1.10 Speech

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IB English

IB English Paper 1

IB English Examples

Purpose

Authorial Choices

IB English Sample

Purpose & Effect

Purpose	Effect
Communication	Emotional Impact
Persuasion	Cognitive Impact
Education	Behavioral and Educational Impact
Entertainment	Cultural and Social Impact

Communication / Emotional Impact

Information Sharing: Speech is used to convey information, ideas, and facts.

Expression of Thoughts and Feelings: It allows individuals to express their emotions, thoughts, and opinions.

Social Interaction: Speech facilitates social interactions, helping build relationships and communities.

Inspiration and Motivation: Effective speeches can inspire and motivate people to take action or change their mindset.

Emotional Connection: Speeches that resonate emotionally can create a deep connection with the audience.

Persuasion / Cognitive Impact

Influencing Opinions: Speeches aim to persuade listeners to adopt a particular viewpoint or take specific actions.

Advocacy: Used in advocacy, speeches can promote causes, policies, or changes.

Persuasion and Influence: Speeches can change opinions and influence decisions by presenting compelling arguments.

Critical Thinking: Listening to and analyzing speeches can enhance critical thinking and analytical skills.

Education / Behavioral and Educational Impact

Teaching and Learning: In educational settings, speech is a primary tool for instruction and discussion.

Public Awareness: Speeches can raise awareness about important issues, providing knowledge and prompting reflection.

Action and Change: Persuasive speeches can lead to tangible actions, such as voting, activism, or changes in behavior.

Empowerment: Speeches can empower individuals and groups, giving them the confidence to act.

Knowledge Dissemination: Speeches are a means of spreading knowledge and educating audiences, engaging intellectual curiosity on various topics.

Entertainment / Cultural and Social Impact

Engagement: Speeches can entertain audiences, such as in storytelling, comedy, or dramatic monologues.

Inspiration: Inspirational speeches aim to motivate and uplift audiences.

Cultural Awareness: Speeches can highlight cultural issues and promote understanding and diversity.

Social Cohesion: They can bring communities together, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Examples of Effects in Different Contexts

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Political Speeches: Can galvanize public support, influence policy, and shape public opinion.

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Inspirational Speeches: Like Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream," can inspire movements and societal change.

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Educational Lectures: Enhance understanding of complex subjects and promote lifelong learning.

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Ceremonial Speeches: Create lasting memories and reinforce the significance of special occasions.

In summary, the purpose of speech ranges from communication and persuasion to education and entertainment, while its effects can be emotional, cognitive, behavioral, social, and cultural, impacting both individuals and societies in profound ways.

Techniques

Effective speeches often employ a variety of rhetorical techniques to engage, persuade, and inform the audience. Here are some key techniques used in speech:

Rhetorical Devices	Pathos / Logos / Ethos
Repetition	Anaphora / Epistrophe / Alliteration
Parallelism	Balanced Sentences / Rhythmic Flow
Figurative Language	Metaphors and Similes / Hyperbole / Personification
Contrast	Antithesis / Juxtaposition
Inclusive Language	Personal Pronouns / Addressing the Audience
Imagery	Sensory Details / Visuals
Tone and Delivery	Voice Modulation / Body Language / Pauses
Calls to Action	Direct Appeals / Motivational Language
Quotations and References	Citing Authorities / Historical References
Humour	Lightening the Mood / Relatability

Exemplary Effective Use

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Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech: Utilizes anaphora with the repeated phrase “I have a dream,” vivid imagery, and emotional appeals to pathos.

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John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address: Uses antithesis (“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country”), ethos by establishing credibility as a leader, and a strong call to action.

By combining these techniques, speakers can create powerful and memorable speeches that resonate with their audiences, effectively conveying their messages and achieving their rhetorical goals.

Gallery view

Examples

Guiding Question

How are rhetorical and figurative devices used to engage the reader?

Grade 5

Grade 6

Grade 7

Living in a world full of technological devices containing catalogs of knowledge, it is important that we root ourselves into the realm of literature, exploring the plethora of esoteric stories and texts. “Pleasure of Books” is a speech delivered by William Lyon Phelps in 1933 addressing the importance of integrating literature within our lives. In the text, Phelps employs a multitude of rhetorical and figurative devices to captivate the reader, creating an immersive experience that emphasizes the profound significance of reading and owning books. Through the use of vivid imagery, metaphorical language, and persuasive appeals, the author effectively engages the primary target audience of those interested in novels and literature on both intellectual and emotional levels to highlight the authentic beauty of timeless interaction between reader and author.

