Which of the following specific purpose statements is from a persuasive speech seeking
immediate action?
a. To persuade my audience that the federal government should establish a committee to
study the regulation of genetically engineered food.
b. To persuade my audience to write their U.S. senators and representatives in support
of a bill to regulate genetically engineered food.
c. To persuade my audience that proposed legislation to regulate genetically engineered
food will hurt farmers.
d. To persuade my audience that the federal government must take steps to regulate
genetically engineered food.
e. To persuade my audience that genetically engineered food poses serious health
dangers to consumers.
Answer:
Amy’s group for her speech class was following the reflective-thinking method for
problem-solving small groups. When it came time to choose the best solution, the group
decided early on to take a vote, with the majority winning out, rather than drag out the
discussion until the group could reach a decision that pleased everyone. According to
your textbook, was this the best way for Amy’s group to proceed?
a. Yes. Voting is the recommended procedure for reaching a decision in small groups.
b. No. A small group should try every method to reach consensus before resorting to a
vote.
c. Yes. Continuing to discuss solutions usually leads to interpersonal conflicts in the