Comm 144 – Persuasive Speech Grading Rubric

Traditional Structure

Step 1: Intro

(1) Hook (attention-getting-device or AGD)

-quotation, stats, story, etc.

-use a story, but then connect to stats

(2) Introduce/connect topic

-offer definition/explanation of issue

(3) Identify significance of problem

-explain why the problem matters

-who or what does the problem affect?

(4) Thesis statement

-clearly state your argument (or position and the change you intend to see)

(5) Roadmap/preview statement

-list main points of the speech

Example:

(1) “In 2019, a whale was found dead on the shores of Philippines. Cause of death? 88 pounds of plastic in its stomach, according to NPR, in March of 2019.”

(2) “Oceanic plastic pollution, as defined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (or IUCN) in 2024, is an environmental issue where plastic materials, such as bottles and grocery bags, pollute marine life, often caused by human activity.”

(3) “The aforementioned source furthers that plastic pollution kills marine species and threatens food safety and quality, detrimentally affect human health….” –provide stats here

(4) “Oceanic plastic pollution must be reduced to preserve marine life and enhance human health.”

(5) “Hi everyone, I am [insert name] and today I will examine the problems, causes, and solutions to oceanic plastic pollution.”

Oceanic Plastic Pollution

Online conversations around heated topics like politics

How do advertisers

Example:

(1) “There are two effects of oceanic plastic pollution: depletion of marine life and threats to food safety. First, oceanic plastic pollution destroys marine life.”

(2) “According to the Guardian in 2017, for example, scientific studies reveal that marine species often confuse plastic materials for prey.” –continue explaining why this is problematic

(3) “Second, oceanic plastic pollution threatens food safety, detrimentally affecting human health.”

(4) “A 2017 study by researchers at Plymouth University shows that fish eaten by humans have been found to contain plastic.” –continue unpacking the negative consequences

(5) “Now that we’ve fished out the effects of oceanic plastic pollution, let’s dive into its causes.”

Step 2: Problems (BP1)

(1) Identify first effect of problem

-does the issue effect people, groups, environment, etc.? How?

(2) Provide evidence to support that the effects are substantial

-use ethos and pathos

-what are the experiences like? How do people feel?

(3) Identify second effect of problem

(4) Provide evidence to support that the effects are substantial

(5) Transition statement

-explain the point you just covered, and which point you will cover next

Oceanic Plastic Pollution

Traditional Structure

Online conversations around heated topics like politics

How do advertisers

Step 3: Causes (BP2)

(1) Explain the cause for first effect

-use logos to establish association

-must be supported by research

(2) Provide evidence of the first cause

-use ethos + logos

(3) Explain the cause of the second effect

(4) Provide evidence for the second cause

(5) Transition statement

Example:

(1) “First, the depletion of marine life is caused by mass plastic production and irresponsible human activity tied to recycling.”

(2) “The IUCN in 2024 unraveled that of the 400 million tons of plastic mass produced annually, 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean and constitute 80% of all marine debris.” –explain how irresponsible human activity contributes to this issue

(3) “”Second, plastic pollution threatens human life because…”

(4) –offer evidence of poor regulatory practices

(5) “After identifying the wave of causes, let’s control this tide with some solutions.”

Oceanic Plastic Pollution

Traditional Structure

Online conversations around heated topics like politics

How do advertisers

Step 4: Solutions (BP3)

(1) Propose first solution tied to first cause & effect

-explain in-depth what solution entails

(2) Provide evidence to show that the solution will work (or has already worked)

-case studies, empirical evidence, testimonies from large samples, existing interventions

(3) Propose second solution tied to second cause & effect

(4) Provide evidence to show that the solution will work (or has already worked)

(5) Lay out specific steps the audience can take

-signing petitions? QR code with resources?

Example:

(1) “First, a solution to ameliorate the depletion of marine life is to take responsible action as humans. Although we cannot control mass production of plastic, we certainly can choose not to use plastic or use plastic responsibly.”

(2) Provide evidence here showing that recycling has worked in various geographic regions

(3) “Second, a solution to reverse threats to human health is…”

(4) Provide evidence for effectiveness of solution

(5) –provide creative ways to ensure that people (i) will recycle (don’t repeat what others have argued for in the past already) and (ii) take action to increase regulation

Oceanic Plastic Pollution

Traditional Structure

Online conversations around heated topics like politics

How do advertisers

Step 5: Conclusion

(1) Review statement

-restate the preview statement from the intro

(2) Significance statement

Describe what you accomplished in this speech and why it matters (to people, groups, and/or environment)

(3) Memorable concluding statement

-connect back to your intro hook

-leave the audience wanting more

Did you start w/ a question? Answer it now

Did you start w/ a story? Give us the ending

Did you start w/ quotation? Offer an interpretation

Example:

“So today, we analyzed the problems, causes, and solutions associated with oceanic plastic pollution.”

(2) “In this analysis, we learned that combatting oceanic plastic pollution can not only preserve marine life, but also improve human health.”

(3) “By responsibly doing our part to avoid using plastic, recycling when using plastic, and advocating for more regulations, we can ensure that whales and other marine life will thrive in the ocean without plastic in their stomach.”

Oceanic Plastic Pollution

Traditional Structure

Online conversations around heated topics like politics

How do advertisers

Thank You!

*Feel free to e-mail me

*Talk after lectures

*Attend office hours on Mondays

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