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- Monroe's Motivated Sequence speech example
By:Susan Dugdale| Last modified: 08-05-2022
The persuasive speech example below uses the classic 5 step structural pattern called Monroe's Motivated Sequence*.
I've laid the speech out labeling each step of the sequence from beginning to end so that you might see how, and why it works effectively.
All the spoken text is inside speech marks beginning "One fine Spring day...", after the firstAttention Step heading below.
In addition there's: notes covering the topic, context (audience) and purpose of the speech, a list of references used, a personal explanation as to why I wrote it, and links to more persuasive speech resources.
I hope it's useful to you!
More about Monroe's Motivated Sequence
*If you don't know aboutMonroe's Motivated Sequence find out more. See the sequence (with explanations) in use in an example persuasive speech outline. If you decide you'd like to use the pattern for a speech of your own toward the bottom of the page you'll find a free printable outline to use as a guide.
Topic, context, title and purpose of speech
General topic:
- the impact of suicide on those left behind
Audience:
- community cross-section (teachers, social workers, nurses, doctors, leaders) brought together through their desire to support the people they meet through their work more meaningfully.
Title of speech:
"After They're Gone"
Specific purpose:
- to persuade listeners to learn more about the special needs of family members, friends and colleagues in the immediate aftermath of a suicide through the material available on theAfter suicidewebsite which is run by the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, on behalf of the Ministry of Health.
Speech introduction
Attention Step:
"One fine Spring day I biked home from school and found a policemen guarding our backdoor. Through it came sounds I'll never forget; my quiet, well-mannered Mother screaming. He said,"You can't go in."
I kicked him in the shins and did. It was the 15th of September, three days before my thirteenth birthday and my father was dead. Killed by his own hand. Suicide."
Reasons for listening:
"What are your chances of being in a similar position to that young policemen clutching his shin?
Fortunately,not that high. In NZ we have approximately 500 suicidal deaths peryear. Therefore being kicked because you are the messenger of bad tidings is not that likely. But for those who are, that statistic is coldcomfort."
Speaker credibility:
"Some of us know its chill intimately.
Death may be part of the normal,natural expected cycle of life but death by any sudden, unexpected,traumatic form, particularly suicide, is not. These deaths bringsignificant challenges at personal, family and community levels. Theycause ripples, like a stone thrown into water, touching us all."
Need step:
"What do you say to the woman whose husband went out one morning and never came back? To the mother whose son was found dangling from a tree? How do you talk to the sister, brother, cousin, friend, work mate of somebody who died by suicide? Is what you say to children, teenagers different from that you'd say to an adult?
Talking about it is hard. It's tough, but necessary.
Recovery is shaped by responses: good, bad or indifferent. What we say, what we do, matters. As teachers, parents, friends, neighbors, business partners, employers, medical or social workers, who ever we are in relation to those who are experiencing bewilderment and pain, our actions count.
Research shows us that how we handle the aftermath directly affects what happens next for those left reeling.
The cliché is true. We can be part of the problem or part of the solution."
Speaker credibility (again):
"Tobe part of the problem - that is to perpetuate the myths and stigma ofsuicide, all you need to do is: nothing much.
I know this from personal experience. You can avoid those people. Cutthem from your life. Reject them as if they're contagious.
Or blameand shame them. It was something they did. The fault lay in them.
Ortalk about anything else except this event, this person who is gone.
Orpeddle platitudes: you'll get over it and, time will heal.
Or you cancredit the event as evidence of that person's tragic but heroicpersonality. They were too big, too intelligent, creative or sensitivefor this life. Suicide was their only option.
All of that and morehappened in, and to, my family.
The long termeffects of not being allowed, able or encouraged to express ourselvesopenly or honestly about our father's disappearance haunted all of us invarying forms.
We lugged deep-seated guilt around for years.
We were frightened of change and yet fascinated by danger. And yes, we flirted with death in varying guises.
We knew we were flawed, tainted, but didn't know how or what by. Our relationships suffered accordingly.
We struggled, each in our own way, to find strength in our abilities and to realize them.
