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SELF–DEFENSE ON CAMPUS 415
6 Although students must watch themselves in campus housing, they must also take care
elsewhere. Prevalent use of drugs and alcohol, especially on college campuses, increases the
chance of crime. Using drugs or alcohol makes you an easier target because, as we all know, it
affects your judgment, influencing your decisions on safety. According to the Pacific Center for
Violence Prevention, in 42 percent of all violent crimes, either the assailant, the victim, or both
had been drinking. Specifically on campus, 90 percent of all violent crimes involve drugs and/or
alcohol. This problem is so serious that testimony by law enforcement officials reprinted on the
Security on Campus Web site indicates that many college campuses are the highest crime areas in
their communities.
7 So now that we see the dangers we face as students, what can we do to protect ourselves?
11 But after a few more days of practice, we were able to go against the padded attacker one
more time. This time, I no longer felt fear. I felt anger. I was angry that this man felt he could take
advantage of me. This time, using what I learned, I yelled “No; back off” and successfully escaped
his move. And this time I survived.
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Self–Defense on Campus
Commentary
“Self-Defense on Campus” is an excellent speech that illustrates how students can utilize all the methods
of persuasion discussed in the textbook. Here is a synopsis that focuses on how the speaker employs the
methods of persuasion.
Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience to enroll in a self–defense class.
Central Idea: Enrolling in a self–defense class is an effective way for students to help protect them-
selves against the dangers of crime they face on campus and in society at large.
Method of Organization: Monroe’s motivated sequence
Credibility: In keeping with the functions of a speech introduction discussed in Chapter 10 of the text-
418 PERSUASIVE SPEECHES FOR ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION