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The Ultimate Gift
1 Are you at least 17 years old? Do you weigh more than 110 pounds? Do you consider
yourself fairly healthy?
2 If you answered yes to all of these questions, you should be donating blood every two
months. In my survey of the class, I found that only 50 percent of you have ever donated blood
and that only 1 out of 13 of you donate on a regular basis. The lack of participation of eligible
donors is a serious problem that requires immediate action. Through extensive research and two
years of faithfully donating blood, I have come to realize the magnitude of this problem and just
how easy the solution can be.
3 Today I would like to show why blood donors are in such desperate need and encourage
you to take action to combat this need. Let’s first take a look at the overwhelming need for blood
donors.
4 The lack of participation of eligible blood donors poses a threat to the lives of many
410 PERSUASIVE SPEECHES FOR ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
8 You can now see the magnitude of the problem with the lack of blood donations. Fortu-
nately, it is a problem that can be easily solved. Each and every one of you can be part of the solu-
tion. All you have to do to save priceless lives is go to the nearest Red Cross and donate your blood.
9 For those of you who have never donated blood before, the process is so simple and easy.
First, you fill out a donor information form that asks you questions about your sexual history and
health. You will then receive a mini–physical. They will take a drop of blood from your finger to
measure the percent of red cells in your blood. Then they will take your blood pressure, as well as
your temperature and pulse. So not only are you saving lives by donating blood, you are also
checking on your own.
10 After your physical, you will be asked from which arm you prefer to donate. Then you
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15 Finally, I ask all of you to think of a loved one you hold so dear to your heart. Imagine
412 PERSUASIVE SPEECHES FOR ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
The Ultimate Gift
Commentary
“The Ultimate Gift,” a speech urging the audience to become regular blood donors, provides an excellent
model of Monroe’s motivated sequence. Here is a synopsis of the speech that focuses on its use of the
motivated sequence.
Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience to become regular blood donors.
Central Idea: By becoming regular blood donors, college students can help save lives and replenish
the shrinking U.S. blood supply.
Method of Organization: Monroe’s motivated sequence
Attention: The attention section of the speech can be found in the introduction, which consists of par-
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