Claims backed by reasons that are supported by evidence are called arguments. To win an argument, you first have to make a claim that is more than just an assertion. You use critical thinking skills and argue your case using claims, reason, and evidence. In rhetoric and argumentation, a claim is an arguable statement—an idea that a rhetor (a speaker or writer) asks an audience to accept.
Generally, there are three primary types of claims in an argument, also called persuasive claims:
- Claims of fact assert that something is true or not true.
- Claims of value assert that something is good or bad, or more or less desirable.
- Claims of policy assert that one course of action is superior to another.
A persuasive claim is an opinion, idea, or assertion. In rational arguments, all three types of claims must be supported by evidence. Jason Del Gandio, in the book, "Rhetoric for Radicals," gives these examples of persuasive claims in an argument:
"I think we should have universal health care.
"I believe the government is corrupt.
"We need a revolution."
Gandio explains that these claims make sense, but they need to be backed up with evidence and reasoning.
The University of Washington says a claim "persuades, argues, convinces, proves, or provocatively suggests something to a reader who may or may not initially agree with you." A claim is more than an opinion but it is less than a universally agreed upon truth, such as "The sky is blue" or "Birds fly in the sky."
An academic claim—a claim you make in an argument—is considered debatable or up for inquiry. James Jasinski explains in "Argument: Sourcebook on Rhetoric" that a claim "expresses a specific position on some doubtful or controversial issue that the arguer wants the audience to accept."
A claim is not, then, an opinion, such as "I think Twinkies are delicious." But if you took that same sentence and recrafted it into an arguable statement, you could create a claim, such as "Twinkies and other sugary, processed foods can make you fat." Not everyone might agree with your claim, but you would be able to use scientific and medical evidence (such as studies showing that sugary processed foods lead to weight gain and other health problems) to support your claim.
You can further break claims in an argument into four basic types, says Mesa Community College:
Claims of fact or definition: Particularly in this day and age, people disagree on hitherto commonly accepted facts. A claim of fact or definition might be that grades do not accurately measure student progress or lie detector tests are inaccurate. Traditionally, grades have been the common measure of student success, but you could argue that they do not really represent a student's true abilities. And lie detector tests were at one point thought to provide clear and accurate evidence, but you could use facts to argue that they can be unreliable.
Claims About Cause and Effect: This type of claim argues that given causes lead to specific effects, such as watching too much television when young leads to obesity or poor school performance. To make this claim, you would have to present evidence (scientific studies, for example) that show television leads to these outcomes. Another debatable cause-and-effect claim would be that video games that depict violence lead to real violence.
Claims About Solutions or Policies: This kind of claim might argue that because the health care system does not adequately assist Americans (you would argue that this is a fact), it should be reformed (you argue for the solution/policy), says Mesa Community College.
Claims About Value: This type of claim might be the trickiest to argue because you are trying to prove that one thing is better or superior to another. For example, you might claim that people who are blind or deaf have a unique culture of blindness or deafness. You could support either argument by researching and presenting facts that these two areas of disability do indeed have unique cultures and communities.
Each statement is a proposition that can be proven true or false by checking with authorities, a map, a chemistry textbook, and your experience and senses. Some propositions are quantifiable, like the number of states in the United States. Others are simply true or false, like the correct composition of water.
The propositions of fact that will be the subject of most persuasive speeches are less straightforward. They might include the following:
Each of these propositions can be supported by conducting research in books, on the Internet, or in your college's financial statements. As you establish the truth of your propositions, you are impacting the beliefs of the audience.
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A persuasive speech's main purpose is to convince the audience about a certain subject. Some speakers find this speech the most difficult, but you can easily persuade the audience with your point of view with the right skills.
Further, this type of speech is a form of art and an excellent way to impress the audience and make an impression on their minds.
However, before you start writing a speech, you should know about different persuasive speeches. Start reading this blog and know its types in detail.
Different Types of Persuasive Speeches
A persuasive speech is given to the audience to influence them to agree with your point of view. This type of speech works with evaluative statements that data and reasoning can support.
When you analyze any type of persuasive speech, you should keep the following questions in your mind:
- How to convince the audience with your point of view?
- What kind of sources are needed for a great speech?
- How to structure the speech?
- What is the main goal of the speech?
- What are the main points?
There are three basic types of persuasive speeches that are discussed below in detail.
- 1. Factual Persuasive Speech
- Noise pollution is detrimental to human development.
- Simple ways to overcome stress.
- What is the best option for renewable energy?
- Should bicycles share the roads with cars?
- Attitude, value, belief, or behavior of the government.
- 2. Value Persuasive Speech
- Respect for law for US citizens
- Zero tolerance is a useful instrument to prevent violence.
- The Geneva Convention should also regard suspects of terrorism.
- Video games should not be censored.
- Time is not money.
- 3. Policy Persuasive Speech
- Corruption and bribery run today’s economy.
- Smokers should be treated like drug addicts.
- Registration and regulation of religious organization policy
- There should be an international forestry agency.
- Discrimination in the workplace based on hair color.
Factual persuasive speech is a type of speech based on a specific belief or statement backed by concrete evidence. Its main goal is to persuade the audience whether something exists or does not exist.
Sometimes, this type of speech is similar to an informative speech. Although, the situation of this speech on a question of fact is partisan.
Some factual claims are simple to answer, like Justin Trudeau is the prime minister of Canada. Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb, Robert Wadlow is the tallest man in the world, etc.
However, some facts or claims are hard to answer or difficult to determine the trueness or falseness because the answer on the subject has not been discovered.
Here are some factual speech topics for your help.
It is a type of speech that describes that something is moral or immoral, right or wrong, good or bad, beautiful or ugly. It defines the subject by providing evidence, proof, and reasons.
Moreover, the audience or the opposition speaker might agree or disagree with your specific point of view. Thus, it’s the speaker’s responsibility to prove their point of view, so the audience agrees with them.
Below are some value persuasive speech topics that give you a better idea.
Another type of speech is a policy that persuades the audience to support or reject a rule, candidate, or policy. It is the most common type of speech, and it is easy to deliver compared to other types. The main aim of this type of speech is to motivate or get immediate action from your listeners.
Further, in this type of speech, the speaker has a direct and clear opinion about the chosen subject.
The following are the policy persuasive speech topics for your help.
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Types of Persuasive Speeches Examples
When you first prepare a speech, you should take help from examples. We gathered some examples that will help you write a perfect persuasive speech.
Now, you get to know the different types of speeches with examples necessary for public speaking. Maybe you think writing a perfect speech is impossible. You're not alone! But with the right tools and techniques, anyone can become an exceptional public speaker that captivates their audience from start to finish in no time at all.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four types of speech according to purpose?
The four main types of speeches according to purpose are:
- To inform
- To entertain
- To instruct
- To persuade
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Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.