Touchstones are projects that illustrate your comprehension of the course material, help you refine skills, and demonstrate application of knowledge. You can work on a Touchstone anytime, but you must complete this unit’s assessments before you submit it. Once you’ve submitted a Touchstone, it will be graded and counted toward your final course score.
Touchstone 4: Persuasive Speech Outline
ASSIGNMENT: For this Touchstone, you will outline a 5–7 minute persuasive speech that you will present on a topic of your choice later in Touchstone 5. The speech can be for any context, but it must be persuasive. Below is a list of example speech occasions and purposes for inspiration, if needed.
Type of Persuasive SpeechPurposeExamplesOf FactPersuade the audience that a certain fact or truth is valid and accurate.
Eating a plant-based diet is healthier than a meat-based diet (or vice versa). 
Too much screen time will impact sleep quality.
Renewable energy is more beneficial than nonrenewable energy.
Of ValueConvince the audience that something is right or wrong, moral or immoral, or better or worse than another thing.
The need for honesty and integrity in professional relationships. 
The importance of education on personal and societal growth. 
The benefits of forgiveness and letting go of grudges in terms of healing.
Of PolicyAdvocate a change or persuade the audience to support a particular course of action or policy.
The benefits or disadvantages of paid parental leave to support working families.
Why you should or shouldn’t drive an electric vehicle.
The benefits or disadvantages of increasing the minimum wage.
To prepare to deliver this persuasive speech on a topic of your choice, you will first create a 3–5 page outline of the main components of your speech. 
Download the submission template below, which further breaks down the steps involved in this assignment. You will return the completed template as your Touchstone submission.
Touchstone 4 Template
Touchstone 4 Sample
In order to foster learning and growth, all work you submit must be newly written specifically for this course. Any plagiarized or recycled work will result in a Plagiarism Detected alert. Review Touchstones: Academic Integrity Guidelines for more about plagiarism and the Plagiarism Detected alert. For guidance on the use of generative AI technology, review Ethical Standards and Appropriate Use of AI.

Touchstone Support Videos
Organizing Your Persuasive Speech
Persuading Your Audience
A. Directions

Step 1: Select Persuasive Topic/Issue
Your speech should be consistently persuasive in nature. Identify your audience, purpose, and thesis.
Today, there are many different debates being had all around the world about topics that affect our personal, professional, civic, and/or academic lives. Some of these debates have been such hot topics for so long that it has become very difficult to add to the conversation with new and original ideas or stances to take. To move beyond this trend, we have created a list of topics that may not be used for this Touchstone. Feel free to access a tutor if you would like support choosing a topic for this essay.
Please AVOID choosing any of the following topics:
Abortion Rights
Climate Change 

Belief in God(s) or Afterlife(s)
Death Penalty / Capital Punishment
Euthanasia / Assisted Suicide

Fad Diets (e.g., Keto, etc.)
Funding/Defunding Law Enforcement
Gender Affirming Care
Immigration
Legal Alcohol/Tobacco Age
Legalization of Marijuana

Legalization of Sex Work
Paying Student Athletes
Second Amendment Rights (i.e., Gun Control)

Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health
Universal Healthcare
Vaccines
Choosing to write about any of the above topics will result in a non-passing score.
Refer to the following lessons for support:
Informative and Persuasive Speeches
Choosing and Developing a Good Topic
Definition and Goals of Persuasive Speeches
The Psychology and Ethics of Persuasion
Types of Persuasive Speeches
Sample Persuasive Speech
Step 2: Plan Speech
Plan your speech, considering what your introduction, main points, and conclusion will include. Gather information and evidence to support your main points and thesis. Determine what persuasive strategies you will use (ethos, pathos, and/or logos).
Type of AppealPurposeExampleEthosTo appeal to an audience by establishing one’s credibility or authority on a topicShare professional qualifications, research, or publications relating to your topic to create confidence in you as a speaker.PathosTo appeal to an audience by influencing their emotionsCreate empathy by sharing stories, showing pictures, or using analogies to illustrate a need or an impact.LogosTo appeal to an audience using logic, reasoning, or evidence that supports a claimProvide data, statistics, charts, and tables to support your point.
Refer to the following lessons for support:
Gathering Information
Sources of Information: The Library
Sources of Information: The Internet
Evaluating Sources
Components of a Speech
Using Appeals in Persuasive Speeches: Pathos
Using Appeals in Persuasive Speeches: Ethos
Using Appeals in Persuasive Speeches: Logos
Step 3: Outline Speech
Using the Touchstone 4 Template, outline your speech, which should include an introduction, body (main points), conclusion, and transitions. Your outline should be 3–5 pages, excluding the reference page. 
3a. Develop General Premise

