In your opinion, what are the two most important dimensions for evaluating a persuasive speech? Defend your position by addressing specific criteria that are most relevant to your position. Assess your own persuasive competence, and discuss an area you wish to improve.

What will be an ideal response?

- When evaluating a persuasive speech, one should consider the topic; general requirements; audience analysis; supporting materials; organization; delivery; and language choice.
- Criteria specific to persuasive speeches:
* The purpose of the speech should clearly be to persuade and be stated as such.
* The speech should include a goal; that is, the audience should be asked to think something, believe something, or take action.
* Supporting materials should appeal to the audience's needs, logic, and emotions.
* Supporting materials should include a variety of factual statements, statistical data, personal experiences, analogies, contrasts, examples and illustrations, expert testimony, value appeals, and eyewitness accounts.
* The organizational pattern should be appropriate.
* The speaker should convey a persuasive attitude through focus, energy, and appropriate vocal variety.
- Student examples will vary but should include some combination of the above criteria.
- Student must provide a self-assessment.