Question
Create an essay that is 750 words
As you have learned all about the speaker's toolbox and the rhetorical triangle, we are going to take this week to put that information to use in a critical way.
First, you are going to pick a topic that interests you. Then, you will search for two videos showing two different speakers delivering speeches in reference to this topic. These speeches need to be either ceremonial OR demonstrative in nature.
Next, you will watch the speeches a few times each, taking notes over how each speaker delivers the information, what tools they use, how they engage the audience, how they present themselves, etC.
Finally, you will write a brief essay analyzing the speakers' delivery of their speeches in order to compare and contrast the two. If one speaker uses more elevated diction, tell us why you think that is. Are they suiting their words to the audience? Are they trying to signal that they are more educated? If one speaker uses more abstract and flowery language, tell why you think that is
The purpose of the essay is not to tell which is better or more effective, but rather to showcase your understanding of how two different people with a different rhetorical situation might handle speaking about the same topic and why.
1. Introduction: Tell us what the topic is for the speeches you've chosen and who it is that is delivering the speeches.
2. Briefly describe the speech delivered by Speaker #1. (Who are they, what is the venue, who is the audience, how long is the speech, how many tools do they utilize, etc.)
3. Briefly describe the speech delivered by Speaker #2. (same as above)
4. Spend some time explaining the "WHY" behind the differences in delivery from one speaker to the next, showing off your understanding of the choices speakers must make in delivering speeches.
5. Conclude with a personal note--which speaker did vou enjoy more? which was more effective? how would vou do it differently? etc.
6. After the essay, include a link for each of the speeches so that we can watch them as well.
Speech number one : Lisa Kudrow Commencement Address 2010
Speech number two : Meryl Streep's Cecil B. deMille Award Acceptance
Speech
As you have learned all about the speaker's toolbox and the rhetorical triangle, we are going to take this week to put that information to use in a critical way.
First, you are going to pick a topic that interests you. Then, you will search for two videos showing two different speakers delivering speeches in reference to this topic. These speeches need to be either ceremonial OR demonstrative in nature.
Next, you will watch the speeches a few times each, taking notes over how each speaker delivers the information, what tools they use, how they engage the audience, how they present themselves, etC.
Finally, you will write a brief essay analyzing the speakers' delivery of their speeches in order to compare and contrast the two. If one speaker uses more elevated diction, tell us why you think that is. Are they suiting their words to the audience? Are they trying to signal that they are more educated? If one speaker uses more abstract and flowery language, tell why you think that is
The purpose of the essay is not to tell which is better or more effective, but rather to showcase your understanding of how two different people with a different rhetorical situation might handle speaking about the same topic and why.
1. Introduction: Tell us what the topic is for the speeches you've chosen and who it is that is delivering the speeches.
2. Briefly describe the speech delivered by Speaker #1. (Who are they, what is the venue, who is the audience, how long is the speech, how many tools do they utilize, etc.)
3. Briefly describe the speech delivered by Speaker #2. (same as above)
4. Spend some time explaining the "WHY" behind the differences in delivery from one speaker to the next, showing off your understanding of the choices speakers must make in delivering speeches.
5. Conclude with a personal note--which speaker did vou enjoy more? which was more effective? how would vou do it differently? etc.
6. After the essay, include a link for each of the speeches so that we can watch them as well.
Speech number one : Lisa Kudrow Commencement Address 2010
Speech number two : Meryl Streep's Cecil B. deMille Award Acceptance
Speech
Answers
GPT-4o mini
### The Art of Rhetoric: A Comparative Analysis of Two Influential Speeches
In analyzing the art of public speaking, it is enlightening to examine the rhetorical strategies employed by different speakers in addressing a shared topic. Two noteworthy examples are Lisa Kudrow’s 2010 commencement address at Vassar College and Meryl Streep’s acceptance speech for the Cecil B. deMille Award at the Golden Globes. Despite both speakers being esteemed actresses, their speeches reflect distinct styles and rhetorical choices that address their audiences in unique ways.
Lisa Kudrow delivered her commencement speech at Vassar College in front of graduating students, faculty, and families. Spanning roughly 15 minutes, her speech is both humorous and reflective, designed to inspire and provide guidance to the graduates as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. Kudrow utilizes a conversational tone punctuated with personal anecdotes about her own educational experiences and career journey, weaving in humor to engage her audience. Throughout her speech, she employs various rhetorical tools, including parallelism and anecdotes, which aim to create a relatable atmosphere while imparting life lessons to her audience. Her accessible diction resonates with the graduates and their families, fostering a sense of camaraderie and motivation.
In contrast, Meryl Streep’s acceptance speech for the Cecil B. deMille Award, lasting around 10 minutes, takes place at an iconic Hollywood event attended by industry luminaries and peers. Streep’s delivery is marked by a polished and formal tone befitting an awards ceremony, showcasing her elevated diction and eloquent phrasing. Streep employs rhetorical devices such as pathos and ethos to connect with the audience emotionally and to establish her credibility as an experienced actress. She shares insights from her Hollywood experiences and expresses gratitude, delivering her speech with a blend of humility and grace, ensuring her audience feels a sense of connection to her personal and professional journey.
When examining the differences in delivery between Kudrow and Streep, it becomes clear that the contexts of their speeches heavily influence their rhetorical choices. Kudrow's setting at a commencement ceremony inherently calls for an uplifting and accessible delivery. She thoughtfully tailors her speech to address young graduates who may feel uncertain about their futures. Her use of humor not only entertains but also lightens the atmosphere, resonating with an audience that seeks encouragement and inspiration at a transitional moment in their lives.
