Argumentative Speeches

“Everyone who posts their own opinion is like an expert already.” Take for the example the most recent Philippine national elections. It consisted of five different parties who had their own agenda and own candidate running for president. Months before the elections took place, people have taken up to social media to voice out their opinions on which candidate is the most preferable candidate that would bring the needed change that the Philippines would like to see. Eventually, Rodrigo Duterte won the majority of the vote and remains as the nation’s president until today. You may also see argumentative writings.

• Debate speech examples
• Expository speech examples

Just like persuasive speaking, the goal of argumentative speeches is not giving an audience a wake-up call, but this type persuasive speech attempts to persuade the audience to alter their viewpoints on a controversial issue. Argumentative speeches aim to radically the opinions already held by the audience. This type of speech is extremely challenging; therefore, the speaker should be careful to choose a topic which he or she feels prepared to reinforce with a strong argument.

What is Argumentative Speeches?

An argumentative speech is a type of speech where the speaker takes a position on a controversial issue and presents arguments to persuade the audience to adopt a similar viewpoint. The goal is to convince the audience through logical reasoning, evidence, and emotional appeal.

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Argumentative Speech Format

1. Introduction

Hook: Capture the audience’s attention.

Thesis Statement: Clearly state your main argument.

Preview: Briefly outline the main points.

2. Body

Point 1: Present your first major point with supporting evidence.

 

Point 2: Present your second major point with supporting evidence.

 

Point 3: Present your third major point with supporting evidence.

 

Counterarguments: Address and refute opposing viewpoints.

3. Conclusion

Summary: Summarize the main points.

 

Restate Thesis: Reinforce your thesis in light of the evidence.

 

Call to Action: Encourage the audience to take a specific action or adopt your viewpoint.

Argumentative Speech Example

Introduction

Good morning everyone!

Imagine a world where everyone has access to clean water. Unfortunately, this is not the reality for millions of people today. Access to clean water should be a fundamental human right. Today, I will discuss the health, educational, and economic impacts of clean water and why it is essential for everyone.

 

Body

Point 1: Health Clean water is essential for health and survival. Contaminated water leads to numerous diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. According to the World Health Organization, over 2 billion people drink water contaminated with feces, leading to millions of deaths each year. Ensuring access to clean water can drastically reduce these health risks and save lives.

 

Point 2: Education Access to clean water can improve educational outcomes. When children have clean water, they are healthier and more likely to attend school regularly. UNICEF reports that children lose 443 million school days each year due to water-related illnesses. By providing clean water, we can help students stay healthy and focused on their education.

 

Point 3: Economy Economically, clean water access boosts productivity and reduces healthcare costs. In areas with clean water, people spend less time sick or fetching water and more time working and contributing to the economy. The World Bank estimates that every dollar invested in clean water and sanitation returns four dollars in economic benefits.

 

Counterarguments Some argue that providing clean water universally is too expensive. However, investing in clean water infrastructure saves money in the long run by reducing healthcare costs and improving productivity. Moreover, the moral and ethical obligation to ensure everyone has access to clean water outweighs the financial cost.

 

Conclusion In conclusion, clean water is essential for health, education, and economic productivity. It is a fundamental human right that we must prioritize. By ensuring access to clean water, we can save lives, improve education, and boost economies. Let’s take action today to make clean water accessible to everyone.

Thank you for listening.

 

Short Argumentative Speech Example

Introduction

Good morning everyone!

Imagine a world where everyone has access to clean water. Sadly, this is not the reality for millions of people. Access to clean water should be a fundamental human right. Today, I will discuss why clean water is crucial for health, education, and the economy.

 

Body

Health

Clean water is vital for health. Contaminated water causes diseases like cholera and typhoid. The World Health Organization reports that over 2 billion people drink unsafe water, leading to millions of deaths each year. Ensuring clean water access can save countless lives.

 

Education

Clean water improves education. Healthy children attend school more regularly. UNICEF states that children lose 443 million school days annually due to water-related illnesses. Providing clean water keeps students in school and enhances their learning.

 

Economy

Clean water boosts the economy. It reduces healthcare costs and increases productivity. The World Bank estimates that every dollar invested in clean water returns four dollars in economic benefits. Investing in clean water infrastructure is both ethical and economically sound.

 

Counterargument

Some argue that universal clean water access is too expensive. However, the long-term savings in healthcare and the boost in productivity far outweigh the initial costs. We have a moral duty to ensure everyone has clean water.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, clean water is essential for health, education, and the economy. It is a basic human right that we must prioritize. Let’s take action today to ensure everyone has access to clean water.

Thank you for listening.

 

Argumentative Speech for Students

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Argumentative Speech for High School

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Argumentative Speech on Social Media

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More Argumentative Speech Topics

• Argumentative Speech for Students
• Argumentative Speech for High School
• Argumentative Speech on Social Media
• Argumentative Speech about Education
• Argumentative Speech about Bullying
• Argumentative Speech on Social Issues

How to Write Argumentative Speech

1. Introduction

Hook: Start with a statement or question that grabs attention.

Thesis Statement: Clearly state your position on the issue.

Preview: Briefly outline the main points you will discuss.

2. Body

Point 1: Present your first major point with supporting evidence.

Point 2: Present your second major point with supporting evidence.

Point 3: Present your third major point with supporting evidence.

Counterarguments: Address and refute opposing viewpoints.

3. Conclusion

Summary: Recap the main points of your argument.

