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Persuasive Speech Ideas
At
a loss for persuasive speech ideas? Persuasive speeches, which are
intended to affect the beliefs of the audience and/or to move them
to act, are most effective when they embody the honest belief of
the speaker.
When
considering ideas for persuasive speeches, think about what you
really care about in your life. Think about something you believe
in that you would like others to believe or about something that
you think others should do.
There
are the obvious persuasive speech ideas that have to do with long-standing
controversial issues.
You
could take a stand on abortion, the death penalty, gun control,
assisted suicide or term limits for our elected officials.
You
could present your point of view on issues that are in the realm
of current events such as immigration, the war in Iraq, gas prices,
or the use of cellular phones in cars.
Other
controversial persuasive speech ideas may include expressing your
opinion on the legalization of marijuana, the drinking age, mandatory
seat belt laws, or using animals for experimentation.
However,
controversy is not always necessary for an effective persuasive
speech.
What
will make your persuasive speech most effective is your genuine
passion about the topic. In writing classes, students are often
told to write about what they know. It is the same in public speaking.
Look to your own life for persuasive speech ideas.
You
may feel most comfortable speaking about something that is not controversial
but rather, easy to persuade people about because it has a "feel
good" aspect to it. Have you or has someone in your life been
affected by a chronic or unusual illness? Give a speech that advocates
for more research into the condition or urge your audience to donate
time or money to an organization that helps people who suffer from
that illness.
Evoking
emotions through relating personal experiences is a powerful element
of effective persuasive speeches.
Similarly,
has your life been affected by a preventable tragedy?
Representatives
of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are out in the community
every day in an effort to persuade others not to drink and drive.
Is
this a cause that is dear to your heart or is there another injustice
you've been touched by that could bring out your most persuasive
nature? It is easy to turn your anger and frustration into powerful
persuasive speech ideas.
You
can also develop persuasive speech ideas from the activities you
are involved in.
Do
you volunteer in the community or at an animal shelter or as a Big
Brother or Big Sister?
Persuade
your audience to participate in the organization you are involved
in or, to volunteer in general. By bringing to mind what you get
out of your participation, you will become passionate on behalf
of others receiving the same reward and making a contribution.
Remember
that persuasive speeches have a call to action.
In
other words in a persuasive speech you want people to believe, donate,
support, volunteer for, vote for or contribute to your cause. In
making your case you have to create a desire in your audience to
do what you ask by appealing to their self-interest.
To
be as persuasive as you can possibly be, make sure that your persuasive
speech ideas involve something you truly care about that would similarly
appeal to the self-interest of your audience.
Go
from Persuasive Speech Ideas to Good Persuasive Speech Topics
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