Rhetorical Devices
Speech and Oral Commentary
Essential Question:
How are rhetorical devices used to create meaning and significance within a given speech?
Assignment Directions:
For the Age of Reason, we have discussed the “logic” and reasoning that people in early colonial
America, like the Founding Fathers, used to change their way of thinking and living. Your
assignment for this unit is to find a speech and present an oral commentary about the speech.
Essentially, you will be graded on a 2-3 minute oral commentary you make about the speech you
choose. This is not a typical oral presentation, in that you need to apply your analytical skills that
are typically used in writing to your commentary about the rhetorical devices found within the
speech, the purpose of those rhetorical devices, and how the audience is affected, persuaded, or
inspired by the use of rhetorical devices. The speech can be any speech you like - historical or
modern. You will be listening to the speech several times and analyzing the language of the
speech so be sure to try and find a speech that interests you!
Part I: Basic Information about the Speech
For your chosen speech, please identify the following information:
1.
2.
3.
4.
the name of the speaker
the title of the speech
the date the speech was given
the context in which the speech was given (historical, social, cultural)
Part II: Rhetorical Devices
Find examples of rhetorical devices within the speech. Be sure to identify the specific rhetorical
device being used, the specific quote from the speech addressing the rhetorical device, and the
significance of the use of that particular rhetorical device in the speech. Use the grid attached to
this assignment sheet to complete Part II.
Part III: Oral Commentary
This assignment is meant to help you look deeper into a text and to make meaningful commentary
about your understanding and interpretation of the text. For your commentary, you will need to
demonstrate the following:
1. understand and analyze the speech
2. apply content terminology (rhetorical devices) in context of commentary
3. use appropriate and academic language
4. identify and analyze author’s choices (why are devices used and what is the effect?)
5. personally respond to the speech (avoid the use of “I”)
6. organize ideas and arguments
Rhetorical
Device
Rhetorical Devices in Speech
Quote
Significance
Rhetorical Devices in Speech
Rhetorical
Device
Quote
Significance