List the five steps of the motivated sequence, in the proper order. Overall, how is this organizational strategy best used in persuasive speaking?

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: Answers will vary. The motivated sequence is as follows: 1) Attention – get listeners to focus; 2) Need – identify a problem that exists; 3) Satisfaction – demonstrate how that problem can be solved by their believing in or doing something; 4) Visualization – show them what things will be like if the need is satisfied as suggested; 5) Action – urge them to take a particular action to meet the need or solve the problem. If speakers want to persuade listeners, they have to motivate them to believe something or to act in some way. The motivated sequence helps develop speeches of persuasion (whether questions of fact, value, or policy) by identifying an issue and urging action with a particular solution. It is most effective when offering a limited number of choices, because if too many options are given, listeners may be overwhelmed and end up doing nothing.