Purpose:

Public Policy Persuasive Speech Assignment Details

To advocate the support of, against, or change in a current policy and/or
social behavior.

Length:
8-9 minutes (yes I will be timing you and yes it will impact your point total)

Points:
175 points total


Speech:


150 points

Full sentence outline/visual aid: 25 points

Assignment Details:

Goals: Remember the goals of persuasive speaking:
o To influence the beliefs, attitudes, values, or actions of others
o To emphasize the benefit of making the proposed change
o To justify your position through the use of strong supporting evidence
o To ask for commitment from your audience and to do so specifically
Your speech should satisfy all of these fundamental goals. Also be sure to choose a topic
that is beneficial to your audience one that offers a fresh perspective or valuable
information that we can all make use of and benefit from!
Full Sentence Outlines: You must turn in your full-sentence outline to your instructor
prior to delivering your speech at the very beginning of class. This is to be typed and
stapled together neatly with your full name clearly indicated. Failure to turn in your
outline will result in your receiving zero points for this assignment, period no
exceptions will be made.
Notecards: You will be required to speak from notecards only. You will not be allowed to go
to the podium with full-page outlines or manuscripts. Notecards need to have key words
only, unless a specific quote or statistic needs to be read.
Visual Aids: Visual aids are required for this assignment. You may use PowerPoint or Prezi
(no Keynote.) Please be sure to email me the file or bring it into class with you on a flash
drive. Make sure you test these before your speech! We do not have any time to
accommodate for technical problems.
Time: If you exceed 10 minutes I will ask you to stop. You will receive a 2-point deduction
for every 10 seconds you are outside the time limit (above or below.) Please be very
mindful of this as we are on a tight schedule with a large class and it is imperative that
everyone be allowed adequate time to speak. I do not want to have to cut you off but if
need be, I will.
Preparation: In order to receive credit for this assignment, you must be present and
ready to speak on the day you are assigned to speak. If you do not show up, you will
receive zero points.
Professionalism: Please do not be late, disruptive, inattentive, or leave early in order to
receive full credit on your speech and on your semester participation grade. Be in
professional dress on the day you are speaking.
Speaking Days: You will sign up for a specific speaking day. Please notify me at least a
week in advance of that date if an emergency arises (this does not include another
assignment from another class) in which you need to move your speech date. Otherwise,
feel free to trade speaking dates with classmates if need be. Please inform me of any
changes that you and another student agree to make.