Competent Communication #9 - Persuade With Power

(See sample speech here)



Introduction

Today we are bombarded by persuasive messages. Advertisements try to persuade us to buy a particular brand of soft drink, coffee or antacid. Salespeople try to persuade us to buy an automobile, a personal computer or a cellular phone.


Executive Summary

The ability to persuade people – getting them to understand, accept and act upon your ideas – is a valuable skill. Your listeners will more likely be persuaded if they perceive you as credible, if you use logic and emotion in your appeal, if you carefully structure your speech and if you appeal to their interests. Avoid using notes because they may cause listeners to doubt your sincerity, knowledge and conviction.


Objectives

  • Persuade listeners to adopt your viewpoint or ideas or to take some action.

  • Appeal to the audience’s interests.

  • Use logic and emotion to support your position.

  • Avoid using notes.

Time: Five to seven minutes





Your Assignment

This project focuses on persuasion. You are to:

  • Persuade listeners to adopt your viewpoint or ideas or to take some action. (Do not give an inspirational speech; this type of speech will be addressed in Project 10.)

  • Analyze your audience and appeal to their interests.

  • Use logic and emotion to support your position.

  • Organize your thoughts carefully and choose words that will add power to your message. Use body language and vocal variety to add even more impact. Use visual aids if they contribute to your message.

  • Avoid using notes; they may cause the audience to doubt your sincerity, knowledge and conviction.

Incorporate appropriate suggestions from the evaluations you received in previous speeches. As you prepare your speech, thoroughly research your subject and review the Speaker’s Checklist in Project 1.

This information is provided as a service to members. For full details on this speech project, refer to the Competent Communication manual. All materials in the Toastmasters Educational Program are copyright Toastmasters International. All rights reserved.


The Competent Communication Manual

You may be more comfortable communicating by electronic mail or telephone than in person. Speaking to large or small groups, or even one-to-one, may intimidate or frighten you. Yet good communication skills are vital if you want to be successful. Corporate leaders say that the ability to communicate well orally is one of the most important skills their recruiters look for in job candidates. Businesses want people who express themselves clearly and confidently, and are persuasive and comfortable communicating with a wide range of people, from top executives to assembly-line workers.

(See sample speech here)