A basic structure of a presentation (in a TED Talk style, motivational public speaking)

1. Opening
 Greetings to the audience, Self-Introduction (and/or fellow team presenters & host
organization)
 Attention Getter opener (small talk—any casual topics; jokes, big/fun
happening/controversy, etc.) to capture attention and build rapport (harmonious
relationship with audience)
 Topic statement and objectives
 Presentation agenda/preview of talk flow (e.g. “today I’m gonna explain to you all
how I overcame my fears last summer and have since become a bolder, more
confident person I am and there will be 3 main areas I wish to venture into ahead”)
 Lead in to the 1st point (e.g. “are you guys curious to find out how I overcame my
fears of bumpy jumping last summer? Well, listen to this first tip (1st main point
topic)

2. Body
 1st Main point (topic statement)
 Argument + Persuasive Support/evidence
 Transitions (cohesive devices/signposting language served as link between ideas) to
ensure talk coherence
 2nd Main point
 Argument + Persuasive Support/evidence
 Transitions3rd or 4th point (if needed)
 Internal summary (needed only if each main point is rather lengthy)

3. Conclusion
 Lead-in to the closing (e.g. “today I’ve shared my tips of overcoming fears and
breaking out of a major comfort zone…”)
 Recap/Summary of Main Points covered (e.g. “The biggest hurdles of breaking out
of a comfort zone are… and my tips of overcoming such fears are…”)
 Memorable Exit (e.g. “Don’t let fear tie you down, you can break free and
weaponize to your advantage for scaling new heights, my friends!”)
 Complimentary Close (e.g. “Thank you for being such great listening ears to me
today!”)
Popular motivational appeals (factors for persuading others)
 Altruism
 Fear
 Individuality and conformity
 Power, control, and influence
 Self-esteem and approval
 Love and affiliation
 Achievement
 Financial Gain
 Status
 Self-Actualization
Source: Devito, J. (1997), Elements of Public Speaking, 6th edition, p.387, Addison Wesley
Longman: New York.

Aristotle’s Persuasion Triad/Means of Persuasion (classical model):

The Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 b.c.e.) classified properties of items and concepts
in the known universe. One of his most fundamental discoveries was the composition of
persuasive speaking. Although Aristotle identified the “three appeals” that make it up 23
centuries ago, when the known universe was smaller, they are timeless.

The Trinity of Persuasion

Looking at any act where a speaker tries convincing another person or group, we might first
see someone arguing a point. From debating in school to selling merchandise on TV,
persuaders state a case to win over an audience in order for the latter to do something. The
persuader needs a) an objective, b) an audience, and c) to reach that audience with a message.
Specifically, he/she has to persuade them, as opposed to an authority figure ordering them to
do something. Aristotle identified that the art of persuasion consisted of three parts:
1) Logos — Appealing to logic.

2) Pathos — Appealing to emotions.

3) Ethos — Appealing to ethics, morals and character.

Source: The persuasion triad — Aristotle Still Teaches | Interaction Design Foundation
(IxDF) (interaction-design.org)