Unit(s): Public speaking, Mass Communication
Purpose:
To direct students to present ideas in a persuasive format, to meet objections, and to answer questions.
Objective:
To persuade audience to purchase a product from you.
Materials:
Handout: "Ring Up a Sale"
Procedures:
- Give each student a handout. Read and discuss the notes about presenting sales pitches.
- Assign a 2-4 minute speech with a question-answer period to follow. Students must have two sources of information about the products. Students must also be prepared to actually SELL the products for the stated prices if they get buyers. Do not allow speaking notes.
Your general purpose in a sales speech is to persuade--to actuate your audience into buying the product now. You ring the cash register by doing the following things:
Assignment:
For this speech you are to sell a product that you can demonstrate to your classmates. This 2-4 minute speech is to be an actual selling effort. If someone wants to buy your product, you must sell it at the stated price, or tell the customer where he can purchase it, or take orders that you will fill within a week. After you have concluded the speech, you will be allowed two minutes to ask for and answer questions from the audience regarding the product.
Choose an article that you believe in, one that your audience can use, and one that you can demonstrate. The following are suggestions for products to sell and demonstrate:
video camera
cordless telephone
decorator items
sports equipment
kitchen gadgets
craft items
small appliances
clothing
garden supplies
Learn all about the product from at least two sources. Read the instructions that come with it. Talk to people who sell it or people who already own one. Write down your two sources.
Use no speaking notes. You are not very convincing if you cannot remember your product's selling points. Be prepared to answer questions following your presentation.