Call to action

Definition

A call to action is a statement or prompt that encourages an audience to take a specific action in response to a message or argument. It is often used in persuasive speaking and writing to motivate the audience to engage with the content, whether by changing their beliefs, participating in an activity, or making a decision.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A call to action is essential in persuasive speaking as it directs the audience on what they should do next after receiving the message.
2. Effective calls to action are clear, specific, and emotionally resonant, making it easier for the audience to understand the desired action.
3. In Monroe's motivated sequence, the call to action is crucial as it serves as the final step that mobilizes the audience toward a response.
4. In problem-solution organization, the call to action emphasizes solutions and encourages the audience to act on those solutions for change.
5. Viral speeches often include powerful calls to action that resonate with audiences emotionally and prompt widespread sharing and engagement.

Review Questions

• How does a call to action enhance the effectiveness of persuasive appeals such as ethos, pathos, and logos?
  • A call to action enhances persuasive appeals by providing a clear direction for the audience after they have been engaged through ethos (credibility), pathos (emotional appeal), and logos (logical reasoning). When a speaker establishes trust (ethos) or connects emotionally (pathos) while presenting logical arguments (logos), a compelling call to action solidifies that engagement by prompting the audience to act on what they just heard. This connection makes it more likely that the audience will follow through with the suggested actions.
• In what ways does a call to action function within Monroe's motivated sequence, and why is it important?
  • In Monroe's motivated sequence, the call to action functions as the culmination of the speech, where all previous steps—attention, need, satisfaction, and visualization—lead up to this moment. It is important because it provides a direct instruction or suggestion for what the audience should do in light of the information presented. Without a clear call to action at this final stage, even the most compelling arguments may fall flat as there would be no direction for how listeners can implement change or support a cause.
• Evaluate how crafting effective introductions and conclusions impacts the strength of a call to action in a speech.
  • Crafting effective introductions and conclusions significantly impacts the strength of a call to action by framing the entire speech experience for the audience. A strong introduction captures attention and sets the tone, preparing listeners for the key messages ahead. In contrast, a powerful conclusion reinforces these messages while emphasizing the urgency or importance of taking action. When both elements are executed well, they create a cohesive narrative that not only engages but also motivates the audience towards the desired outcome effectively.

Related terms

Persuasion: The process of convincing someone to believe or do something through argument, reasoning, or appeal.

Audience engagement: The interaction between a speaker and their audience, aimed at capturing attention and encouraging participation.

Rhetorical devices: Techniques used in communication to persuade or create an effect, such as metaphors, repetition, and emotional appeals.