How to Write a Persuasive Speech

Over the years I have had to deliver quite a few speeches and as a result I have learnt what works in a speech and what does not. I hope you find this hub useful so leave me a comment or follow me for more updates.

• Brainstorm:

Before you even start your speech you need to know what you are going to discuss, your points on that topic, counter arguments, how to tie all your points together etc. A good way to get all these ideas clear in your mind is to do a quick brainstorm. Write down key words/notes for your introduction, point 1, point 2, point 3 etc. and your conclusion. This will keep you focused when you are actually writing the speech and will stop you babbling on.

• State your argument:

In the introduction of your speech always include the topic you wish to discuss. So you could say something like " I am here today to talk to you about _____ " or another way I like to start a speech is by dropping a big fact/ statistic that will catch peoples attention and make them listen to you.

• Big Names:

A good way to get people to hear you is to drop "Big Names" in your speech. Perhaps if you were writing about why books are important you could say Barack Obama said "____" about the topic and agrees strongly with my point. If you drop big names like this that people like or respect the opinion of people will may be persuaded by your speech.

• Statistics:

Statistics are a very important thing to include in your speech. This makes your argument sound more convincing. For example "Over 70,000 people lose their jobs every year in the US alone due to online piracy" or "On the average i-pod there is $800 worth of stolen music".

• Pathos:

Pathos means to play on the emotions of people. A great example of this is the charity advertisements you see on the television. "You can save this poor innocent child from a life of poverty and hunger if you donate $3 a month". People respond to you if you play on their emotions a bit.

• Urgency:

The use of urgency is another great tool to get someone on your side. "If you do not act NOW thousands more will die of hunger". People feel like they have to do something about this as soon as possible if you include this in your speech.

• Rule of Three:

In your speak repetition is key. If you repeat something in different ways 3 times it is more likely to stick in someones head than if you were to say it once.

• Think of The Children:

This was my old English teacher's favorite strategy. If you say "Think of the Children and how hungry they are. Would you like your children to have to live a life like this?" or something of the sorts it plays on peoples emotions a bit more and makes them think would they want a similar fate for their child.

• YOU! WE!

Always address the crowd as you or we. Using "you" makes it sound like you are talking to each person individually and saying "we" makes in sound like the group of people (and you) are all together on this subject. This again will persuade more people to take your side.

• Research:

Before you write the speech be sure to research the topic on which you will speak about. Make sure that you use reliable evidence and include quotes as this will make you seem more convincing.

• Rhetorical Questions:

A rhetorical question is when you ask a question not wanting an out loud response. Including these will make people answer them in their heads and question themselves and hear what you have to say.

• Understand your Audience:

Eg. If you are writing a speech to children, write it in a way they will understand.

• Anecdotes:

Include a personal experience/made up story in your speech. This will make the reality of your subject real for people and you will seem more convincing.

• Counter Arguments:

Finally be aware of any counter argument that may come up during your speech and be sure to address it so people are more convinced by your speech!

Good luck in your speech writing ! x