Which of the following best describes a persuasive speech?

A persuasive speech is specifically designed to influence the beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors of the audience. Its primary goal is to convince listeners to embrace a certain viewpoint or take a specific action. This is achieved through various rhetorical strategies, such as appealing to emotions, presenting compelling evidence, and addressing counterarguments, making the audience more receptive to the speaker's message.

The other options do not capture the essence of a persuasive speech. While providing information or summarizing sources can be essential components of various speech types, they do not focus on convincing an audience to adopt a particular stance, which is the heart of persuasive speaking. Additionally, while education is a valuable aspect of many speeches, not all persuasive speeches are solely for educational purposes; their main intent is to persuade and mobilize the audience rather than simply inform.