One notable rhetorical device employed by the author is the use of extended metaphor, alongside personification, creating an engrossing association between books and people. In the introduction of his speech, Phelps describes how “a borrowed book is like a guest in the house; it must be treated with punctiliousness, with a certain considerate formality.” By likening books to guests, the author establishes a sense of formality and obligation, highlighting the need for careful treatment and preservation. However, this is contrasted to the comparison of a one’s “own books” to “intimate friends” which powerfully underscores the personal interaction and liberty allowed by owning books. Additionally, this figurative juxtaposition not only captures the reader's attention but also prompts reflection on their own relationship with literature. Hence, while the novel comparison of books to people through simile and metaphor convey Phelps’ attitude of literature, it also emphasizes the artistic craft of his speech founded by his long love for books. His adamant view can be understood through his allusions and listing which is heard he describes the effect books have as a gateway to “converse with Socrates or Shakespeare or Carlyle or Dumas or Dickens or Shaw or Barrie or Galsworthy.” Through a polysyndetic syntax, emphasizing the effect of books as an entryway into the realm of literature, Phelps invites the reader to partake in metaphorical conversation with history's most luminary novelists. Furthermore, the use of inclusive pronoun such as "you" creates a direct rapport with the audience, compelling the American public to envision themselves actively engaging in such conversations. This book exemplifies the transformative power of literature, offering readers an opportunity not only to gain knowledge but also understand the depth of the literary landscapes awaiting exploration. Through this, one can appreciate the profound impact of this excerpt in fostering a deeper appreciation for the written word and its ability to transcend temporal and spatial boundaries.

Moreover, the author uses descriptive language to enhance the reader's immersion in the text. By associating the process of rereading books as "the pleasure of going over the old ground" and "like visiting a forest where you once blazed a trail," Phelps appeals to the reader's imagination, evoking nostalgia and personal growth. Moreover, the inverse alliteration of ‘going over the old ground,’ creates a rhythmic tone, engaging the reader through sonically aesthetic phrases. Additionally, literature as “the immortal part of history” creates a dramatic juxtaposition between ‘immortal’ books and mortal humans which spotlights the importance of books as a source of memorializing stories and information: engaging the readers through the practical comparison between humans and books. Similarly, the author's portrayal of books as personified "intimate friends" having "separate personalities" imbues them with human-like qualities, inviting readers to envision themselves surrounded by a diverse cast of companions. While appealing to such visual and organic sensations, the author fosters a profound emotional connection with the act of reading and owning books, advocating for the cultivation of their “personal library.”

Additionally, the author employs rhetorical questions to prompt introspection and encourage reader engagement. Questions such as "Have you read all of these books? Some of them twice," and "How could it?" engage the reader while employing comedy, inviting reflection and self-examination. Phelps’ clever wit ‘Some of them twice’ ironically and lightheartedly underscores the vast amount of books he read - and the vast amount left to be read by the reader. Moreover, through the diction of such words and phrases, Phelps not only prompts readers to reflect on their own reading habits but also encourages them to evaluate the depth of their literary exploration. By cleverly using modal verbs like “could,” alongside his rhetorical questions, Phelps emphasizes the idea of change: inviting external audience members who may not be as infatuated with literature a chance to immerse themselves into the worlds of books and novels. Moreover, it could also be said that Phelps is challenging young audiences to recognize the inherent value of “personal libraries” and profound impact they can have on one's intellectual and emotional growth. By communicating such knowledge, these rhetorical questions serve to ignite a spark of intellectual curiosity within readers, propelling them to embark on a journey of literary discovery. In doing so, Phelps effectively cultivates a thought-provoking interaction between his speech and those listening, encouraging engagement with a range of different listeners.

Furthermore, the author employs parallel structure to emphasize and create a sense of rhythm and cohesion. In the succinct assertion, "Books are for use, not for show," the author encapsulates the essence of literature: the intrinsic value of books lies not in their decorative presence but in their capacity to be actively utilized. Beyond mere adornment, books serve as conduits for knowledge, insight, and inspiration, inviting readers to delve into their pages and extract meaning. This challenges the notion of books as mere ornaments, instead affirming their primary function as tools for intellectual exploration and personal enrichment. Moreover, by mentioning how "books are of the people, by the people, for the people," Phelps alludes to Abraham Lincoln’s speech, unifying the American audience to appreciate the works of our intellectual writers. Moreover, this phrase highlights how literature is not confined to a privileged few, but is accessible to everyone, thereby democratizing knowledge and discourse. This tricolon therefore emphasizes the interconnectedness between books and the human experience, echoing the sentiments of inclusivity and accessibility.

In conclusion, this speech employs a balanced combination of rhetorical and figurative language to to engage the reader and convey the importance of reading and owning books. Through the use of extended metaphor, vivid imagery, rhetorical questions, and parallel structure, the author creates a compelling narrative that resonates with readers on both intellectual and emotional levels. By harnessing the power of language, both within and through his speech, the author inspires a deeper appreciation for literature and fosters a sense of connection with the written word.

Text A

Guiding Question

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Comment on the various techniques that make this an effective speech.

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What in the eulogy indicates that Nehru may have had a purpose or purposes other than to commemorate Gandhi?

Grade 5

Grade 6

Grade 7

In this eulogy for Mahatma Gandhi, the speaker, Jawaharlal Nehru, addresses the passing of Gandhi to the public within India and more internationally to those who were close associates with or supporters of Gandhi. As he reflects deeply on the significance of Gandhi to India in his speech, he also uses his authority as the Prime Minister of independent India to inspire the audience to “tread the holy ground where his feet had been.” Therefore, in this emotionally sorrowful yet uplifting speech, Nehru adeptly employs rhetorical devices, emotional appeal, and vivid imagery to not only commemorate Gandhi but also encourage the audience to follow his footsteps.

