Analyze the persuasive strategies at work here, and determine how they were used in this speech and how you will use them in your own speech. Refer to “Tailoring Your Persuasive Message to Your Audience” section of Chapter 17 (pp. 439–47 in Speak Up!). This means you have to read the chapter, make note of the strategies, read or watch the speech, and write at least two paragraphs on your findings.
Well, that’s about it. That’s what we have and that’s what we owe. It isn’t very much but Pat and I have the satisfaction that every dime that we’ve got is honestly ours. I should say this—that Pat doesn’t have a mink coat. But she does have a respectable Republican cloth coat. And I always tell her that she’d look good in anything. One other thing I probably should tell you because if we don’t they’ll probably be saying this about me too, we did get something—a gift—after the election. A man down in Texas heard Pat on the radio mention the fact that our two youngsters would like to have a dog. And, believe it or not, the day before we left on this campaign trip we got a message from Union Station in Baltimore saying they had a package for us. We went down to get it. You know what it was. It was a little cocker spaniel dog in a crate that he’d sent all the way from Texas. Black and white spotted. And our little girl—Tricia, the 6-year old— named it Checkers. And you know, the kids, like all kids, love the dog and I just want to say this right now, that regardless of what they say about it, we’re gonna keep it.
In this speech, the speaker utilizes several persuasive strategies to connect with the audience and gain their support. One persuasive strategy used is the use of personal anecdotes and storytelling. The speaker shares a personal story about receiving a dog as a gift, which humanizes them and makes them relatable to the audience. By sharing this story, the speaker creates an emotional connection with the audience and makes them more likely to empathize with them and their situation.
Another persuasive strategy used in this speech is the appeal to common values and beliefs. The speaker emphasizes that they are an honest individual who has earned their money honestly. They also mention that they do not own extravagant items like a mink coat, but rather a humble Republican cloth coat. By doing this, the speaker appeals to the audience's values of honesty and moderation, which can make them more inclined to trust and support the speaker.
In my own speech, I can use these persuasive strategies to connect with my audience and effectively convey my message. I can incorporate personal anecdotes and storytelling to make my speech more engaging and relatable. By sharing personal experiences or stories that align with my message, I can create an emotional connection with the audience and make them more likely to be receptive to my argument.
Additionally, I can appeal to common values and beliefs to gain support from my audience. By emphasizing shared values and beliefs, I can create a sense of unity and make the audience feel like we are on the same side. This can help build trust and credibility, making the audience more likely to agree with my perspective.
Overall, the persuasive strategies used in this speech effectively engage the audience and create a connection. By incorporating personal anecdotes and appealing to common values, the speaker successfully conveys their message and gains support. I will use these strategies in my own speech to similarly engage and persuade my audience.