This week, you will submit your topic proposal for your persuasive speech. Use the techniques you have learned for brainstorming to choose a topic that you are passionate about and want to cover in your persuasive speech.
Your goal for this speech is to effectively persuade your audience members to change their opinions or follow through on an action related to a policy, fact, or value.
The persuasive speech may deal with almost any subject of interest to you as long as the treatment of the topic does not denigrate others or violate standards of ethical acceptability. Your textbook offers many suggestions and ideas.
Topics that you should avoid include:
Religion
Politics
- Health care
- Why should you avoid these? Speaking briefly on political or religious topics (e.g., abortion, capital punishment, marijuana, same-sex marriage, war) is rarely effective. People have deep-rooted feelings on these topics that have been developed over many years. You are not likely to change anyone’s mind in a 6- to 8-minute speech. You could, however, inadvertently create a hostile audience. Do not set yourself up for failure. Focus on a question of fact, value, or policy that is politically and religiously neutral. Also, you have the next few years to focus on healthcare topics; try to pick something different.
- Be sure that your topic is appropriate for your audience (academic setting) and the time frame you are allotted for the speech (6–8 minutes).
In your proposal, provide the following:
A summary of your topic and your level of familiarity with it
A general purpose statement (the goal of the speech)
A specific purpose statement (topic/thesis)
- The central idea
- A summary of two potential details or examples that support your ideas (at least two scholarly supports)