Final answer:
Option C 'provide new evidence to drive the point home' is not suggested as a way to close a persuasive speech, as new evidence introduced at the conclusion can confuse the audience and detract from the core message.
Step-by-step explanation:
Persuasive Speech Closing Strategies
When concluding a persuasive speech, it is essential to reaffirm the main points and leave the audience with a strong, lasting impression of the argument presented. This can be achieved through various strategies. Challenging the audience, helping them visualize the future, and asking a rhetorical question are all viable ways to reinforce the speaker's message as they come to a close. The one option not suggested as a closing strategy is to provide new evidence. Introducing new evidence towards the end of a speech can confuse the audience and detract from the effectiveness of the conclusion; all evidence should have been presented earlier in the speech to support the argument.
For a strong conclusion, a speaker might return to the scene set by the opening, resolve a problem explored during the speech, make a recommendation, or speculate about the future. The goal is to leave the audience with a clear understanding of the thesis and an insightful thought to ponder, without introducing any new information that may distract from the core message.
Therefore, the correct option, in this case, is C. provide new evidence to drive the point home, as it is not a recommended way to close a persuasive speech.