• Unit 15: Persuasive Speaking

    Most speakers consider persuasive speaking as the most difficult of the three basic types (informative, persuasive, and entertaining). One of the reasons why understanding the demands of persuasive speaking is more difficult is because it requires a knowledge of terms that are specific to argumentation, such as claims and evidence. What is important to realize, however, is that while the terms may be different, most of the elements they refer to function in ways that are similar to what occurs in informative and entertaining speeches. Main points are called arguments, supporting detail is evidence, but presenting your observation and then backing them up with the kind of information your audience can understand, accept, and/or appreciate is universal communicative behavior.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 9 hours.

    • 15.1: Persuasive Speaking

    • 15.2: Types of Persuasive Speeches

    • 15.3: Persuasive Organizational Patterns

    • 15.4: Unit 15 Exercises