Hello everybody!

I am so sorry for not being in touch for so long. Last week I was asked to evaluate 3 persuasive speeches in my course book using chart 10.3 Evaluating Speech Content Component. Moreover, I had to determine the winner, which is always not easy for me. I think it is high time to do it now. Better late than never :)

Speech to persuade. Speech 1

1. Introduction (10 points max)

The author of this speech asks some questions. I think it is a technique which was used in the introduction. As for the link element, after asking his last question in introduction, the author starts to think over three things to answer them (later the author is going to describe each of these three things in more detail). I guess, these things may be considered as a kind of thesis statement. I would give 10 points out of 10 for the effectiveness of the introduction. 

2. Body (10 points max)

In my opinion, the information was highly organized (10 points). I am not really sure but topical pattern of organization was used in the body of the speech. There were no problems with understanding the information (10 points). Quality of point - support - lots of (8 points). I need more facts, may be personal examples and things like that (7 points). But still, it was coherent (10 points).

3. Conclusion (10 points max)

To my mind, the conclusion was effective enough (8 points). The author quote the American actress to sum all his speech up. 

Strength: I think that the tone and the nature of this speech determined the final appeal. Also, I really enjoy reading (or listening) logically structured speeches organized like this one.

Weakness: I like the example about the participants of the 2nd World War but I wish the author had provided more examples (may be personal ones) or had given us his stories. 

Speech 2

1. Introduction (10 points max)

The author uses the Somerset Maugham's words from "Of Human Bondage" as attention-getter and this leads him to his thesis (to my mind, this is a link element). The author gives the thesis by asking and answering a question. I would give 8 points out of 10 for the effectiveness of the introduction. 

2. Body (10 points max)

The information is highly organized (10 points). Climatic pattern of organization was used in the body of the speech.  I think so because the author presents the information in order of importance and pleasantness. There were no problems with understanding the information (10 points). Quality of point - support - lots of (9 points). The use of facts, illustrations, examples, stories - 8 points. It was coherent (10 points). 

3. Conclusion (10 points max)

The author quote Robert Frost. Final appeal inspires and motivates. Also, the speaker makes us answer the question too (9 points).

Strength: As I have already said, final appeal of this speech inspires and motivates. It is very important.

Weakness: I do not know what to say about the weakest points of the speech. 

Speech 3 

1. Introduction (10 points max)

The speaker quotes Steve Jobs. I am not sure about link element and thesis statement but he asks some questions and promises to share his opinion with us after telling the stories of his life. I think the introduction is quite intriguing (8 points).

2. Body (10 points max)

As for me, the information is highly organized (10 points). The speaker puts things in time sequence (childhood, school years, present time) - the chronological pattern of organization was used in the body of the speech. The information was understandable (10 points). Quality of point - support - 10 points. I appreciate personal examples or stories - 10 points. It was coherent (10 points). 

3.Conclusion (10 points max)

The author only asks a question. Therefore, the conclusion is not very effective (6 points). 

Strength: Sincere, personal and emotional stories. 

Weakness: Poor conclusion. 

According to this evaluation chart, speech 2 and 3 took the 1st place. The 2nd - speech 1. But as a reader I like the first speech the most.