English III
Mr. Fox
Persuasive Speech Unit (2 Pages, 2 Minutes)
Assignment
Your assignment is to create and present an original persuasive speech. Throughout this unit,
you have examined rhetorical appeals and rhetorical devices. You have looked at syntax and its
effect on rhetoric. You have also examined the effective delivery of speeches. Now, it is your
turn to demonstrate the art of persuasion by writing and delivering a two-to-three minute
persuasive speech that addresses a contemporary issue.
Planning
1. Look at the list of contemporary issues that has been distributed to you, and pick four or
five statements that you feel strongly about, either because you agree or disagree with
them.
2. As your classmates choose topics, mark them off of your list. No two students may give
speeches with the same position on the same topic. When your turn comes, I strongly
suggest that you choose a topic, and not “pass.” Passing will result in fewer choices next
time around.
3. Once you have decided on your topic, compose your thesis statement. You may use the
suggested topic statement as is, or you may revise it.
4. Make a list of three points you will make in your argument.
5. Write out one point that someone who holds an opinion opposite yours might make, and
how you will refute it.
6. Identify the types of sources you will need to use in order to make your speech fair,
balanced, and accurate. You must use at least 3 sources.
Drafting
1. Compose your speech. Examine and consider your choices in terms of syntax. Consider
changes that might make your arguments more effective, and organize it in such a way as
to make it easier to remember.
2. Your speech must be written in MLA style with proper documentation and an
MLA-style Works Cited page. In-text citations are also required. If you don’t know
how to document in MLA style, go here:
http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/DocMLA.html
Peer Review/Revising
1. Allow at least two peers to read your speech and make constructive comments. Ask them
to identify your purpose, supporting reasons, use of rhetorical appeals and devices,
concession, rebuttal, and call to action. Make revisions based on their comments.
Rehearsing
1. Consider your delivery style as you rehearse. Use appropriate inflection, gestures, and/or
visual aids. Time your speech and revise it and your delivery style to make it fit into the
2-3 minute time frame.
2. Practice giving your speech to a partner or in front of a mirror. Make sure your speech
is at least two minutes long. Try to keep the pace a little slower than what is
comfortable, and realize that, when you are giving your actual speech, you are likely to
talk faster because of nervousness.
3. Watch your body movements. Avoid shifting weight from foot to foot, or other
repetitive motions that indicate nervousness.
Presenting
1. Turn in the typed copy of your speech before giving your speech. You are permitted
to hold note cards only. You should have most of the speech memorized. Do not
simply read your speech from your cards.
2. Make eye contact regularly with everyone in the room. Do not look down, at the back
wall, or at your note cards for more than a few seconds.
3. Be ready to give your speech on the day you are assigned. If you aren’t ready, the
assignment is considered late and will receive a maximum of half credit.
4. If you are absent on the day you are to give your speech, you must give your speech
immediately on the first day you return.
5. Make sure you speak clearly, and that you are loud enough for the back row to hear
you easily.
Evaluating
1. As you listen to your peers’ speeches, fill out the peer critique form honestly and
completely.
2. Whether you are reviewing or not, give each speaker respect.