Inshort we behaved much like victims: trapped in a silence compounded andstrengthened by time. Life was a battle. The fight was to find balancedreality."
Transition:
"Tobe part of the solution, which I know you want to be, is to openyourself, to acknowledge your own fear of suicide and to learn how tosupport either yourself or others who need it."
Speech body
Satisfaction Step - explanation, demonstration and supporting material
"With support we know we can lessen the long term impact of suicide.
We can't take away the initial pain, the horror, the sense of betrayal, shame or anger but we can work towards its resolution equipping people to emerge from the experience strengthened and healthy.
For children and young people that means finding safe support groups and mentors.
For teachers, health workers and others who work in a professional capacity with people affected by suicide, it means knowing where to turn for credible, helpful advice.
For families it means knowing where the lifelines are and how, why and when to access them.
Forcommunities it means understanding and respecting cultural differenceand working within those frameworks to provide meaningful support.
Weare fortunate in New Zealand. Yes, it's one of those bitter ironies; the countrywhose youth topped the charts for topping themselves in the 1990's, hasgone on to develop an extraordinary multifaceted program whose principalaim is suicide prevention. That program saves lives as well as lessening the long term harm frequently visited on the nearest and dearest.
Statistics show suicide has dropped by 20%.
We also know, due to in-depth studies, more about factors leading up suicide and how to recognize them in ourselves and others."
Transition:
"Out of our collective pain has come a valuable life affirming hub of knowledge."
Counteracting Opposition & Visualization step
"Now there is no need to unwittingly cause more pain through ignorance or the misguided belief that through not talking about it, it will disappear. And for that I am grateful. This wasn't there when my family most needed it but it is there now.
Let's make sure we use it.
Let's make sure we find out as much as we can about depression and what to do about it.
Let's make sure we know what resources are out there for those groups in our communities already identified through studies as vulnerable.
Andlastly let's make sure we support each other whole-heartedly in learningto live openly and fully without judgement and name calling.
Thereis widespread and understandable concern about publicly discussingsuicide. In fact so much so that our media is governed by law.
TheCoroners Act 2006 makes it illegal to "publish particulars of a deathpublicly if there is reasonable cause to believe the death wasself-inflicted, or, without a coroner’s authority if no inquiry into thedeath has been completed. The section has further guidelines on whatcan be reported once a coroner has found a death to be self-inflicted."
Weknow from research there is a direct correlation between how suicide isreported and subsequent events. Coverage of a high profile celebritysuicide which romanticizes and idealizes the person's action and lifespawns copy-catting. As does describing the method chosen or making theevent front page news.
What's forgotten in the desire to protect us fromour own vulnerabilities is that the ending is the final act in a muchlonger story.
That story needs telling. It's the one stripping out hysteria, fear and any misplaced glorification and insteadfocuses on the road leading to the act.
What signs were there along theway? How and why did we miss reading them? What can we learn from that?"
Transition:
"Knowledge ispower. When it is collectively shared, the affect ripples outwardembracing more and more and changes occur. Destructive patterns arebroken. New pathways are forged and attitudinal shifts are made.
Who ever needs it, where ever they are, it is now true more than ever that they do not need to walk their path alone."
Visualization continued
"The internet, that vast interlinking web, makes it possible to access the information you need almost immediately.You'll find it on the After suicidewebsite.
Once there use the navigation menus to locate what you want.
There'sinformation for Community Organizations, Family and Friends, the Mediaand Health Practitioners. You'll find links to extensive resources andresearch, both national and international.
The 'What can I do?'tab addresses personal issues - among others: how to support asuicidal person.
Whatever group you belong to you'll find stories -empowering, enriching and real. Stories from teens, celebrities, sportspeople, mums, dads, and professionals all of whom have been united insome way by suicide. They've been forced to stop, think, reconsider andreconnect.
What can you do to make a difference? Read, learn,refer, join the discussion at events, donate your time and expertise.It's easy to find a way that is right and appropriate for you."
Transition:
"Weknow for every one death by suicide there are at least six peopleprofoundly affected. Those six people interact with at least six othersand although the impact on them is diluted it's still there. Those sixknow six more and so it goes, wider and wider.
