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Instructions
Speech Analysis
You must write 3-4 page complete pages – typed, double-spaced, 10, 11 or 12 point easy to read font. It is an individual essay with proper grammar, spelling, structure, etc. and should use APA for any needed intext citations or references (as needed).
Speech Options
Choose one of the speeches listed below to write your essay on:
John F. Kennedy Moon Speech (1962)
Challenger: President Reagan’s Challenger Disaster Speech – 1/28/86
Michelle Obama 2016 Democratic National Convention
Tulsi Gabbard Keynote Speech at Western Conservative Summit
Malala Yousafzai Nobel Peace Prize Speech
https://www.ted.com/talks/malcolm_gladwell_choice_happiness_and_spaghet
ti_sauce?language=en
Malcolm Gladwell Choice, Happiness and spaghetti sauce
Gloria Steinem’s Women’s March Speech
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcehZ3CjedU&feature=youtu.be Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: 2015 Wellesley College Commencement Speaker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K4MctEmkmI&feature=youtu.be President Obama Delivers the Commencement Address at Howard University
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMWFieBGR7c Oprah Winfrey Harvard Commencement Speech
Speech Instructions
You will write an individual essay based on the speech you selected from the list above (A) describing, (B) analyzing and (C) evaluating the (1) context, (2) history, (3) influence and (4) structure of a rhetorical event.
• What is the speaker’s goal? What is the primary message being delivered?
• Who is the audience of the speech?
• Introduction – How did the speech begin?
• Was it powerful and/or memorable?
o Did the introduction clearly establish the purpose of the speech?
• Body – Was the speech focused?
o Did all of the stories/anecdotes relate back to the main idea? Was there support for the arguments? o Was there proper organization and smooth transitions from one part to the next?
o Were elements of pathos, ethos, logos employed during speech? How?
o Explain two different ways in which the author/speaker supports the main idea.
o Is the evidence used to support the argument reliable? Explain.
• Conclusion – Was the conclusion concise? Memorable?
Was there an action step, and if so, how effective was the call to action?
• Delivery – Was the speaker enthusiastic or dynamic? How could you tell?
• Was there audience participation? Was it effective?
• Was humor employed?
• Was the speech appropriate and why?
• How does the tone affect the author/speaker’s credibility?
What is the tone at the beginning, middle, and end of the text? Is it consistent or does it vary and why?
What sort of gestures and vocal variety did the speaker employ? What sort of language did the speaker use? Why was this important?
• Intangibles – What are your impressions of the content of the speech?
In your opinion, what is the strongest element/part of the text/argument?
Explain and provide evidence and reasoning.
In your opinion, what is the weakest element/part of the text/argument?
Explain and provide evidence and reasoning.
What parts were confusing or needed more clarification? o Did you believe the speaker? Would you like to hear more from the speaker?
Do you believe the author/speaker achieved the purpose? Explain your answer and provide evidence and reasoning in your response.
