We're doing a project in my English class where we need to analyze a recent persuasive speech, preferably from the past year or two. Anyone have suggestions for interesting speeches to analyze? Bonus points if it relates to current events!
I'd be happy to provide a few suggestions for persuasive speeches from the past couple of years that you could analyze:
1. Greta Thunberg's 2019 speech at the United Nations Climate Action Summit. Thunberg, a climate activist, passionately spoke about the urgency of addressing climate change. Her concise yet powerful speech is well-suited for analysis in terms of rhetorical devices and the broader context of the climate crisis.
2. Amanda Gorman's 2021 presidential inauguration poem, "The Hill We Climb." Although technically a poem, Gorman's delivery has the power of a persuasive speech as she shares her message of hope, unity, and resilience amidst the challenges faced by the United States.
3. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's 2020 speech about the COVID-19 pandemic. Ardern provides a masterclass in empathetic leadership and clear communication, which is essential in addressing and managing a public health crisis.
4. Emma González's 2018 speech at the March For Our Lives rally in Washington, D.C. González, a survivor of the Parkland high school shooting, delivered an emotional and impactful speech advocating for stricter gun control laws in the United States.
Each of these speeches relates to current events and offers rich material for analysis in terms of rhetoric, persuasive techniques, and the speaker's connection with their audience. Good luck with your project!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.