Persuasion, Thesis, and Appeals in a Speech

Choose from a list of speeches, identify the thesis and supports in that speech, and describe if you find the speech to be persuasive. Then, choose a different speech and identify the ethos, pathos, and logos found in that speech.

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Introduction

“I think the power of persuasion would be the greatest superpower of all time.”

– Jenny Mollen, actress, and author

Welcome to Academic Research and Writing!

Did you know that this course is one of the best you’ll ever take? That’s because this course provides pivotal information that can help learners (just like you) achieve their professional dreams!

Do you see what we did there? We tried to persuade you about how great this course is. Did we make a good argument? Were you convinced?

In this course, we turn our attention to the strategies necessary to create a successful academic argument. The primary goal of this course will be to demonstrate the foundational skills for writing a research paper that argues or persuades.

To persuade an audience, a written work needs a thesis statement. A persuasive thesis statement is critical to an effective proposal because it succinctly and clearly conveys your position and previews your supporting points. A thesis statement is more than a sentence that describes a topic. It is a bold sentence that presents a point of view, an opinion, or an idea that is arguable. Because it is arguable, a thesis statement goes beyond making an observation—it makes a case for or against something.

You have probably heard the phrase “Know your audience.” This is crucial to being a successful persuasive writer. Imagine that you were planning to write an appeal to your school board, but you wrote for an audience in another community. Even if your writing was strong, the argument would be moot.

  • Consider your audience. Who you choose to write for influences how you write. Your instructor is, of course, part of the audience for your paper; however, you do not need to write exclusively for your instructor. Think of this: Who needs to hear what you want to say?
  • Understand who your audience is. This will help you to focus your writing. Effective writing is focused writing.
  • Know the context. Focused writing is easier to accomplish within the appropriate context. For example, the context might be to write an informative paper about an area within your discipline.

Instructions

Part 1: The Thesis and Supports of a Speech

Review the following persuasive speeches from various times in history. Think about which speech you find to be successfully persuasive and use it in this assessment.

Review the Thesis, Supports, and Appeals of a Speech Worksheet [DOCX] Download Thesis, Supports, and Appeals of a Speech Worksheet [DOCX]. You will use this worksheet to complete this assessment.

After you have chosen one of the speeches above, go back to review the speech again carefully. In the provided worksheet, fill in the table in Part 1 with the following:

  • Identify the title and speaker of your chosen speech.
  • Describe the time and place, and the reason for the speech.
  • Identify the thesis of your chosen speech using this week’s resources.
  • Identify the three supports used in your chosen speech using this week’s resources.
  • Describe whether you think your chosen speech is persuasive or not, and why.

Part 2: The Appeals of a Speech

Review the following speeches and writings from various times in history. Think about which speech you find to be successfully persuasive and use it for Part 2 of the attached worksheet.

After you have chosen one of the speeches above, go back to review the speech again carefully. In the attached worksheet, fill in the table in Part 2 with the following:

  • Give the title and speaker/author of your chosen speech.
  • Ethos.
    • Identify ethos found in your speech.
    • Explain why this ethical appeal makes the speaker or author trustworthy and credible.
  • Pathos.
    • Identify pathos found in your speech.
    • Explain why this emotional appeal acknowledges both sides of the argument.
  • Logos.
    • Identify logos found in your speech.
    • Explain why this logical appeal persuades the audience with facts, data, and proof.
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