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CMNS 101 Fundamentals of Communication

Public Speaking Research Guide

Persuasive Speech Structure

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.