SPC 101: Fundamentals of Oral Communication Learning Unit 6: Assignment
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Persuasive Speech
This speech is a “practical final” for the speaking portion of this course. The assignment allows you to
synthesize what we’ve covered and utilize the information in a speech in which you want your audience
members to actually take some kind of action, now or in the future. Controversial topics are great
choices for the persuasive speech, but it’s not enough to ask your audience to think about a topic.
Instead, you should persuade your audience to do something about the topic, to take an action either
now or in the future. Many persuasive topics will also need to be narrowed down considerably because
they are huge topics with many sides that could be presented.
Some examples:
“Healthy Lifestyle” is a popular persuasive topic, but it is a huge topic that could go in many
different directions and it doesn’t take a specific “action.” Persuading your audience to eat a
ketogenic diet to maintain a healthy lifestyle is an action based persuasive topic and much
narrower focused than persuading someone to live a healthy life.
“Vaccinations” is a popular persuasive topic, but there are many vaccinations and it isn’t a
specific “action.” Persuading the parents or future parents in your audience to vaccinate or not
vaccinate their children for a specific type of vaccination is an action based, specific persuasive
topic.
“Capital punishment” is a popular persuasive topic with many sides but it isn’t a specific
“action.” Persuading your audience to contact their state legislatures to ask them to support or
eliminate capital punishment in their state is an action based persuasive topic.
“Legalization of marijuana” is a popular persuasive topic that could be taken from any number
of perspectives: Full, open use of marijuana, legalization but only for medicinal purposes (to
prevent seizures & nausea), legalization for the benefit to Iowa farming economy, keep
marijuana classified as a schedule 1 drug, marijuana is a gateway drug and should remain illegal,
or operating a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana.
The speech to actuate should reflect careful audience analysis, planning, organization, preparation,
research, use of evidence, reasoning, language, and delivery. The speech should not be written out, but
should be extemporaneous (conversational and natural with little reliance on notes).
Instructions:
A. Include in oral footnotes, a minimum of five sources, preferably from at least three different
types of materials (book, magazine, interview, internet, etc.). Note: Wikipedia is NOT a quality
source. Please use the library databases.
B. Include at least three kinds of supporting materials: definition, description, statistics, etc.
SPC 101: Fundamentals of Oral Communication Learning Unit 6: Assignment
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C. Create a formal outline and works cited sheet for your presentation (use MLA or APA format).
Submit this into the location provided.
D. Include visual aid to enhance the speech. PowerPoint is an option for the visual aid, but it should
emphasize visual images, not text. Be sure to cite your source on the PowerPoint slide for the
image. Simple visual aids are just as effective as Power point: an object, a map, a graph, etc.
E. Time Frame: 8-10 minutes
F. Delivery should be extemporaneous: You may use a key-word outline while you speak. You may
write out quotes on your outline so you do not misquote someone. You may also write out your
sources of information so you don’t forget to cite them. Indicate in your outline where you will
show your visual aid. Speaking from a manuscript rather than an outline will result in a
lower grade.
G. Record your speech in front of 3-4 adults (show them at the start of your recording). You may
use a digital camera or the video function on your cell phone. It is a good idea to have an
audience member hold the camera and to record in a quiet location for the best results.
H. Upload your speech to YouTube. Once your video has been uploaded, copy the link and paste it
into the discussion forum provided. Then, watch other classmate’s videos and give honest,
insightful, and respectful feedback.
Grading reflects:
Organization (Attention-getting intro, well developed body, a conclusion that really concludes
your speech)
Supporting Materials from Quality Sources
Oral Footnotes
Delivery
Visual Aid(s)
Use of Language
Grade:
75 points for speech
20 points for outline and works cited (preparation and planning)
Remember: Please record your speech in front of 3-4 adults who will serve as your audience. Be sure
to show your audience on the recording at the beginning and the ending of your presentation – the rest
of the time the camera should be showing your upper body (from head to waist). Please stand during
your presentation! You can use a music stand or table to hold your notes and visual aid if you want.
Upon completion, upload your speech to the appropriate location, as specified by your instructor!
© Jennifer Boyenga and Indian Hills Community College
