There are many things to consider and understand before writing a persuasive speech. To influence others, you need to understand the topic and the public's perception of it. Moving also helps, as it allows all listeners to get an emotional reaction.
Steps
Method 1 of 1: Write your Persuasive Speech
Step 1. Understand the topic well
This page will not help you at all if it is a talk to be given tomorrow. Examine how you feel about a topic and consider the different challenges you had to overcome to get to the point where you started feeling this way. Find a topic you are passionate about. The listener doesn't want to hear a speech about something you don't care about.
Step 2. Examine your audience, understand their perception of the topic, and try to learn what obstacles can prevent them from seeing the topic from your point of view
Take note of these impediments.
Step 3. Accept the obstacles
You shouldn't ignore them, but rather prepare for them and defeat them. Look for the answers to these obstacles. Otherwise, people who come across them during your speech will ignore you. You need to find ways to get around or overcome these obstacles to help your audience do the same. To be successful, you must lead your audience, not presuppose or even require them to "understand you".
Step 4. Take note of your strategies and ideas
Write down the obstacles and your methods of circumventing them, and put them in a logical structure. Turn each of the obstacles into a paragraph explaining how to figure it out and get around it.
Step 5. Create links where needed
If necessary, write paragraphs that link the "obstacles" together in a logical order. Once this is done, you should have a draft of your speech.
Step 6. Practice your speech in private, in front of a mirror
Take notes on what sounds awkward and what doesn't and go well. Logical flow is a strong tool of persuasive speech, and without it, a speech is difficult to understand and even more difficult to be convincing. During this process, adjust the speech for the time allowed, and correct any errors.
Step 7. Find out your weaknesses
Do you happen to say "mmh" frequently between a sentence or topic and another? Do you move your hands too much, or do you not keep them in your pocket enough? Avoid these and other bad habits so you can work to change them. Speak in a clear voice, avoiding being monotonous, and use your hands occasionally to emphasize points.
Step 8. Refine your introduction
After building your speech, add a "attention story" from the beginning. An attention story is a small story that is not related to the topic, which highlights a problem similar to the one you are trying to overcome in your speech. A perfect introduction: (1) will get attention [use something like an analogy or short story], (2) will establish relationships [i.e. a good reputation, something your listeners can relate to], (3) will anticipate on what the rest of the speech will be.
Step 9. Continue correcting
After adding your attention story, review your speech further and try not to add an idea at the last minute.
Step 10. Practice your public speaking, in a small group
Give the speech in front of people who agree with your perception of the topic. Welcome their feedback and any obstacles they may think will become visible. Edit your speech again for each change, always adjusting the size of your speech according to the time allowed. Also, don't sit still in one place (unless it's in front of the camera), as moving around a bit will help keep the audience focused, establishing a sense of interactivity. Engage the audience with your movements and eye contact. Look directly at the people in your audience, shifting your gaze from time to time. If some particular audience members smile at you in response, remember them as a focal point. They can provide visual support and encouragement if you falter a little during your speech.
Step 11. Practice the speech again in private, in front of the mirror
Try to learn your speech as well as possible, so that your notes mainly serve only to maintain the logical thread. As for your expressions and your naturalness, make sure you use the inflection of your voice and use emotion in your speech. If there is no emotion in your voice or body, most likely there will be none in the audience either.
Step 12. Dress appropriately for the meeting where you will be giving the talk
Be confident, caring, and humble.
Step 13. Deliver your speech
Prepare in advance with positive encouragement and praise. If you find it helpful, give yourself verbal encouragement in front of a mirror. Alternatively, seek encouragement from a friend or colleague.
Step 14. Make sure that your speech really focuses on the main topic, and that it is coherent and united (in the sense that all elements relate to the main topic)
Advice
- Don't appear nervous when giving your speech.
- Make sure you use your hands when giving your speech, but remember to be cautious about using them too much, otherwise this could annoy the audience.
- Be confident when you speak.
- Remember not to read your speech, state it. The difference between a read and a delivered speech is that the latter appears more interactive and personal to the public. This is the key to helping you bring listeners to your side.
- As you examine your audience, try to understand what motivates them, and continue to motivate them with the same ideas and values that they already have at heart.
- Notes should only be used to keep the right direction. If you don't know the speech you wrote, you shouldn't give it in public.
- Speak facing forward, projecting your voice towards the audience with full confidence. Don't speak facing the floor.
- Turn your setbacks and hesitations into a short comic moment. If you stumble during the speech, don't panic - just keep going. Make a spontaneous (tasteful) joke about the carpet, your legs, or something related to your message, then continue with your speech. The worst thing to do is to show that the mistake made you nervous.
- Look around with the audience, making eye contact, especially during breaks in your speech. When you are talking to people, look at them and make them feel that you are talking to them.
- Make sure it doesn't take too long; this could bore everyone.
- To memorize your speech, practice saying it in front of the mirror.
- Try citing statistical sources and use credible and objective data.
Warnings
- Don't be pompous and arrogant with your speech. Always try to be humble and open to questions, suggestions and comments.
- Don't overdo it too much as you may annoy the audience.
