Essay Example on the Power of Speech: Communicating to Mass Audiences Throughout History

Speech are so vital in the process of communicating to an audience. Throughout history, people have been retrieving information from mass gatherings and through speeches from the governing body. Various proofs of grounds used to air out essential messages to the public are still archeological treasures. Examples include the roman and greek coliseums. Also, communities have designated places where gatherings can be held. Buildings and fields where meetings can be held have been designated and also designed for special events. The architecture of speeches is unique in a manner that targets the audience in a convincing or discouraging way depending on the manner in which the speaker intends for the audience. The building blocks of the speech develops the rhetorical analytical approach of deducing the convincing power of the speech. The energy posed by the use of language and linguistics is so strong when the words are placed and uttered carefully, precisely, and with the right intonation. The following essay is a rhetorical analysis of the speech by Martin Luther King Jr. delivered on 28th of August 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC.

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The famous speech titled 'I Have A Dream' has been notable and receptive to an audience all over the world. The speech has formed an iconic figure in what is said to be the black revolution. The leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. spoke in an audience dominated by blacks who were all in smiles to applaud the beautiful words from the leader. The speaker chronologically explains how the transition of the power and the signatory of relevant documents occurred. He also comes up with proof that shows the legitimacy of the statements spoken. The design in which he speaks signifies the powerfulness of the speech, not leaving the applauds from the audience. Some of the figurative language used to make the speech a success and use include the following.

The leader uses logos to express the logical sense in the speech. When he says, "today that America has defaulted on this promissory note," the intention is to make it reasonable for the people to see how great America has defaulted its promise. The statement makes so much sense that is comes out convincing to the audience. Also, Martin Luther Jr. used a statement that is true based on the law and the constitution of America. Statements of signings made over 50 years ago provide a baseline of the regulations that every citizen living in America should and must follow. The statement makes it clear the misplacement of such a law by the white community leading to continued discrimination. The use of a reference point is powerful to depict the government of the united states of America as the villain. It spikes up the rage of not following the law.

Ethics is valued by society as a form of taking on the right pathway. Following the law is ethical, and thus deviation from doing so has to have consequences. The use of ethos is evident when martin Luther king Jr. describes how the state has delighted its ways of neglecting what the law says. Such a figurative language is essential in persuading the audience of the evil nature of the white rooted government. Also, the persuasion is powerful enough to change the perception of the white people who value ethics.

Raising the emotions of the crowd by uttering words that show the urgency and need to take immediate effect is essential in the process of effectively communicating the message. The pathos found in the speech has shown the need for the negro to take a step into imposing change. He says that "This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality." Just like music, the use of emotions to raise the urge of the audience to pursue immediate action is effective. Emotions go deeper into the hearts of the people who genuinely believe the things said.

Other linguistic features made the speech deep and penetrable. During the process of making the speech, the speaker makes pauses, which momentarily dawns a time of total silence. This is evidence that people are so attentive. He audience is alert and deep into the mode and atmosphere created by the way the speech is presented. The tone is sufficient to show the seriousness of the decision to be taken. The intonation has interconnected the pathos so intertwined that the emotions can be elevated to higher levels. When the speaker says that time has reached to take measures, that will make sure the government honors the signature that marked the beginning of another era of equality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the speech made by Martin Luther King Jr. has been effective in persuading the audience to take urgent measures in bringing change. He forcefully describes sequentially he proof of why there is a need to force the government to curb the adverse effects of discrimination. He has also successfully used emotions by using pathos and variant intonations, which develops rage among the hearts of the audience. The bitterness is brought about the development of these emotions. It is important to use these building blocks that spice up the speech, thus making it effective to the targeted audience.