How to Write an Outline for a Persuasive Speech, with Examples

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Persuasive speeches are one of the three most used speeches in our daily lives. Persuasive speech is used when presenters decide to convince their presentation or ideas to their listeners. A compelling speech aims to persuade the listener to believe in a particular point of view. One of the most iconic examples is Martin Luther King’s ‘I had a dream’ speech on the 28th of August 1963.

In this article:

• What is Persuasive Speech?
• Persuasive Speech Preparation
  • Here Are Some Steps to Follow:
  • Example 1
  • Example 2

  

  What is Persuasive Speech?

  Persuasive speech is a written and delivered essay to convince people of the speaker’s viewpoint or ideas. Persuasive speaking is the type of speaking people engage in the most. This type of speech has a broad spectrum, from arguing about politics to talking about what to have for dinner. Persuasive speaking is highly connected to the audience, as in a sense, the speaker has to meet the audience halfway.

  Persuasive Speech Preparation

  Persuasive speech preparation doesn’t have to be difficult, as long as you select your topic wisely and prepare thoroughly.

  Here Are Some Steps to Follow:

  1. Select a Topic and Angle

  Come up with a controversial topic that will spark a heated debate, regardless of your position. This could be about anything. Choose a topic that you are passionate about. Select a particular angle to focus on to ensure that your topic isn’t too broad. Research the topic thoroughly, focussing on key facts, arguments for and against your angle, and background.

  2. Define Your Persuasive Goal

  Once you have chosen your topic, it’s time to decide what your goal is to persuade the audience. Are you trying to persuade them in favor of a certain position or issue? Are you hoping that they change their behavior or an opinion due to your speech? Do you want them to decide to purchase something or donate money to a cause? Knowing your goal will help you make wise decisions about approaching writing and presenting your speech.

  3. Analyze the Audience

  Understanding your audience’s perspective is critical anytime that you are writing a speech. This is even more important when it comes to a persuasive speech because not only are you wanting to get the audience to listen to you, but you are also hoping for them to take a particular action in response to your speech. First, consider who is in the audience. Consider how the audience members are likely to perceive the topic you are speaking on to better relate to them on the subject. Grasp the obstacles audience members face or have regarding the topic so you can build appropriate persuasive arguments to overcome these obstacles.

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  4. Build an Effective Persuasive Argument

  Once you have a clear goal, you are knowledgeable about the topic and, have insights regarding your audience, you will be ready to build an effective persuasive argument to deliver in the form of a persuasive speech.

  Start by deciding what persuasive techniques are likely to help you persuade your audience. Would an emotional and psychological appeal to your audience help persuade them? Is there a good way to sway the audience with logic and reason? Is it possible that a bandwagon appeal might be effective?

  5. Outline Your Speech

  Once you know which persuasive strategies are most likely to be effective, your next step is to create a keyword outline to organize your main points and structure your persuasive speech for maximum impact on the audience.

  Start strong, letting your audience know what your topic is, why it matters and, what you hope to achieve at the end of your speech. List your main points, thoroughly covering each point, being sure to build the argument for your position and overcome opposing perspectives. Conclude your speech by appealing to your audience to act in a way that will prove that you persuaded them successfully. Motivation is a big part of persuasion.

  6. Deliver a Winning Speech

  Select appropriate visual aids to share with your audiences, such as graphs, photos, or illustrations. Practice until you can deliver your speech confidently. Maintain eye contact, project your voice and, avoid using filler words or any form of vocal interference. Let your passion for the subject shine through. Your enthusiasm may be what sways the audience.

  Persuasive Speech Outline

  

  Topic: What topic are you trying to persuade your audience on?

  Specific Purpose:

  Central idea:

  1. Introduction
     1. Attention grabber – This is potentially the most crucial line. If the audience doesn’t like the opening line, they might be less inclined to listen to the rest of your speech.
     2. Thesis – This statement is used to inform the audience of the speaker’s mindset and try to get the audience to see the issue their way.
     3. Qualifications – Tell the audience why you are qualified to speak about the topic to persuade them.
     1. Reason 1 ( Provide one reason as to why listeners should act or think the way your thesis suggests.)
        1. Example 1 – Support for the reason given above.
        2. Example 2 – Support for the reason given above.
        1. Example 1 – Support for the reason given above.
        2. Example 2 – Support for the reason given above.
        1. Example 1 – Support for the reason given above.
        2. Example 2 – Support for the reason given above.
        1. Summary: Briefly remind the listeners why they should agree with your position.
        2. Memorable ending/ Audience challenge: End your speech with a powerful closing thought or recommend a course of action.
        3. Thank the audience for listening.

        Persuasive Speech Outline Examples

        

        Example 1

        Topic: Walking frequently can improve both your mental and physical health.

        Specific Purpose: To persuade the audience to start walking to improve their health.

        Central idea: Regular walking can improve your mental and physical health.

        1. Introduction
           Life has become all about convenience and ease lately. We have dishwashers, so we don’t have to wash dishes by hand with electric scooters, so we don’t have to paddle while riding. I mean, isn’t it ridiculous? Today’s luxuries have been welcomed by the masses. They have also been accused of turning us into passive, lethargic sloths. As a reformed sloth, I know how easy it can be to slip into the convenience of things and not want to move off the couch. I want to persuade you to start walking.
        2. Body
           Americans lead a passive lifestyle at the expense of their own health.
           1. Adults watch between 15 and 18 hours of tv a week.
              1. This means that we spend approximately 40% of our leisure time in front of the TV.
              2. Ironically, it is also reported that Americans don’t like many of the shows that they watch.
              1. Today’s studies indicate that people were experiencing higher bouts of depression than in the 18th and 19th centuries, when work and life were considered problematic.
              2. The article reports that 12.6% of Americans suffer from anxiety, and 9.5% suffer from severe depression.
              3. Present the opposition’s claim and refute an argument.
              1. Nutritionist Phyllis Hall stated that we tend to eat foods high in fat, which produces high levels of cholesterol in our blood, which leads to plaque build-up in our arteries.
              2. While modifying our diet can help us decrease our risk for heart disease, studies have indicated that people who don’t exercise are at an even greater risk.

              Example 2

              Topic: Less screen time can improve your sleep.

              Specific Purpose: To persuade the audience to stop using their screens two hours before bed.

              Central idea: Ceasing electronics before bed will help you achieve better sleep.

              1. Introduction
                 Who doesn’t love to sleep? I don’t think I have ever met anyone who doesn’t like getting a good night’s sleep. Sleep is essential for our bodies to rest and repair themselves. I love sleeping and, there is no way that I would be able to miss out on a good night’s sleep. As someone who has had trouble sleeping due to taking my phone into bed with me and laying in bed while entertaining myself on my phone till I fall asleep, I can say that it’s not the healthiest habit, and we should do whatever we can to change it.
              2. Body
                 1. Our screens emit blue light.
                    1. Our natural blue light source is the sun.
                    2. Bluelight is designed to keep us awake.
                    1. Bluelight makes our brain waves more active.
                    2. We find it harder to sleep when our brain waves are more active.
                    1. Having a good night’s rest will improve your mood.
                    2. Being fully rested will increase your productivity.

                    Final Thoughts

                    A persuasive speech is used to convince the audience of the speaker standing on a certain subject. To have a successful persuasive speech, doing the proper planning and executing your speech with confidence will help persuade the audience of your standing on the topic you chose. Persuasive speeches are used every day in the world around us, from planning what’s for dinner to arguing about politics. It is one of the most widely used forms of speech and, with proper planning and execution, you can sway any audience.