Decision Making Rhetorical Analysis

Graphic Organizer / Decision Making for Rhetorical Analysis

Decision Making for Rhetorical Analysis Rhetorical analysis is not only helpful with understanding works of literature. It is also a significant tool in analyzing speeches. Those who give speeches use certain rhetoric to cater to their audience, environment, and what is currently going on in the world. It is important to keep such factors in mind for context because it affects the “success” of the overall speech. For this assignment, we will be analyzing J.K. Rowling’s The Benefits of Failure speech, which she gave at Harvard’s 2008 Commencement ceremony. We will take notes while watching the speech, as well as following up with discussion. However, I urge you to watch the speech again for points that you may have missed. You can access the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHGqp8lz36c This graphic organizer assignment is another means to help you plan out your rhetorical analysis essay. See the directions below on how to fill it out. While watching, I want you to keep in mind the following questions: What is the sequence of the speech? What devices does she use? What mode does she stick to, or does she use all three? Was this an effective speech? Directions: 1. PURPOSE - Identify the purpose of the speech. You do not have to identify this at the beginning. It could be anytime during the speech where you realize Rowling’s message. 2. DEVICES PRESENT - Identify the rhetorical devices present. List as many as you can. 3. EVIDENCE of DEVICE - Find a moment in the speech where she uses a device AND where she appeals to one of the three modes of rhetoric. You may quote it if you like. 4. GROUNDS/SO WHAT? - Justify this device. Provide a reason why this was important in the speech? Think about how is she using it and why? 5. DECISION - This is where your argument comes in. I want you to decide whether or not Rowling’s speech was effective. Did it make the right impact? Why or why not? 6. REASONS - Justify your decision. Why or why not? If you need more space to take notes, feel free to write it in a separate piece of paper.

Graphic Organizer / Decision Making for Rhetorical Analysis

Assignment Scoring Guide PURPOSE Students demonstrate understanding of purpose of the speech, in which they were able to identify. Purpose is clearly defined. DEVICES PRESENT Students are able to identify rhetorical devices that are present in the speech. There are at least 3 or more devices that the student lists in the organizer. EVIDENCE OF DEVICE Students are able to provide an example from the speech that justifies their choice in identifying the device. At least ethos/logos/pathos is addressed. GROUNDS/SO WHAT? Based on evidence, students are able to clearly demonstrate the importance of the device. They have identified and analyzed the effects and impact of device on the overall speech. DECISIONS Students will make a “decision” in whether the speech was effective. This box will be your first version of your thesis. Make sure your decision is clear. REASONS List out the reasons in a concise manner in why the student made the decision. What made you decide your argument? TOTAL

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Graphic Organizer / Decision Making for Rhetorical Analysis

PURPOSE

DEVICES PRESENT

EVIDENCE of DEVICE

GROUNDS / SO WHAT?

DECISION(S)

REASONS

Graphic Organizer / Decision Making for Rhetorical Analysis

Here is an example of a Graphic Organizer I filled out! PURPOSE -

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J.K. Rowling wants the audience to think about their privilege as Harvard students. She wants them to question the environment they are in and what position they have to do something about it (2008 had a lot of racial and economic tensions as context). She also wants to urge them not to be afraid of “failing” (again, with the context of 2008 events), because failing will lead you to where you’re supposed to be.

EVIDENCE of DEVICE Humor/light-hearted – tone + Could be satirical as well Ethos – her own graduation; she has been through this before; “21 years that have expired between that day and this”

Pathos – poverty + depression Work at Amnesty International Fear of failure “rock bottom became the solid foundation in which I rebuilt my life” Allusion – many harry potter references “time turner” “a BIG idea”

GROUNDS / SO WHAT? Tone is important because it affects how a person approaches a topic. She was dealing with serious topics like the economy, and racially charged politics, so she combated that with tone. It was easier to talk about, therefore easier to absorb. Reflecting on her own experiences with failure emphasizes her credibility because she has been through it before, and she emerged “successful.” She was once a college graduate that struggled so she understands their concerns; it makes the graduates more comfortable with her. Appeals to the audiences’ emotions by letting them be aware of the possible risks and situations they can find themselves through. She appeals to emotion so she can prompt them to do the right thing and be more empathetic. Referring to Harry Potter makes the audience feel more united because it’s something they all have in common. It also helps her speech more fun.

DECISION(S) Rowling’s commencement speech was an effective speech that communicated her thoughts and ideas directly and cohesively.

DEVICES PRESENT

Tone, ethos, pathos, allusion

REASONS -

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Because she was able to relate to the audience by bringing up her own experiences, as well as make them feel united and comforted, her speech was effective in that it was impactful and that you could remember it. Her delivery was very cheery and lighthearted in the beginning to allow for an easier reception of the serious topics she was about to discuss. She encouraged them to be more empathetic to themselves and to the world by bringing up real life scenarios that the graduates could possibly encounter.