Persuasive Speech: Objectives, Techniques, and Activities - Prof. Chad C. Edwards, Study notes of Professional Communication

Download Persuasive Speech: Objectives, Techniques, and Activities - Prof. Chad C. Edwards and more Study notes Professional Communication in PDF only on Docsity! Teaching Persuasive Speech Contains: Objectives Persuasive Speech Lecture Notes PowerPoint Presentation Persuasive Argument Activity Delivering a Persuasive Speech Activity Test on Persuasive Speaking Resources for Further Research Jennifer Everts Com5600 Dr. Edwards 10/25/07 Objectives Students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate the appropriate classroom public speaking and listening skills (e.g., body language, articulation, listening to be able to identify specific examples of the speaker’s coordination of talking and action) that would be necessary to influence or change someone’s mind or way of thinking about a topic. 2. Define the elements of persuasion. 3. Recognize the elements of personal credibility. 4. Develop methods to analyze other students’ speeches. 5. Understand outlining main ideas. 6. Create a persuasive speech. 7. Recognize the specific features of the persuasive speech. 8. Apply what they have learned about effective persuasive speaking to both their dealings with others and their own life. 9. Analyze the type of audience to whom they are speaking. 10. Adapt their persuasive approach to match the makeup of their audience. 11. Understand and implement logical, emotional and personal appeals. a) the audience with buy what the speaker is selling because they trust the speaker’s credibility – believability 1) Honesty – people are attracted to… a. integrity b. reputation c. sincerity 2) Competency – often means a. credentials or qualifications b. composure i. calm, controlled manner of speaking 4. United appeal a) the combination of a logical appeal, an emotional appeal and a personal appeal IV. Persuasive Argument Activity 1. An informal persuasive activity to allow students to use audience analysis and audience appeals discussed. V. Voice and body as tools 1. Students are natural persuaders 2. Academic elements of persuasion a) body language 1) make sure that they have a proper posture. If their shoulders are sagging and their legs are crossed, they will not appear as being sincere and people just will not accept their message. b) articulation 1) articulation means how their total vocal process works. There are several steps to this entire process. Students need to understand the process. First, they need air from the lungs, their vocal cords in their larynx must be working, their mouth and tongue must be in sync, and they have to make sure that they have got some saliva in their mouths to keep things oiled. They should be aware of their physical makeup to be able to understand how they speak. c) Pronunciation 1) students need to pronounce each word. They must avoid slang, except to make a point, and not slur the words. They must avoid saying, "you know." d) Pitch 1) pitch refers to the highs and lows of the voice. Whatever they do, they must avoid a monotone! e) Speed 1) the speed, or pace, is an important variable to control. Between 140-160 words per minute is the normal pace for a persuasive speech. Any faster and they may appear to be glib; any slower and they sound like they are lecturing. If they are not sure about their speed, tape them for one minute and then replay it and count the number of words they used in the minute! The human ear and brain can compile and decode over 400 spoken words per minute, so if they are going too slow their listeners' minds are going to start to wander as the brains finds other ways to keep themselves occupied. f) Pauses 1) the pause, or caesura, is a critical persuasive tool. When they want to emphasize a certain word, have them just pause for one second before; this highlights the word. If they really want to punch it, tell them to pause before and after the word! g) Volume 1) volume is another good tool for a persuasive speech, but they should use it with caution. If they scream all the way through their speech, people will become accustomed to it and it will lose its effectiveness. On the other hand, a few well-timed shouts can liven up the speech! They must try to "project" or throw their voice out over the entire class - or speak to the last row. h) Quality 1) quality of voice is gauged by the overall impact that their voice has on their listeners. Quality of voice is the net caliber of their voice, its character and attributes. They must try to keep the vocal quality high; it is what separates their voices from everyone else's. i) Variance 1) variance of vocal elements is the most important consideration of all! One of the most persuasive speakers in modern history was Winston Churchill. One of his most remarkable qualities was his ability to vary the elements of his voice. He would start with a slow, laconic voice and then switch gears to a more rapid pace. People were light- headed after listening to him! Even if they have no desire to run for political office, students can still use the tools of variance. Have them try to change their pitch, volume, and speed at least once every 30 seconds, if only for just one word. Never let them go more than one paragraph without a vocal variance. This keeps the class locked into the speech, if for no other reason than it sounds interesting! Let the students' words speak for themselves; reflect their nature through their voices. If they use the word "strangle," have them say it with a hint of menace in their voices. If they say the word "heave," let the class feel the onomatopoeic force behind it. If they say the word "bulldozer," make it sound like a titan earthmover, not like a baby with a shovel. 