Discuss the use of reported speech in persuasive writing and speeches.

Direct And Indirect Speech Questions Long



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Discuss the use of reported speech in persuasive writing and speeches.

Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, plays a significant role in persuasive writing and speeches. It is a technique used to convey someone else's words or thoughts without quoting them directly. By using reported speech, writers and speakers can add credibility, provide evidence, and strengthen their arguments.

One of the main purposes of reported speech in persuasive writing and speeches is to support claims and arguments. By reporting what others have said, writers and speakers can present their ideas as being supported by experts, authorities, or reliable sources. This adds credibility to their arguments and makes them more persuasive. For example, a politician might say, "According to leading economists, our proposed economic policies will lead to increased job opportunities and economic growth." By using reported speech, the politician is able to present the opinions of experts, which enhances the persuasiveness of their argument.

Reported speech is also used to provide evidence and examples. When writers and speakers report what others have said or done, they can use it as evidence to support their own claims. This helps to strengthen their arguments and make them more convincing. For instance, a scientist might say, "Several studies have shown that climate change is directly linked to human activities." By using reported speech, the scientist is able to refer to the findings of various studies, which provides evidence for their claim and makes it more persuasive.

Furthermore, reported speech can be used to anticipate and address counterarguments. By reporting what others have said, writers and speakers can acknowledge opposing viewpoints and then refute them. This demonstrates that they have considered different perspectives and strengthens their own argument. For example, a debater might say, "Some critics argue that raising the minimum wage will lead to job losses. However, experts in the field have shown that this is not the case." By using reported speech, the debater acknowledges the opposing viewpoint and then presents evidence from experts to counter it, making their argument more persuasive.

In addition, reported speech can be used to create emotional appeal and engage the audience. By reporting what others have said, writers and speakers can use powerful quotes or anecdotes to evoke emotions and connect with their audience. This helps to make their arguments more relatable and memorable. For instance, a motivational speaker might say, "As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, 'I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.'" By using reported speech, the speaker is able to invoke the words of a respected figure, which adds emotional impact to their message and makes it more persuasive.

In conclusion, reported speech is a valuable tool in persuasive writing and speeches. It helps to support claims, provide evidence, address counterarguments, and create emotional appeal. By using reported speech effectively, writers and speakers can enhance the persuasiveness of their arguments and engage their audience more effectively.