Speeches

A speech is a form of oral communication, usually planned and usually intended for a large audience. Politicians regularly perform speeches. A good speech is prepared and practised beforehand and, because of this, many literary devices and rhetorical techniques are included throughout a speech. This is because in the majority of speeches the speaker is trying to persuade an audience to act or think in a certain way. Speeches are different from other forms of persuasive writing because they tend to push the boundaries of what is generally expected. Not all speeches push the boundaries but some, instead of offering a fair commentary of both sides of an argument before coming to an opinion, commonly include:

• The use of biased language that consists of connotative words and emotive language
• Misusing statistics to make their opinion seem more factual
• Giving false analogies and generalisations
• Discrediting the other side of the argument; for example, in a political speech one political figure might discredit another to help promote their own view and discredit their opponent
• Flattering the reader/listener

Because of the extent that some go to in their speeches to persuade their listeners, it is important for you (as the listener) to properly analyse the facts and the information being laid out to you.

You may get asked to analyse a transcript of a speech in the exam. Transcripts of speeches, especially political ones, can be found online. It would be a good idea to explore a few examples of speeches so that you can become aware of the types of techniques they include.