Conversely, Streep's acceptance speech occurs within the prestigious confines of an awards ceremony, where decorum and formality are expected. Her elevated diction and polished presentation reflect the gravitas of the occasion, signaling respect for her peers and the industry as a whole. Streep’s choice of language and structure serves to reinforce her status as a leading actress, conveying a sense of authority while maintaining a connection with the audience. The rhetorical strategies she employs–such as allusions to past experiences and powerful emotional appeals–serve to engage an audience that intimately understands the intricacies of the film industry.
In analyzing the “why” behind these differences, it becomes evident that effective speech delivery relies heavily on audience expectation and the specific context of the occasion. Kudrow’s informal and humorous approach aligns with the light-hearted nature of a commencement address, while Streep's formality meets the high expectations of an awards ceremony. Both speakers understand their respective audiences and craft their messages to resonate in meaningful ways, ultimately elevating the impact of their speeches.
On a personal note, I found Lisa Kudrow’s speech more enjoyable due to its warmth and relatability. Her humorous anecdotes made her address not only entertaining but also impactful, reinforcing her connection with the graduates. While Streep’s speech was undoubtedly impressive, its formal nature made it feel more like an industry showcase rather than a heartfelt address. If I were to deliver a similar speech, I would aim to find a middle ground, merging Kudrow’s engaging style with Streep’s eloquence to create a rich connection with the audience while maintaining a level of gravitas appropriate for the occasion.
In conclusion, examining the rhetorical choices of Lisa Kudrow and Meryl Streep sheds light on how context influences speech delivery. Their contrasting styles highlight the importance of tailoring one’s message to suit the audience and occasion, showcasing the versatility and depth of public speaking as an art form.
### Links to the Speeches
1. Lisa Kudrow Commencement Address 2010: [Watch Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzj9qIPl6Ac)
2. Meryl Streep's Cecil B. deMille Award Acceptance: [Watch Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqniM5mD0s4)
In analyzing the art of public speaking, it is enlightening to examine the rhetorical strategies employed by different speakers in addressing a shared topic. Two noteworthy examples are Lisa Kudrow’s 2010 commencement address at Vassar College and Meryl Streep’s acceptance speech for the Cecil B. deMille Award at the Golden Globes. Despite both speakers being esteemed actresses, their speeches reflect distinct styles and rhetorical choices that address their audiences in unique ways.
Lisa Kudrow delivered her commencement speech at Vassar College in front of graduating students, faculty, and families. Spanning roughly 15 minutes, her speech is both humorous and reflective, designed to inspire and provide guidance to the graduates as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. Kudrow utilizes a conversational tone punctuated with personal anecdotes about her own educational experiences and career journey, weaving in humor to engage her audience. Throughout her speech, she employs various rhetorical tools, including parallelism and anecdotes, which aim to create a relatable atmosphere while imparting life lessons to her audience. Her accessible diction resonates with the graduates and their families, fostering a sense of camaraderie and motivation.
In contrast, Meryl Streep’s acceptance speech for the Cecil B. deMille Award, lasting around 10 minutes, takes place at an iconic Hollywood event attended by industry luminaries and peers. Streep’s delivery is marked by a polished and formal tone befitting an awards ceremony, showcasing her elevated diction and eloquent phrasing. Streep employs rhetorical devices such as pathos and ethos to connect with the audience emotionally and to establish her credibility as an experienced actress. She shares insights from her Hollywood experiences and expresses gratitude, delivering her speech with a blend of humility and grace, ensuring her audience feels a sense of connection to her personal and professional journey.
When examining the differences in delivery between Kudrow and Streep, it becomes clear that the contexts of their speeches heavily influence their rhetorical choices. Kudrow's setting at a commencement ceremony inherently calls for an uplifting and accessible delivery. She thoughtfully tailors her speech to address young graduates who may feel uncertain about their futures. Her use of humor not only entertains but also lightens the atmosphere, resonating with an audience that seeks encouragement and inspiration at a transitional moment in their lives.
Conversely, Streep's acceptance speech occurs within the prestigious confines of an awards ceremony, where decorum and formality are expected. Her elevated diction and polished presentation reflect the gravitas of the occasion, signaling respect for her peers and the industry as a whole. Streep’s choice of language and structure serves to reinforce her status as a leading actress, conveying a sense of authority while maintaining a connection with the audience. The rhetorical strategies she employs–such as allusions to past experiences and powerful emotional appeals–serve to engage an audience that intimately understands the intricacies of the film industry.
In analyzing the “why” behind these differences, it becomes evident that effective speech delivery relies heavily on audience expectation and the specific context of the occasion. Kudrow’s informal and humorous approach aligns with the light-hearted nature of a commencement address, while Streep's formality meets the high expectations of an awards ceremony. Both speakers understand their respective audiences and craft their messages to resonate in meaningful ways, ultimately elevating the impact of their speeches.
On a personal note, I found Lisa Kudrow’s speech more enjoyable due to its warmth and relatability. Her humorous anecdotes made her address not only entertaining but also impactful, reinforcing her connection with the graduates. While Streep’s speech was undoubtedly impressive, its formal nature made it feel more like an industry showcase rather than a heartfelt address. If I were to deliver a similar speech, I would aim to find a middle ground, merging Kudrow’s engaging style with Streep’s eloquence to create a rich connection with the audience while maintaining a level of gravitas appropriate for the occasion.
In conclusion, examining the rhetorical choices of Lisa Kudrow and Meryl Streep sheds light on how context influences speech delivery. Their contrasting styles highlight the importance of tailoring one’s message to suit the audience and occasion, showcasing the versatility and depth of public speaking as an art form.
### Links to the Speeches
1. Lisa Kudrow Commencement Address 2010: [Watch Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzj9qIPl6Ac)
2. Meryl Streep's Cecil B. deMille Award Acceptance: [Watch Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqniM5mD0s4)