What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

A persuasive speech needs a clear contention (your position) stated early

Logos: appeal to logic and reason with facts, statistics, and evidence

Ethos: establish credibility and trustworthiness as a speaker

Pathos: appeal to the audience's emotions and values

Rhetorical devices: rhetorical questions, rule of three, repetition, anaphora

Key Vocabulary

Contention

The main argument or position that the speaker is trying to persuade the audience to accept

Rhetoric

The art of persuasion through effective use of language; rhetorical techniques make speeches more convincing

Rule of Three

Grouping three ideas, examples, or words together for emphasis and rhythm (e.g. "life, liberty, and happiness")

Anaphora

Repeating the same words or phrase at the beginning of consecutive sentences for emphasis

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech repeatedly begins lines with "I have a dream that...". This technique is called:

Alliteration Anaphora Metaphor Hyperbole

Question 2

A speaker says: "We must act now. We must protect our children. We must save our planet." This is an example of:

Hyperbole and satire Simile and metaphor The rule of three and anaphora Alliteration and onomatopoeia

Question 3

You are giving a speech about reducing plastic waste. Which type of evidence uses PATHOS most effectively?

"Studies show 8 million tonnes of plastic enters oceans each year." "As an environmental scientist, I have studied this issue for ten years." "The logical solution is to introduce a 10-cent plastic bag levy." "Imagine a sea turtle, tangled in plastic, gasping for breath. That turtle is real."

Persuasive Speech Writing