Constructing a presentation will require that you begin by developing your goal and translating it into a general premise you will state to your audience.

Refer to the following lessons for support:
Components of a Speech
Choosing the Main Points
The Preparation Outline
The Speaking and Rough Draft Outlines
3b. Generate Main Points and Organize Strategically

After you have established a premise, you will be able to generate main points to support this claim. Be sure to coherently organize these main points so that the audience can easily follow your flow of ideas. For this touchstone, you should create three to four main points to ensure clarity and timeliness when you deliver your speech in Touchstone 5. Keep main points separate (transitions separate ideas) and balance the time spent on each point. 
Refer to the following lessons for support:
Choosing the Main Points
Highlighting the Main Points
Ordering the Main Points
3c. Create an Introduction and Conclusion

After you have developed your main points, you will need to complete the introduction and conclusion. Create the introduction first—the conclusion really reiterates much of what was said in the introduction. The introduction opens the speech and is responsible for getting the audience’s attention, relating the topic to the audience, establishing the speaker’s credibility, and previewing the main points of the presentation. The conclusion should summarize the main points, repeat your thesis, and end with something memorable. 
Refer to the following lessons for support:
The Role of the Introduction
Establishing Credibility: Topic, Thesis, and Main Points
Introducing the Topic, Thesis, and Main Points

The Role of the Conclusion
3d. Fill In Transitions

Prior to delivering your presentation, your final step will be to develop transitions that lead your audience between parts of the presentation and between distinct main ideas. Take the final step of filling in transitions seriously. Transitions play an important role in the success of your speech.

Refer to the following lessons for support:

The Role and Use of Transitions

3e. Incorporate Visual Aids

Think of an effective way to incorporate at least one visual aid that will be relevant to your purpose and message and will enhance your speech, whether that is in the introduction, the body, the conclusion, or even in a transition.

Refer to the following lessons for support:

Highlighting the Main Points

3f. Cite Sources

Be sure to include a reference list of sources you have used to prepare your speech. List these sources using APA style on the reference page in the template.

Step 4: Review Rubric

Review the rubric to ensure that you understand how you will be evaluated. 

