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opposing arguments without mocking them, and if the sources and facts cited seem ethical and reliable, the
speaker is using ethos.
Step 4: Check for flaws or fallacies.
Speakers sometimes use flawed reasoning to make their claims seem more convincing to their audience. Some
logical fallacies that speakers use include exaggerating claims, using inaccurate statistics to make broad
conclusions, and avoiding references to arguments that go against their claims. When you listen to a persuasive
speech, check for such flaws in the speaker's reasoning. You should also check for logical fallacies such as ad
hominem arguments, straw man arguments, red herrings, and hasty generalizations.
Step 5: Rate the overall quality.
The final step is to consider all aspects of your analysis and make an informed decision about the speech based on
your findings. Consider the elements of the argument, the structure of the speech, and the rhetorical strategies
the speaker used.
Based on everything that you've analyzed, make a broad judgment about the persuasive speech. Did the speaker
present good points, include reliable evidence, and make a strong and compelling case? Does the speaker seem
trustworthy? Are you convinced about the claim the speaker made in the speech? If your answer to these
questions is yes, then you have listened to a convincing speech.
Once you and your group have evaluated each speech using the above criteria, reach a consensus regarding which
position should be adopted by the entire group and developed into a brief, 10-minute presentation. Various means of
reaching a group consensus may be used, including voting, persuasion, and compromise. The strongest points and
arguments from different speeches should be adopted and noted for use in the presentation.
Type your group's final position in the space below. Include a list of the most convincing points, sources, and arguments
supporting your group's final position. If there were any points on which group members could not agree, include a list of
those as well.