need your help for a class of mine

[Remi]

Hello everyone, I'm currently taking a speech class and I have a persuasive speech to write. My topic is going to be to try to persuade a bunch of snake lovers to become more knowledgeable of snakes and not to automatically try to kill one that they see.(or simply put, to make the class more snake friendly). I don't expect everyone to just run out and buy a snake after class but I at least want them to give a second thought as to whether or not they should go grab the shovel because a snake is in their drive way.

If you wouldn't mind helping me out by posting a line or two about what you would tell people who don't like snakes (the good and bad stuff), what you would tell someone who thought all snakes were disgusting or that generally pisses you off about people who don't know much about snakes. Anything is helpful. My audience is 30-35 people, most of which all think negative things about snakes.

(No specific breed of snake is necessary to participate, the more the better)

Thank you so much in advance.

 

[wade]

I tell people that if they kill a snake they mother will feel great shame and they will go to hell.

 

[Rich in KY]

I have always told snake haters that I know that snakes control rodent populations. Rodents, in the wild, are disease carriers and if they get in your house can also bring mites and fleas.

As an example, a friend of mine always killed snakes in his yard. Even the poor baby ones After a couple of years of doing this, his shed was taken over by field mice that destroyed all yard equipment he had by chewing on everything. I just laughed at him thinking of the karma. He no longer kills snakes. He runs from them.

 

[The_Thunderer]

Yeah... I think your strongest argument will be that snakes have their niche in the environment. As Rich said, they control rodent populations and are sometimes food items for other herps and other top predators. Eliminate them (ie... nonsensical killing of them), would affect the whole ecology of that area.

IF it is allowed and you're particularly deft at speaking while doing other things, you might want to bring one of your corns (or other very handleable snake) with you to have in your hands while you speak. I think it would go a long way to bring a sense of wonder to your speech. Of course, you'd need to plan ahead to make sure that someone could take it home after you're done speaking. It wouldn't do to have that same snake escape in the school after your speech. LOL.

Good luck!

Please let us know how the speech went.

 

[kathylove]

Mention that many non-venomous snakes eat similar food, and need similar places to live, as non-venomous. So every time a harmless snake is killed, there is more food, shelter, and basking places for the really dangerous snakes! That sometimes gets them thinking of their own self interest.

And of course, that most bites from venomous snakes come from people trying to catch or kill them, rather than innocents who unintentionally step on or scare the snake. So just leave 'em alone!

Self interest is the best motivation for those who don't really like them, although of course you should try to turn at least a few haters into lovers, lol!

 

[Remi]

thank you all, you've all made good points. the speech isnt until after thanksgiving but I will let everyone know how it goes. if you can think of anything else, feel free to let me know.

 

[Remi]

IF it is allowed and you're particularly deft at speaking while doing other things, you might want to bring one of your corns (or other very handleable snake) with you to have in your hands while you speak. I think it would go a long way to bring a sense of wonder to your speech. Of course, you'd need to plan ahead to make sure that someone could take it home after you're done speaking. It wouldn't do to have that same snake escape in the school after your speech. LOL.
QUOTE]

it's definitely not allowed, thats the first thing my professor said when I gave him my topic. lol