Step 5: Review Checklist and Requirements

Review the checklist and requirements to ensure that your Touchstone is complete.
Step 6: Submit
Submit your completed Touchstone 4 Template using the blue button at the top of this page.
Refer to the checklist below throughout the recording process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.
? I have selected a speech purpose that is persuasive.
? I have completed all aspects of the template, including the introduction, body (main points), conclusion, and transitions.
? I incorporated at least one visual aid in my speech outline.
? The introduction includes the thesis.
? The body includes my main points and support.
? I have selected sources that are credible and support that is relevant.
? I have included an APA-style reference page below my outline.
? I have used language that is appropriate to my audience.
? The conclusion summarizes my main points and repeats the thesis.
? I have answered each question using complete sentences.
? My outline demonstrates thoughtful consideration of each component of my speech.
? I have adhered to the 3–5 page length (excluding the reference page) and formatting requirements.
? I have read through the rubric and I understand how my Touchstone will be evaluated.
B. Rubric
Advanced (100%)Proficient (85%)Acceptable (75%)Needs Improvement (50%)Nonperformance (0%)
Introduction (20 points)
Effectively define and align purpose, audience, and thesis.The introduction clearly and effectively defines the purpose and thesis of the speech, establishing a strong connection with the audience from the beginning.The introduction clearly defines the purpose and thesis of the speech, providing a clear indication of the speaker’s intentions.The introduction provides a basic definition of the purpose and thesis of the speech, though it may lack some clarity.The introduction may lack a clear definition of the purpose of the speech, leaving the audience unsure of the speaker’s intentions.The introduction does not effectively define the purpose of the speech, leaving the audience unaware of the speaker’s intentions. 
Body/Main Points (30 points)
Create three to four main points to ensure clarity and timeliness.
The body of the speech consists of three to four highly relevant and well-developed main points, supported by strong evidence, and that provide exceptional clarity. Main points are delivered timely within the speech.The body of the speech comprises at least three relevant and adequately developed main points, supported by evidence, and that provide clarity and timeliness to the topic.The body of the speech includes at least two main points that are generally relevant and developed to a satisfactory extent, supported by some evidence, providing some clarity and timeliness to the topic.The body of the speech includes less than two main points that may lack relevance, with minimal or no evidence, clarity, or sufficient development, resulting in some confusion or lack of timeliness.The body of the speech does not effectively create three to four main points, leading to a lack of clarity and timeliness. Learner does not include evidence to support their main points.
Conclusion (20 points)
Summarize main points, repeat the thesis, and end with a strong closing statement.
The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points discussed in the body of the speech, highlighting the key arguments or reasons supporting the thesis.The conclusion adequately summarizes the main points presented in the body of the speech, providing a concise recap of the key arguments or reasons supporting the thesis.The conclusion briefly summarizes the main points covered in the body of the speech, touching upon the key arguments or reasons supporting the thesis.The conclusion provides a limited or incomplete summary of the main points discussed in the body of the speech, lacking clarity or coherence. .The conclusion does not effectively summarize the main points presented in the body of the speech, leaving the audience without a clear understanding of the key arguments or reasons supporting the thesis.
Transitions (10 points)
Develop transitions that lead audience between parts of the presentation and between distinct main idea.
The transitions between different parts of the presentation and distinct main ideas are exceptionally smooth, logical, and effectively guide the audience throughout the speech.The transitions between different parts of the presentation and distinct main ideas are mostly clear and logical, guiding the audience through the speech effectively.The transitions between different parts of the presentation and distinct main ideas are generally evident, but may occasionally lack clarity or smoothness.The transitions between different parts of the presentation and distinct main ideas are somewhat unclear, leading to occasional confusion for the audience.The transitions between different parts of the presentation and distinct main ideas are absent or ineffective, resulting in confusion or disconnection for the audience.
Visual Aids (10 points)
Include at least one visual aid that is relevant to enhance speech’s purpose and message.
The visual aid(s) included in the speech are highly relevant, effectively enhancing the purpose and message of the speech.The visual aid(s) included in the speech are relevant and contribute to enhancing the purpose and message of the speech.The visual aid(s) included in the speech are generally relevant, aiming to enhance the purpose and message of the speech.The visual aid(s) included in the speech may lack relevance or fail to significantly enhance the purpose and message of the speech.No visual aid is included in the speech, or the visual aid(s) included are irrelevant and do not contribute to enhancing the purpose and message of the speech.
