AP English Language and Composition 2013-2014: A Speech Worth Hearing

Friday, May 16, 2014

A Speech Worth Hearing

For this week's blog, I would like for you to argue why your classmates should take the time to listen to or to read the speech that you analyzed this week. Make sure your argument is convincing. Avoid logical fallacies. Good Luck! After everyone has completed the blog, you should choose two speeches that you think you would like to experience. Be prepared to share that information in class on Monday.

41 comments:

Erin PetroskyMay 17, 2014 at 8:43 AM
It is rare in between when you come across someone who has not heard of the Civil Rights Movement or of Martin Luther King Jr.'s I Have a Dream speech. A prominent speech not as commonly heard of was orated by fellow Civil Rights leader Malcolm X, his speech entitled The Ballot or the Bullet emphasizes the need to take a stand and to not let the year 1964 slip by without making progress, without being qualified as equals to white in every aspect.

One reason why Malcolm X's speech was not as popular as King's is because his views were and still are very controversial to others. Where King promoted peace Malcolm stood for violence if the occasion called for it. In this speech, Malcolm X is very aware of the situation he is placed in and is very kept together during the delivery of his speech. He opens by baring himself saying "Although I'm still a Muslim, I'm not here tonight to discuss my religion. I'm not here to try and change your religion. I'm not here to argue or discuss anything that we differ about, because it's time for us to submerge our differences and realize that it is best for us to first see that we have the same problem, a common problem, a problem that will make you catch hell whether you're a Baptist, or a Methodist, or a Muslim, or a nationalist. Whether you're educated or illiterate..." He rallies everyone together, telling them they are stronger together than apart, to put all their differences aside and fight this impeding battle together as one. To achieve all of their goal they need to be brothers and sisters.

The title of the speech can be off-putting to the reader or the audience because of the violence it may suggest. As with many other speech titles the name is merely symbolic in nature. Ballot refers to liberty from the current restrains of their lives and bullet refers to the unending fight for desegregation if they do not achieve it timely. Alone with reading the speech the reader can feel the power, confidence, and annoyance Malcolm feels with the United States government for keeping them in their plight. The reader can feel the dedication to this movement in his every word, the dedication he will keep until he is assassinated a year later.
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UnknownMay 17, 2014 at 12:40 PM
I chose to write about Gerhard Schröder's speech "I Express my Shame". This speech was really a moving one and that's why I chose it, Schröder's use of diction drew his audience in. He spoke on the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camps about the issues dealing with the Holocaust.

Reading this speech really opened my eyes to how badly the Jew and families of them were effected by the horrors of the Holocaust. He talks about how there is truly no way to repay the damage that has been done by the Nazi to the innocent people that have and still today suffer from. His speech was harshly written toward the people of Germany, especially since he is the leader. He told his people how they were also responsible for the terrors that occurred because they didn't stop it.

Gerhard Schröder was very open and honest in his speech which was an asset to his speech. He gave the advice to Germany's people to beware and never let this happen again, because they really are the ones in control of it. He also gave his greatest condolences to those effected by the Holocaust. Overall, this speech was very well written and preformed, it was attention grabbing and eye-opening.
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UnknownMay 17, 2014 at 12:47 PM
Around the time of 1941, one of the largest disasters struck the world; this was World War II. The world reached one of its lowest points of all time because of one man, Adolf Hitler. The world was falling apart and need to come together as one nation. Many speeches were giving after or during WWII, but one that was not very well-known was "What is An American?" by Harold Ickes. Many people did not know of Ickes because he was more of a behind the scenes kind of guy. That's why I find his speech so fascinating; for a man whom was not well known to the public, he gave a terrific speech that left its mark on our nation.

First, I think it's important to know a little bit about who Harold was and do why he was important. Harold Ickes was an administrator and politician and later served as United States Secretary of the Interior for 13 years. Ickes was a major participant of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "New Deal". He served from 1933 to 1946. When the war starting taking place he really stepped forward and was not afraid to share his opinions about the topic.

