ABSTRACT
In persuasive speaking, there are three purposes we can attempt to achieve with an audience, although most persuasive appeals utilize a combination of all three. The persuasive purposes are to reinforce an already-held belief, change a belief, and motivate to action. In persuasive speaking, the specific purpose, purpose statement, or goal statement is called the proposition. The proposition is the desired effect we want to have on our audience. A proposition must be limited to one sentence. The intent and goal of the persuasive speech must be contained in that sentence. Aristotle believed that the most important component of persuasion was the perceived credibility of the speaker or her ethical appeal. Some of the best emotional-appeal stories we can include in our speech will come from the lives of individuals who have sought to realize their highest potential. When we are researching emotional appeals for our persuasive speech, remember the various needs of our audience members.
