ASSOCIATE OF SPEECH NEW ZEALAND IN
PUBLIC SPEAKING AND COMMUNICATION
(TEACHING AND PERFORMANCE)
CREDIT TWO
Preparation and Structure of Speeches
TIME: One Hour
QUESTION:
Either A:
Define a persuasive speech. Discuss four guidelines in structuring a persuasive speech.
Relate these to a specific topic and audience.
Or B:
Explain the purpose and importance of introductions in the preparation of speeches. Outline
four ideas to use in introductions. Relate each of these to specific speeches.
SAMPLE ANSWER: A
I will be presenting a persuasive speech on changing behaviour on social networking sites
such as facebook to school age leavers. I will be following the persuasive structure of
Munroe’s Motivated Sequence in terms of structural guidelines in the form of addressing the
problem, presenting possible solutions, addressing visualisation of the desired solution
followed by a call to action to effectively change the minds of the audience to address the
social networking situation.
Social networking sites such as facebook and twitter are used by the majority of teenagers.
They are an underlying danger in today’s world of employment where potential employers
are now relying on social networking sites to search and interrogate future employees. I will
outline this issue to the audience of schoolage leavers who are in the position of applying for
work and courses of study. They need to realise that once they are posted on the internet
even if the details are deleted, they are on the internet forever.
This is the first important area to be covered in terms of my persuasive structure. It is critical
that the speaker raises an existing problem to ensure the audience attention is gained. To
capture attention and make sure the speaker credibility is developed, it is important to
provide factual detail. I was able to include some personal anecdotes to assist with gaining
audience attention. I also included an anecdote of a schoolage leaver who encountered
problems on facebook and was caught doing typical teenage behaviour through
photographs posted on the internet through the school who had accepted him as a GAP
student. This resulted in him being removed from the school and sent home. This enforced
to the audience that employers are checking up on employees through such sites which
create a distorted impression of what teachers and employers usually see. Once the
problem has been established, credibility has been gained and I have been able to relate to
the audience background and knowledge by providing shock detail, I am now confident to
move into the structural area of possible solutions where I am prepared to encounter
audience opposition.
While addressing the guidelines of a persuasive speech in terms of presenting possible
solutions, it is essential I cover all solutions fairly while covering the desired solution. I will
present the solutions to the audience in the form of what may happen if no change is made
to social networking behaviour. This will be followed by the benefits of changing this internet
persona so as not to jeopardise future employment possibilities. I will advise that if the
audience chooses to leave their social networking pages revealing images of anti-social
behaviour, the employer will think work is not a priority and that they are unreliable and likely
to be unproductive on a Monday morning. I will also cover the damaging effects of
inappropriate language which the school audience may regard as a joke. I will then introduce
the benefits of “cleaning up” internet behaviour to safeguard the image gained by a future
employer. This will demonstrate my knowledge as a speaker and assist with my credibility
(ethos) in changing the mind of the audience. I will then have created solid ground to move
further into favouring the change of social network behaviour into the field of visualisation
where persuasion will be brought about through Munroe’s Motivated Sequence. It should be
noted that rejection and possible interjections may occur throughout this section. However
delivery in an extempore style will allow me to overcome this barrier.
The visualisation of the desired solution is where emotive imagery should be used as a form
of promoting the benefits associated with a change in the way social networking sites are
used. Here I will deliver the possibilities of future success and development. I will also quote
from Barak Obama who is a very credible source and will inspire the audience to take action.
A young primary aged student asked Barak Obama how he would one day be the president
of the USA. “Be careful what you post on Facebook” was the reply. This visualisation is a
powerful tool involved within successful persuasive structure and speaking and enforces on
the audience the true dangers of social networking sites. This is an area of persuasive
speaking which is often most challenging for speakers especially when dealing with
audience members who have no desire to change any element of their lifestyle. However it
is important that a speaker does not focus on that minority and continues in accordance with
the general feedback from audience non-verbal communication. The clear and concise
delivery to my schoolage audience should also involve a relaxed and informal manner
together with casual dress to ensure credibility (ethos) throughout the process of persuasion.
The final stage of Munroe’s Motivated Sequence should hold power, conviction and provide
the desire for the audience to immediately go to a computer and remove inappropriate
material off social networking sites. This powerful act of the call to action should relate
directly to the audience and their background. In my case I will conclude with the statement
“You are being watched”. This is a thought provoking statement and may be scary for many
of my audience members, causing them to make changes that will benefit their future. This
final guideline in structuring a persuasive speech is proven successful time and time again. It
is an essential dimension of Munroe’s Motivated Sequence aimed at creating change.
These guidelines in terms of persuasive speaking structure are ideally suited to changing the
thinking of my listeners and creating thought-provoking feelings as well as questioning their
judgement. Following the structure of addressing the problem, providing solutions, focussing
on visualisation of the intended solution and concluding with a call to action will
communicate danger to my teenage audience and inspire them to resist further temptation
to disclose their private lives on any social networking site.
Examiner’s report:
The topic of your persuasive speech was very relevant and you covered the main points in a
structured manner. Monroe’s Motivational Sequence was understood and all guidelines were
clearly illustrated. The reference to Barak Obama’s comment added depth. You demonstrate
a fluent writing style using sequenced ideas in a logical manner.