I think everyone would benefit from reading Ickes speech! The title "What is An American?" basically tells of what is coming up in his speech. He begins by saying what critics say Americans are and makes Americans realize that if they listen to that, they will turn out just as the critics say. He then changes the tone of the speech into what needs to be done. He says "I say that it is time for the great American people to raise its voice and cry out in mighty triumph what it is to be an American. I mean a future, not of concentration camps, not of physical torture and mental straitjackets, not of sawdust bread or of sawdust Caesars--I mean a future when free men will live free lives in dignity and in security."

Ickes wanted America to be free and felt all men needed to be treated equal. So then he talks about what an American is or at least should be. He says "An American is one who will fight for his freedom and that of his neighbor. An American is one who will sacrifice property, ease and security in order that he and his children may retain the rights of free men. An American is one in whose heart is engraved the immortal second sentence of the Declaration of Independence." This repetition of "an American is..." really made his speech powerful.

Those are just some quotes that made Ickes speech so convincing. I really enjoyed reading his opinions on what would happen to the future of America if something wasn't done about Hitler and the Nazis. We all care about WWII and know how wrong and terrible it really was; reading Ickes speech would be beneficial to know how even politics felt during that time. Ickes had a very well-written speech that reached out to many people in need of motivation, advice, and hope for the future.
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Mrs. MessineoMay 17, 2014 at 4:47 PM
I also think it was interesting when combined with "The Perils of Indifference". Ickes speech is indeed eye opening.
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UnknownMay 17, 2014 at 6:24 PM
The speech I chose to analytically read was Princess Diana's eulogy. Personally, I really enjoyed reading the speech and reading into others views of the speech. Through my research I also learned a lot about Princess Diana. Although, I must admit I was confused for awhile before I realized her brother and her ex husband shared the same first name.

Princess Diana's brother recited her eulogy. Through out his speaking, he stayed calm, cool, and collected. Some people thought it was insensitive of him, but it was perfect for what he was trying to achieve. By remaining distant from Diana, he appeared to be less biased and he really focused in on Diana' and her desire to please others. Also, he mentioned some of her struggles and added in how she overcame them to show how strong she was. If he would have stressed that she was his sister and had been crying throughout the speech, it is possible that people would have only stood by his words out of pity for him rather than the truth that the words held.

I think that everyone should read this speech. Honestly, this eulogy is moving. I never realized how many struggles Princess Diana faces and how much she did for others before reading this. I have always heard people talking about how good of a speech and eulogy it is, but I always brushed it off. Now that I have read it, I understand what everyone was talking about. When people talk about how great it was, they are not exaggerating. Do yourself a favor, and take a good five minutes and sit back to read Princess Diana's eulogy.
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UnknownMay 17, 2014 at 6:46 PM
The speech I chose to read for the rhetorical analyzing project was speech by Al Gore from 2006. His speech dealt with the detrimental effects of global warming, and the speech was titled, "Global Warming Is an Immediate Crisis". One of the reasons I chose this particular speech is that I have always been interested in learning about global warming and the irreversible effects it has on planet earth.

As some or some of you may not know, Al Gore is a politician. In fact, he was the democratic candidate for the 2000 Presidential election. He narrowly lost to George W. Bush. When I read this speech, I realized how serious of a problem global warming has become. It is of the essence that we as humans try and correct the damage that we caused in the first place. The speech brought about alarming facts and evidence of the effects of global warming so far. When reading the speech, it is clearly made that Al Gore made a strong and convincing argument to his audience, the students at New York University School of Law and also the two political parties.

Throughout the speech, it is evident that Al Gore wants a change to occur. With the use of many key rhetorical strategies, he convinces the reader that new implements and regulations need to happen. He reiterates many times that this not a political issue between the parties, but rather a moral issue. We must work together to find the proper solution. He puts much of the guilt on the people, because after all, we were the ones that caused global warming in the first place. Therefore, we must fix the problem and find a solution as well.

