Capstone Persuasive Speech Guidelines
Purpose of this Capstone assignment: To demonstrate the effective, competent communication skills you have studied and practiced this semester in your COMM 201 class. This assignment is the culmination of the COMM 201 Specific Learning Outcome that states “students will demonstrate oral presentation skills by developing and delivering a well-researched effective public presentation that is organized, clear, logical and skillful” ( includes Liberal Studies Objective “Means of Expression”)
Pick a relevant topic that really interests you – something you are passionate about (Note: You can choose any topic that you would like). If your topic is not of particular interest to you, it will be difficult to generate interest and persuade your audience. Analyze your audience and choose a topic that would create a robust debate with your peers.
Study Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Monroe’s Motivated Sequence in your textbook and in the Canvas Persuasive Speaking folder. You will organize the speech using the five steps of the Monroe Motivated Sequence. You will utilize these resources in the construction and delivery of your speech.
Thoroughly research your topic. Utilize the WCU Library Research portal. This is a fantastic portal created by our own WCU Library team of experts!
View the speech examples given in the Canvas folder. These include Malala Yousafzai’s speeches.
Check the rubric for this speech (more than three resources earn more points). A minimum of three primary sources (expert opinions, magazines, periodicals, books, journals, newspapers, etc.) are required. These sources are to be orally cited during the speech.
Remember that Wikipedia is not a primary source.
Create a rough draft outline, then fine tune and revise it as you continuously analyze the best way to persuade your audience. Submit the final draft of your outline to the Canvas portal. Before you submit your final outline, check the outline rubric to be sure you have included all the assignment specifications.
