Is marijuana better than alcohol?
Instructions
1. State and defend a controversial thesis statement. The key focus here is using your argumentation skills to support a statement that can be shown to be true or false. Be careful to avoid false reasoning.
2. Find supporting materials. While this speech is representative of your opinion or position on the topic, your opinion is not enough to meet the standards of an argument. Find outside sources such as books, articles, websites, and interviews of experts on your topic. You must include a minimum of five outside sources for your speech; at least one must not be from the Internet. You will need to cite your sources orally during your speech. You want to convince your audience to accept your thesis. Therefore, you need to make a case in support of your thesis by using evidence. In general, evidence can be taken from your personal experience and your research (statistics, charts/graphs, examples, testimony, quotes, facts, etc.).
3. Perform an audience analysis. This is a persuasive presentation. Speaking effectively is greatly dependent on how well you analyze your audience and adapt your speech to them. Reflect on the demographic of the class and think about their interest and knowledge of your topic. The more audience-centered your speech is, the stronger your effects on your listeners, which will, of course, be reflected in your grade. You should also use (but not solely depend on) pathos or emotional appeals to persuade your audience.
4. Write an outline of your persuasive speech using the template below as a guide. Create a document that includes details for main and sub points. A persuasive speech has a desired outcome that demands a specific thesis. Be very clear on what you wish to persuade your audience to do or think. Using the template below, you should also include the following:
Any key research or quotes (supporting material)
At least five reputable sources for this speech (not blogs or unreliable websites)
A bibliography at the end of the outline
Connectives
Introduction
Attention Getter:
Thesis Statement:
Credibility:
Related topic to audience:
Preview body of speech:
Connective to body of speech:
1st Main Point
Subpoint:
– Supporting material:
Subpoint:
– Supporting material:
Connective to body of speech
[Repeat this pattern for each main point]
Conclusion
Prepared audience for ending:
Reinforced central idea/thesis:
Vivid Ending:
Be sure to include three main points with subpoint details. If you have questions about sources, be sure to ask your mentor. Use full sentences and include specific wording that you want to use in the speech.
5. Create a PowerPoint presentation based on the outline youve already created. This aids in the audiences understanding and influence of the information presented. You will be evaluated on how you present your visual aids.
Your presentation should include 10 to 13 slides. You will be graded on the effective design of your slides. The slideshow should be impactful and interesting, keeping your audiences attention. Be sure to include graphic elements such as a chart or graph. Your design should be bold and compelling. Be consistent with fonts, colors, and stylistic choices. Simple is better than cluttered.
