Effective Speech: Crafting Memorable Quotes to Influence Action

Introduction

An effective speech is one that the audiences can memorize what the speaker delivered. Every speaker aims to communicate a message and use words that will ensure that the audience can flow with the speech, understand it, and reflect on the main points. In case of persuasive speech; the speaker influences the audience to take action. For a speech to be memorable it depends on how it was delivered, the ability of the speaker to involve the audience speech and the notable quotes (Webster, 2012). Speeches by Barbara Bush when addressing the graduate students at Wellesley College in Massachusetts and the Operation Desert Storm by Norman Schwarzkopf when he was addressing the Congress in 1991 are among the most remarkable and compelling speeches. In this paper, it is essential to compare and contrast the effectiveness of the two speeches.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

Introduction

An effective speech must explain to the speaker why they have to listen. In both speeches, the audience gives a valid explanation to their audience that they understand the message effectively (Webster, 2012). The speech By Barbara Bush aims to explain to the audience three important decisions they should not forget to make in life (Gajanan, 2018). Norman seeks to remind the authors of the values that define them as unique solders.

Additionally, an effective speech must provide clear transitions from one to another. A well-constructed speech can give the audience to understand the subject. Barbara Bush constructed her words in a manner that the audience follows the speaker has moved to a different point. The speech uses words such as first, another, and third, to express transition (Gajanan, 2018). Also, the address by Norman uses words such as "First of all," and "but" to enable the audience to avoid confusion (Schwartzkopf, 1991).

An effective speech must have an opening that can get the audience attention, and the speaker must enlighten the audience why they should listen. Speakers use different techniques to grab the attention of their audiences such as stories, literary references humor and personal experiences (Webster, 2012) When Barbara Bush delivered her speech to her attendance at Wellesley College she uses different techniques to catch the attention of her audience. She shares her experiences as being one of the guests during the graduation ceremony. Her way of grabbing the audience attention extends by narrating to them stories that relate to the subject of the day. However, in the speech Operation Desert Storm by Norman Schwarzkopf, he uses different approaches in his opening remarks. He narrates his speech on behalf of his fellow soldiers. The speaker shares personal experiences that he shares with the audience to grab their attention. In the first sentence, he tells them that "it is a great day to be a soldier, and it is a great day to be an American'' (Schwartzkopf, 1991). The remarks undoubtedly involve his audience because they share the same sentiments.

Conclusion

To sum it up, the speeches by Norman Schwarzkopf and Barbara Bush use various techniques to enhance their effectiveness. Both addresses can win the attention of the audience. Techniques such as personal experiences, statements showing that you share something in common, and use of humor can be effective in grabbing the attention of the listeners. They also provide clear transitions not to confuse the audience. Speakers use different styles to construct their speeches depending on the audience they are addressing.

References

Gajanan, M. (2018). Barbara Bush death Wellesley commencement speech. Retrieved from http://time.com/5244232/barbara-bush-death-wellesley-commencement-speech/

Webster, L. J. (2012). Introduction to Public speaking.

Schwartzkopf, N.(1991). Operation Desert Storm Transcript. Retrieved from http://www.speeches-usa.com/Transcripts/norman_schwartzkopf-desertstorm.html