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Constructive Speech
The writing and presentation of a public address that is composed, or constructed, in a manner that is logical, persuasive, and nonincendiary. While elements of critique and calls for change can be evident in constructive speech, the tone of argument is civil and designed to convince people about the necessity and wisdom of suggested courses of action.
Constructive speech is the province of public speakers, such as diplomats and elected officials, as well as members of academic forensic, or legal, debating (public speaking) teams. Those who debate, for instance, are trained to introduce their arguments point by point, to clearly define terms, and to provide substantial support for their platforms by quoting experts and authorities and by citing case histories, laws, statistics, and other examples. For ...