A persuasive speech becomes easier to write when you know what you are asking the audience to do. “Care more about the environment” is a broad aspiration. “Try a reusable cup at our next three meetings” is an action listeners can understand and evaluate.

Define the audience's decision

Write the requested action in one sentence. Then ask what listeners need to believe or know before that action seems reasonable. Do they need evidence of the problem, reassurance about effort, or a comparison of alternatives? Those questions should determine the structure. Avoid presenting every fact you found. Select evidence that directly supports the decision, verify its source, and explain its limits. A story can illustrate a problem, but one experience does not establish how common that problem is.

A five-part outline

  1. Situation: Describe the specific problem and who experiences it.
  2. Evidence: Give a relevant observation, reliable source, or clearly labeled example.
  3. Proposal: Explain the action, including who would do what and when.
  4. Objection: Address the strongest practical concern fairly.
  5. Request: Repeat the next step in language the audience can act on.

Example: propose a meeting trial

Example to adapt
Our weekly meeting often ends before we reach the decisions. For the next month, I propose that we send updates in advance and reserve the first fifteen minutes for decisions. The concern is that some people may miss context. We can address that by attaching a short summary and opening with one minute of clarifying questions. After four meetings, we can review whether decisions are clearer and whether anyone is missing information. Today I am asking us to agree to the trial and name one person to collect feedback.

This example offers a testable change rather than claiming that one format works for every team. Add evidence from your actual situation before using it.

Make the close realistic

A useful request includes the next action and a reasonable time frame. If the audience cannot approve the proposal, ask for the step they can take, such as reviewing a draft or sharing a concern. Remove pressure tactics and exaggerated consequences. Persuasion is stronger when listeners can see both the benefit and the tradeoff and still understand why you recommend the action.

Make the next draft yours.

Adapt examples to your situation and verify names, details, and requirements before sharing.Suggest a correction →