speech

speech

The Power of Persuasive Speech

1. Introduction

Related to writing is the widespread dislike of persuasive writing in comparison with other forms of writing. Essentially, the reason behind this is that when writing or giving a speech, we are often required to argue from a particular viewpoint, whether we actually hold that viewpoint ourselves. This can lead to a sense of immorality or cognitive dissonance for the speaker or writer. The power of persuasive writing can help us bridge this gap. In this essay, I will be writing about how persuasive writing can be of benefit to those who are required to employ it. I will start by deciphering what I see as the difference between argument and persuasion. I will then look at how one can go about writing in a persuasive manner. After this, I will assess the effectiveness of persuasive writing and if it is really necessary to be a good persuader. This will involve a look at some psychological theories on attitude change. In the final part of the essay, I will examine the moral implications of being a good persuader and whether this is an inborn talent or something that can be learned and subsequently unlearned. By examining all of these key areas of persuasive writing, I hope to provide a broad insight into the likelihood of arguing a point of view that we believe is right.

2. The Importance of Persuasive Speech

The way we persuade can vary, and for those who have a knack for it, they can find the best way to get what they want. It is likely after consideration of the possible advantage of a task that they will use persuasive speech in requesting it. This is because they will believe the chance of success in the task is higher if others feel the same way they do, and a persuasive argument may bring others to support the cause even if it is manipulative. An able speaker who persuades much and is conscious of it will likely find himself in good favor. Many people like to be flattered and a persuasive argument can do just that. Others will find less success. Those who are emotional can be easier targets due to an emotional approach to an argument, but they take persuasion badly especially if the argument is against their opinion. At worst, persuasion can be used to manipulate and control others, but this may lead to more negative practical conclusions such as force. So what effect can a persuasive argument have on another and what are the consequences of doing so?

Persuasion is something we are subjected to on a daily basis. It is something that allows us to get a better way of what we want and a more comfortable and productive way of living. If something is in some way good, it is often persuaded to others so that they take it up too. For example, if one has found a faster or more efficient way of completing a task at work, he/she may tell the method to others in the hope they will take it up. Highly influential speech could easily convince others that one is best suited to a job promotion.

Persuasive speech is the art of influencing, where the influence is used to make others do what you want them to do of their own accord, not by force. It is an ancient art and one that will never die. It is closely connected with logical or critical thinking. This is because one of the main forms of logical thinking is an argument – where there are at least two differing opinions. In order for a conclusion or opinion to be changed, critical thinking or an argument must take place. Logic is also connected as one cannot have a persuasive argument without using some form of logic. One may use emotion and a play on words to manipulate another, but that is not the focus of this essay and is not ethical. Logic will be used in deciding whether it is ethical to try and change someone’s opinion and whether it is more effective to do this than using force, and what the benefits of doing so are.

3. Techniques for Effective Persuasion

Techniques of Persuasive Speech: Persuasion is the process of changing or reinforcing attitudes, beliefs, or values toward a predetermined outcome through voluntary compliance. Persuasion is communication of a speaker’s ideas and point of view in such a way that listeners change their minds about a specific issue or action. It involves directing his message at the receptivity and the responsiveness of the audience, seeking to change their belief or behavior to his own desirable view. Persuasive speech, unlike informative speech, can involve a substantial degree of controversy, making conflicting ideas and multiple viewpoints. To convince an audience that the wish to accomplish is the desirable outcome or action, a speaker must employ the use of reasoning, motivation, of stimulating the interest of the audience, establishing credibility, and using evidence. These techniques all serve the purpose of moving the audience closer to the speaker’s point of view.

1. Techniques of Persuasive Speech 2. Establishing Credibility 3. Using Evidence 4. Reasoning and Motivational Appeals to Audience 5. Addressing Counterargument 6. Using Metaphor

4. Overcoming Objections

The final phase is to reinforce the strength of the arguments for the proposed change to the point where it is overwhelming against the weakened objections. This requires a deliberate shift from the evenhanded consideration of both the advantages of the proposal and the disadvantages of the objections, to an exclusive consideration of the disadvantages of the objections. During this process, the speaker must be prepared to quickly abort an objection that regains social currency and threaten the success of the change. This method of debunking objections is a high risk operation, but if successful, results in a large shift in the probability the listener will be swayed to the position advocated by the speaker.

Next, the speaker must present arguments that directly attack the desirability of the status quo, either by discrediting its advantages, or by arguing that the proposed change will lead to an even greater advantage. This is no easy task as studies in social psychology, dissonance theory, have shown that people are inclined to quickly forget arguments with negative implications about their cherished beliefs. Nevertheless, if the objections are strong, it will be necessary to devote nearly equal time on the pros and cons of the issue.

First, the speaker must anticipate objections with arguments the opponent will consider to be compelling reasons not to change. Dispositions to change are typically matters of degree. It is more likely than not that there are features of the status quo which render it at least somewhat satisfactory. The speaker must carefully word and argue the advantages of the proposed change in order to both illustrate the unfulfilled aspects of the status quo and reduce the apparent attractiveness of the objections.

5. Conclusion

Examining the power of persuasive speech and the influence of persuasive speakers has led us to conclude that through history these individuals have always played a predominant role in swaying the thoughts and actions of their listeners. The efficiency and effectiveness of their public discourse is second to none, and comes to use as one of the greatest powers in the world of politics. They have achieved this power through an understanding of the human psyche and emotions, and an understanding of the art of rhetoric and logic. We have observed many figures, such as Demosthenes, Mark Antony, and Gandhi, who have used their great powers of persuasion to change the course of history. We have also seen how this power can sometimes be abused as seen with the instance of the Second Philippic, and various others throughout history. However, the prominent role that persuasive speakers have played in influencing the thoughts and actions of people cannot be denied. They carry a power that is proven to change the states of others, and bring them to the speaker’s bidding, whether good or bad. Throughout our examination, a quote from Plato’s Phaedrus keeps coming to mind.