London Cardinals Toastmasters

Feature

Persuasive Speaking

Speech objectives

1. The effective salesperson (timed at 8-12 minutes)

• Learn a technique for selling an inexpensive product in a retail store
• Recognise a buyer’s thought processes in making a purchase
• Elicit information from a prospective buyer through questions
• Match the buyer’s situation with the most appropriate product

2. Conquering the ‘cold call’ (timed at 10-14 minutes)

• Learn a technique for ‘cold call’ selling of expensive products or services
• Recognise the risks buyers assume in purchasing
• Use questions to help the buyer discover problems with his or her current situation
• Successfully handle buyer’s objections and concerns

3. The winning proposal (timed at 5-7 minutes)

• Prepare a proposal advocating an idea or course of action
• Organise the proposal using the six-step method provided

4. Addressing the opposition (timed at 7-9 minutes for speech and 2-3 minutes for questions and answers)

• Prepare a talk on a controversial subject that persuades an audience to accept or at least consider your viewpoint
• Construct the speech to appeal to the audience’s logic and emotions

5. The persuasive leader (timed at 6-8 minutes)

• Communicate your vision
• Convince your audience to work toward achieving your vision and mission