Persuasive speeches are unique because their goal is to change the audience’s beliefs or behavior. When preparing such a presentation, consider the type of persuasive speech you’ll give, what your specific purpose will be, and—most importantly—how to get your audience to believe what you have to say.

Throughout your academic, social, and professional life, you will be called on to prepare persuasive presentations. Your most immediate need, of course, is probably for this communication class. Luckily, you are already familiar with how to start any speech assignment. To deliver a persuasive speech, follow the five steps for speech preparation discussed in Chapters 13, 14, and 15: think, investigate, compose, rehearse, and revise. (See Table 17.1.) In addition, there are factors specific to persuasive speaking to keep in mind as you prepare.