Speaking to persuade: Motivating audiences with solid arguments and moving language from Coursera

In the professional realm, we need to be able to argue without being argumentative. Whether you are fundraising for a nonprofit, pitching a business proposal, or suggesting a change to company policy, you are making arguments. In making the case for your topic, you often want to raise awareness, identify a pressing problem, discuss appropriate solutions, and outline specific steps for the audience.

To be persuasive, you must be clear (the audience may have little to no existing knowledge), you must be convincing (you are trying to sway the audience that your argument is valid), and you must be compelling (you are trying to motivate the audience enough so that they want to take specific actions). Persuasive speaking thus requires clarity, strategy, topic mastery, plus a sense of style and presence.

By the end of this course, you should be able to design persuasive speeches that address problems and solutions and that motivate audience members. You should be able to use rhetorical style strategically and deliver passionate and compelling speeches. Learners will record speeches, providing and receiving peer feedback.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome. Let's develop a persuasive argument.

In this module, we’ll focus on the key strategies for designing persuasive speeches. In examining persuasive speaking, we tackle both solid argument and eloquent writing. After sorting through the broad concerns about persuasion, we start with some of the most powerful argumentative tools you can have: status quo and stock issues. By the end of the week, these two ideas will have helped us figure out what we need to argue (and what we don’t) and how to go about it. If you want some feedback, you’ll be able to upload an introductory speech for peer review.

Designing your persuasive speech

Having mapped out a basic strategy, we now need to think more about the audience and how to respond to their concerns. Additionally, we need to build the speech logically. We will examine how to design congruent speeches that build to clear and motivational calls to action. By the end of the week, you will have a number of techniques for making your case in a way that invites agreement rather than disagreement. If you want strengthen these skills, you’ll be able to engage in some speech analysis.

Strategic and motivational language

In this module, we'll move from persuasive ideas to a completed argument and speech draft. I think everyone should take the time to become familiar with the fallacies discussed in this module. Globally, the quality of argumentation and reasoning would be better if everyone had a stronger grasp of these concepts. As you well know, persuasion isn't just argument - it's also the crafting of strategic and stylistic language. When people think about the most famous speeches in history, they tend to think of stylistically rich speeches. By the end of the week, you will have a list of strategies for avoiding fallacies and framing your case strategically and stylistically. If you want some feedback, you’ll be able to upload a persuasive speech outline for peer review and engage in some speech writing.

Compelling delivery

In this module, we’ll finish our work on persuasive speaking. We'll talk about the dreaded "UM", a bane of speakers and an issue that merits study. We'll also go over some tips for reducing these sorts of disfluencies. We'll spend a bit of time thinking about some good delivery practices. Finally, we'll explore some models of imitation. By the end of the week, you will have a couple of speaking techniques to make every speech you give sound more confident and moving. If you want some feedback, you’ll be able to upload a practice persuasive speech for peer review.

Week 5: Review and assessment

Thank you for time in this course. I hope the material has proven helpful in some way. We concluded our discussion of the persuasive speech last week. I would like to spend a bit of time reflecting on the course. We will end this week with your final speech.

Week 5: Review and assessment: Lesson Choices

Choice 1: For the final assignment, you can either submit a video or written speech (below). | Choice 2: For the final assignment, you can either submit a video (above) or written speech.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the fundamentals of persuasive speaking, which is essential for leaders and professionals

Taught by Dr. Matt McGarrity, a respected instructor known for his expertise in communication

Provides opportunities for peer review and feedback, fostering a collaborative learning environment

Course duration is not specified, which may require planning and flexibility from learners

Reviews summary

Highly rated speaking course

Learners say that this is an excellent and engaging course that teaches them how to build and deliver persuasive speeches. The course is well-structured and provides ample examples to help illustrate the concepts. The instructor, Professor Matt McGarrity, is knowledgeable and engaging, and he delivers the material in a clear and concise way. Overall, learners say that this course is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their speaking skills.

Well-structured with ample examples

"Nicely structured course"

"Well-structured course with ample examples"

"It was a well structured course"

Teaches effective persuasive techniques

"A course provided detailed techniques to speak publicly to persuade with confidence"

"Perfect course for public speaking and persuading technic learning"

"Really recommend completing this course, gives great tips on how to convey your point across in a comprehensive and persuasive manner!"

Engaging and knowledgeable instructor

"Professor has a good sense of humor"

"He did a good job at explaining"

"Dr. Matt McGarrity, is an excellent lecturer"

"The instructor was extra ordinary"

91% positive

"Great course"

"Excellent"

"Very good"

"Highly recommend"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Speaking to persuade: Motivating audiences with solid arguments and moving language with these activities:

Review argumentative techniques

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Review the basic principles of argumentation, including fallacies, logical reasoning, and persuasive techniques to strengthen your understanding of the core concepts covered in this course.

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Revisit the chapters on argumentation from a previous course or textbook.
Practice identifying logical fallacies in examples.
Develop outlines for persuasive speeches on various topics.

Engage in peer review and provide feedback on persuasive speech outlines

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Engaging in peer review will provide you with valuable insights and feedback on your persuasive speech outline, helping you improve its clarity, structure, and persuasiveness.

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Share your persuasive speech outline with a peer for review.
Provide constructive feedback on your peer's outline, focusing on its clarity, structure, and persuasiveness.
Incorporate feedback from your peer into your own outline.

Attend workshops on public speaking

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Attend workshops or webinars on public speaking to enhance your delivery skills, learn advanced techniques, and receive feedback from experienced professionals.

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Research and identify relevant workshops or webinars.
Register and attend the selected workshops.
Actively participate in exercises and discussions.
Seek feedback from the instructor or other participants.

