How do you put together a persuasive speech?  The classic way, first noted by the ancient Greeks, is to begin with a problem the audience has, and then put forward a solution.  That’s particularly suited to the presentation format, because it makes sense to us; it’s easily graspable in a speech.  We get the problem, we naturally turn to thinking, ‘OK, how can we solve it’.  Then a solution shows up in the speech at just the right moment.  I talk more about speech structure here: http://tinyurl.com/6sdl5v and here: http://tinyurl.com/n5e2yv but below is a quick run-down. 

But if problem-solution doesn’t fit your need, what are the other options?

If the problem is well understood by the audience, but the way forward is unclear, try the statement of reasons.   Here, you show how to get to your conclusion by listing and explaining all the important reasons for your point of view.  Start with the most important, and work your way down. 

Another way is the comparative advantages structure.  Here, you brainstorm all the ways in which your point of view, if it prevails, will advantage the audience.  List them, once again in order of importance. 

Yet another approach, good for when you have a keen understanding of the needs you are trying to address, is criteria – satisfaction.   Begin with a discussion of all the issues that need to be covered, then explain how your position will cover them. 

A fifth method, one that works well when you’re an authority who commands a lot of respect with the audience in question, is the general to specific method.  Here, you begin with the general rule that covers the particular issue under debate.  Then you show how the particular fits in, and you’re done. 

A final method is the negative method.  Here, you eliminate other options, until yours is the only one left standing.  This method is particularly good for highly contentious issues, like political debates.  Take care to give each of the other options a fair hearing, though; don’t caricature them.  That will only alienate the portions of your audience that holds those points of view.