Speeches

Choose one of the speeches below. Listen to the speech, and then answer questions 1-5 below.


1) Martin Luther King Jr.'s Speech "I Have a Dream"

        You can find the transcript here: Transcript


2) Barack Obama's Speech "Yes, We Can"

         You can find the transcript here: Transcript


Rhetorical Devices
> Contrast -- comparison, opposite, not this but...
> Puzzles and Questions -- Problems / Solutions, Problems / Questions, Problems in the past and looking toward the future etc.
> Lists of three - different words, identical words or identical  phrases (repetition)

Questions

1. What examples of rhetoric did you hear during the speech? (List 5-7 examples)
2. Do you notice any patterns with intonation? (When does the speaker speak louder? quieter?)
3. When does the speaker pause? When does the speaker talk quickly? Why is this important?
4. In your opinion, is this a persuasive speech? Why or why not?
5. What part of the speech was your favourite? Why?

* Please bring your answers to class tomorrow :)

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If you like Shakespeare, here are the speeches from Julius Caesar if you're interested!


3) Brutus' Speech - Julius Caesar
         You can find the transcript here: Transcript


4) Antony's Speech - Julius Caesar (begins at 17 seconds)
         You can find the transcript here: Transcript (scroll down to "Antony""Friends, Romans,       countrymen, lend me your ears;"