Bryan Rasmussen
Persuasive Speech
Ryan Rigda
CRN: 22233044
TOPIC: Wolf hunting in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Audience: #106. You are speaking to Park Rangers and Park Officers who
work for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
(DNR). The Park Supervisor has invited you to speak with the
new ranger recruits at an in-service meeting in April. The
meeting is in a small cabin at Cass Lake Recreation Area. Eight-
12 individuals present (mostly men).
General Purpose: To Persuade
Specific Purpose: To persuade the audience that a limited hunt of Gray Wolves in
the Upper Peninsula is justified.
Thesis: A limited hunt of Gray Wolves in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is
justified to reduce wolf attacks on domestic animals.
I. Introduction
A. Attention Getter: One year in jail and fines of up to $100,000. Also,
the seizure of any vehicles, weapons, or
traps used in the act. These are the
penalties in place for anyone
harming or killing an endangered
species, which up until this year
included Gray Wolves. In light of these, it is easy
to see why the idea of a legal hunt of Gray
Wolves raises a few eyebrows.
B. Reason to Listen: This nation-wide debate is centered right here in
Michigan, particularly Michigan’s Upper
Peninsula. For this reason, this topic hits
close to home and has relevance to
Michigan residents.
C. Thesis Statement: A limited hunt of Gray Wolves in Michigan’s
Upper Peninsula is justified to reduce wolf
attacks on domestic animals.
D. Credibility Statement: According to Fritz Klug’s 2013 report on
verified wolf attacks in Michigan from
1196- 2013, he says that wolf attacks in
the Upper Peninsula have “nearly doubled
over previous years”.
E. Preview of Main Points:
1. First, I will talk about the problem of increasing numbers of
conflicts between wolves and domestic animals.
2. Next, I will provide background information to show how an
excessive period of time receiving endangered protection, as well
as a decrease in food supplies, has caused wolves to become more
aggressive.
3. Finally, we will take action to limit the conflicts between wolves
and domestic animals.
II. Over the Past three years there has been a large increase in the number of
wolf attacks on domestic animals.
A. As the population of wolves has continued to increase while under federal