I think anyone would benefit greatly from reading Al Gore's speech, "Global Warming Is an Immediate Crisis". It is a huge eye-opener of the power of global warming and the harmful effects that have occurred and will continue to occur if we are not proactive.
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Meaghan CoppoloMay 17, 2014 at 8:31 PM
I don’t know about you, but I frequently struggle with watching speeches. If I had to pinpoint my difficulties it would be in the effort itself to comprehend. What exactly do I mean by that? While watching or listening to speeches I become overly concerned about missing something so I seriously concentrate on every word said. It’s hard to explain what follows. I guess due to the supreme attentiveness I apply to the speech, I forget that I should actually be paying attention, or I start thinking unrelated thoughts. I did not have this problem with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Pearl Harbor Address to the Nation.

Why did my wandering mind not depart for some far off realm? I think first and foremost, the speech captured my attention because of its topic. Occurrences like the attack on Pearl Harbor are not everyday events. Situations like these lead to thoughts of what you yourself would do in such a situation. As such, it is interesting to see how the people of the time reacted, the president in particular. It is nigh on impossible to imagine living through the attack or losing a loved one to it.

The next reason to watch this speech may not necessarily hold true for everyone. It is extremely interesting from a historical stand point. The fact that a president gave a speech on it means it cannot be easily ignored, and how could it be? For all intensive purposes, Japan and America were at peace. Were they all buddy buddy? Certainly not. Did that warrant an attack that involved over 2,000 deaths and over 1,000 other casualties? No. It was an unreasonable attack that was rightly deemed a “date which will live in infamy” by FDR.

But let’s be honest, as good as these reasons may be, it doesn’t really convince you to watch the speech. I will tell you that the speech, particularly the ending, can send shivers down your spine. It’s definitely something to watch at least once in your life, but my real arguing point? The speech is only seven minutes long. Seven. Minutes. Seven minutes. I spend more time than that staring out a window. It’s not even ten percent of an hour. Make a bowl of popcorn (which will probably take two minutes), find a comfy nook in your abode (I estimate another wasted minute), and get comfy for the seven minute preview to America’s entrance to WWII.
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AnnMay 17, 2014 at 8:37 PM
When I chose to write my rhetorical analysis on the speech "Now We Can Begin: What's Next?" by Crystal Eastman I did not realize that there was not a single reliable source that had previously analyzed the speech. At first, I was irritated but then, as I was writing my paper, I suddenly realized that a new sort of freedom and challenge came with my lack of sources. There was no example for me to follow, I had to truly analyze my speech. What I really ended up liking about analyzing my speech in this way was that Crystal Eastman was in a similar possession when she delivered it. After the passing of the nineteenth amendment she was the first person to publicly stand up and declare that women's suffrage was only just the beginning.
Besides serving as an excellent example of forging your own path, Eastman's speech highlighted the importance of structure and it's effect on tone. She has three major topics; what feminists are, what they want, and how to achieve it. As she moves from one point to another she is informative, sarcastic, and occasionally brutal through her diction. Although the speech is impressive it is also a bit of a slap in the face. But although Eastman's description of men as "helpless" and "ignorant" in the home may seem primeval to us now it really opens a window into the past and shows us how women were expected to live.
Crystal Eastman's speech is worth reading because of its historical value and rhetorical strength. It is unlike any other speech I have ever read; it exudes the passion and determination of the author. And now, in a day when we have achieved many of the things that Eastman called for, it is interesting to examine the difference of the lives of women in the 1920's.
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UnknownMay 18, 2014 at 6:42 AM
Almost everyone in The aunties States knows who Martin Luther King is/was. The civil rights leader was loved by many in America and just as many were devastated and very angry when they found out he was assassinated. I"0'm choosing to write about Robert F. Kennedy's speech on the assassination of Martin Luther King.

Robert F. Kennedy, not to be confused with his brother John F. Kennedy, was into politics as well. In 1968, RFK was campaigning for president. On April 4th, he was deeply troubles when he found out that MLK had been shot and killed. He felt that it was his duty to tell the people of America. The trouble was however, the news of the crime would anger many people. He knew that he had to use very careful diction and appeal to the publics sense of logos, ethos, and pathos if he wanted to avoid huge riots and many more people dying.

