This presentation is about change. Your goal is to tap into the listeners motivation for change of an Attitude, Belief, or Behavior. For this course, you are required to use Monroes Motivated Sequence as the organizational pattern. You may select a Nonprofit organization for whom you are seeking support from your listeners or you can select a topic that is a problem for the listener and propose a plan for eliminating or reducing the risk. For example, there have been speeches on the Dangers of Chemicals in the Home, Credit Card Abuse, Nutritional Habits that lead to poor health, and so on. Guidelines are provided in the course materials regarding topic selection and message structure. A minimum of five sources are required. Visual Aids are optional.
Five external sources are required and they must be properly orally cited within the presentation to receive credit.
This speech is to follow the Question of Policy format, meaning that it uses a Problem-Solution format. (The Question of Policy uses elements of Fact, Value and Policy analysis, therefore it is the required format for this grade.) The required organizational format is Monroe’s Motivated Sequence.
Within the speech body, you must identify an issue, propose a plan for audience action and explain the benefits of following your plan. In the conclusion, you must call for a plan of action.
You are to use both logical and emotional appeals in the presentation. The topic must be one that will have the likelihood of achieving change. Be careful about having too narrow of a topic or a topic where listeners are likely to be polarized (already committed to one side).
You may select a Nonprofit organization Download Nonprofit organizationfor whom you are seeking support from your listeners or you can select a topic that is a problem for the listener and propose a plan for eliminating or reducing the risk. For example, there have been speeches on the Dangers of Chemicals in the Home, Credit Card Abuse, Nutritional Habits that lead to poor health, and so on. Guidelines are provided in the course materials regarding topic selection and message structure. (See module 5 for topic resources)
When selecting your topic, it is your responsibility to make sure the topic is Audience-Centered and that your targeted audience can take the action you are proposing to bring about the requested change.
Important to remember: If your topic statement includes the word “should”, it most likely implies a Question of Value and is based on opinion. You must use a Question of Policy for this assignment. Refer to the Persuasive Speech Guidelines and Tips for more guidance.
Examples of Topics that will not meet the criteria:
A group of non-smokers will not want to listen to a Stop Smoking speech
Advocating that the listeners stop Drinking and Driving places the assumption that your audience members are engaged in that practice. While this is a serious topic, it does not fit into the Policy format unless you are sure your audience members are engaged in the activity or you can promote a solid plan of action on how to stop the behavior that your listeners’ can enact.
Advocating the Legalization of Drugs to a group of people who cannot legally make that happen would not meet the action plan requirement.
Promoting a religious topic to a group who already practices the same religion, or to a group that has differing viewpoints either does not have a possibility for change to occur (because the practice is already followed) or it creates tension which may lead the listener to stop listening. Topics such as those require more than a 5-minute time allotment.
There are Departmental Standards for the Persuasive Speech that must be met to receive credit. Please refer to those standards as you prepare the speech.
Click here to view the Departmental Persuasive Speech Criteria Download Departmental Persuasive Speech Criteria
Presentation Requirements:
Time Requirements: 5 – 7 minutes
Monroe’s Motivated Sequence is the required format. The message should address a Question of Policy and provide content referring to the need, plan, and practicality criteria. (Problem-Solution-Action)
Proper Attire is Required (Professional/Business Office Appropriate Attire / Business Casual – See this August 19, 2014 article from the Business Insider for a better understanding of Business Casual Attire. (Links to an external site.))
Typed Outline in the required format (Refer to Outline Requirements as provided in class. Outlines not following the course guidelines will not receive credit.)
Typed Bibliography/Works Cited page in APA or MLA Format
A minimum of five (5) reference sources must be cited (oral footnotes) within the speech
PowerPoint (PPT)and other visuals are optional. If used, they must follow visual creation and delivery guidelines. PowerPoints (if used) are to be posted with outline in the submission.
Note cards may be used but not manuscripts or full-page notes.
Table and Lectern Permitted but it is preferred if there are no barriers between the speaker and audience.
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