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Persuasive Speaking for Beginners

To get a rough idea of what persuasive speaking is, let's compare it with informative speaking.

Basically, persuasive speaking is when you urge the audience to choose sides while an informative speech clarifies one of the options or gives general or specific information on that topic.

For example, a persuasive speech might tell you to buy used clothes instead of spending more money on brand new designer clothing.

An informative speech on the other hand would give you general facts about used clothing, or the specifics about how to find the best deals on designer labels.

It can also contain a set of tips in buying either one. Another thing that differentiates persuasive speaking from informative speaking is the commitment you ask from the audience.

After delivering an informative speech, all you need to expect is that the audience has learned something from you.

The real measure of a persuasive speech is the action the audience will take after learning something from you.

A persuasive speech should make the audience want to buy what you're selling and not just inform them about the features of the product.

You could say that a persuasive speaker is a leader while an informative speaker is a teacher. A leader should appeal more on the emotions of the followers so that they decide on choosing his or her side.

Persuasive speaking involves a call for action whereas an informative speech can go without it.

Although it is different from an informative speech, a persuasive speech must also involve facts and information. Therefore, you can choose a topic that strives to argue on the truthfulness of an existing fact.

The topic can range from the existence of aliens or a controversy involving some famous personalities.

You can also use persuasive speaking to question the value or significance of a certain matter. Is abortion immoral? Which is better, Coke or Pepsi? You can persuade your audience by choosing sides and coaxing them to decide in your favor.

Persuasive speaking can also be a question of policy. This type of speech is most of the time encountered in legislation.

This calls for the validity of a certain action that has been made or that has been planned.

If you are interested in this kind of talk, make sure to choose something your audience can relate to. You don't want to deliver a persuasive speech about parenting in front of a group of disinterested listeners!

Just remember that in persuasive speaking, your aim is to either make the audience agree with you or make them act in your favor.

In persuasive speaking, the only response you will ever need is not necessarily agreement, but action!