CONTENT

Here you’ll find tips on how to write an analysis of a speech and flashcards on rhetorical means / devices.

Structure

1. Introduction

   → umbrella sentence

   → central claim

2. Main body

   → short summary

   → analyze register and tone

   → explain use of stylistic devices and give example (quote), analyze their effect on the reader

3. Conclusion

   → state the message of the text precisely, no own opinion!

Introduction

• title of the speech

• occasion (e.g. campaign, summit meeting, inauguration)

• date and place

• speaker

• target audience

• central claim

In his/her “name of speech”, given on “occasion” on “date” in “place”, “name of speaker” addresses “(target) audience” on (with one important message:) “central claim”.

The “name of speech” delivered on “date” on “occasion” in “place” by “speaker”, deals with “central claim”.

Example: In his “Victory Speech”, given on election night on 6 November 2012 in Washington, D.C., Barack Obama addresses the American people with one important message: They need to move forward!

Main body

Summary

The speech can be divided into…

In his/her opening words…

Halfway through the speech…

Towards the end of the speech…

Transition

In order to convince the audience, the speaker makes use of different stylistic devices.

Tone/atmosphere

• positive - optimistic, enthusiastic, motivating, promising, proud, reliable, objective

• negative - pessimistic, angry, aggressive, threatening, critical, thought-provoking, controversial, biased, prejudiced, subjective

• other - serious, neutral, emotional, patriotic

The tone of the speech is mainly …

The … tone is intended to catch the listener’s attention.

The speaker presents his ideas in a very … way.

The speaker’s line of thought sound quite …

The speaker expresses himself in a … way.

Rhetorical devices

Using “rhetorical device” the speaker emphasizes …

In his speech, “speaker” uses a lot of “rhetorical device”. For example, when he says: “…”

Common rhetorical devices

• alliteration

• antithesis

• hyperbole

• metaphor

• comparison

• conclusion

• anaphora

• rhetorical questions

• direct address of reader

• emotive language

• judgmental adjectives

How to give evidence

“…” (l. 2) / (l. 2 ff.)

“…” (ll. 2-5)

The metaphor “long road” (l. 5) serves to…

…, which is demonstrated by the metaphor “long road” (l. 5).

…where he suggests that all Americans can be “hopeful” (l. 20).

His … is a clear sign of…

At one point in his/her speech, he/she makes sure…

The speaker argues/illustrates/claims that… (Thus,…)

to make the audience aware of…

to establish a personal relationship with the audience…

Don’t quote too long passages!

Conclusion

• summarize results, don’t add anything new

• conclude the main idea

Example:By describing a hopeful future for the United States, Obama creates confidence in the minds of the American people and encourages them to work hard to achieve their dreams.

• All in all, it can be said…

• In conclusion,… / To conclude,…

Style

instead of “use”

• employs

• applies

• makes use of

• by using

• includes

instead of “shows"

• demonstrates

• illustrates

• symbolizes

• suggests

linking words and phrases

• Moreover

• Besides that

• In addition,

• Thus,…

• Therefore

• Apart from this

• Nevertheless

• Despite / In spite of

• On the one hand… / On the other hand…

• Whereas

• However

• Though

• …which leads to the conclusion that…

• …which demonstrates…

• Obviously,…/Apparently,…/Consequently,…