Conventions (10 points)
Submission follows conventions for standard written English and meets requirements. 
There are almost no errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization; all length and formatting requirements are met.There are minor errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that do not impede readability; length and formatting requirements are nearly met.There are frequent errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that somewhat impede readability; length and formatting requirements are nearly met.There are consistent errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that significantly impede readability; length and formatting requirements are not met.Submission does not meet the minimum threshold for points to be awarded.
Name:
Date:
Public Speaking Touchstone 4
Persuasive Speech Outline Template
*As you build your outline, think of an effective way to incorporate at least one visual aid that will be
relevant to your purpose and message and will enhance your speech, whether that is in the
introduction, the body, the conclusion, or even in a transition.
I.
Introduction: The introduction should get the audience’s attention, describe the topic, state the
thesis or key message, and give an overview of the speech and its main points.
A. Attention-Getter:
B. Topic:
C. Thesis:
D. Overview:
Transition: This transition statement should lead your audience between the introduction to the
first main point.
A. Transition Statement:
B. Visual Aid (Optional):
II.
Body: The body should take up about three-quarters of your speech time since this is where
you will detail your main points. Each main point should include compelling, supporting
evidence. Remember that you need to include at least one visual aid to enhance your speech.
A. Main Point 1:
1. Use of Appeals (Ethos, Pathos, and/or Logos):
2. Dismiss Opposing Arguments (Optional):
3. Visual Aid (Optional):
Transition: This transition statement should lead your audience between the first main point to
the second main point.
A. Transition Statement:
B. Visual Aid (Optional):
B. Main Point 2:
1. Use of Appeals (Ethos, Pathos, and/or Logos):
2. Dismiss Opposing Arguments (Optional):
3. Visual Aid (Optional):
Transition: This transition statement should lead your audience between the second main point
to the third main point.
A. Transition Statement:
B. Visual Aid (Optional):
C. Main Point 3:
1. Use of Appeals (Ethos, Pathos, and/or Logos):
2. Dismiss Opposing Arguments (Optional):
3. Visual Aid (Optional):
Transition: This transition statement should lead your audience between the third main point to
the fourth main point or conclusion.
A. Transition Statement:
B. Visual Aid (Optional):
D. Main Point 4 (Optional):
1. Use of Appeals (Ethos, Pathos, and/or Logos):
2. Dismiss Opposing Arguments (Optional):
3. Visual Aid (Optional):
Transition: This transition statement should lead your audience between the fourth main point
to the conclusion.
A. Transition Statement:
B. Visual Aid (Optional):
III.
Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points, repeat your thesis, and end
with something memorable.
A. Summary of Main Points:
B. Repeat Thesis:
C. Closing Statement:
References
Include an APA-style reference list of sources you have used to prepare your speech.
Name:
Date:
Public Speaking Touchstone 4
Persuasive Speech Outline Sample
*As you build your outline, think of an effective way to incorporate at least one visual aid that will be
relevant to your purpose and message and will enhance your speech, whether that is in the
introduction, the body, the conclusion, or even in a transition.
I.
Introduction: The introduction should get the audience’s attention, describe the topic, state the
thesis or key message, and give an overview of the speech and its main points.
A. Attention-Getter: Have you ever had a sunburn? If so, did you know you are at a larger
risk of developing skin cancer?
B. Topic: I am here to talk about a common household item that you should be utilizing:
sunscreen.
C. Thesis: Wearing sunscreen will help decrease your chance of developing skin cancer.
D. Overview: Today we are going to go over the correlation between sunburns and skin
cancer, the differences in sunscreens, and how to pick the best option for you.
Transition: This transition statement should lead your audience between the introduction to the
first main point.
A. Transition Statement: Do you know someone who has had skin cancer?
B. Visual Aid (Optional):
II.
Body: The body should take up about three-quarters of your speech time since this is where
you will detail your main points. Each main point should include compelling, supporting
evidence. Remember that you need to include at least one visual aid to enhance your speech.
A. Main Point 1: Sunscreen can be used to mitigate the risk of skin cancer.
1. Use of Appeals (Ethos, Pathos, and/or Logos): If so, you may not find these
statistics to be shocking. According to the CDC, skin cancer is the most common
cancer in the United States. In 2019, which is the most recent year data is
available, just over 88,000 cases of melanomas (skin cancer) were reported. Out
of those, over 8,000 people died from it. These are alarming statistics. However,
scientists have created something that can significantly decrease your chance of
skin cancer. Oftentimes this product will already be in your house: sunscreen.
2. Dismiss Opposing Arguments (Optional): You may hear people say that they
went their whole childhood/adult life without sunscreen, and they are just fine.
