Behind the Scenes of Public Speaking

The Persuasive Speech

The persuasive speech is the final presentation in our public speaking class. This speech provides an opportunity for the speaker to present her perspective on the controversial issue or social problem. At this juncture in the course, we have discussed a variety of relevant concepts, including presumption, burden of proof, argument, evidence, ethos, pathos, and logos.

The arrangement, or organizational pattern, for the speech may follow a first affirmative constructive speech, where the speaker establishes significance, inherency and solvency. Or, students may adopt a problem–solution format or Monroe's Motivated Sequence.

One of the requirements for the final presentation is that the speech must be a policy speech. In other words, students must present a concrete policy that addresses the controversial issue or social problem. I find this requirement consistent with the mission of Agnes Scott College to educate women "to think deeply, live honorably, and engage the intellectual and social challenges of their times."

In the persuasive speech below, Ashley employs a problem–solution organizational pattern. She argues that House Bill 89 has three serious flaws that jeopardize public safety. She then advocates for the Georgia legislature to amend the bill according to her policy suggestions. You may find it helpful to view her full-sentence outline of the speech.