Severn Suzuki 1992 speech rhetoric analysis Flashcards
What is the purpose of her speech?
- Reinforce that there are problems in the world, and that its the job of the politicians to help solve them.
- Her voice for change is distinctive across the politically driven world.
How does she reassert the purpose of her speech?
Straight away she establishes that she is speaking from the perspective of a child which emphasises her unique message/purpose to educate and remind, ironically, her elders.
“Group of 12 and 13 year-olds from Canada trying to make a difference”
How does she personalise her voice distinctly?
She compares things of the norm to political elements to trigger a response.
“Losing my future is not like losing an election or a few points in the stock market, I am here to speak for all generations to come”
What singular techniques does she use for her voice to be identified as distinct?
Use of anaphora, imagery and imperative language to reinforce that she is using her own voice (The voice of a child) to express those who cannot voice themselves.
E.g: I am here to speak on behalf of the starving children around the world whose cries go unheard.
I am here to speak on behalf of the countless animals dying across the planet” ~ Example of imagery and anaphora.
“We cannot afford to not be heard” ~ example of imperative language
How does she provoke an emotional reaction from the audience?
Again the use of anaphora and Hyperbole is used to provoke an emotional reaction from the audience. This idea that she is afraid to do the simple things provokes fear in the intended audience, as they never had this experience at her age (fear of unknown).
“I am afraid to go out into the sun now because of the holes in the ozone. I am afraid to breathe in the air because i don’t know what chemicals are in it” ~ Hyperbole, afraid to go outside.
Where and how does she use personal experience in her speech?
Uses personal experience (referring directly to the context) to give authenticity and credibility (pathos).
“I used to go fishing in Vancouver with my dad until just a few years ago we found the fish full of cancers”
Give an example of rhetorical questioning an how its used
“Did you have worry about these LITTLE things when you were my age?”
Uses rhetorical questioning and an accusatory tone to provoke guilt on the audience.
How is Juxtaposition and extreme contrast used in her speech?
Use of Juxtaposition and extreme contrast to emphasize how prevalent the issue of poverty is, as she lists the commonalities of life in a developed country, to the recent struggles of a child in an underdeveloped one.
“Just two days ago..” commenting on how widespread the issue is.
Apostrophe, referring and quoting the underprivileged child - “If i were rich…”
Reinforces that her voice is powerful enough as a child to voice those who cannot do so themselves. (Distinctive)
She condenses this contrast into one effective rhetoric question, challenging the audience’s way of thinking
“If a child on the street who has nothing is willing to share, why are we who have everything still so greedy?”
How is imperative language used?
Her additional use of imperative language provokes a response in the audience - “Do not forget why you’re attending these conferences….” , stating that they SHOULD be able to comfort the children, however are not able to - “I don’t think you can say that to us anymore”. She speaks directly to the audience, through her own personal values as a.. child.
