A Checklist for Revising Drafts of Your Persuasive Speech

 

Ø      Does the introduction let the audience know what the topic is, why the topic is of some importance, and what your thesis is?

Ø      Are the terms clearly defined?

Ø      Are the assumptions likely to be shared by your readers? If not, are they reasonably argued rather than merely asserted?

Ø      Does the speech summarize other views fairly, and grant that they have some merit, at least in some contexts?

Ø      Are the facts verifiable? Is the evidence reliable?

Ø      Is the reasoning sound?

Ø      Are the authorities really authorities on this matter?

Ø      Are quotations no longer than they need to be, are they introduced with useful lead-ins; and do they provide clear support?

Ø      Are all of the substantial counterarguments recognized and effectively responded to?

Ø      Is the organization effective? Does the speech begin interestingly, keep the thesis in view, and end interestingly?

Ø      Is the tone appropriate?  (Avoid sarcasm, present yourself as fair-minded, and assume that people who hold views opposed to yours are also fair-minded.)

 

Delivery:

 

Ø     Was the body language appropriate? Were the hands appropriately used? Was the speaker’s posture appropriate? Were they leaning on the podium? Were hands in pockets?

Ø     Was the speaker’s voice flexible? Or were they monotone? Were they loud enough? Or were they difficult to hear?

Ø     Was the manner direct? Were they enthusiastic? Did they appear assured of themselves and their content?

 

Does the speaker avoid logical fallacies such as:

 

Ø      Beginning the question

 

Ø      Ad populum

Ø      Ad hominem

Ø      Ad vericundium

Ø     Straw man

Ø     Nonsequitur

Ø     False analogy

Ø     Post hoc

Ø      Hasty/sweeping/over generalization

Ø     False analogy

Ø     Non-sequitur logic

Ø     Either-or reasoning     

 

Ø     4-5 minutes: Was the speech between 4-5 minutes in length?  Remember, you will be cut off after 5 minutes and 30 seconds.