Which of the following is a common fallacy in persuasive speech?

The identification of ad hominem as a common fallacy in persuasive speech is accurate. An ad hominem fallacy occurs when an argument attacks a person’s character or personal traits rather than addressing the content of their argument. This technique detracts from the validity of the discussion and often misleads the audience by shifting focus from the actual issues at hand to irrelevant personal attacks.

In persuasive speech, maintaining a logical and respectful discourse is essential. Ad hominem arguments undermine this goal by appealing to emotions and biases rather than reason and credible evidence, which can weaken the speaker's position. Conversely, using testimonial evidence, expert opinion, and statistical reasoning are all considered valid methods of persuasion, as they rely on credible sources and logical structures to support arguments. These approaches enhance a speaker's credibility and engage the audience effectively through reasoned arguments.