Persuasive speaking is always done in a way that focuses directly on the audience. The writer of a persuasive speech concentrates each point of the speech directly on influencing the audience to think a specific way. According to Austin Community College, persuasive speaking is a way of manipulating the listeners' thinking.
Persuasive speaking primarily uses first and second person pronouns. This includes using “I,” “we,” “you” and “your.” By using these types of pronouns, the speaker refers directly to himself with the words he speaks and also talks straight to his audience by calling them “you.”
A persuasive speech should present a clear and direct claim to let the audience know exactly what the speaker’s point of view is. A persuasive speech never gives the audience a chance to choose an opinion of the subject, but instead the speaker tries to offer only one position about the topic. When writing a persuasive speech, never deviate from your claim or stance on the subject. To convince the audience of your perspective, it is important to offer at least three support points. These points are strong pieces of evidence that prove your position is the best position to take.
Writers of persuasive speeches use various types of appeal to convince the audience. Ethos is a type of appeal where the speaker is qualified to speak about the subject. Ethos causes the audience to believe the speaker is an authority on the subject; it is obtained through the speaker’s qualifications, experience and knowledge. Pathos is another type of appeal a speaker often uses. Pathos works by appealing to the audience's emotions. To use this type of appeal, use illustrations, parables and stories with moral values. Logos is a different type of appeal that uses facts and figures to support the speaker's position.