As with any speech outline, the elements include an introduction, a body with main points and sub points, and a conclusion.
A persuasive speech can be organized in a number of ways. The most common way to organize a persuasive speech outline is by "statement of logical reasons".
In this form you introduce the topic and state the thesis in the introduction, put the reasons and supporting material in the body, and a call to action in the conclusion. For example, if you were trying to persuade your audience to donate blood at American Red Cross Blood Drives your outline might look something like this:
Persuasive speech outline purpose: To persuade my audience to donate blood through the American Red Cross.
1. Did you know that blood donated to the American Red Cross saves XXX lives per year?
2. People should give blood because it is easy and though there might be a little pain involved it is worth it because it saves so many lives and you get great snacks.
I. Giving blood is easy
a. It only takes about an hour
b. You just lay back and let the nurses do the work
c. It generally doesn't hurt much at all
II. The blood you give saves lives
a. People in accidents, people with cancer, people having surgery and women having babies are saved
b. Tell story of Linda K. whose life was saved when she started hemorrhaging after the birth of her twins.
III. If that isn't enough reason, you get great snacks
a. You are not allowed to leave until you have had something to eat and drink like crackers, cookies and juice
b. At some blood drives restaurants donate food
1. There is a blood drive this Friday at the fire station from 10 to 3. Please start your habit of blood donation right away.
2. If you cannot donate this Friday I urge you to donate blood through the American Red Cross at another time because it is easy, you will get great snacks and, most importantly, you will save lives!
You can see how in this persuasive speech outline the topic and thesis are stated in the introduction, the reasons for giving blood are the main points in the body of the outline and the conclusion contains the call to action.
Other ways of organizing a persuasive speech outline are "problem--solution", comparative advantages, criteria satisfaction, and motivational sequence.
Creating an effective persuasive speech outline is a critical element of preparing and delivering a persuasive speech that truly fulfills its purpose of persuading the audience to share your belief or take a particular action.
The persuasive speech outline will keep you on track. You will introduce your topic and your thesis effectively in the beginning of the speech.
You will provide the supportive material you need to build your case in the body of the speech.
The evidence that you use in the form of statistics, quotes, expert testimony and examples will support each of the main points.
Finally you will make your powerful call to action in the conclusion of your speech.
Now, go forth and be persuasive!