Comparison of Two Persuasive Formats

This comparison can be helpful in the following ways:

1. As a learning device. It may be easier for you to understand Monroe's Motivated Sequence (a persuasive outline) by comparing it with the traditional outline (used for your informative speeches).

2. As an alternative outline choice for your persuasive speech. If you decide to use the problem/solution approach in your speech, then you may follow the outline format below (Monroe's Motivated Sequence) or you may follow the example of outlines 4 through 7. It is important to note that whichever of the two outline formats for Monroe's Motivated Sequence you select, the approach is the same; that is, first you describe the problem, then you present the solution.

Monroe's Motivated Sequence	Statement of Reasons
ATTENTION	INTRODUCTION
I. Attention-getting statement II. Establish credibility III. Audience predispositions/Survey	I. Attention-getting statement II. Establish credibility; Audience predispositions/ .....Survey* (Need for listening) III. State proposition (Thesis) .....A. Preview main point I .....B. Preview main point II .....C. Preview main point III
NEED	BODY
I. Need (state the problem) ______A. Explanation/Example ...............1. Evidence ...............2. Evidence ______B. Explanation/Example ...............1. Evidence ...............2. Evidence	I. Main point ______A. Explanation/Example ...............1. Evidence ...............2. Evidence ______B. Explanation/Example ...............1. Evidence ...............2. Evidence
SATISFACTION	II. Main point ______A. Explanation/Example ...............1. Evidence ...............2. Evidence ______B. Explanation/Example ...............1. Evidence ...............2. Evidence
II. (State the solution) ______A. Explanation/Example ...............1. Evidence ...............2. Evidence ______B. Explanation/Example ...............1. Evidence ...............2. Evidence	III. Main point ______A. Explanation/Example ...............1. Evidence ...............2. Evidence ______B. Explanation/Example ...............1. Evidence ...............2. Evidence, etc.
VISUALIZATION
III. (Solution benefits) ______A. Explanation/Example ...............1. Evidence ...............2. Evidence ______B. Explanation/Example ...............1. Evidence/Example ...............2. Evidence/Example etc.
ACTION	CONCLUSION
I. Action (final commitment and call for action)	Summary (Review main points) Clincher (Restate proposition)

Number 017 in the Speaking Center Handout Series