What is a persuasive speech's central idea called?

In a persuasive speech, the central idea that articulates the speaker's main position or argument is referred to as the proposition or claim. This element serves as the backbone of the speech, outlining what the speaker intends to persuade the audience to believe, feel, or do. While the thesis statement is also important, particularly in written communication, it does not specifically denote the persuasive function as effectively as the term "proposition" or "claim." The main argument, while crucial, is often just a component of the broader proposition, which encompasses the overall stance the speaker is taking. Supporting evidence, on the other hand, refers to the data, examples, or testimonials that substantiate the proposition but is not the central idea itself. Thus, the proposition or claim is the correct term for the overarching idea that defines the persuasive aim of the speech.