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Speech: Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Persuasive Speech

Resource guide to support Speech 801-198

Step 1: S.M.A.R.T Action Ideas

number 1Looking for a topic for your MMS Persuasive Speech?  Are you an expert and would like to share something about what you do? Start with some brainstorming. Think of 4 or 5 words that describe your topic. You can search newspapers or general encyclopedia to find brief, factual information on your topic that may help focus your topic. 

Step 2: Search Words

  • only enter your topic keywords into the search box
  • use quotes to search as a phrase e.g. "climate crisis" 
  • use the asterisk to extend a word e.g. child* = children, childhood
  • limit search results to make them more relevant:
  • by date
  • by format -  books, journal articles, newspapers or other options
  • by peer-reviewed or scholarly
  • use the search operators AND, OR, NOT

Look for alternative words for your topic

It is useful to think of alternative keywords to search for. There are no right and wrong answers when doing this - it should help narrow the focus of your topic a way that is unique to you. If a topic is about how technology affects the relationships of young people we can think of related words and phrases to search for: 

Technology Relationships Young People
mobile phones family teenagers
social media friendships adolescents
gaming identity students

Step 3: Search for Articles

number 3Discover evidence to support your S.M.A.R.T. action by searching the databases listed below. Using your keywords will lead you to scholarly resources to use and cite in your speech.

Best bets to get started: 

Case Studies, Expert Testimony, Scientific Research

Supporting evidence gathered from known experts carries a great deal of credibility. Evidence should come from unbiased, third party sources. 

Public Opinion

Data associated with public opinion can support persuasive arguments by demonstrating majority or minority opinions, or the shift of general beliefs over time.