Persuasive Speaking

1. Persuasive Speaking American Literature

2. What are three building blocks of effective persuasion? Confidence, the side-effect of preparedness and knowledge Balanced appeals to logos, ethos, and pathos (evidence) A logical pattern of organization, including a clear thesis

3. Organization You will spend a part of your first day at work researching organizational patterns for persuasive speaking, and you should choose one that best fits your topic. Some types of organization are: • problem-solution • motivated sequence • cause-effect • problem-cause-solution • refutation You will receive a handout to help you prepare and organize.

4. Organization -- Thesis A good thesis will: • Be clear • Provide structure for your essay • Focus audience attention on the important elements of your argument

5. Appeals -- logos Logos is the Greek word used in rhetoric* to refer to reason and rational principle in argument. What are some ways to establish logos in a speech or essay? *Rhetoric is the art of using language effectively and persuasively.

6. Appeals -- ethos Ethos is the Greek word used in rhetoric to refer to credibility, specifically that of the speaker/writer who is attempting to persuade the audience. What are some ways to establish ethos in a speech or essay?

7. Appeals -- pathos Pathos is the Greek word used in rhetoric to refer to appeals to the audience’s emotions. What are some ways to appeal to pathos in a speech or essay?

8. Appeals -- BALANCE You can rarely convince someone of something based solely on your emotional investment. You need to present balanced supporting evidence, including appeals to logos, ethos, and pathos. • How can you be sure you use balanced appeals?

9. Confidence When you are prepared, you are confident. When you know what you’re talking about, you are confident. How can you choose a topic and prepare to maximize your confidence?

10. Choosing a Topic • Your topic choice can determine your success or failure in a persuasive speech or essay. • Go with something you know. Ethos is important, and it’s hard to establish if you’re trying to convince your audience of something you don’t clearly understand yourself. • Go with something that will allow for a balance of appeals. Avoid topics that result in overheated emotional debates.