Persuasive speech is that which is “about communicating through both your verbal and non-verbal channels in a way that purposely changes someone’s attitudes and behaviour” (Kuhnke, 2011). One form in which the act of persuading can be seen and purposely change someone’s attitude is through powerful speeches like for example Angelina Jolie’s speech that she delivered at an United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday 24th April 2015 . Although the speech was short, for around 8 minutes, it was captivating and persuasive urging the audience and those listening around the world not to take the topic of refugees lightly; she raised awareness on this crisis in Syria specifically. Convincing through the rhetorical devices used, …show more content…
There are three types of speech: forensic, epideictic and deliberative. This speech addressed by Angelina Jolie Pitt is deliberative which means that it argues for a course of action and attempts to persuade an audience towards it, in this case for refugees and their rights as citizens of the world. It has a purpose of implying what needs to be done so it is taken to mind in the future with the aim of the problem being overcome, in Jolie’s speech being the refugee crisis. (Toye, …show more content…
It brings out a main point or idea but in an eye-catching way. The effect of alliteration can be perceived as quite rhythmical, making it pleasing to hear in a way.
“Drowning on the doorstep”
“Systematic sexual violence” The alliterative phrase ‘drowning on the doorstep’ also being metaphorical, and the ‘systematic sexual violence’ phrase also being an example of sibilance, both, like the rhetoric element of tricolon, would stick in the minds of the listeners but not in a bothering manner.
Anaphora
In addition to the repetition elements of rhetoric, there is also the element of anaphora which is the repetition of a word or expression at the beginning of phrases, clauses or sentences. These words that are repeated are often vital with a great emotional pull attached giving the speaker’s words, a natural but rhythmical flow. It makes the line or so memorable just like the other persuasive elements do.
“I think of the mother I met recently in a camp in Iraq. She could tell you what it is like to try to live after your young daughter was ripped from your family by armed