Last Name 1 SAMPLE PERSUASIVE SPEECH USING MONROE S MOTIVATED SEQUENCE Pablo Martin Comm 101, TuTh 9:00 am May 1, 2008 Barack Obama: The Best Candidate for the Job Introduction Attention I. Play YouTube video Barack Obama delivering David Letterman s Top 10. A. By now, I m sure you re all familiar with the close race between the two potential democratic presidential candidates, New York Senator Hillary Clinton and Illinois Senator Barack Obama. B. Today I m here to talk to you about Barack Obama why he is the most qualified candidate for the job, and why his real-life campaign promises, though they may exclude Oprah as vice president, are still worthy of your attention. Signpost/Transition Barack Obama promises to change America for the better, and most of America agrees that change is something that is desperately needed. Body Speaker Credibility: Since I m a bit of a political junkie, I ve spent countless hours following the news, researching the candidates, and tracking the campaigns. In addition, as a member of Obama for America, I have been an active participant in Barack Obama s campaign. I feel that I know this candidate and his platform very well. Need I. Many American citizens are fed up with the current president and his administration. A. A poll conducted by The New York Times in early April indicated that 81% of Americans believed that "things have pretty seriously gotten off on the wrong track ( 81% in Poll NP). 1. The New York Times stated that this is the highest rate of dissatisfaction since the early 1990 s nearly twenty years ago ( 81% in Poll NP).
Last Name 2 B. Why are approval ratings so low? 1. The economy is one reason only 21% of Americans believe the economy is in good shape, and two in three people believe that we are in a recession ( 81% in Poll NP). 2. Americans are also dissatisfied with the war a poll conducted by respected news source CNN reported in November that a record high of 68% of US citizens oppose the war in Iraq ( Poll: War Opposition NP). 3. Finally, American citizens are unhappy with the way government is handling domestic issues like healthcare. a. According to the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, three in four Americans are concerned about losing their health insurance coverage ( 2008 Health Care for America Survey NP). Satisfaction I. These grim findings make it pretty obvious that the political climate right now is one of unhappiness and mistrustfulness. More and more, people are looking for a candidate who promises change and whose voting record and experience are consistent with those promises. A. Barack Obama has pledged to not only keep the United States from falling into a fullblown recession, but also regain the prosperity of the American dream. 1. Senator Obama plans to provide immediate relief by cutting taxes for working families by $1,000, making it easier to make ends meet ( Economy NP). 2. He will tackle the housing crisis by cracking down on fraudulent brokers and lenders by providing tax credits to middle-class homeowners ( Economy NP). a. This is something Senator Obama has experience with as part of the United States Senate, Obama introduced and supported a bill that would increase penalties for mortgage fraud and provide more protections for low-income homebuyers well before the current subprime crisis began ( Economy NP). 3. He also promises to create more jobs by investing in new environmentallyfriendly technologies and by investing in the infrastructure of America ( Economy NP).
Last Name 3 a. Again, Senator Obama has experience in 2007, he introduced the Patriot Employer Act, which gave companies financial incentive to keep their employees in America rather than outsourcing positions ( Economy NP). B. Obama has also promised to revamp American s foreign policy, including our position in Iraq. 1. He plans to end the war as soon as possible, bringing all combat brigades home within 16 months ( War in Iraq NP). a. But that doesn t mean he will just leave Iraq to its own devices Senator Obama, in cooperation with the United Nations, will lead a conventionto engage representatives from all levels of Iraqi society to seek a new accord on Iraq s Constitution and governance ( War in Iraq NP). b. Since Obama is the only candidate who has opposed the war in Iraq from the very beginning, voters know they can trust him to remain consistent in his actions to bring it to a close ( War in Iraq NP). 2. In addition, Barack Obama plans on revamping the way we do foreign policy, by opening lines of communication with our enemies and expanding our presence in the world of diplomacy ( Foreign Policy NP). C. Finally, Senator Obama has plans to tackle domestic issues, like the current healthcare crisis we talked about before. 1. Obama has proposed a healthcare plan that has guaranteed eligibility, comprehensive benefits, affordable fees, government subsidies, and easy enrollment all while making sure that Americans are still able to make their own choices regarding their own medical needs ( Healthcare NP). a. This is another subject Senator Obama is comfortable with he has sponsored and passed legislation expanding health care both in his own state of Illinois and nationwide ( Healthcare NP). b. In addition, he has helped pass several laws aiming specifically to improve women s health ( Healthcare NP). D. While some skeptics believe that he is too new in the world of politics, clearly
Last Name 4 Senator s admittedly idealistic proposals are backed up with substantial experience in several sectors of public service. Signpost/Transition So now that we know what he plans to do, let s think about what American life would be like with a President Barack Obama. Visualization I. With Barack Obama in the White House, the United States would enjoy an improved economy, a better standing in the world s opinion of us, and government-subsidized health care that excluded nobody. A. Life would be easier for low-income and middle-class families. 1. Taxes would be cut ( Economy NP). 2. The housing crisis would come to an end ( Economy NP). 3. There would be more jobs available ( Economy NP). B. Our foreign policy or lack thereof- would be made over. 1. The war in Iraq would come to an end, with most soldiers home within 16 months ( War in Iraq NP). 2. We would prevent future wars by maintaining a more active role in diplomacy with other nations even ones that we once considered enemies ( Foreign Policy NP). C. Finally, we d all be a lot healthier. 1. Nobody would have to go without health insurance, but they would still be able to choose where, when, how, and by whom they are treated ( Healthcare NP). Signpost/Transition If this sounds like the kind of America you d like to live in, then let me explain how you can do your part to help make it happen. Conclusion Action I. Obviously, the first step in electing Barack Obama as President of the United States is electing him as the official democratic candidate. A. Even though the California primary elections have already passed, you can still do your part to help him win the nomination. (show sign-up website) By joining
Last Name 5 Obama for America, you can help Obama s campaign in several ways calling voters, donating money, volunteering at events, attending rallies, and more. B. In addition, spend time researching Barack on your own learn as much as you can so that when politics come up with family and friends, you can spread the word about this fantastic candidate. Action II. And of course, if and when Senator Obama wins the nomination, be sure to vote for him in the general election in November. Thank you for your time and attention.
Last Name 6 Works Cited 2008 Health Care for America Survey. 18 Mar. 2008. American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization. 27 Apr. 2008 <http://www.aflcio.org/issues/healthca re/survey/>. 81% in Poll Say Nation is Headed on Wrong Track. The New York Times 04 April 1008. Economy. Sept. 2007. Obama for America. 27 Apr. 2008 <http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/>. Foreign Policy. Sept. 2007. Obama for America. 27. Apr. 2008. <http://www.barackobama.com/issues/foreignpolicy/>. Healthcare. Sept. 2007. Obama for America. 27 Apr. 2008. <http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/>. Obama for America. 2007. 27 Apr. 2008. <http://www.barackobama.com>. Poll: War Opposition Reaches High Despite Reports of Less Violence. 09 Nov. 2007. CNN. 27 Apr. 2008 <http://www.cnn.com/2007/politics/11/08/war.poll/>. War in Iraq. Sept. 2007. Obama for America. 27 Apr. 2008. <http://www.barackobama.com/issues/iraq/>.