Persuasive Speech Outline

Genetically Modified Organisms

Naomi Torres Fernandez
General Purpose: To persuade
Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience to start consuming more non
genetically modified organisms.
Central Idea: Genetically modified foods may cause health issues and are
not even labeled, this is why people should go to their local
farmers market.
INTRODUCTION
Attention Material: There are no seasons in the American supermarket. Now there are tomatoes all
year round, grown halfway around the world, picked when it was green, and ripened with
ethylene gas. Although it looks like a tomato, it's kind of a notional tomato. I mean, it's the idea
of a tomato. Michael Pollan, Food Inc.
Preview: We go to Publix, Win Dixie or any supermarket all the time and instead of buying canned
fruits or veggies we prefer going fresh because its healthier. But is it really? Nowadays almost
every product we consume has GMOs and we dont even know. I will explain the problem with
GMOs and then suggest a solution.
(Transition: But first, what is exactly a GMO? Show definition)
BODY
I.

II.

GMOs have shown to not be healthy and even have several side effects dangerous for our bodies.
A. Obesity.
a. Americans eat more GMO foods than any other country in the world and it also
has the highest obesity rate. There is a correlation between high consumption of
GMO foods and obesity rate. Both are linked because most GMO ingredients are
found in junk food.
b. In the US there are 6 crops that are being genetically modified. According to Eric
Schlosser from Food Inc., 70% of processed food in the supermarkets has some
genetically modified ingredient.
B. Prevalence and incidence data show correlations between diseases of the organs and the
increase in Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the food supply. Studies have
revealed carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting effects. The endocrine disrupting
properties can lead to reproductive problems: infertility, miscarriage, birth defects, and
sexual development. The endocrine disrupting properties also lead to neurological
disorders like learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, autism,
dementia, Alzheimers, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Those most susceptible are
children and the elderly. Based on Dr. Swansons study.
(Transition: Now that you know the health issues, wouldnt you like to know if what youre eating
has GMOs?)
Foods that contain GMOs do not have it list in their ingredients part of the label.
A. 64 countries require labeling of GMO and 14 countries have even banned it. USA and
Canada do not require labeling.

III.

IV.

(Transition: However, pro-GMO people have other ideas.)

Some people think GMOs can cure world hunger by making crops more resistant to any
natural disaster.
A. GMOs cannot cure world hunger if they are making people unhealthy. And what they
really mean by resistant is that they are putting pesticide formulas in the traits of food.
This is what destroys insects stomach, but, of course, it wont destroy ours (sarcasm).
(Transition: Another poor argument they use is:)
Research has shown GMOs are safe.
A. Biotech companies own patents on the modified genes and they have the right to sue you
if you choose to test without their permission. This is why many independent researchers
dont do this, for fear of losing against giants like Monsanto. According to Don Huber,
getting research findings published that do not coincide with the aims of key commercial
interests can be difficult and comes with certain risks.
B. The research that actually use the modified genes are the ones paid by big multinational
corporations that sell the GMOs like Monsanto. Most members of Monsanto form part of
the US congress, senate, and white house. This is the main reason why GMOs arent
banned in the US, profit.
(Transition: As I previously mentioned, GMOs are everywhere so ...)

V.

What can we do about it?

A. Sign a petition to label GMOs so we know what we are eating. Justlabelit.org.
B. Go to your local food market at Doral Center every Sunday.
CONCLUSION
Summary: As we can see, GMOs can cause a lot of health issues and are present in almost all our
foods. Most products dont have them listed in their food label because of the relations between
Monsanto and the congress. However, we CAN do something about this.
Concluding Remarks:
A. Sign the petition at Justlabelit.org.
B. Go to your local food market.
We are nor robots or cyborgs; we are natural people, who need natural food.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
"Dr Swanson: GMOs Cause Increase in Chronic Diseases, Infertility and Birth
Defects." Sustainable Pulse. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Apr. 2015.
Swanson,. "Genetically Modified Organisms and the Deterioration of Health in the United States
N.L." (n.d.): n. pag. Pdf.
"Corporate Corruption and Manipulation by the Biotech Industry - Natural News Blogs." Natural
News Blogs RSS. N.p., 27 Oct. 2014. Web.
"The OMG of GMO: TESTING -." N.p., 28 Aug. 2013. Web.
"Food, Inc Quotes ." Quotes.com. N.p., n.d. Web