How to Write a Persuasive Speech

Having found the perfect persuasive speech topic, it should be easy as pie to write and deliver the speech, and have everybody agree with you, right? Wrong. I'm sorry to say that your work has only just begun. Writing, and delivering a persuasive speech is quite possibly the most difficult speaking assignment you will ever be tasked with. But never fear, it isn't impossible, and with a few tips to point you in the right direction, you will soon be writing and delivering your speech like a pro.

The next several articles will guide you through the process, one step at a time, and at the end of this series, you will be more than just comfortable writing your speech, you will be able to deliver it with confidence and conviction.

The very definition of persuasion is to get someone to change their mind about something. Your goal, as the persuasive speaker, is to take them from “no” to “yes”. If you think that this is a confrontational or competitive stance to take, you're right. And if you are not comfortable with that stance, give yourself a pat on the back, because you are halfway to becoming a persuasive speaker.

There is an old saying that goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink”. It's the same with your audience, you can show them whatever you like, but you can't make them take it. Or buy it. Or agree with it. Period. They will take, buy, or agree for reasons of their own, and if you do not understand those reasons, you will get exactly nowhere.

So, in order to lead your audience around to your point of view, you have to start where they are, and lead them from there. Show them that you have something in common with them. It may be a common goal or objective, a shared concern, or similar life events. Whatever it is, show them that you are one of them, and let them know that you have something to share with the group.

Link this common bond to your goal (the thing you wish to persuade the audience of) by addressing their needs, fears, hopes and desires, and show them how your point of view will fulfil, address, or redress the above, as applicable.

From this I hope you can begin to see that your persuasive speech topic is just the starting point to your brilliant presentation. From here, we will continue to explore the ins and outs of writing and presenting your topic, and persuading your audience to accept the gifts that you offer.

Till next time, MBerry