How can you use the Toulmin Model to support your persuasive speech?

1 What is the Toulmin Model?

The Toulmin Model is a framework that helps you identify and evaluate the components of an argument. According to the Toulmin Model, an argument consists of three main elements: claim, grounds, and warrant. The claim is the statement that you want your audience to accept as true or valid. The grounds are the facts, data, or evidence that support your claim. The warrant is the reasoning or principle that connects your grounds to your claim and shows why your evidence is relevant and reliable.

2 How to use the Toulmin Model in your persuasive speech?

To use the Toulmin Model in your persuasive speech, you need to first determine your claim and the main grounds that you will use to back it up. Then, you need to explain the warrant that links your grounds to your claim and makes your argument persuasive. For example, if your claim is that recycling is beneficial for the environment, your grounds could be statistics or studies that show how recycling reduces waste and saves energy. Your warrant could be the assumption that reducing waste and saving energy is good for the environment.

3 How to address counterarguments with the Toulmin Model?

However, your argument may not be enough to convince your audience if they have doubts or objections to your claim, grounds, or warrant. Therefore, you need to anticipate and address the possible counterarguments that your audience may have. To do this, you can use two additional elements of the Toulmin Model: backing and rebuttal. The backing is the additional evidence or information that strengthens your warrant and shows why your assumption is valid. The rebuttal is the acknowledgment and response to the opposing views that challenge your claim, grounds, or warrant. For example, if a counterargument is that recycling is too costly or inconvenient, your backing could be examples or testimonials that show how recycling can save money or time. Your rebuttal could be a concession or refutation that admits some drawbacks of recycling but argues that they are outweighed by the benefits.

4 How to present your argument with the Toulmin Model?

Finally, you need to present your argument with the Toulmin Model in a clear and coherent way. You can use different strategies to organize your speech, such as problem-solution, cause-effect, or compare-contrast. However, regardless of the strategy you choose, you should start with an attention-grabbing introduction that states your claim and previews your main points. Develop each point with grounds, warrant, backing, and rebuttal as needed; use transitions and signposts to guide your audience through your argument. End with a memorable conclusion that summarizes your argument and reinforces your claim; consider including a call to action or a recommendation if appropriate.

5 Why use the Toulmin Model for your persuasive speech?

Using the Toulmin Model for your persuasive speech can help you achieve several goals. First, it can help you clarify and refine your argument by identifying and evaluating its components. Second, it can help you strengthen and support your argument by providing relevant and reliable evidence and reasoning. Third, it can help you address and overcome the counterarguments by acknowledging and responding to the opposing views. Fourth, it can help you present your argument in a clear and coherent way by following a logical and consistent structure. By using the Toulmin Model, you can improve your persuasive speech and increase your chances of influencing your audience.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?