The Four Basic Types of Persuasive Speech

In the last few lessons, we've talked about how to evaluate various types of speeches and media presentations. One of the most common is the persuasive speech -- one in which the speaker tries to get you to:

• agree with him or her
• change your attitudes or beliefs, or
• take some kind of action

By now, you've probably prepared and delivered several persuasive speeches yourself. But this is a good time to remind you of the four basic types of persuasive speech, how they differ and what kind of proof is required for each.