The Full Prompt is Listed Below:
Speeches provide a rich opportunity for us to examine and practice rhetorical analysis and argumentation. Remember, our working definition of rhetoric is: “The study and/or use of persuasive language.” In this essay, you will be utilizing both sides of this definition (i.e., “study and use”).
The speech you choose could be historical, political, relevant in the media, or even inspirational. Write an essay in which you evaluate the effectiveness of the speech. You could even argue the ineffectiveness of a speech, but make sure to provide examples and explanations as to why. Your research should inform your understanding of the target demographic; you do not get to guess what the demographic may be. What are the intentions of the speech and who is the speech intended for? In the same thesis, you will argue for the speech’s efficacy. Thus, your research will also include an examination of delivery techniques. Make sure to analyze the speech’s use of ethos, logos, and or pathos. It may be helpful to choose a speech in which you are able to watch the speaker deliver their speech. What was their tone and how did it change? What was their body language like throughout the speech?
If you choose a speech in which you cannot visually analyze the speaker, consider what kind of delivery would’ve been the most compelling.
A sample thesis will look like: “The speech for X effectively uses X, Y, Z (no limit here) to reach X speaker’s target demographic of 18-39 year-old, college educated women.”
The best essays will:
Analyzation of the speech’s use of ethos, logos, and pathos
Contain a logical organization of clear, distinct and unified paragraphs, each with a single clear topic.
Be supported with specific pieces of objective evidence.
Have few typographical, spelling, grammatical or sentence errors, and few awkward word choices.
Have sentences with clear syntax and are easy to understand.
Have a tone properly elevated and professional.
Meet all MLA formatting requirements.
Essay parameters:
Analyzes rhetoric for efficacy.
1,200-1,500 words minimum.
Minimum four works cited with some combination of quoting and paraphrasing.
At least one source must be from an academic journal.
Appropriate MLA formatting. Must include a Works Cited Page
