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Ken Adair
MCOMM 100
Persuasive Speech
– Policy –
“With the ability to persuade comes a certain level of power.”
Ertharin Cousin
The policy persuasive speech is a speech that explores a social, economic or political problem and then attempts to offer a solution(s) to that problem. The “problem-solution” format enables the speaker to research a topic of interest and to advocate a rational solution or solutions to that problem. (see pages 478 & 479 of your text)
The key to this type of speech is the selection of a problem that you are interested in and one in which there are realistic solutions. Care must be taken to not to select an insurmountable problem and then offer a simplistic solution to that problem. An inappropriate topic would be: Problem: Nuclear War Solution: Destroy all nuclear arms While this might be a desirable goal, it simply isn’t realistic in today’s world.
A better topic might be: Problem: Teenage alcohol use Solution: Revocation of drivers license for alcohol offenses. This solution will certainly not stop teenage alcohol use, but it may reduce it somewhat.
The solution to your problem does not have to completely solve the problem but it should make a reasonable “dent” in the problem. Care needs to be exercised that your solution is realistic and reasonable. The solution should not cause more problems than the original problem.
Your solution does not have to be unique. For example, in the above solution, the revocation of a teen’s driver’s license is being done in a few states already. The solution is an extension of something that is already working. This speech would show examples of success rates, research, etc.
If you use a solution already in existence somewhere, proper citation and credit must be given in your presentation. (see evidence section of chapter 15 – pages 482 – 484)
Solutions must to have a “macro” component to address the problem. Solutions may have a “micro” in addition to your macro solution. Both of these solution types will be discussed in class. Speeches will be graded, in part, on the extent of the research done, the quality of the problem and solution and the type of logic and reasoning employed. Consult the handout on logical fallacies and pages 484 – 488 of your text for common errors made in using logic.
Other Details:
- The time limits are from 6 to 8 minutes.
- Notes should be limited to two 3″X5″ note cards.
- No visual or auditory aids may be used.
- A one-page outline, with a works cited page, is to be turned in on the day of the presentation.
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