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CMNS 101 Fundamentals of Communication

Public Speaking Research Guide

Writing an Outline: Persuasive Strategies

When it comes to persuasive speeches, most speakers choose to use a problem-solution organization. There are two key strategies that you might consider using: 

  • Problem-solution: 
  • Identify, define and explain the problem 
  • Identify and explain the solution, providing actionable steps 
  • Monroe’s Motivated Sequence: 
  • Attention – Get the audience’s attention (often using a statistic or notable fact) 
  • Need – Demonstrate that there is a problem that needs to be solved 
  • Satisfaction – Identify a solution to that problem and why it is the best course of action 
  • Visualization – Explain what will happen once the problem has been solved 
  • Call to Action – Tell the audience a specific plan of action that they can take to help enact the solution 
  • Remember in a public speech, you still need to include a full introduction and conclusion, in addition to effective transitions in order to help the audience follow along. 

Persuasive Proofs

Aristotle's three proofs, sometimes called the rhetorical appeals—ethos, pathos, and logos—are essential tools for writing any speech. In fact, they are one of the main ways of critiquing a speech, and because of that, you’ll need to consider the ways you can strengthen your logos, pathos, and ethos as you prepare to give a speech.  
Ethos appeals to the speaker's credibility, pathos appeals to the audience's emotions, and logos appeals to logical reasoning. By integrating these elements into your speech outline, you create a balanced and compelling argument that resonates with your audience.   

Here are some examples of logos, pathos, and ethos: 

  • Logos (the appeal of reason) 
    • Logical flow of the argument and speech structure 
    • Sources and evidence that support the claims being made 
    • Supports the informational needs of the audience 
  • Pathos (the appeal of emotion) 
    • The audience feels what the speaker intends 
    • The audience’s preferences and beliefs 
    • Correlation between the speaker’s demeanor and their intent for the audience 
  • Ethos (the appeal of character) 
    • Overall preparation and expertise/confidence 
    • Physical appearance 
    • Speaking delivery and dynamism 
    • Context provided by the situation 

Here is an example of how this works in a persuasive speech: 

Speech Topic - The Importance of Renewable Energy  

  • Ethos  
    • Mention your experience or interest in environmental science or energy policy.  
    • Cite credible sources and experts who research or work in renewable energy.  
  • Pathos  
    • Share a personal story about witnessing the effects of pollution or climate change.  
    • Use vivid imagery to describe the beauty of natural landscapes that renewable energy can help preserve.  
  • Logos  
    • Present statistics on the environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy.  
    • Use logical arguments to explain how renewable energy reduces carbon emissions and creates job opportunities.  

Recommended Resources for Further Reading