A proposition is a declarative sentence which states the general position of a persuasive message. It is important that a speaker know which type of proposition he/she is proving in a speech.  Traditionally, propositions are divided into one of three types:

Propositions of fact are statements which sound like a fact and usually contain some conjugation of the verb "to be."  The following are propositions of fact:

* The defendant is guilty.
* Many people in Africa are suffering severe hunger.
* The deployment of the MX missile in existing silos will increase the population of surrounding areas.
* UFO's exist.

Propositions of value call for a judgment that cannot be verified objectively.  Examples are:

* Frances Farley is a superior candidate.
* Irish Spring soap smells manly.
* The MX missile is a peace keeper.
* Surrogate motherhood is immoral.

Propositions of policy are declarative statements which state or imply a course of action and usually contain the word "should."  Examples would be:

* People should get more exercise.
* People should give to their favorite charity.
* People should vote for candidate X.
* AIDS victims should be quarantined.