A Persuasive speech is an original platform speech

that attempts to persuade the audience to adopt a

particular point of view or course of action.

PERSUASIVE SPEAKING
SPECIFIC EVENT RULES
Goal: The goal of the speech is to attempt to persuade to a particular point of view or course of action but
does not have to change the judges mind.
Time: 10-minute maximum; no minimum time. There is no official penalty for time, and judges may use
discretion when weighing a speakers time into their ranking. The speaker should not be penalized for
excessive audience laughter, which may occasionally extend the time of a speech.
Rules: All General Individual Event Rules and Script Submission Rules and Guidelines must be followed,
along with the specific event rules below.
1. The speech must be an original work, scripted word for word by the speaker.
2. Directly quoted material may comprise a maximum of 30% of the total words in the speech.
3. Sources used for outside material must be mentioned in the verbal delivery of the speech. Outside
material refers to direct quotations, specific information, and/or another persons research, theories,
and/or concepts. Specific information that is considered to be common knowledge and can be
found in multiple locations does not need to be cited in any way.
4. Any sources used must be cited parenthetically within the script and listed on the Source Citation
Page. The term sources refers to books, websites, interviews, song lyrics, etc.
5. Visual aids, electronics, and costumes are not allowed. The term visual aids refers to items or
audience members used to enhance the speech. A costume refers to a part or all of the speakers
attire that is worn to enhance the speech.
6. Only feet are permitted to touch the floor at any time.

NCFCA Persuasive Speaking Rules

Revised August 2015