Unit 8: Persuasive Speaking
Section outline
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Most speakers consider persuasive speaking as the most challenging of the three basic types (informative, persuasive, and entertaining). One reason why understanding the demands of persuasive speaking is more challenging is that it requires a knowledge of terms that are specific to argumentation, such as claims and evidence. What is important to realize, however, is that while the terms may be different, most of the elements they refer to function in ways that are similar to what occurs in informative and entertaining speeches. Main points are called arguments; supporting details are evidence. Presenting your observations and backing them up with information your audience can understand, accept, or appreciate is universal communicative behavior. This unit will explore the challenges of preparing and delivering persuasive speeches.
This unit aligns with the following Course Learning Outcomes:
- CLO 5: Cite sources of information appropriately, accurately, and clearly in both spoken and written contexts
- CLO 6: Select an effective pattern of organization for presenting different types of information to a listening audience
- CLO 8: Evaluate keyword and sentence outlines for informative and persuasive speeches
- CLO 9: Apply techniques to improve the fluidity and clarity of verbal delivery
Completing this unit should take you approximately 2 hours.