Persuasive Speech Outline Format

 

Specific Purpose: (To change this audience’s minds about…)

Thesis:  (What you hope to prove)

 

INTRODUCTION

 

§       Attention Getter - (You really do need to grab our attention…)

§       Thesis - (Clearly and succinctly, adapt your thesis from above to your audience’s sensibilities)

§       Ethos & Audience Adaptation - (Create a credible ethos TO US, the opposition – then show us how we share common values on this topic, even though we differ on how to achieve them )

§       Preview - (Tell us what your main points are and how they will change our minds to your point of view - concludes with Transition to your first main point.)

 

BODY                         (5-7 Key Arguments; at least 1 PATHOS appeal]

 

1.   Main Point [opposition claim] - identify as LOGOS or PATHOS [cites?]

(Transition)

2.   Main Point [opposition claim] - identify as LOGOS or PATHOS [cites?]

(Transition)

3.   Main Point [opposition claim] - identify as LOGOS or PATHOS [cites?]

a)   Subordinate points (need to be clearly shown as such by being below and inside Main Points)

i)    Like This! [cites?]

(Transition)

4.   Main Point [opposition claim] -  identify as LOGOS or PATHOS

a)   Subordinate points [cites?]

(Transition)

5.   Main Point [last opposition claim or coup de grace claim from your side]

a)   [cites?]

 

CONCLUSION

 

§       Signal   (Transition, it tells us you’re “winding up)”

§       Summary      (Review main points and that  you convinced us of each point)

§       Closing (Persuade us that you’ve proven your thesis [restate it here] and let us know that you’re done!)

 

REFERENCES CITED

 

§       APA or MLA cites of all sources used as supporting material (minimum of 8)