Just last week therewas another of the those heart wrenching headlines. One more overwhelmedyoung person jumped off a bridge. The public 'whys' and fingerpointing at his family and school were quick to follow."
Conclusion - Action step
"We may not be able to reach everybody in time but we can each do what is within our personal power.
That is to spread understanding, and compassion; to give practical love and support.
We are all worth it. Do it for those who live as well as for those who have died.
And do it now!
I invite you all to find out more by accepting a flyer outlining the services and help available.
Ifyou need to talk to someone about anything related to what I've said,please either see me afterwards or one of the spokespeople in theaudience. You can spot them by their smile and their badges."
References used in this speech
- Suicide Social report 2016
- After suicide- website offering practical help, guidance and resources
- Suicide in NZ - Annette Beautrais, The New Zealand Medical Journal -06-June-2003, Vol 116 No 1175
- Talking about suicide - How to discuss suicide safely. Links to a comprehensive media guide and other mental health services. Ministry of Health, New Zealand (Last updated September 2019)
- The Lowdown- a website to help young Kiwis (New Zealanders) understand and deal with depression
About this persuasive speech example "After They're Gone"
The topic, suicide and its aftermath, is real to me.
Myfather took his life and at that time, although there were well-meaningfriends and family around us, the shame and stigma was enormous.
From then on wewere treated differently. No one spoke to us about the whys of his death, let alone the hows. Not even my mother was able to share that information until we were adults many years later.
We made our own stories up to make sense ofit all. The pity was that they were deeply flawed and self-limiting causing more pain and suffering.
It doesn't have to be like that. Not any more. For that I am profoundly grateful.
Ifyou find the speech has stirred up unresolved issues for you,please seek assistance. You will find equivalent information to that available on After suicidein your area.
*After I gave this speech at my Toastmasters Club I was approached by a doctor whose specialty is Public Health. She asked for permission to take quotes from it to use in information pamphlets - something I agreed to immediately.
More persuasive speech resources:
700 Persuasive speech topics
- 50 persuasive speech ideas
- 50 good persuasive speech topics
- 105 fun persuasive speech topics
- 90 easy persuasive speech topics
- 310 persuasive speech topics for college
- 108 feminist persuasive speech topics
How to write a persuasive speech
- Writing a persuasive speech - a 7 point action plan
- A persuasive speech outline example using the 5 step structural pattern: Monroe's Motivated Sequence
- Return to top of persuasive speech example
FAQs
What are examples of Monroe's motivated sequence? ›
If you use Monroe's motivated sequence, you're asking your audience to visualize the consequences of what will happen if they are persuaded to engage in the action you are arguing for. Health-related appeals often use this strategy: for example, smoking, seat belts, mask-wearing in a pandemic, etc.
What is action in Monroe's motivated sequence? ›The sequence contains five distinct steps: (1) Attention (get the attention of your audience), (2) Need (describe the problem, demonstrate a need for change), (3) Satisfaction (present a practical, and concise solution), (4) Visualization (allow your audience to picture the results), (5) Action (request immediate ...
What is the action step in a persuasive speech? ›Action. The final step in Monroe's motivated sequence is the action step, in which a speaker asks an audience to approve the speaker's proposal. For understanding purposes, we break action into two distinct parts: audience action and approval.
What are the 5 parts of Monroe motivated sequence? ›Monroe's Motivated Sequence is seen in many real-life situations such as infomercials and sales pitches. When using this it is important to have a passionate, confident, and extemporaneous delivery. The five steps are: attention, need, satisfaction, visualization & call to action.
What should I do a persuasive speech on? ›- Money can't buy love or happiness.
- Cooking should be taught in schools.
- The minimum wage should be increased.
- Advertising is a mind game.
- Introverts make great leaders.
- Eating meat is unethical.
- Anyone under 16 should not be allowed to date.
- Sustainable clothes are not really sustainable.
- Structure of your persuasive speech. The opening and closing of speech are the most important. ...
- Stating your argument. ...
- Addressing counter-arguments. ...
- Closing your speech. ...
- Specific purpose. ...
- Central idea. ...