The speech was delivered in the back of a pickup truck in a very populated area of an African American community in Indianapolis, Indiana. The police warned Kennedy that they could not protect him, but he did not care and delivered his speech against their wishes. While giving his speech, he never looked down at the prewritten speech in his hands; he kept his eyes on the audience in front of him, trying to show his sharing of their true sorrows in the death of an incredible man.

Kennedy spoke to the audience like they were friends. He did not want riots and told them that by using words similar to the words King often used such as hope, justice, and love. When referring to the nation and its people, he used "we". This was beneficial because it was his way of including himself with them. Another way related himself to them was when he spoke of how MLK was shot by a white man. He mentioned how his own brother was also shot by a white man. This appealed to the public that showing that fighting blacks vrs. whites isn't going to get anywhere. Although their were riots and cities burnt all over the US the night Kennedy gave his speech, Indianapolis was calm.

The speech Robert F. Kennedy delivered to the public on the death of Martin Luther King was truly an amazing speech. He did not need to use fancy words or even have a long speech in order to inform the nation. Although his wishes of calmness and not fighting did not work for all over the country, this speech is still an incredible one and truly something worth watching.
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UnknownMay 18, 2014 at 7:40 AM
When we began this assignment, I was conflicted as to which of two speeches to analyze. I had the option of either "Tryst with Destiny" by Jawaharlal Nehru or "A Plea for Mercy" by Clarence Darrow. Both seemed extremely interesting, but the vote went to "A Plea for Mercy" by Clarence Darrow. I'm not sure how many of you will recognize his name, but he is found in our cultures books, and is known for being the defense lawyer for many criminals. In 1924, he found himself to be in the position of defense attorney for Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, two students of the University of Michigan. These two young men followed the Nietzschean belief that since they had superior intelligence, they were considered "Supermen" and could commit any crime and escape the punishments because their superior intelligence put them above the laws of man. So, one day in 1924 they concocted the plan to commit a perfect crime. They kidnapped the son of a wealthy family and murdered him, using acid to deform his body so that he would be un identifiable if found. They then performed a ransom call, stating that the already deceased son would be returned safely if demands were met.

Yet, their plans were not perfect. The body was identified and discovered, and the two were found out because Leopold had unwittingly dropped his glasses at the crime scene. Many people believed that the defense for the boys would ask for a not guilty plea due to mental abnormalities. Yet Clarence Darrow chose to plead guilty for the boys and focus on "A Plea for Mercy". Clarence Darrow was a big fighter against the death penalty, and he saw this case as the perfect stand for his position. He used his excellent control of the English language to argue that the boys deserved a life sentence and not the death penalty. Not once did he mention that it would benefit the boys in any way because they would be forced each day to live with the knowledge of what they had done. But instead, he argued that it would be mercy for the community and the country of America. He knew that many people were following this trial because of the odd way he went about he defense, and he wanted to convince them that the death penalty was inhumane and unnecessary.

During my analysis of this speech, I learned so much, not only about rhetorical devices, but also about how the death penalty came to be abolished in many places in the United States. But despite that I believe I learned two or three new rhetorical devices through my analysis. His major theme throughout this speech seemed to be repetition and use of quotes to advance his argument into an undeniable truth. I suggest that people read this speech because it is intense and astounding. However, background research is needed because most people do not know the story going with the speech. I hope that the class next year gets to read it because it is an excellent piece of argumentative literature. This piece is a huge part of American history, and it was awesome to finally be able to understand how this came about. Even if our class does not read it for rhetorical analysis, it is still a very interesting speech, and we all could learn a lot from it. So consider reading this piece and the background surrounding it. I was intrigued and believe that others will find it to be the same.
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UnknownMay 18, 2014 at 8:18 AM
For this speech assignment, I chose to analyze President John F. Kennedy's "We Choose to go to the Moon" speech. After I have read and listened to this speech, I think everyone else should, too! Why? Nearly everyone has had some sort of coach, club advisor, or director in their lives. For me, I can recall a basketball game when my coach got my whole team pumped up and we came back to win a game that we were once losing by nearly twenty points. JFK works in the same way. His speech was set up like a pep talk, motivating the crowd. After hearing him talk, I was thinking, "Yeah! Let's go to the moon!" After analyzing the text, however, I realized that it was actually an argument.

