“Speech in the Virginia Convention” by Patrick Henry
While we read and discuss Henry’s speech in class, pay attention to the persuasive techniques
that he used in his speech. Find examples of the following techniques and write down either the
sentences or the line numbers.
1. Praise the opponents (say nice stuff about the other side):
2. State why he must speak now:
3. Set up a dichotomy (either/or situation):
4. Mention an allusion (a reference to something cultural/historical):
5. State 2 examples of what has already been tried to correct the injustice (unfairness):
6. State a rhetorical question (a question not intended to be answered):
7. State what his opponents argument is (They say…):
8. Counter the opponent’s argument with specific examples (However,…):
9. Find his “call to action”:
10. What is the final dichotomy (do THIS or THAT will happen):