- Introduction.
There are several ways to motivate and inspire your audience. These include telling the audience exactly what you want them to do, backing claims with data, Monroe's motivated sequence, setting a deadline, following up, being the change, knowing your audience, starting with a story, and appealing to emotions.
When using Monroe's motivated sequence you should describe the problem in the? ›Monroe's motivated sequence states that on the first step is to state the problem the customer is having, then explain it if one cannot solidify the need and give a representation of the situation that may occur. The attention step is audience-focused and uses an attention-getter to catch the audience's attention.
What are the key ideas a speaker should think about when choosing a persuasive speech topic? ›Good persuasive speech topics are current, controversial (but not inflammatory), and important to the speaker and society. Speakers should adapt their persuasive approach based on audience members' orientation toward the proposal.
What is a motivated sequence speech? ›The core elements of a motivated sequence speech consist of grabbing the audience's attention, addressing their needs, presenting solutions to the problem, helping the audience visualize the solution and convincing customers to take action.
What is appeal to action in a speech? ›
A speech call-to-action is an explicit appeal to your audience to take a specific action following your speech. A call-to-action is most often made at the conclusion of a persuasive speech. “If you have been persuasive and your audience is emotionally invested, the best time for action is now.”
What is an example of problem solution? ›Problem-Solution Examples
Solution 1: Change the laws to make it more difficult for couples to divorce. Solution 2: Impose a mandatory waiting period on couples before they can get married. Environmental Problem: What should we do to reduce the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
What is a call to action? A call to action is the part of your message that tells your audience what to do. If written right, it also makes them feel inspired to do it.
Why should you try to get listeners to take action immediately? ›In a speech to motivate action, why should you try to get the listeners to take action immediately? When they go home, motivation to take action will leave them, and in a couple of days, they might very well forget about the speech. Give 3 examples of immediate, on-the-spot audience action.
When a speaker uses Monroe's motivated sequence the satisfaction step? ›When a speaker uses Monroe's motivated sequence, the satisfaction step is usually presented in the conclusion. The final step in Monroe's motivated sequence is to call for action by the audience in support of the speaker's plan.
When a speaker uses Monroe's motivated sequence the need step is usually presented in the introduction? ›When a speaker uses monroes motivated sequence, the need step is usually presented in the introduction. the final step in monroes motivated sequence is to visualize how much better things will be if the speakers plan is adopted.
What is an easy persuasive speech? ›Easy Persuasive Speech Topics
Teenage kids shouldn't be given birth control pills without their parents' permission. Students involved in cyberbullying should be expelled from school. Kids under the age of 17 should have a 9 PM curfew. It should be mandatory that kids should learn a second language.
You want your audience to understand your values on a topic, and then adopt those values as their own. For example, a speech written to convince people that it's immoral to buy single-use plastics is a value persuasive speech.
How do you write a persuasive essay example? ›Persuasive writing examples make use of reasons and logic to make them more persuasive. When you write your own persuasive essay examples, you must convince your readers to adopt your point of view or to take a specific action. To do this, you must present solid arguments using facts, examples, and quotes from experts.
What are examples of persuasive writing? ›Adverts and newspaper columns are good persuasive writing examples. Though there are many techniques to write persuasively, most persuasive texts include a central argument, evidence to support the point, and a conclusion summarizing the text.
How do you begin a persuasive essay? ›
When starting a persuasive essay, or the process of prewriting, students should select a topic; gather supportive reasons; write their opinion statement, topic sentences, and call to action; and create an organized list of their opinion and reasons.
How do you start a body paragraph in a persuasive speech? ›- Strong Body Paragraphs. A strong body paragraph explains, proves, and/or supports your paper's argumentative claim or thesis statement. ...
- INSERT A TOPIC SENTENCE: ...
- EXPLAIN YOUR TOPIC SENTENCE: ...
- INTRODUCE YOUR EVIDENCE: ...
- INSERT YOUR EVIDENCE: ...
- UNPACK YOUR EVIDENCE: ...
- EXPLAIN YOUR EVIDENCE: ...
