What is a common pitfall in persuasive speaking?

Being overly emotional is a common pitfall in persuasive speaking because it can detract from the effectiveness of the message. While passion and emotion can enhance a speaker's connection with the audience, excessive emotionality may lead to a lack of credibility or rationality in the argument. When a speaker allows their emotions to overwhelm their delivery, the audience might perceive the message as less logical and more theatrical. This can undermine the persuasive effort, as listeners may focus more on the emotional display rather than the content and reasoning behind the argument. Effective persuasive speaking strikes a balance between emotion and rational argumentation, ensuring that the audience is both engaged and persuaded by clear, well-supported points.