Types of Persuasion
4.2.3
Related Reading:
A Question of Fact
For this type, you look at all the evidence of the topic you can find, and you draw a conclusion based on the evidence. You will want to develop a speech that will lead the audience to your change. For this type, there is no call to action; instead, you allow your audience to come to their own conclusion. Most of the time, this type of persuasion is organized topically or chronologically. This arrangement is like informative speeches, but persuasive speeches make someone question their opinion.
Example: Does massage therapy have medicinal purposes?
Example: Does international poverty affect us all (the audience)?
A Question of Value
For this type, you look to build on a Question of Fact—it is inherent for a Question of Value. You still look at all the evidence you can but then make an informed decision as to if it is right or wrong—adding a moral/ethical aspect to the question. Like a Question of Fact, there is no call to action; instead, you are leading your audience to draw their own conclusion. These persuasive speeches can be organized topically or chronologically.
Example: Is massage therapy a beneficial healing tool for people with illnesses?
Example: Do you understand why it is a moral imperative that we reduce local and global poverty levels?
A Question of Policy
This type is the advocation of change, whether behavior, thoughts/values, or beliefs. Questions of Policy build on Questions of Fact or Value. There is a clear call to action with this type of persuasion. You will blatantly tell your audience what they need to do.
Example: Will you (the audience) support coverage of massage therapy by health insurance companies? OR Should/shouldn’t we support medical coverage for massage as an alternative health initiative?
Example: Will you (the audience) support a reduction of international poverty by giving to charities? OR Should/shouldn’t we support international poverty programs?
Review Questions
1) A Question of Value builds on a Question of Fact, but adds what for the audience to consider?
2) This type of persuasion ends with a clear call to action, what is it?