Speech Analysis

Persuasive Speech

Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdK0uYjy85o

Persuasive speech is a type of speech in which the speaker sets a goal of convincing the audience to accept their point of view. The speech delivered by the twelve-year-old girl named Severn Suzuki on the protection of the environment was purposeful and intentional. Suzuki’s speech was persuasive, and she had full knowledge about the topic she was presenting to the audience. She demonstrated this by mentioning in details the effects of human activities on the environment such as the extinction of some species of animals, deforestation and pollution of water sources. The speaker understood the impact of human activities on the environment. Suzuki was a knowledgeable speaker, and she was able to impart her knowledge to her audience. She persuaded the audience to abandon their greedy ways and be considerate of others. According to Suzuki, this was important as it would make the world better for the future generation. Suzuki maintained a serious and assertive tone, avoiding any use of humour throughout the speech. This speech had a well-organized structure, with a captivating introduction, a comprehensive body, and a conclusion. The techniques used in the speech were perfect for this genre; the speaker was persuasive and correctly used the rhetorical triangle with its appeals to ethos, pathos, and logos. A rhetorical triangle was demonstrated by Suzuki knowing ways in which the environment has been degraded over the years. The knowledge was seen through her reactions, feelings and the facts she mentioned in her speech. Suzuki had adequately prepared as she spoke eloquently without any difficulties. She also used rhetoric devices, such as repletion, for example, when she used the words “buy and throw away” several times. In this speech, Suzuki articulated her points, clearly stating how human activities had affected the environment and the world in general.

Informative Speech

Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=Q2wCTgss4bY&feature=emb_logo

Informative speeches are the ones where a speaker educates the audience on a given topic. This speech was delivered by Scott L Tauber, who was introducing a music service to his audience. The purpose of his speech was to inform the audience about Rhapsody, a music service. The speech delivered by this speaker was informative but not persuasive in any way. Tauber had good knowledge of the music service he was presenting to his audience. He was able to explain all the features of these services and how it works. Tauber was keen to involve his audience as he took them through the growth phases of the music services, and as he explained how the service works. By asking them questions, the speaker captured the audience’s full attention. Tauber also used drawings to help the audience understand easily about this music service; for example, how it could be connected to different devices.  The structure of the speech was well organized, with an introduction, the main body, and a conclusion. He started with a brief history of Rhapsody, he then explained to the audience how it works, and finally, he showed them how to optimize their Rhapsody music service. In his speech, Tauber was informative, but he failed to incorporate the rhetorical triangle effectively. Although he had full knowledge and correct facts about the service, Tauber rarely expressed any emotions or feelings throughout his speech. The speaker showed evidence of planning and practice; for example, he prepared drawings and charts that helped him in his presentation. Tauber also had a good mastery of all the aspects of the music service. This speech does not incorporate any use of rhetoric devices such as similes, metaphors, or repetition. Through his informative speech, Tauber educated the audience on Rhapsody music service and helped them to know how they could effectively use the service. This way, the purpose of the speech was achieved.

Entertaining Speech

Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=14&v=APdSHPBPLLY&feature=emb_logo

            Entertaining type of speech is meant to captivate the attention of the audience by amusing them while delivering them a clear message. This entertaining speech was delivered by a young man who was graduating from high school. The speaker was able to maintain humour throughout his speech, for example, when he demonstrated to the audience how he had danced in front of the mirror that morning. He captured the attention of his audience by talking about topics such as their dream jobs, which they could identify with.  However, this speech did not have a good and elaborate structure. There was no introduction, body, or conclusion to this speech. The speaker did not organize the contents of his speech in any sequence. In addition to using humorous language to capture the attention of his audience, the speaker also used facial expressions and body language, such as using his hands to demonstrate actions. He combined all three aspects to ensure the audience was entertained by his speech. In terms of analysis of the preparation in speech delivery, the speaker did seem like he was well prepared. When he started delivering his speech, he appeared to be a little nervous, and he also took a few seconds before he figured out what to say. He also kept on repeating the phrase, “Good evening” when he started to deliver his speech. These were clear indications that the speaker had not prepared adequately to deliver the speech. The speaker was able to use rhetorical devices in his speech. He used repetition to stress on points, for example, when he said, ‘You know what’s great? What’s great about our class is that well have the capacity to exude greatness.” He also used figurative language to explain his points and ensure the audience understood what his speech was all about. For example, he said, “…life moves pretty first, and if you don’t stop to look around once in a while, you could miss it.”. The entertaining speech delivered by the young man achieved its purpose. The audience kept bursting into laughter throughout the speech because the speaker entertained them. As he did this, the speaker also ensured the structure and organization of his speech were maintained throughout the presentation.

Works Cited:

The Girl Who Silenced the World for 5 Minutes! English Subs

Speech to Inform by Scott L Tauber (for college speech or public speaking courses)

Awesome Funny High School Graduation Speech