Persuasive Speech: Business Proposal

 

            This speech is basically a claim of policy. You are recommending a course of action. Within this framework you can take this speech in a variety of directions. You could make a "sales presentation." Additionally, you could make personnel recommendations, regarding productivity techniques, training, managerial styles, etc. Lastly the speech could focus on organizational direction; i.e. "Apple Computer should concentrate on software not manufacturing..."

            In terms of audience analysis, I want you to treat the audience in a creative context. Just be clear on how you perceive the audience; are we the board of directors, stockholders, investors, or targeted consumers? Particular attention should be paid to use of adequate evidence and reasoning, as well as the use of the best organizational pattern and materials for the majority audience opinion held toward the purpose of the speech.  Also, focus on a convincing delivery.  

 

Your speech related task is to:

 

A.  Orally present a speech persuading your audience to believe or do something that is of significance.

 

B.  Limit your speech to 6-8 minutes in length.

 

C.  Create a message that contains:

 

1) An introduction that (i) gains the attention of the audience and (ii) makes the topic relevant to the audience.

2) A purpose or thesis statement stated clearly somewhere in the speech before the             conclusion.  (Where it is placed will be dependent on what attitude the audience holds toward what you are persuading them to do or believe.)

3) Transitions which (i) overview your major points, (ii) review the previous points in the body before moving on to the next point, and (iii) preview the next point before moving into a description of that point.

4) A body that uses an effective organizational pattern for arranging the main arguments/points of your speech.  (This also should be determined by the audience's attitude toward your topic.)

           (5) Verbal citations of sources used.

(6) A conclusion that (i) provides logical and psychological closure and (ii) clinches the speech.

 

     D. Work for an effective language style (e.g., clear, concrete, colorful).

 

     E. Work for a convincing and charismatic extemporaneous delivery, both vocally and physically.

 

     F. Turn in a bibliography of at least five sources used in your speech.

 

    G. Turn in a formal outline of your whole speech.

 

    H.  Effectively use visual aids when appropriate.        


Persuasive Speech Evaluation Form 

Student:

Topic: 

 

 

needs

work

below

average

 

average

above average

 

Wow!

COMMENTS

1.  Introduction

  • Did it get our attention? 
  • Was the thesis clear? 
  • Is the topic made relevant to the audience?
  • Were major points previewed?    

2

4

6

8

10

 

2.  Transitions

  • Were they effectively used to preview and review? 

1

2

3

4

5

 

3.  Body

·        Effective Organizational Pattern?_____________

  • Enough information for audience understanding?  (Is there support for each main point?)
  • Adequate source citations?

5

10

15

20

25

 

4.  Conclusion

  • provide logical and psychological closure?
  • clinch the speech?

2

4

6

8

10

 

5.  Delivery

·        Volume?

  • Articulation?
  • Rate?
  • Pitch?
  • Gestures?
  • Eye Contact?

4

8

12

16

20

 

6.  Visual Aids

  • Good selection and design (quality of illustrations)?
  • Good use (well displayed and discussed)?

4

8

12

16

20

 

7. Outline

  • Formal principles of outlining?
  • Bibliography? 5 sources?

2

4

6

8

10

 

 

 

Time: ____________   (6-8 minutes)                                        Grade:__________________