How to Write a Persuasive Speech

Here are some key points to consider when you need to know how to write a persuasive speech. First, RESEARCH – it is essential that you develop research with a critical eye, persuasion is rarely successfully when the information you gather is easily disproven by peer-reviewed sources or up-to-date results. Next, it is a contest – a persuasive speech has a primary objective – to prove that your viewpoint is the viewpoint that your audience should have – whether in defense of a new technology or in defense of some atrocity that you would not prefer to defend. You must persuade your audience into believing that your particular viewpoint is the right viewpoint.

Most students will be challenged at some time during their academic career to write a persuasive speech for some subject that they do not particularly agree with –whether regarding the success of the Hitler regime, polluting the oceans, or even abortion; however, the goal is not to convince you that you should believe, the goal of the persuasive speech is to demonstrate the power of the spoken word and how to provide evidence in support of your particular assigned viewpoint. Nearly every subject ever to exist has two sides, and each side will be heard at some point or other. When you need to know how to write a persuasive speech, begin by reading argumentative articles from your school’s database on the topic.

Next, while you are writing your persuasive speech try to consider what you would want to know to understand the topic well enough to pick sides – information is the key to persuasion. Provide the information, factually, from reliable sources that defend your points; however, have defenses against the opposite points handy as well.