point: There are two primary causes of the problem. (poor diet and physical inactivity) 3rd point: Solving the problem requires dealing with both causes.

Comparative Advantages Order Used when the audience agrees there is a problem Each point focuses on why your solution is better than other solutions

Comparative Adv’s--Example Claim: Unstaffed space missions are less costly and more beneficial than staffed space flights. 1st point: Unstaffed space missions are cheaper than staffed space flights. 2nd point: Unstaffed space missions provide more practical benefits than staffed space flights.

Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Used for speeches seeking immediate action Follows psychology of persuasion Involves five steps

Five Steps Attention—Gain audience’s attention Need—Show need for change; seriousness of the problem Satisfaction—Satisfy need by providing a solution and showing how it will work Visualization—Show benefits of the solution Action—Tell audience what to do and how to do it

Motivated Sequence--Example Attention: You can be a lifesaver by donating blood. Need: Delta Blood Bank has a constant need for blood; 250 units must be collected every day. Satisfaction: College students can help fill this need by donating blood. Visualization: You can save three lives with every pint you donate. Action: Sign up for the campus blood drive on Nov. 3. It only takes one hour of your time to save three lives.