- INSERT A CONCLUDING SENTENCE:
- Determine your purpose. Before writing your speech, determine the purpose of your speech. ...
- Know your audience. ...
- Start with a hook. ...
- Include narratives. ...
- Include a call to action. ...
- Conclude your speech. ...
- Review your speech.
The call to action which comes right before the end of a persuasive speech is where you clearly tell the audience a role they can play after they leave your talk. The CTA gives audience members concrete tasks to tackle, and these tasks are ones that must be completed in order to bring your ideas to fruition.
How do you motivate people to talk? ›Leave your audience on a high by summarising how they will benefit personally from the task you want them to undertake, and suggest what else they could go on to achieve as a result. This is the optimal way to influence and motivate an audience and encourage them to deliver even greater success.
When a speaker uses Monroe's motivated sequence the satisfaction step? ›Satisfaction. In the third step of Monroe's motivated sequence, the satisfaction step, the speaker sets out to satisfy the need or solve the problem. Within this step, Monroe (1935) proposed a five-step plan for satisfying a need: Statement.
What is a motivated sequence speech? ›The core elements of a motivated sequence speech consist of grabbing the audience's attention, addressing their needs, presenting solutions to the problem, helping the audience visualize the solution and convincing customers to take action.
What are the three types of credibility? ›Speech experts have identified three types of credibility: initial credibility – the credibility the speaker has before the speech begins; derived credibility – the credibility the speaker gains during the speech; and terminal credibility – the credibility of the speaker after the speech.
When a speaker uses Monroe's motivated sequence the need step is usually presented in the introduction? ›When a speaker uses monroes motivated sequence, the need step is usually presented in the introduction. the final step in monroes motivated sequence is to visualize how much better things will be if the speakers plan is adopted.
How can understanding the motivated sequence pattern help you when delivering a persuasive speech? ›Speaker can use it to create and arrange the components of any message in various situations. This motivated sequence is simple, quick, and clearly structured, which makes it easy for the speaker to plan and deliver convincing speeches to persuade the audience to move for action.
Which of the following opening lines of a speech best illustrates the first step of Monroe's motivated sequence? ›
1. Which of the following opening speech lines best illustrates the first step of Monroe's Motivated Sequence? 'Hi, everyone! My name is Lisa, and today I will be talking to you about the lack of recycling participation in our town and what we can do about it.
Which one of the following is correct motivational sequence? ›The correct answer is b. Need - drive - response - goal attainment.
When using Monroe's motivated sequence you should describe the problem in the? ›Monroe's motivated sequence states that on the first step is to state the problem the customer is having, then explain it if one cannot solidify the need and give a representation of the situation that may occur. The attention step is audience-focused and uses an attention-getter to catch the audience's attention.
What are the key ideas a speaker should think about when choosing a persuasive speech topic? ›Good persuasive speech topics are current, controversial (but not inflammatory), and important to the speaker and society. Speakers should adapt their persuasive approach based on audience members' orientation toward the proposal.
What is an important factor in successful persuasive speaking? ›Traditionally, persuasion involves ethos (credibility), logos (logic), and pathos (emotion). By performing these three elements competently, a speaker can enhance their persuasive power.
Which actions should you take as you start your presentation? ›Startle the audience. Arouse the curiosity of the audience. State the importance of the topic.
Why is credibility important in communication? ›Credibility is a judgment that the audience makes about how believable the communicator is, adds psychologist Dan O'Keefe. And it's important because people often choose to respond to a persuasive message based not on the content but on their perception of the communicator.
When a speaker uses Monroe's motivated sequence quizlet? ›When a speaker uses Monroe's motivated sequence, the satisfaction step is usually presented in the conclusion. The final step in Monroe's motivated sequence is to call for action by the audience in support of the speaker's plan.
Which of the following is an example of a speech for a special occasion *? ›An example of a speech for a special occasion is 'a speech presenting an award to a retiring newspaper editor. '
Which step of Monroe's motivated sequence involves addressing listeners core concerns and makes the speech highly relevant to them? ›Attention. Addressing listeners' core concerns, making the speech highly relevant to them. Oratory. Memorization is not a natural way to present a message.