Today's challenge gives you a situation, opinion or proposal. Your task is to make a persuasive argument in just 60 seconds.
Know your audience. Who are you trying to persuade? What might matter most to them? Consider their interests, concerns and possible objections.
Build your argument. Decide what you want your listener to think or do. Choose your strongest reasons and prepare an example or piece of evidence to support your case.
Make your pitch! Set a 60-second timer and speak aloud. Try to capture attention, make your argument clearly and finish with a convincing conclusion.
Remember that persuasion isn't simply about speaking forcefully. Tone, empathy, credibility and choosing the right arguments can be just as important.
Try again! Imagine your listener disagrees with you. What objections might they raise? Can you respond to them and make a stronger case?
Extra challenge: Switch sides and argue against your original position. Can you make the opposing argument equally persuasive?
The aim isn't necessarily to win. It's to communicate your position effectively while recognising that reasonable people may disagree.
