Persuasive_Speech_Outline

Persuasive Speech 1 Outline Topic: “Laughter as a medicine” General Purpose: To persuade Specific Purpose: To persuade my listeners to laugh more. Central Idea: To persuade my listeners to understand how laughter can be a strong medicine for the mind; can boost the immune system; can help us stay emotionally healthy; and the social benefits of laughter. INTRODUCTION I. Attention Getter (PowerPoint Slide 1) 1. Laughter can be infectious a. Have you suddenly started laughing when you hear someone else laughing crazily, although you actually have no idea what their laughing about' b. Sometimes when I am in a bad mood or in pain, I usually watch a funny movie. c. Unconsciously, I forget why I was in a bad mood or in pain. (PowerPoint Slide 2) 2. Humor triggers laughter a. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others and keeps you grounded, focused and alert. b. Based on the definition of laughter. 3. Preview of the speech (Central Idea) a. You are probably asking yourselves, what does this have to do with health' b. Today, I will share with you on how laughter can be a strong medicine for the mind, how it can help the immune system, help us stay emotionally healthy, and its social benefits, so you can persuade more laughter into your life. (Transition: Let me begin by explaining the first benefit of laughter.) (PowerPoint Slide 3) BODY I. Main Point 1 (PowerPoint Slide 3) 1. Laughter is a strong medicine for the mind. a. Laughter can relax the whole body b. Laughter reduces levels of certain stress hormones. c. Laughing can relieve physical tension and stress. II. Main Point 2 1. Laughter can boost the immune system. a. Laughter can decrease stress hormones, increase immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies. b. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins. c. According to physiological studies, laughter can also stimulate our cardiovascular system. (PowerPoint Slide 4) III. Main Point 3 1. Laughter and humor help us stay emotionally healthy. a. Laughter dissolves distressing emotions. b. Laughter helps us relax and recharge. c. Humor shifts perspectives. d. Laughter allows us to see situations in a more realistic, less threatening light. e. A humorous perspective creates psychological distance, which can help us avoid feeling overwhelmed. IV. Main Point 4 1. Social benefits of humor and laughter a. Laughter is one of my all-time favorite stress management strategies.. b. After you have a good laugh, you feel better. c. Laughter helps you overcome shyness, criticisms and doubts. d. You can express your true feeling with laughter. e. People want to be around people that laugh. (Transition to conclusion: I hope you have a greater insight on the benefits of laughter.) CONCLUSION (PowerPoint Slide 5) I. In closing, laughter can be a strong medicine for the mind. II. Laughter is important in our life. (PowerPoint Slide 6) III. Join the world laughter day the first Sunday in May of every year. (PowerPoint Slide 7) IV. You don’t stop laughing because you grow old; you grow old because you stopped laughing. Bibliography "The Stress Management and Health Benefits Of Laughter." About.com Stress Management. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Aug. 2012. . "How Laughter Works." HowStuffWorks. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Aug. 2012. . "What Is Laughter' - Go to Health! (Because Life's Too Short) by SharaRendell-Smock."What Is Laughter' - Go to Health! (Because Life's Too Short) by SharaRendell-Smock. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Aug. 2012. http://sideroad.com/health/column9.htm "Laughter Is the Best Medicine." : The Health Benefits of Humor. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Aug. 2012. .