(5 minute minimum - 7 minute maximum)

The purpose of this speech is to change (or modify) a belief, attitude, or value held by your audience and/or to get them to act in a manner you desire (gain behavior).  Students may choose any persuasive purpose you wish as long as the focus of the speech involves motivating the audience to change or act. 

NOTE:  For this speech students may prepare it for delivery to some (more appropriate) group other than a 101 class if they wish.  For example, if a student were to propose a change in the Monmouth College curriculum he/she might want to pretend to give that speech to a group of faculty members (since only they can change curricular requirements), a proposal for a change in the law might be designed to be given at a legislative committee hearing.

As in the first two speeches good micro and macrostructure are important.  So is good, confident delivery.  A clear, strong ("gutsy") thesis (that takes a position on the topic) is vital.  However, in this speech two additional elements become important:

• First, the degree to which the substance of the speech moves directly toward accomplishing the specific purpose (or goal) is crucial.   For example, if the purpose listed on the analysis blank is to get the audience to donate blood, it would be a major mistake not to mention when the Red Cross Bloodmobile will be on campus and to encourage people to sign up.

• Second, much of the persuasive power of the speech depends on effective internal summaries and transitions.  Make sure these are included and worded strongly.

Be sure you have a purpose which is appropriate for the audience (e.g. it would be dumb to give a speech to college students advocating joining the high school prom committee).  Review the handout, "Introduction to Persuasion" on determining purposes.

Watch out for speeches that are really informative speeches with a only brief call for action in the conclusion.  If the speech calls for people to take action, be sure listeners have clear directions on how to/when to take action (addresses to write, phone numbers to call, times and places to attend meetings, etc.).

Remember:  For this speech there will be MAJOR GRADE DEDUCTIONS for "reading at us."

Speech 3 -- Policy Persuasion

1.                  The goal of the third speech is to present a plan of action that solves some problem related to your AND persuade us it should be adopted

2.                  You will have some latitude in this speech to select an audience different from (and more suitable for your purpose than) COMM 101.

3.                  The most logical approach to organizing this speech is some version of the Problem-Solution thought pattern (for instance, the Motivated Sequence), although the Pro-Con-Resolution/Action and the Inspirational thought patterns might work too.