How to Structure a Persuasive Speech 3 More Ways (Part 2)

Summary

In this second part of a persuasive presentation series, the speaker outlines three effective organizational strategies: Problem-Solution, Problem-Cause-Solution, and Symptoms-Causes-Treatments. Each method emphasizes the importance of clearly presenting the problem to motivate the audience's acceptance of the solution. The Problem-Solution approach is foundational, while the Problem-Cause-Solution adds depth for decision-makers unfamiliar with underlying issues. The Symptoms-Causes-Treatments structure is tailored for healthcare discussions. Ultimately, these strategies highlight the necessity of adapting the message to the audience and lay the groundwork for engaging and persuasive communication.

Takeaways

• 😀 The foundation of persuasive presentations is built on identifying a problem and proposing a solution.
• 😀 In some cases, benefits can be omitted if the audience already understands them or when the solution directly addresses the problem.
• 😀 It's important to develop problem and solution points with sub-points for clarity and depth, making them stand out as strong arguments.
• 😀 Adding a 'cause' point can enhance the logical flow and provide context, especially when addressing higher-level stakeholders.
• 😀 Understanding the causes behind a problem can justify a proposed solution and illustrate why it's a good fit.
• 😀 The symptoms-cause-treatment structure is often used in healthcare, aligning closely with persuasive messaging across fields.
• 😀 Symptoms represent the problems that need addressing, while treatments are akin to proposed solutions.
• 😀 Persuasive messages should always start with a problem to create motivation for the audience to adopt the solution.
• 😀 Tailoring your approach to your specific audience is crucial for the effectiveness of your presentation.
• 😀 Free resources and coaching options are available to help improve communication skills and persuasive techniques.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the second part of the series?

The second part focuses on three alternative ways to organize the body of a persuasive presentation.

What is the first approach discussed for organizing persuasive messages?

The first approach is the basic problem-solution structure, which includes two main points: identifying a problem and proposing a solution without detailing benefits.

When might a speaker choose to omit the benefits point in a presentation?

A speaker may omit the benefits point if the audience is already familiar with the problem or when the solution directly addresses the problem so obviously that benefits seem redundant.

What is the second variation of structuring persuasive points?

The second variation is the problem-cause-solution approach, which adds an explanation of the underlying causes of the problem, providing a deeper context.

Why is it important to explain the causes of a problem?

Explaining the causes helps make the proposed solution more relevant, particularly for decision-makers who may not be aware of those underlying issues.

What is the third alternative way to organize persuasive speeches?

The third alternative is the symptom-cause-treatment approach, commonly used in healthcare contexts, which discusses symptoms as problems, causes, and treatments as solutions.

How do symptoms relate to problems in a persuasive presentation?

Symptoms serve as indicators of the problems being addressed, helping to frame the discussion in a way that the audience can relate to.

What is a key takeaway about the problem-solution framework?

All approaches emphasize the importance of presenting the problem first to motivate the audience to adopt the proposed solution.

What resources are available for those looking to improve their communication skills?

The Communication Coach Academy offers free resources, classes, and group coaching options to help individuals enhance their communication skills.

What will be discussed in the next part of the series?

The next part will focus on how to appeal to listeners' hearts and minds by effectively filling main points with supporting materials.