Although that may be true for them, the National Library of Medicine says that
sunburns in your childhood are often cited as the greatest risk for developing skin
cancer.
3. Visual Aid (Optional): Here I would like to show you a chart of skin cancer rates
across the United States. As someone who lives in the Midwest, I was surprised
to see these results.
Transition: This transition statement should lead your audience between the first main point to
the second main point.
A. Transition Statement: So, what exactly is sunscreen?
B. Visual Aid (Optional):
B. Main Point 2: There are two kinds of sunscreens: physical and chemical.
1. Use of Appeals (Ethos, Pathos, and/or Logos): After doing some research, I
found the University of California, Davis broke down the best way to understand
sunscreen. There are two main categories: physical and chemical. If you are
running out the door and forgot to add sunscreen, using a physical one would be
a better fit, as it is effective immediately, with good coverage. If you know you are
going to a pool party, but you have to drive there, set up, etc. you should opt for a
chemical sunscreen, as those ones have great coverage, but need 20 minutes
on your skin before going into the sun.
2. Dismiss Opposing Arguments (Optional): Knowing these options could really help
you in a pinch! I know that I always thought I had to wait at least 20-30 minutes
after applying sunscreen to go in the sun. Knowing this information will help you
better prepare yourself and your family.
3. Visual Aid (Optional):
Transition: This transition statement should lead your audience between the second main point
to the third main point.
A. Transition Statement: Now that we know the difference between the types of sunscreen,
we can look at what ones are good to use.
B. Visual Aid (Optional):
C. Main Point 3: Which sunscreen is the best.
1. Use of Appeals (Ethos, Pathos, and/or Logos): When you look at the sunscreen
aisle, it can seem overwhelming. There are many different brands, SPF amounts,
price points, and more. Luckily, the University of Rochester Medical Center
helped make it easier to find the perfect fit. There are three things that you
should look for in your sunscreen. First, you are going to want one that says,
“Broad-Spectrum Protection.” This is going to help you have the best coverage
against UVA and UVB rays. The second thing you are going to want is for it to be
SPF 30 or higher. Lastly, the third thing is to look for one that says either
waterproof/sweatproof or water resistant.
2. Dismiss Opposing Arguments (Optional): A common misconception is that the
higher the spf and/or the higher the price point, the better the sunscreen.
Actually, dermatologists say anything between SPF 30 and SPF 50 are going to
be just fine for you to use. If it is over SPF 50, it does not really increase your
protection.
3. Visual Aid (Optional):
Transition: This transition statement should lead your audience between the third main point to
the fourth main point or conclusion.
A. Transition Statement: The last thing I would like to talk about, is how much sunscreen to
use.
B. Visual Aid (Optional):
D. Main Point 4 (Optional): How much sunscreen you should use.
1. Use of Appeals (Ethos, Pathos, and/or Logos): When it comes time to put your
sunscreen on, you want to make sure that you are putting on the proper amount.
According to the University of California, Davis. A good amount for your body
should be one ounce. A good way to gauge that, is to act as though you are
filling up a shot glass.
2. Dismiss Opposing Arguments (Optional): You do not want to just have a thin
layer on your skin. You want to make sure you are lathering it on, and it may take
a couple of minutes for your skin to absorb it all. However, I promise it is worth it!
3. Visual Aid (Optional):
Transition: This transition statement should lead your audience between the fourth main point
to the conclusion.
A. Transition Statement: Knowing all this information will be able to help us protect
ourselves from the sun.
B. Visual Aid (Optional):
III.
Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points, repeat your thesis, and end
with something memorable.
A. Summary of Main Points: Today we went over the correlation between the sun/skin
cancer, what sunscreen is, how to pick it out, and how much to wear.
B. Repeat Thesis: Putting all this information into practice, and actually wearing sunscreen
will help you decrease your chance of skin cancer.
C. Closing Statement: I hope with this knowledge about sunscreen, and the damage the
sun can do to you without it, you are able to help keep yourself safe.
References
Include a reference list of sources you have used to prepare your speech.
CDC. (2019). Skin Cancer Statistics. CDC.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/statistics/index.htm
Dennis, L. K., Vanbeek, M. J., Beane Freeman, L. E., Smith, B. J., Dawson, D. V., & Coughlin, J. A.
(2008). Sunburns and Risk of Cutaneous Melanoma: Does Age Matter? A Comprehensive MetaAnalysis. Annals of Epidemiology, 18(8), 614–627. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annepidem.2008.04.006
Health, C. (n.d.). What you should know about sunscreen, SPF, and protecting your family.
Cultivating-Health. Retrieved June 8, 2023, from https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivatinghealth/what-you-should-know-about-sunscreen-spf-and-protecting-your-family/2022/06
Sunscreens: Protect Your Skin – Health Encyclopedia – University of Rochester Medical Center.
(n.d.). Www.urmc.rochester.edu.
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=85&ContentID=P01351

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