Persuasive Speaking Basics

Summary

This video introduces the fundamentals of persuasive speaking, explaining how it goes beyond simply sharing information to influencing attitudes, beliefs, values, or behaviors. It outlines the two main functions of persuasive speeches—convincing, which targets internal belief changes, and actuating, which drives specific actions. The video also breaks down three types of persuasive speeches: propositions of fact, value, and policy, with examples ranging from global issues to everyday debates. Finally, it provides guidance on selecting compelling topics by emphasizing enthusiasm, evidence, and audience relevance, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of persuasive strategies in future lessons.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Persuasive speaking aims not just to inform, but to influence attitudes, beliefs, values, or behaviors.
• 🎯 Persuasive speeches serve two main functions: to convince (change beliefs or values) or to actuate (prompt action).
• 🔍 A speech to convince focuses on internal change, like shifting attitudes or beliefs without demanding action.
• 🚀 A speech to actuate seeks external change, encouraging the audience to take specific actions.
• 📚 Persuasive speeches can involve three types of propositions: fact, value, or policy.
• 📊 A proposition of fact addresses whether something is true, false, or likely to happen in the future.
• ⚖️ A proposition of value evaluates whether something is right/wrong, good/bad, or moral/immoral.
• 📋 A proposition of policy advocates for a specific change in behavior or actions.
• 💡 Persuasive topics can range from serious issues like climate change to lighthearted subjects like favorite snacks or music preferences.
• ✅ When selecting a persuasive topic, ensure you can speak enthusiastically, support arguments with evidence, and make the topic relatable to the audience.
• 🎬 The video sets up future discussions on persuasive strategies and organizational patterns, hinting at more advanced techniques to come.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of persuasive speaking?

The primary goal of persuasive speaking is to attempt to get someone to change an attitude, belief, value, or behavior.

How does persuasive speaking differ from informative speaking?

While informative speaking aims to educate the audience, persuasive speaking seeks to influence the audience to adopt a certain viewpoint or take specific action.

What are the two main functions of persuasive speeches?

The two main functions are to convince, which influences attitudes, beliefs, or values without requiring action, and to actuate, which encourages the audience to take a specific action.

Can you give an example of a speech to convince?

Yes, a speech arguing that the Apollo moon landing was faked is a speech to convince because it seeks to influence beliefs without asking for a direct action.

Can you give an example of a speech to actuate?

Yes, a speech asking the audience to join a protest against NASA to demand admission that the moon landing was fake is a speech to actuate because it asks the audience to take action.

What are the three types of persuasive propositions mentioned in the script?

The three types are propositions of fact, propositions of value, and propositions of policy.

What is a proposition of fact in persuasive speaking?

A proposition of fact deals with whether something is true or false, or whether something will happen in the future, such as whether a major earthquake will hit California in the next 10 years.

What is a proposition of value in persuasive speaking?

A proposition of value involves evaluating whether something is right or wrong, good or bad, or moral or immoral, such as arguing against the death penalty because it is morally wrong.

What is a proposition of policy in persuasive speaking?

A proposition of policy advocates for a specific change in behavior or actions, like asking people to recycle or to vote for a change in law regarding motorcycle helmets.

What factors should be considered when picking a persuasive topic?

When picking a persuasive topic, consider whether you can speak enthusiastically about it, whether you can support your arguments with effective evidence, and whether you can relate the topic to the audience to make them care.

Can persuasive topics be both serious and lighthearted?

Yes, persuasive topics can range from serious issues like climate change and capital punishment to lighthearted topics like preferring peanuts over M&Ms or criticizing a pop singer's music.