How to Deliver a Persuasive Speech

Use visual aids and statistics to make your case.

When you deliver a persuasive speech, you want to inspire others to do something or take your side on an issue. To deliver a great speech, you must appeal to emotion, ground your argument in logic and demonstrate your passion for a cause.

Instructions

1. Know your audience so that you can construct a speech that speaks to their fears, desires and interests. Research the audience before writing this speech so that you know what points will be most important to them when delivering the speech.

2. Construct a speech that is based on logic and facts from authoritative sources. The Use of statistics can be particularly essential in building your argument. But don't weigh your speech down with statistics. Too much will bore your audience. Sprinkle in personal stories and anecdotes that can pull at the audiences' emotions. Prepare three main points that you want the audience to take away from your speech.

3. Write several drafts of your speech before you actually decide on a final draft. Get friends or family to read your speech. Create a well-structured speech that brings attention to your topic, clearly states what is needed, what will be the result of the action, visual aids for the audience, and lastly, a call to action.

4. Practice delivering your persuasive speech. Being able to give a clear speech that demonstrates confidence in what you're saying is key to making the audience believe you. Know your speech well enough so that you can make eye contact with the audience instead of having to look down at a piece of paper. Video tape yourself practicing the speech so that you can see yourself giving the speech and make improvements to your delivery along the way.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice, practice, practice.

• Watch others who deliver great persuasive speeches.

References

• Cal Poly Pomona College of Business; Persuasive Speech Tips; Steve Iman