Advocacy Speech

1. Open with a statement that engages your audience.

Make a statement that gets your audience's attention right away, perhaps using a dramatic fact This is your lead-in and should be only a sentence or two.

2. Present the problem.

Describe the problem, who it affects, and its impact.

3. Provide facts and data about the problem.

Data is important to demonstrate that a problem exists and to support your position. Look for facts that are relevant to your audience. For instance, state data would be important to a state legislator or a member of Congress from your city, while population, health, and poverty data would be used when talking about a resident in the slum area.

4. Share a story or give an example of the problem.

An example or story puts a human face on the issue and makes it real and more compelling. Again, make sure the example is relevant to your audience, such as an experience a constituent had in a legislator's district or a resident had in the city slum areas.

5. Connect the issue to the audience's values, concerns, or self-interests.

Show your audience how this interest fits with what they care about, want, or need. Learn what you can about the person. For example, is the legislator an opponent of "big government?" or a champion of social issues? Is the resident concerned about the community in the slum area?

6. Make requests (the "ask").

Clearly state what you want the person to do.

Reminders:

The speech must be a minimum of 1000 words following the general writing format.

Do as much research as you can about the problem. Aside from reliable sources, you may refer to public statements, history, and track records, advertising, or campaign materials.

Include in-text citation and reference list (APA format) in your manuscript.

Anticipate arguments against your position and prepare responses to those arguments

Thank you!!