Persuasive Speech: Meaning, Features & How to Write It – SS1 English Lesson Note (Third Term)

A persuasive speech is a speech meant to arouse the interest of an audience and stir them to action.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain what a persuasive speech is;
2. state the four things to consider when preparing a persuasive speech;
3. list the steps for writing a persuasive speech;
4. use the analysis points to check a persuasive speech;
5. write a persuasive speech on a given issue.

What is a persuasive speech?

A persuasive speech is a speech that wins an audience to the speaker’s side and moves them to act.

• Aim: to make listeners agree with a view and do something about it.
• Method: the speaker gives opinions, facts and evidence in a clear order.
• Ending: the speech closes with a call to action.
• Examples: a campaign speech, a head boy’s address to students, a talk urging people to stop littering.

What are the features of a persuasive speech?

A persuasive speech has a clear stand, strong support for that stand and a call to action.

• Clear stand: the speaker states exactly what they believe about the issue.
• Facts and evidence: claims are backed with reasons, examples and facts.
• Opinions: the speaker’s own views are given with confidence.
• Anecdotes: short true or familiar stories make the point real to listeners.
• Direct address: words like “you” and “we” draw the audience in.
• Rhythm: repetition and balanced phrases make the speech easy to remember.
• Call to action: the speaker tells listeners what to do next.

How is a persuasive speech different from an informative speech?

A persuasive speech aims to change what the audience thinks or does.

An informative speech aims to explain a subject so that the audience understands it.

Spoken English: What should you consider before giving a persuasive speech?

There are four things to consider: audience, tone, length and rhythm.

Audience

• Meaning: the people you are persuading to join you and do what you want.
• Know them: find out who they are, their mood, attitudes and background.
• Rapport: create a good relationship with them before you ask for action.
• Delivery: be bold and confident when you speak.
• Register: avoid being too informal, since you want to stir them to action.

Tone

• Meaning: the attitude of the speech, which may be casual, emotional or serious.
• Purpose: knowing the tone helps you choose suitable language.
• Casual speech: uses relaxed, informal expressions.
• Formal or serious speech: uses formal language.
• Rule: use the type of language that fits the occasion.

Length

• Meaning: the time allotted to your speech.
• Preparation: prepare well so that you fit the time given.
• Pace: do not be sluggish, and do not rush.
• Ending: be conscious of concluding within the time allotted.

Rhythm

• Meaning: the pattern of sound and pace in your speech.
• Purpose: a rhythmic pattern makes the speech memorable, interesting and action-oriented.
• Repetition: repeat a key word or phrase at important points.
• Pauses: pause briefly after a strong point so listeners can take it in.

How do you write a persuasive speech?

You write a persuasive speech in four steps: introduce the topic, declare your stand, maintain it, and conclude.

1. Introduction: describe your topic clearly, including the background information needed to understand it.
2. Declare your stand: make your stand known in a clear, concise and direct sentence.
3. Maintain your stand: present your opinion, facts and evidence, and keep a very strong stand to win your audience to your side.
4. Draw your conclusion: end by clearly summarising your ideas, which leads to a clear call to action.

What does each part of the speech look like?

How do you analyse a persuasive speech?

You analyse a persuasive speech by checking six points: purpose, credibility, appropriateness, coherence, interest and variety.

1. Purpose: identify the main points of the speech.
2. Credibility: make sure ideas and arguments are well supported and believable.
3. Appropriateness: find out whether the language and ideas suit the audience and the occasion.
4. Coherence: all the ideas must be connected, intelligible, logical and consistent.
5. Interest: find out if the ideas arrest your attention.
6. Variety: ensure that your speech includes anecdotes, opinions and facts.

Evaluation

1. What is a persuasive speech?
2. Name the four things to consider when preparing a persuasive speech.
3. What should you know about your audience?
4. List the four guidelines for writing a persuasive speech.
5. Mention the six points used to analyse a persuasive speech.

Assignment

Your fellow students are about to stage a demonstration over an increase in school fees. As the head boy or head girl of your school, write a speech you will deliver during your interaction with the students over the issue. Follow the four steps for writing a persuasive speech and end with a call to action.