3. Use strategy a) appear rational a. When students are trying to convince someone of something, they must first establish their credibility, or in other words, they must sell themselves before they sell their message. If people feel that they are not being reasonable or rational, they do not stand a chance. They must be committed to the ideals and goals of their speech and what they are saying. They should not use words such as "maybe" or "might"- the should use positive words such as "will" and "must." b. Students must portray themselves as the authority figures in this speech, so they had better supply enough information to prove their points so that they can seem knowledgeable, and they had better know their material cold. People can usually spot someone who is trying to "wing" a speech. They should also appear to be truthful - even when they are really stretching a point. If they do not appear to be earnest, even if their message is the 100% truth, people will doubt their word and tune out their speech. c. Lastly, they must not be afraid to show a little emotion - this is not a sterile or static speech. Student's bodies and voices must match the tone of their words. If their language is strong, they must present a physical force to go along with their deliveries VI. Delivering a Persuasive Speech Activity 1. Students need to understand that how they say something and how they physically present themselves are just as important as what they say. By understanding the dynamics involved in effective persuasive speaking, students will improve their overall confidence in communicating. Test on Persuasive Speaking Multiple Choice 1. As a skilled persuasive speaker, your first task is to evaluate accurately and perceptively how your audience feels about you and your message. This is called _________ . a) audience anticipation b) audience analysis c) audience speculation d) none of the above 2. An indifferent audience is often __________ . a) unbiased b) a captive audience c) an opposed audience d) a supportive audience 3. Which unbiased audience do you have the best chance of persuading? a) supportive audience b) indifferent audience c) opposed audience d) uncommitted audience 4. What is variance? a) the speakers pitch b) the speakers volume c) the speakers speed d) a change in the speakers pitch, volume, and speed 5. The purpose of a persuasive speech is to ____________ . a) change the audiences mind b) convince the audience to buy something c) share your opinion d) all of the above Short Answers (provide answers on separate piece of paper) 1. If an audience opposes your ideas, what might you do? 2. What is the difference between ethos and pathos? Essay (provide answers on separate piece of paper) 1. In speaking, you compromise by finding a workable middle ground that is acceptable to both you and your audience. Write three reasons why compromising is a wise idea for those trying to persuade others. Give specifics to show when compromising could help you to persuade you parents and your friends. Finally, when is compromising the wrong thing to do? Resources For Further Reading (2002-2007). Vote for Me! Developing, Writing, and Evaluating Persuasive Speeches. Retrieved October 20, 2007, from Read Write Think Web site: http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=414 Beyea, Jen (2005). Intro To Elements of Persuasive Speech . Retrieved October 19, 2007, from Teaching English Language Arts : PersuasiveSpeech Web site: http://wiki.elearning.ubc.ca/tela/PersuasiveSpeech Heathcotte, Toby (2003). Program Building A Practical Guide for High School Speech and Drama Teachers. Glendale, AZ: Mardel Books. Marrs, Carol (1992). The Complete Book of Speech Communication a workbook of ideas and activities for students of speech and theatre. Colorado Springs, CO: Meriwether Publishing Ltd.. McCutcheon, Schaffer, Wycoff, (2005). Glencoe Speech. New York: Mc Graw Hill Glencoe. Morgan, Nick (2005). How To Move Your Audience to Action. Boston: Harvard Business School Publishing. Prody, Kathleen (2001, August). Persuasive Writing, Speaking, & Activities. Retrieved October 20, 2007, from Persuasive Writing, Speaking, & Activities Web site: http://www.hhs.helena.k12.mt.us/Teacherlinks/Oconnorj/persuasion.html Parker, Douglas (2007, October 12). Delivering a Persuasive Speech . Retrieved October 23, 2007, from Hotchalk's LessonPlansPage.com Web site: http://www.lessonplanspage.com/LADeliveringPersuasiveSpeech712.htm