Julia Gillard Prime Minister Speech and “I
Have a Dream” by MLK
Language is an essential tool used to influence and persuade an audience. When comparing the
language used in two speeches, the language used can reveal a lot about the speaker's intentions,
style, and beliefs. In this essay, we will analyse the language used in Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a
Dream" speech and Julia Gillard's speech on misogyny in politics, highlighting the differences in their
rhetorical strategies.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech is a remarkable speech that has become a symbol of
the Civil Rights Movement. The speech was delivered in 1963, and it is recognized for its skilful use of
metaphor and repetition. In contrast, Julia Gillard's speech on misogyny in politics is known for its
candid language and personal anecdotes. The speech was delivered in 2012 as a response to
accusations of sexism and misogyny in Australian politics.
One of the essential features of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech is his use of metaphors. King employs
metaphors throughout the speech to create a vivid picture and convey his message. For instance, he
refers to the Emancipation Proclamation as a "joyous daybreak" and the march on Washington as the
"whirlwinds of revolt." The use of metaphors creates an atmosphere of hope and optimism in the
audience, reinforcing the idea that change is possible.
In contrast, Julia Gillard's speech relies more on personal anecdotes and direct language. She speaks
candidly about her experiences with sexism and misogyny in politics, emphasizing the need for
change. For example, she recounts an incident where a sexist menu was circulated at a Liberal Party
fundraiser and says, "It wasn't just about me; it was about every woman in this country." Gillard's use
of personal anecdotes connects with the audience on a personal level, creating empathy and
understanding.
Another significant feature of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech is his use of repetition. King uses the
phrase "I have a dream" throughout the speech to emphasize his vision of a future where all people
are treated equally. He also repeats the phrase "Let freedom ring" to create a sense of unity and
momentum. The use of repetition reinforces the message of the speech and creates a sense of
urgency in the audience.
On the other hand, Julia Gillard's speech relies more on rhetorical questions. She asks questions like,
"Why is it that the Leader of the Opposition can't find the decency to see the sexism and misogyny in
his own party?" Gillard's use of rhetorical questions makes the audience question their own beliefs
and confront uncomfortable truths. This creates a sense of accountability and emphasizes the need
for change.
Lastly, Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech is characterized by his use of inclusive language. Throughout
the speech, King refers to all people as "brothers and sisters" and emphasizes the importance of
unity. This language creates a sense of community and solidarity among the audience and reinforces
the idea that the struggle for civil rights is a shared responsibility.
Conversely, Julia Gillard's speech is characterized by her use of confrontational language. She directly
addresses the issues of sexism and misogyny in politics and calls out individuals who perpetuate
these issues. This language creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the need for action.
In conclusion, while both Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech and Julia Gillard's speech
on misogyny in politics are powerful examples of persuasive rhetoric, they differ in their rhetorical
strategies. King's speech relies more on metaphor and repetition to create a sense of hope and
optimism, while Gillard's speech uses personal anecdotes and rhetorical questions to create a sense
of urgency and accountability. Regardless of the differences, both speeches are powerful examples of
how language can be used to effect change and inspire action.