Lecture for introductory rhetoric class introducing preparation steps for a formal persuasive speech.

1. Preparing the
Persuasive Speech
RHETORIC II Bruce Clary
Spring 2012 Instructor

2. The Assignment
• Five-six minute persuasive speech
• The speech should be based upon the same
arguments and content as our persuasive essay,
but…
• You may not have the paper with you when you
deliver the speech
• You are allowed two notecards for a key word
outline, plus additional notecards for each direct
quotation or paraphrased information
RHETORIC II Bruce Clary
Spring 2012 Instructor

3. What makes a good speech?
RHETORIC II Bruce Clary
Spring 2012 Instructor

4. Content and Structure
• Intro generates interest, grabs attention, and make
central claim of speech absolutely clear
• Body is clearly organized and “signposted”
• Content is detailed enough to be informative and
interesting
• Conclusion reminds audience of your thesis and
principal arguments and hits home in such a way that
audience will remember what you have said
RHETORIC II Bruce Clary
Spring 2012 Instructor

5. Qualities of Good Delivery
The voice is easy to hear and listen to.
•Volume is easy to hear everywhere in room
•Rate is moderate. It neither drags nor races.
•Variations in rate and volume are used for emphasis.
RHETORIC II Bruce Clary
Spring 2012 Instructor

6. Qualities of Good Delivery
The delivery has conversational qualities.
•Delivery conveys enthusiasm for subject and a genuine
in communicating with audience.
•Eye contact conveys speaker’s interest in connecting,
communicating.
•Delivery doesn’t sound canned or memorized (even if
it is).
RHETORIC II Bruce Clary
Spring 2012 Instructor

7. Qualities of Good Delivery
The body adds to communication rather than
detracting.
•Face is animated. Posture says speaker has something
interesting or important to say.
•Gestures emphasize ideas and structural transitions.
•Movements add to, rather than distract from, the oral
message.
RHETORIC II Bruce Clary
Spring 2012 Instructor

8. Preparing the Speech
Reduce the critical essay to a keyword/key idea
outline on one or two 3” x 5” notecards. Why?
•Notecards prevent you from reading, which can be the
deadliest kind of delivery.
•Hands need to be free to gesture, aid com-munication.
•Communicate ideas, not words.
RHETORIC II Bruce Clary
Spring 2012 Instructor

9. Practicing the Speech
• Talk your way through your essay several times to
get your main ideas in mind. Then put essay away!
• Stand up; face imaginary audience or mirror.
• Give speech from keyword outline on cards.
• Time the speech.
• Repeat and repeat again--but don’t memorize.
RHETORIC II Bruce Clary
Spring 2012 Instructor

10. Practicing Delivery
• Develop conversational quality.
• Practice projecting enthusiasm--a desire to
communicate.
• Practice making eye contact.
RHETORIC II Bruce Clary
Spring 2012 Instructor

11. Citing Sources in Speeches
We cite sources in speeches for the same
reasons we do in papers.
•Enhances our credibility
•Adds authority to your content and arguments
•Integrity. Acknowledges the origin of your ideas
and/or information in a responsible, honest way.
RHETORIC II Bruce Clary
Spring 2012 Instructor

12. Citing Sources in Speeches
Unlike papers, speeches need not (should not)
provide full bibliographical information.
•Some appropriate source citations styles follow:
RHETORIC II Bruce Clary
Spring 2012 Instructor

13. ❝According to a recent article in Wired magazine…❞
❝As reported on the Internet by ScienceDaily.com, a study
conducted by an Iowa State University professor of
psychology discovered that…❞
❝According to James Paul Gee, author of the 2007 book Good
Video Games and Good Learning, video games…❞
❝A scientific article published in a 2010 issue of Pediatrics found
that… ❞
RHETORIC II Bruce Clary
Spring 2012 Instructor

14. Keep your eyes on the prize
Moving from frightened uncertainty
to confident poise in front of an audience.
RHETORIC II Bruce Clary
Spring 2012 Instructor