Public speaking: example of a persuasive speech scheme to influence the opinion of the audience

You may want to persuade an audience to DO something, or you may want to show them that something is TRUE. However, there may be times when you want to convince your audience of your VIEW, that one option is desirable or better than other options. To organize such a talk (sometimes called the “Value” method), you still have the three parts of a speech: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. But the difference is in the Body. The Main Points of your talk would have two or ideally three points: (1) Establish criteria or ideal standards to define your proposal. (2) Measure your proposal against those standards. And if you want to convince yourself that your choice is better than other options, then (3) compare how your proposal compares with other options.

To see how this organization would work when you want to persuade your audience of your VIEW, let’s use the example of persuading them that swimming is the best form of exercise. Let’s say the group wants to get into an exercise program; They have already decided that they are going to DO some kind of exercise. You want to persuade them that swimming is the better option, better than running, biking, or yoga. Here’s how I might sum up that presentation:

I.INTRO

A. HOOK: Get your attention and interest. You could share a funny personal anecdote about swimming, how much you hated classes as a kid, and how you almost drowned the instructor once you blindly jumped off the diving board because you were so scared. And today, you are like a fish in the water.

B. REASON TO LISTEN: “It has been clearly established that exercise is crucial to our fitness and weight loss. We all know that we will look better, feel better and be healthier if we exercise regularly. However, we do not It has been established exactly what the best form of exercise is… But I think I know the answer…”

II. BODY

A. ROAD MAP: I’d like to show you all the great benefits of swimming so you can see which is the best option for your exercise plan.

B. MAIN POINTS:

1. The “ideal” criteria or standards for your proposal:

Introduce the audience (or even have them contribute) the characteristics of the ideal exercise program. For example, you can suggest that its features could be a good cardio workout, help you lose weight, be gentle on your joints, strengthen and tone all your major muscle groups, and build strong bones.

2. Measure your proposal against those standards.

Show how swimming meets those criteria: it’s a great aerobic exercise, especially if you can swim for at least 30 minutes; It’s easy on the joints thanks to the cushioning effect of water; Because it requires the use of the arms, legs, and back, it works all muscle groups, and its aerobic and general conditioning effect helps keep the weight down. Build strong bones? Well, not really, so we can’t claim that.

3. Compare how your proposal compares to other options, in this case running, biking, and yoga. (Grace this visually, if you can. In a table, list all the criteria on the left, and then have columns for each form of exercise:

Aerobic Swimming Running Biking Yoga
Lose Weight
Easy on Joints
All Muscle Groups
Strong Bones

For each exercise, check the criteria that apply to you. You’d like to have more checkmarks in your proposal column, of course!)

“You can see that swimming meets more of the criteria for a good workout than these other forms. It’s a fun and healthy way to stay fit!”

third CONCLUSION

A. SUMMARY: Conclude by reviewing the criteria and how your proposal measures them and compares favorably with others.

B. CLOSING/CALL TO ACTION: “So you can see that swimming is a better all-around exercise than these other forms. If you want a good workout that’s good for your heart, lungs, muscles, joints, and control of the weight, I urge you to buy your bathing suit and goggles and swim!”