Writing Persuasive Speeches

Learn what makes good persuasive speeches

Don't you wish you could wave a magic wand so your persuasive speeches could write themselves? It would save you so much time and stress.

Well I'm afraid I haven't got a magic wand, but I do have the next best thing.

Here are some great tips and advice

• The first thing you should really do is to analyze your audience.

Why?

Well if you don't, you may spend a lot of time and effort writing something really good but of little interest to your audience.

It's a bit like cooking a fantastic meat dish… for a vegetarian.

 Analyzing your audience will help you understand them better, and what their needs and values are. Once you know these details you can customize your persuasive speech to meets their needs.

This is important, after all, you are writing a persuasive speech, so you need to do your best to convince them that your argument is correct.

Learn more about audience analysis in my Speaker's Handbook


• Once you've analyzed your audience, you should start working on your content.

Do some research and fact finding

Keep an open mind. Don't just concentrate on your point of view; include some arguments from the opposition as well.

You may find you have beliefs, values or ideas in common, which might be worth mentioning.

Including opposing arguments by addressing them directly in your speech with a strong counter argument, will actually strengthen your speech.

However do treat the opposing view with respect and dignity. This will reflect your professionalism as well trying to present an honest speech.

• Try and use examples that are meaningful to your audience so they can personally relate to what you are saying and appeal to their emotions.
• Check and double check any facts you want to include. You only need one incorrect fact to undermine your credibility. What's more it won't just reduce your credibility for this speech but for future ones.

• When choosing what examples and facts to include, make sure they are strong ones. None of these wishy washy '8 out of 10 people think…..' facts. Get some hard hitting ones. Why not use a good one as your attention opening statement?

• But don't overwhelm your listeners with lots of facts and figures. If you do have a lot of information to present, think about creating a handout containing the extra information.
• Be sincere. Unless it has been chosen for you as an assignment, or a toastmaster task, stick to writing a persuasive topic that you do feel passionate about.

Audiences are very clever as spotting someone who is not being sincere. Imagine how you will feel if someone in your audience stood up and said. I don't believe a word you are saying. How would you persuade them otherwise?

• Structure your speech well. Lead you audience logically through your argument, so when you finish your speech with a suitable call to action, they will be eager to oblige
• Don't read your speech, if necessary use prompt cards.
• Be confident. To give a good persuasive speech you really should know how to 'Speak With Confidence'

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