Monroe’s Motivational Sequence

2006 © Andree’s Attic Created by: Andree Swanson

For the Persuasive Speech

A five-step process

Attention Need Satisfaction Visualization Action

Step 1 -- Attention

Get the attention of the audience Relate to the audience Show the importance of your topic Use a startling opening Arouse curiosity Stories, visual aids

Example – Attention Step

Imagine feeling tired, lethargic, and depressed every day

Now imagine waking each day feeling strong and happy

You can feel this way by eating properly and reducing fast food and junk food from your life

Step 2 -- Need

Establish a need for change--state it clearly

Illustrate with supporting materials Relate it to values / vital concerns of

audience Prime audience to listen to your

solution

Example – Need Step

You need to eat correctly to save your life

You are at risk of High blood pressure Diabetes Obesity Shortened life

Step 3 -- Satisfaction

Offer a solution to the issue Offer a plan for success Provide details

Example – Satisfaction Step

You can join WeightWatchers™ You can exercise daily It will reduce your desire for junk food

Step 4 -- Visualization

Intensify desire by visualizing benefits Use vivid language and imagery Show what audience will get from it Demonstrate how they will profit

Example – Visualization Step

Visualize a new you…able to keep up with the children

Visualize you being able to play your favorite sport

Visualize being stronger by dropping the fast food and junk food

Step 5 – Action

Encourage a specific call to action Explain what they need to do and how

to do it Stirring appeal that reinforces

commitment to act

Example – Action Step

Encourage your audience to join a diet organization

Challenge your audience to go one-week without eating any junk or fast food