Assignment 2
Communication Skills
Submitted By: Raffeain Khalil
Submitted To: Ms. Haleema Sadia
CLASS: BCE-03
ENROLLMENT NO: 01-132202-037
Observing Verbal Communication
Introduction:
The speech chosen for this assignment is the famous “Gettysburg Address” by the US President
Abraham Lincoln.
To summarize the context, this speech was delivered during the dedication of Soldiers’ National
Cemetery at the time of American Civil War. It was not the main speech of the day yet it is
considered one of the best speeches in American History.
Text of the Speech:
“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth upon this continent, a new nation,
conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so
conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war.
We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here
gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do
this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this
ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here,
but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to
the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather
for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored
dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of
devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this
nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by
the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”[1]
Analysis and Observations:
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Vocabulary:
The vocabulary used by the speaker may be considered as complex at some points if
seen from the context of modern times but taking into account the timeline of the
speech and the fact it was delivered to around 15,000 people, the vocabulary of the
speech is simple. Even if it is read now, it is not a complex text which needs to be
analyzed from a vocabulary standpoint in order to be understood.
•
Main Idea:
The main idea behind the speech is the reiteration of the cause for which civil war is
enacted and to remember and honor the martyrs of the Gettysburg Battle. The speech
starts by reminiscing the foundations of the creation of American Nation 87 years ago
which were based on Liberty and equality for all men. Yet equality at the time didn’t
exist as slavery of Black people was legal and the idea of abolishment of slavery was one
of the leading causes of the civil war.
The speaker delivers the remarks of dedicating the field i.e. the Cemetery to those who
died in the battle of the said location. Yet he further elaborates that everyone present at
the time are not worthy to dedicate or declare the grounds as sacred as it is beyond
their power to do so. That the soldiers either alive or dead are the ones who have, by
their actions, already made that place sacred.
The speech concludes with the note that the living to carry on the legacy of those who
have passed away and to make sure that they did not die in vain.
•
Length:
The speech is a very short speech comprising of just 271 words and was not even the
main speech of the day. In contrast, the main oration by Edward Everette was around
13,000 words and lasted two hours.[2]
While this speech was just dedicatory remarks, it is now one of the best-known
speeches in American History.
•
Effectiveness:
The speech is short, concise yet impactful. It summarizes the mindset, purpose and
standpoint of the then President of USA. It goes on to honor the services of the martyrs
and the veterans of war and reiterate the purpose of the war. The speech effectively
invokes the feelings of sadness and understanding the patriotic theme. The reader can
imagine the atmosphere as these remarks are of remembrance but impart patriotism on
it’s listeners as the speaker doesn’t want the people to lose morale but not get out of
the limit of respect as it is a sorrowful occasion.
•
Delivery of Message:
The speaker successfully brings forth remarks as are expected by a person of
importance on such occasions. Yet the remarkable thing about this speech is how
concisely It delivers the message while being so short. This speech tackles multiple
things like the foundation of USA, the causes of war, the sorrow of losing countrymen,
the call for equality and democracy for all, and the advice to not let the sacrifices of
those before them begone in vain and does so in just 271 words to a large audience.
Conclusion:
This speech by Abraham Lincoln is one of the best-known speeches of American History with
the famous quote “A government of the people, by the people, for the people.” Is essentially
the shortest yet most powerful definition of Democracy. While the wording is a tad bit complex
at rare times for the modern reader, the speech itself does a great job of giving the message it
was supposed to give even now after more than a hundred years.