Three other activities

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Practice identifying and analyzing logical fallacies in persuasive speeches

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Practicing identifying and analyzing logical fallacies will enhance your ability to evaluate the validity and credibility of persuasive arguments.

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Review common types of logical fallacies.
Analyze persuasive speeches for logical fallacies.
Identify the impact of logical fallacies on the persuasiveness of arguments.

Join a virtual speech club

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Join a virtual speech club or online forum where you can practice delivering speeches, receive feedback, and connect with other learners to enhance your persuasive speaking skills.

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Research and identify relevant virtual speech clubs or online forums.
Join the selected club or forum.
Prepare and deliver speeches regularly.
Provide and receive constructive feedback to other members.

Develop and deliver a persuasive speech on a topic related to your field of study or career

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Developing and delivering a persuasive speech on a topic related to your field of study or career will provide you with an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained in this course to a real-world scenario.

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Choose a topic for your persuasive speech that is relevant to your field of study or career.
Conduct thorough research on your topic.
Develop a compelling and persuasive argument.
Practice delivering your speech effectively.
Deliver your persuasive speech to an audience.

Career center

Learners who complete Speaking to persuade: Motivating audiences with solid arguments and moving language will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They work with a variety of audiences, including consumers, businesses, and the media. This course can help Marketing Managers by providing them with the skills to develop persuasive arguments and deliver compelling speeches. These skills are essential for communicating with target audiences and promoting products and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers lead the development of public relations campaigns for businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. They work to maintain a positive image and build relationships with the media and other key stakeholders. This course can help Public Relations Managers by providing them with the skills to develop persuasive arguments and deliver compelling speeches. These skills are essential for building relationships with the media and other key stakeholders, and for promoting a positive image for an organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Advertising Account Executive

Advertising Account Executives work with clients to develop and execute advertising campaigns. They work to create persuasive marketing messages and negotiate with media outlets to get the best possible placement for their clients' ads. This course can help Advertising Account Executives by providing them with the skills to develop persuasive arguments and deliver compelling speeches. These skills are essential for negotiating with clients and media outlets, and for developing effective advertising campaigns.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead sales teams and develop strategies to increase sales. They work with customers to build relationships and close deals. This course can help Sales Managers by providing them with the skills to develop persuasive arguments and deliver compelling speeches. These skills are essential for building relationships with customers and closing deals.

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Communications Director

Communications Directors develop and implement communication strategies for businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. They work with a variety of audiences, including the media, employees, and the public. This course can help Communications Directors by providing them with the skills to develop persuasive arguments and deliver compelling speeches. These skills are essential for communicating with a variety of audiences and building a positive image for an organization.

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Grant Writer

Grant Writers write grant proposals to secure funding for nonprofit organizations. They work with donors and grantmakers to develop persuasive proposals that articulate the organization's mission and goals. This course can help Grant Writers by providing them with the skills to develop persuasive arguments and deliver compelling speeches. These skills are essential for writing grant proposals and securing funding for nonprofit organizations.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They work with policymakers to develop and implement policies that address a variety of social and economic issues. This course can help Policy Analysts by providing them with the skills to develop persuasive arguments and deliver compelling speeches. These skills are essential for communicating with policymakers and advocating for policy changes.

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Financial Advisor

Financial Advisors provide financial advice to individuals and families. They work to help their clients make sound financial decisions and plan for their future. This course can help Financial Advisors by providing them with the skills to develop persuasive arguments and deliver compelling speeches. These skills are essential for building relationships with clients and providing them with sound financial advice.

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Political Consultant

Political Consultants advise candidates and political organizations on campaign strategy and messaging. They work to develop persuasive arguments and deliver compelling speeches that resonate with voters. This course can help Political Consultants by providing them with the skills to develop persuasive arguments and deliver compelling speeches. These skills are essential for developing campaign strategy and messaging, and for persuading voters to support a particular candidate or cause.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers develop and implement human resources policies and procedures. They work to create a positive work environment and attract and retain top talent. This course can help Human Resources Managers by providing them with the skills to develop persuasive arguments and deliver compelling speeches. These skills are essential for communicating with employees and building a positive work environment.

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Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They work with students to develop their knowledge and skills, and to prepare them for careers in their chosen fields. This course may help Professors by providing them with the skills to develop persuasive arguments and deliver compelling lectures. These skills can be helpful for engaging students and conveying complex information in a clear and concise manner.

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Speechwriter

Speechwriters write speeches for politicians, business leaders, and other public figures. They work to develop persuasive arguments and deliver compelling speeches that resonate with audiences. This course may help Speechwriters by providing them with the skills to develop persuasive arguments and deliver compelling speeches. These skills are essential for writing speeches that engage and persuade audiences.

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Media Relations Specialist

Media Relations Specialists work with the media to promote their organization's products, services, or initiatives. They work to build relationships with reporters and editors, and to get their organization's message out to the public. This course may help Media Relations Specialists by providing them with the skills to develop persuasive arguments and deliver compelling speeches. These skills can be helpful for building relationships with reporters and editors, and for pitching stories to the media.

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Lawyer

Lawyers represent clients in legal matters. They work to develop persuasive arguments and deliver compelling speeches in court and other legal settings. This course may help Lawyers by providing them with the skills to develop persuasive arguments and deliver compelling speeches. These skills are essential for representing clients in legal matters and advocating for their interests.

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Journalist

Journalists research and write news stories for newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets. They work to develop persuasive arguments and deliver compelling stories that inform and engage audiences. This course may help Journalists by providing them with the skills to develop persuasive arguments and deliver compelling stories. These skills can be helpful for researching and writing news stories that are accurate, informative, and engaging.

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