Restate Thesis: Reinforce your thesis statement.

Call to Action: Encourage the audience to take action or adopt your viewpoint.

Uses of Argumentative Speech

• Debates: In formal debates, participants use argumentative speeches to present their stance on a given topic. They aim to convince judges and the audience by presenting well-structured arguments, backed by evidence and logical reasoning, while refuting the opposing side’s points.
• Political Campaigns: Politicians use argumentative speeches to persuade voters to support their policies and candidacy. By addressing key issues, presenting solutions, and countering opponents’ arguments, they aim to garner public support and win elections.
• Legal Proceedings: Lawyers use argumentative speeches in courtrooms to advocate for their clients. They present evidence, construct logical arguments, and address counterarguments to persuade the judge or jury to rule in their favor.
• Public Policy Advocacy: Activists and advocates use argumentative speeches to promote policy changes. They present data, personal stories, and logical arguments to persuade lawmakers and the public to support their cause.
• Academic Settings: Students use argumentative speeches in classroom debates and presentations to develop critical thinking and persuasive skills. These speeches help them learn to construct logical arguments and defend their viewpoints effectively.
• Business Presentations: In the business world, professionals use argumentative speeches to persuade stakeholders, investors, or clients to support projects, investments, or business strategies. By presenting clear arguments and evidence, they aim to influence decision-making.
• Social and Community Issues: Community leaders and activists use argumentative speeches to address social issues and mobilize support for community initiatives. They aim to raise awareness, change public opinion, and encourage collective action.
• Environmental Advocacy: Environmentalists use argumentative speeches to promote sustainability and conservation efforts. They present scientific data and logical arguments to persuade the public and policymakers to take action on environmental issues.
• Educational Outreach: Educators and speakers use argumentative speeches to inform and persuade audiences about important topics, such as health, safety, and social justice. These speeches aim to educate and inspire change.
• Media and Journalism: Journalists and media personalities use argumentative speeches in opinion pieces and editorials to influence public opinion. They present well-reasoned arguments on current events and issues to persuade their audience.

Making Claims in Argumentative Speaking

In developing a good argumentative speech, it is crucial to have solid claims and basis for your arguments. Taken from Speech Communication, Raymond S. Ross clarifies the following definitions present in an argumentative speech:

Claim: The whole reason for your arguing in the first place. This is based on your opinion.

Grounds: This is purely based on research. Facts, tables, statistical data, proof of evidence. If you have no grounds to support your claims whatsoever, you will be seen as an ignorant blabbermouth just stating random things without proof. You may also see speech examples.

Argumentative speeches can be based on the following: a claim of fact, a claim of value, or a claim of policy.

A claim of fact starts with an incident or a reality that is based on evidence.

A claim of value is a belief that something is good or bad, right or wrong.

A claim of policy is a claim that recommends the course of action.

Argumentation requires a firm stand on the positive or a negative side of the said issue. After all, the goal is not to win over your audience, but to dominate the argument as it requires the speakers to not only present their side of the issue, but to also present it with substantial evidence in making the said claim. Argumentative speaking can be carried out in debates. You may also see motivational speech.

As you organize your said speech, you should have your strongest arguments at the first and the last sentence of your speech. First impressions among the audience are just as important as your closing statement directed to them. It is also important to avoid personal attacks. If you believe in “karma”, that’s exactly what’s going to happen to you once you engage in a fight with someone. After all, what goes around comes around. You may also see appreciation speech.

Once you start with derogatory remarks and baseless accusations will eventually discredit you as a speaker and you will lose the trust of your audience. Get straight to the point and make use of practicalities in your speech. Don’t beat around the bush too much otherwise, you will lose the interest and the impact you might have with the crowd. You may also see welcome speech.

Essential Components of an Argumentative Speech:

With the dominating over the argument as the main goal of an argumentative speech in the first place, it is important to understand the components that encompass the said speech in the first place. Listed below are four essential parts of an argumentative speech:

1. Find for a debatable topic

Although it can really be just any topic, make sure that it clearly has both the affirmative and negative side to remain impartial and unbiased to just a single viewpoint. For example, do pineapples really go on pizza?

2. Pick a side

If you have the option to pick a side, that is great as you have picked with a side that is most suited to your beliefs and perceptions about that certain issue. But if not, you will just have to stick with what is given to you and make the most of it. Once you stick with that certain side, make sure to provide all related information surrounding that issue, otherwise, it would confuse the audience on what side you truly belong to. You may also see appreciation speech.

3. Give some supportable arguments

Research, research, research! And afterwards, conduct more research and verify the gathered data. It cannot be simply your opinions alone, you have to try to include the opinions of other people as well, what other people have to say about it, by providing figures and data that is relevant. Nobody likes an unsupported argument with baseless hearsay. You may also welcome speech.

4. Refute alternate positions

When an argument is being thrown at you, you learn to throw one back. Are you just going to let the opposing party trample over your side of the argument like a powerless ant? Or, are you going to put up a fight by throwing in arguments of your own? In doing so, you have to provide supporting facts that support your argument. You may also see leadership speech.

Tips for delivering an argumentative speech:

• Search for a concrete and controversial argument to use as your base.
• Arrange your points properly from the first to the last. If it’s in a debate setting, you normally would be assigned to teams of four (first speaker to third speaker, and the person who summarizes everything). Try to coordinate with your members on what points each person would like to throw to the opposition.
• Sacrifice most of your time and effort for research. All that preparation will have been for nothing, if it is baseless.