How to Write a Proposal for a Persuasive Speech

The persuasive speech is a popular speech format in politics and business. High school and college debaters also give persuasive speeches. Whether at school or at work, you may be required to give a persuasive speech. This type of speech is meant to persuade your audience to see the topic your way. When writing and presenting a persuasive speech, it's important to establish credibility by presenting facts that will convince your listeners to change their way of thinking about the specific topic.

Instructions

1. Choose your topic. Your instructor or teacher may have provided guidelines; if so, follow these guidelines when choosing your topic. If no guidelines were provided or the persuasive speech is political in nature, choose a topic about which you are passionate. Your audience will sense whether you feel strongly about the topic. You will be doing a lot of research on the speech topic, so choose one that you are interested in and will not get tired of.

2. Break the proposal into three sections. The first section should describe your topic; this is not extensive because you have yet to do your research. Include what you plan to explore in your speech, as well as any issues or controversies.

   The second section includes your interview and research references. Include those whom you will try to interview and why they have been chosen. Also include the tools you plan to use as references, such as websites, books, magazines and other media.

   The third section provides information on the visual aids you will use during the speech. Use this section to explore how you can convey your message and persuade your audience. Consider using graphs or images; specify how you will find them and how they will be displayed, such as in a PowerPoint presentation, a brochure or a flier.

3. Type the proposal. Proposal lengths can vary, depending on guidelines. If no guidelines were provided, adhere to the standard length for a speech proposal, typically one-half to one page. Type in 12-point Times New Roman font. No cover sheet is necessary.

References

• Writing Smart: How to Write a Proposal
• Aulette Sociology: Speech