Persuasive Speaking
An original speech by the student designed to inspire, reinforce or change the beliefs, attitudes, values or actions of the audience. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. (If visual aids are used, however, the speaker should insure that they are viewable to all members of the audience, that they are well-crafted, and that they are germane to the presentation). Multiple sources should be used and cited during the speech. Minimal notes are permitted, but memorized delivery is highly recommended.
Competitors are reminded of the AFA-NIET General Rule 6-k, which states: "Coaches and/or students must have available at the District and National NIET Tournaments copies of all interpretive and original events used at the tournaments." Further, the AFA Code of Ethics specifies that, "Competitors are expected to bring to tournaments a copy of the original inclusive text along with the student's script."
A persuasive speech should be an original work of the student designed to shape, reinforce, or change attitudes, beliefs, values and/or behaviors on the part of the audience. The speech should present a significant problem with a realistic solution. The audience should receive new information about the topic rather than simply hearing the repetition of known arguments on controversial issues common in society. The best speeches discover a new dilemma facing a significant segment of society, and topics which directly affect or relate to the immediate audience are most effective. If a very familiar issue is chosen, the topic should be explored in a new context so that the competitor does not risk presenting only well-known arguments and facts. The speaker should explicate the problem in sufficient detail to create a need for the solution. The body of the speech should be well organized and employ sound principles of argument. Many forms of evidence, appropriately documented within the speech, should be gathered from a wide variety of sources and integrated into the logical proof structure. The action goal or goals should be both realistic and capable of being accomplished by the immediate audience. The speaker should use a variety of motivational appeals such as logical, emotional, and ethical appeals to persuade the audience.
All principles of effective presentation should be demonstrated. The structure should include a readily identifiable introduction, body, and conclusion. A memorable introduction should be followed by a thesis statement and an organizational preview. Clear transitions should be made between main points so that the organizational structure is cumulatively reviewed and previewed. An adequate summary should be provided, followed by a memorable conclusion. Effective language should be utilized. In addition, the nonverbal components should be effectively demonstrated, such as direct and communicative eye contact, and good posture and poise. Gestures should be motivated, comfortable and enhance, not distract, from the presentation. The speech should be free of lapses in memory or breaks in fluency, and credit should be given for speaking without notes. Poor enunciation or incorrect grammar or pronunciation should be penalized. In short, the speaker should make effective use of sound public speaking conventions. Speeches ranging from 8 to 10 minutes in length are recommended. Deviations from the time limit should be penalized appropriately according to the severity of the violation.
One-on-one person-to-person technical support is available to students, faculty, and staff over 60 hours a week.
