Persuasive Speech and Audience Analysis

Prepare a persuasive speech from six to eight (6-8) minutes in length that focuses on persuading the audience for or against a question of fact, value, or policy. Visual aids are optional.

You should use one of the following organizational formats: the problem-solution, problem-cause-solution, or Monroe’s Motivated Sequence.

Choose a topic that is controversial, an issue that is important to you and to your audience. You should verbally cite three separate sources during your speech and list them in the reference section in your preparation outline.

To avoid duplication of persuasive topics, e-mail the instructor your topic by midnight, November 23, 2009. Five points will be deducted for late submissions. Persuasive speeches start on November 30, 2009. The audience analysis must be submitted on November 25, 2009.

Plan to use 4x6 note cards and deliver your remarks extemporaneously.

You will be responsible for developing and submitting an audience analysis of your topic to the class for student distribution.

The results of your audience analysis should be stated during your speech. A copy of your audience analysis and the results and your full-preparation must be submitted to me before your persuasive speech.

For this speech, concentrate on the following: staying within the time limits of the assignment; using transitions/connectives for each main point; establishing strong eye contact; avoiding distracting mannerisms; using appropriate language and examples; using evidence and reasoning, and audience analysis and adaptation.

Time permitting in this course, you will be responsible for handling a three-minute question and answer session following your presentation.

Remember to bring sufficient copies of your audience analysis to distribute in class for class members to complete and return to you that class session. You will then analyze those results and refer to them during your speech.

AUDIENCE ANALYSIS QUESTIONNAIRE

Assignment: Prepare ten questions using three different types of questions (Yes/No, Scale, and Open Ended) for a one-page audience analysis questionnaire with sufficient copies for each student in the class (See sample questions below).

Five points will be deducted for late submissions.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Demographic Information: (Optional for inclusion in the audience questionnaire.)

Age

Sex

Occupation

Ethnic background

Family Size

Political affiliation

Marital status: Married, Single, Divorced

Major in school

“Yes” or “No” answers:

Examples:

Are you a licensed California driver? Yes or No

Abortion should be legalized in the United States? Yes or No

Scale Statements:

Examples:

The speed limit on highways should be increased to 80 mph.

Agree strongly Agree Undecided Disagree Disagree strongly

The federal government should legalize marijuana for medical use.

Disagree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Agree

Abortion should remain legal in the United States.

Strongly agree Mildly agree Undecided Mildly disagree Strongly disagree

Open Ended Questions:

Examples:

What is your opinion about abortion?

What is your position about assisted suicide?

What your reactions to drug usage among the teenage population?