What is the primary purpose of a persuasive speech?

The primary purpose of a persuasive speech is to motivate the audience to change their beliefs or actions. In this type of speech, the speaker aims to influence the opinions, attitudes, or behaviors of the audience regarding a specific issue or topic. This is achieved through a combination of logical arguments, emotional appeals, and credible evidence to present a compelling case that encourages the listeners to adopt a new perspective or take action.

While informing the audience about a topic is important in many contexts, it does not necessarily aim to shift beliefs or behaviors. Similarly, entertaining the audience or expressing personal feelings may engage listeners but do not inherently involve persuading them to change. In contrast, a persuasive speech is strategically designed with the intent to create a deliberate change, making the motivation to alter beliefs or actions its distinguishing feature.