Initially Nehru beautifully employs rhetorical devices to acknowledge the unexpected death of Gandhi and establish a mood of grief to commemorate him. By posing rhetorical questions such as "What, then, can we say about him except to feel humble on this occasion?" this rhetorical strategy not only brings the audience to feel a collective emotion of humility but also underscores the profound impact and stature of the revered figure, setting the stage for a discourse that delves into the grandeur of his legacy. The speech continues to appeal to the audience’s emotions, evoking a spectrum of sentiments ranging from respect and gratitude to profound sorrow. Through phrases like "a feeling of having been left desolate and forlorn," the speaker sensitively acknowledges the overwhelming sense of loss experienced by many. Nehru uses emotionally impactful words connoting sadness to validate the audience's emotions. Simultaneously, despite his title as a Prime Minister, he is able to deepen the connection between him and his listeners, fostering an atmosphere of shared empathy and understanding. By tapping into these universal feelings, the speaker effectively amplifies the resonance of the message, compelling the audience to reflect more deeply on the enduring legacy and impact of Gandhi being commemorated.

Furthermore, the speech is enriched by vivid imagery that not only captures the imagination but also fosters a deeper connection between the audience and the subject matter. Through evocative metaphorical descriptions such as "that man with divine fire," the speaker paints a compelling portrait of the honored Gandhi, imbuing them with an aura of greatness and reverence. By relating Gandhi to something ‘divine’ a theme of worship is formed - making Gandhi almost seem celestial and above others. This imagery conjures an image of someone possessing exceptional qualities and charisma, commanding admiration and respect from all who encounter him. Additionally, the metaphorical depiction of "the living flame which he lighted there" within the hearts of the people symbolizes the enduring legacy and inspiration left by Gandhi. This motif established through the use of lexical cluster such as “divine,” “flame,” and “light” create an overarching empowering tone for Gandhi, eulogizing his legacy as a leader. This honorable imagery not only conveys the everlasting impact of Gandhi within the spirits of the audience but also underscores his ability to ignite passion and motivation within them. By invoking powerful images of Gandhi, Nehru is able to commemorate Gandhi and simultaneously emotionally inspire the audience to continue fighting for India. As a result, the speech becomes more than just a collection of words; it becomes a vivid tapestry of emotion and imagery that resonates long after the words have faded away.

Additionally, the speech utilizes parallel structure to uplift the spirits of the audience despite Gandhi’s passing and imbue the discourse with a rhythmic cadence. An exemplary instance of this technique is evident in the repetition of the phrase "He lives in the hearts of millions and he will live for immemorial ages." Through this repetition, the speaker emphasizes the enduring impact of Gandhi’s honor, reinforcing the notion that his legacy transcends time and space. This hyperbolic reaction not only creates an effective response - especially towards an audience who idolized Gandhi - but also emphasizes the effectively vivid and dramatic emotional effect used by Nehru in his speech to deliver his ultimate message: they must not give up. Moreover, the verb tense of ‘he lives’ and ‘he will live’ emphasizes Nehru’s confidence in Gandhi’s impact to the people but also the importance of keeping Gandhi close to their hearts in order to remember their purpose. Nonetheless, through the parallel structure, the speech not only lends a sense of symmetry and coherence to the overall narrative but also amplifies the resonance of its central theme - Gandhi’s legacy.

Moreover, as evident in the juxtaposition between Gandhi's illustrious accomplishments and the perceived failings of the current generation, Nehru aims to underscore the imperative need for collective responsibility. As Gandhi had “suffer[ed] tremendously, though his tender face never lost its smile and he never spoke a harsh word to anyone," this contrast highlights Gandhi's resilience and unwavering commitment to his ideals despite facing personal hardships. The juxtaposition between Gandhi suffering and his tender face reveals the side of Gandhi that not many audiences may have been knowledgeable of. As an effect, the speaker is able to unveil his close relationship with Gandhi and enhance his position as the Prime Minister who aims to inspire the Indian public. Moreover, the prevailing contrast between “darkness” and “illumination” situates the audience to face reality without Gandhi while underscoring the immense influence he had on many individuals within and outside of India. At the core, this juxtaposition serves to present the urgent need for introspection and action in addressing contemporary challenges, compelling the audience to reflect on the stark disparities between past achievements and present realities. Hence, through this strategic use of contrast, the speech not only highlights the enduring relevance of Gandhi's legacy but also underscores the imperative for societal progress and collective responsibility.

In conclusion, the literary techniques imbedded within the speech creates a profoundly effective emotional response ranging from grief to hope. Through his appeal to the audience’s pathos, Nehru is able to seamlessly weaving together commemoration, gratitude, and a call to action, compelling them to reflect on the legacy of Gandhi being honored and to consider their own role in shaping the future. In doing so, the speech transcends mere words to become a poignant and unforgettable tribute, leaving a lasting imprint on all who hear it.

Text B