During this time period, it is hard to believe that most people were against going to the moon. One main reason for the opposition was the cost. Many people thought it was a waste of money to send a crew into orbit. Therefore, this speech came at an important time. President Kennedy wanted to get everyone on board with his decisions during the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. He argued to defend the space program by explaining how America cannot let the Soviets gain control of this "new frontier". If the U.S. landed on the moon first, Americans would take the lead with advancements in its military and technology. In short, JFK was tired of always coming in second place; therefore, he used this speech to rally support and build up momentum as a way to bring out America's competitive spirit.

JFK's words are still venerated today because of the deliberate rhetorical strategies he used back in 1962. I believe everyone should take the time to read his speech because it appeals to everyone in a different way. I, personally, enjoy numbers and President Kennedy utilizes many statistics to drive his points home. However, even though he was the president, he set himself equal to his listeners by using words like "we". Similar to a coach, he made it sound like we were all in this together and we can come out on top. When asked why we should go to the moon, JFK had one simple answer: "Because it is there".

"We Choose to go to the Moon" was very well delivered, and I am glad that I took the time to listen to it. Furthermore, others should listen to it also. I do not think that Neil Armstrong would have stepped foot on the moon, before the decade was over, without the words of President John F. Kennedy pushing everyone forward.
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UnknownMay 18, 2014 at 8:30 AM
I don't know about anyone else, but I always thought Ronald Reagan was a great speaker. That is why I knew I wanted analyze one of his speeches, "Tear Down This Wall." Reagan held a serious tone throughout his speech, and I think that really helped get his point across.

This phenomenal speech is certainly one that I would recommend others to read or listen to. Reagan delivered this speech during his second visit to Berlin. He was concerned about the well-being of East and West Berliners. Reagan stressed the importance of freedom for any country, and how Berlin has been lacking that quality ever since the famous Wall was built and closed. For years, families and friends were separated from each other, and those on the East did not have the chance to take jobs that were available in the West. Reagan made it clear that he supported the opening of the gates, and that he would continue to rally until that happens.

In order to convince his audience, Reagan made use of several rhetorical strategies. Throughout the speech, he would speak a sentence or a phrase in their native language. This showed that he truly cared about the Berliners, and it made it easier for him to connect with the people tuning in. Reagan also took advantage of the time he was speaking, meaning that he spoke to Berlin during a time of weaknesses and tension between the two sides. Figurative language can also be found in this speech. Reagan used the phrase "Freedom is the victor." to show that if they choose to receive and gain freedom that both sides of Berlin will be victorious. Reagan also used direct quotes to support his statements.

This speech was quite intriguing, and I believe that it would be a valuable read for anyone. I really enjoyed reading and listening to Reagan voice his opinion on the concept of the Berlin Wall, and by the end of the speech I was completely persuaded that it needed to open.
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UnknownMay 18, 2014 at 8:38 AM
I decided to analyze the speech “Farewell to Yankee Fans” by Lou Gehrig. I thought that from the very beginning this speech was special. Why was it special? I feel that Lou Gehrig’s attitude towards the entire devastating situation is remarkable. Another reason that I enjoyed this speech was that it is all about sports. I enjoy sports and they are a major component of my life so I thought that this speech was fitting for me.

I believe that students should read and listen to “Farewell to Yankee Fans” by Lou Gehrig because it simply is inspirational. Lou Gehrig was forced to quit playing the baseball, the game he loved forever. He was diagnosed with the disease that is now known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The disease restricted him physically, therefore playing baseball at the professional level was not going to be possible. Lou Gehrig did not spend any time during his speech complaining about what happened or asking “Why me?”

Lou Gehrig took everything positive out of the situation. He spent the majority of the time throughout his speech thanking everyone in detail for what they did to make his dream come true. He says that there is nothing to complain about. Lou Gehrig was able to play major league baseball with the New York Yankees for his entire career. It was a team that he truly loved. Lou Gehrig was so optimistic during one of the most difficult if not the most difficult time of his life. His attitude was remarkable.

