So why do you even bother? 

Why go to all of the effort to give a speech? I mean, if you agree to give a speech you are really signing yourself  up to pick a topic, do the research needed, write the speech, practice  the speech, and then finally go to the effort of actually delivering the  speech. Man, that sure seems like a big commitment. Why do it? If you  are like most of us the reason that you are willing to give a speech is  because you understand the importance of public speaking and you see  this as yet another opportunity for you to persuade an audience to see the world the way that you do. Great thought. 

Now just exactly how does one go about persuading an audience?