Writing a Persuasive Speech: A Formula to Get Action or Change Belief

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Persuasive Speech

Persuasive writing is an element of daily life. Any writing that either calls on someone to take action or change an opinion is persuasive writing.

A radio or TV commercial selling a product, a political ad urging a vote, and the President of the United States touting the value of his policies are all verbal presentations of persuasion that were first written out. A flier placed on a car, a direct mail letter offering a product, columns in the editorial section of newspapers, magazines, or blogs, and business plans are all designed to affect either behavior or belief and are examples of written persuasion. Putting together a persuasive presentation is vital to forming successful teams.

Effective persuasion through the written word results from a formula that can be followed whether the medium is aural, visual, or printed. Written with a quill pen or with a computer keyboard, the skills needed are the same.

Whether the writing is a persuasive essay, persuasive advertising, or persuasive speech, persuasive writing follows a particular format. It has an introduction, a body where the argument is developed, and a conclusion. Here is a guide to constructing a successful piece to motivate action or change opinions.

An Introduction Must Grab the Audience’s Attention Immediately

Introduction

At the very beginning of a persuasive piece, the audience will soon decide whether to pay attention or not. Thus, the introduction should be attention-grabbing and impressive enough to compel continued consideration. Your first words will determine success or failure and should make clear the presentation’s purpose, grab the audience’s attention, and provide a preview of what’s to come.

To gain the interest of an audience try one of the following strategies:

  • Start with an extraordinary detail

  • Make a controversial statement

  • Quote a famous person

  • Introduce a short and relevant anecdote

  • Introduce a startling statistic or fact

  • Ask a thought-provoking, relevant rhetorical question

The Body of the Piece Must Develop and Support the Argument

The body of the presentation is the critical part that presents evidence and develops the reasons a person should act upon or believe the premise of the writer. It is crucial to support your argument and dispel counterarguments. The evidence presented must be reasonable and reliable.

The body is constructed in a straightforward, simple manner that is easily understood. This construction is as follows:

  • A statement of facts that outlines the issues involved

  • Apply those facts to support action or belief

  • Summarize how the facts undercut opposing views

Create a Memorable Conclusion Summarized With a Tagline

Memorable Conclusion

A listener will remember little of the details of what they hear. The point of persuasion is to ultimately get someone to do or believe something. The introduction and body are designed to get the audience favorably disposed to the conclusion.

A short restatement of the introduction and a summary of the body will remind listeners why they spent their valuable time considering your presentation. The conclusion must be memorable.

There are strategies for making the conclusion memorable. These include:

  • A question with an expected answer

  • A suggestion that the action or belief is a solution to a problem

  • An implication that the solution is the idea of the listener

  • A repeat of a famous quote giving credibility to the desired action or belief

In Conclusion

  • Tell them what you are going to tell them

  • Tell them.

  • Tell them what you told them.

About the author:

Kaylee Osuna is a professional writer at EssayWriterCheap.org, who loves to read and write about Psychology. She has participated in different conferences and presentations to gain more knowledge and experience. Her goal is to help people cope with their problems.

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