Address to the Commonwealth Club of California.

Question 1

What is a speech?

Answer 1

A speech is a formal address or discourse delivered to an audience.

Question 2

What is the purpose of a speech?

Answer 2

Speeches typically serve four general purposes: to inform, persuade, instruct, or entertain. By taking a step back to examine the general purpose of the speech, a speaker reinforces his or her thoughts and ideas by making sure that everything presented to argue your case aligns to that general purpose.

Question 3

To whom is Cesar Chavez speaking?

Answer 3

To the Commonwealth Club of California.

Question 4

What problem is Chavez calling to his listeners’ attention?

Answer 4

Cesar Chavez is explaining the poor working conditions of migrant workers.

Question 5

What is the craft of rhetoric in a speech?

Answer 5

Rhetoric is the art of writing and speaking formally and effectively, especially as a way to persuade or influence people. Throughout history, gifted speakers have used rhetoric to motivate people and to bring change.

Question 6

What are the three rhetorical techniques used to persuade an audience?

Answer 6

There are three different rhetorical appeals—or methods of argument—that you can take to persuade an audience: logos, ethos, and pathos.