I think that Lou Gehrig definitely set a good example for young kids, the New York Yankees organization, and his family who thought of him as a hero that day. He knew that everything happens for a reason, and figured that this case was nothing different. I think that people could learn from the way Lou Gehrig handled everything. Life is much more enjoyable when a person is optimistic rather than pessimistic.

“Farewell to Yankee Fans” is a speech that grabbed the attention of the audience in many diverse ways. Lou Gehrig delivered the speech in a very unique way. Many times people would have made it clear that they were very sad. Lou Gehrig was sad about the diagnosis and the ending of his career, but he did not make it visible. The speech was an inspiration for everyone out in the world struggling. Gehrig wanted to send the message to keep your head up and stay positive.

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UnknownMay 18, 2014 at 8:55 AM
The war with Iraq has had a humongous effect on the United States as it is today. The United States was somewhat stuck on what was too be done until president George Herbert Walker Bush addresses the nation in his speech titled, Announcing War on Iraq. This speech came from a person who is not known for his great speeches but this speech is certainly one of the best if not the best speeches Bush ever gave, and without this great speech who knows what the world would be like today.

One major reason Bush's speech is so fantastic is because it creates sort of a team feeling. Bush talks as if it is a game and the United States really needs to win. He rallies the entire nation by creating strong feelings of dislike and even hatred for the Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

Bush also discussed all of the horrible things that Hussein has done to drive the nation into an even more frustrated state with the status of Iraq. This really pushed the entire nation to back the President and want to put an end to Hussein's rein. Without this speech who knows what would have become of the problems in Iraq and how many more people would have died if Bush didn't push for the United States to take charge and put an end to the horrific actions that were occurring just across the world.
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UnknownMay 18, 2014 at 9:07 AM
Ronald Reagan’s “Challenger Address” is an amazing speech in which President Reagan consoles a terrified and mourning nation. Reagan exemplifies leadership in all aspects of his speech, and one might note that he speaks as a consoling father would, mournful, yet reassuring about the future. Reagan also reaches out specifically to the many types of people who were watching the tragic event of the Space Shuttle Challenger. He helps them understand how this tragedy is just part of something much greater and much bigger than themselves, and that everyone will continue to move forward, wiser than they were yesterday. Reagan’s speech was delivered on January 28, 1986, the day of the disaster. He delivered it live from the television, and his speech was written by Peggy Noonan.

It is first important to understand Reagan as a person before understanding his address. Reagan was the fortieth president of the United Sates. He was in office from 1981 to 1989, and he is most noted for his economic policies dubbed “Reaganomics”. Reagan also survived an assassination attempt, where afterwards he claimed that God must have kept him alive because he had more to accomplish.

I would argue that one reason someone should listen to Reagan’s speech is because it involved one of the most tragic and pivotal points in United States history. Seven astronauts were killed in the shuttle Challenger explosion, including the first teacher to go to space, Christa McAuliffe. The shuttle exploded seventy-three seconds after liftoff, and American was sent into an unexpected-shock. Everyone should know what happened to those seven astronauts and everyone should hear how President Reagan consoled and uplifted an entire nation of distressed people.

While Reagan’s speech is that of condolence and understanding, there is also an underlying thesis in his speech, which is why people should read his speech, not only to understand the accident, but to also understand the way America moved forward. Reagan notes that “Nothing ends here; our hopes and our journeys continue”, meaning that one accident, albeit tragic, will not stop America from pushing forward into space. Reagan also says that those astronauts knew what they were getting into, and that they had that “special grace and special spirit”, not undermining their achievements at all.

From a Catholic lens, people should read this speech to understand Reagan’s profound faith in God. He even publicly notes in the last sentence of his speech that America will never forget those seven astronauts, or the “last time they say them” when they left this planet to “touch the face of God”. Reagan, a man willing to display his face, gives the America people something to attach their broken spirits to, God. Readers of this speech can learn that in a time of disaster nothing is more important than a little faith and a little grace to push through.

Reagan’s speech is compelling. Watching it live, one can note the empathy in his tone. He feels for the nation, but not like an average citizen would, but as a leader of the United States.
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