SPH 106 Persuasive Strategies Assignment: 35 points
For this assignment you will choose a Persuasive speech topic from the list below and make it your own. You
will type detailed answers for each of these aspects below. Please number your answers to coincide with the
requirement (use the following format). Use complete sentences and/or paragraphs with proper grammar,
capitalization and punctuation. Proofread before submitting. You will not actually deliver this speech
- Generate a thesis statement for your persuasive topic. (See list of topics below)
- Identify the thesis as a question of fact, value, or policy and explain why. -SEE page 275
- Create a full introduction for your topic:
• Attention getter
• Audience relevance link
• Credibility statement
• Thesis statement
• Preview statement - Briefly explain how you would implement Aristotle’s major modes of proof in your speech. You will need
to do a little research (cite your sources) on your topic to come up with some supporting information you
would use and then identify at least one piece of evidence that would utilize EACH of the following: SEE
pages 277-280
• Ethos: Explain the type of evidence you would use to portray ethos. Give an example(s).
• Pathos: Explain how you would you use emotional appeal. What kind of emotion would you evoke
in the audience? Give example(s)
• Logos: What logical arguments would you make to support your proposition (thesis)? Give
example(s). - Cite your source(s) used within the content as you would in a speech outline/speech presentation.
Required to use at least one credible source.
List of Persuasive Topics: (Choose a side and make it your own)
• Should all students be required to learn an instrument in school?
• Should graffiti be considered art?
• Paper books vs. e-books – which is better?
• Should minimum wage be increased?
• Should the death penalty be abolished?
• Should beauty pageants for children be banned?
• Is it better to live together before marriage or to wait?
• Should prisoners be allowed to vote?
• Homeschool vs. Public or Private school – which is better?
• Whose face should be on the next new currency printed by the US?
• Should people convicted of drug possession be sent to recovery programs instead of jail?
• Who was the best American president?
• Should the military budget be reduced?
• Should healthy people be required to regularly donate blood?
• Should physician’s assisted suicide be legal?
• Should human cloning be allowed?
• Should people be allowed to own exotic animals like tigers and monkeys?
• Should “animal selfies” in tourist locations with well-known animal species (like koalas and tigers) be
allowed?
• Should genetically modified foods be sold in grocery stores?
• Should parents be allowed to choose the sex of their unborn children?
• Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?
• What is the best type of renewable energy?
• Should plastic bags be banned in grocery stores?
• Should the US government increase NASA’s budget?
• Should college athletes be paid for being on a sports team?
• Should all athletes be required to pass regular drug tests?
• Should professional female athletes be paid the same as male athletes in the same sport?
• Will robots reduce or increase human employment opportunities?
• What age should children be allowed to have a cell phone?
• Overall, has technology helped connect people or isolate them?
• Should self-driving cars be legal?
• Should all new buildings be energy efficient?
• Do violent video games encourage players to become violent in real life?