effective speech

Running head: EFFECTIVE SPEECH 1

Effective Speech

Shuaiyi Qu

Effective Speech

Part 1: Testing the Strength of Supporting Material

20th September 2001 is a day that saw President George Walker Bush address the whole nation in a Joint Session of Congress in the wake of terror attacks that rocked the nation on 11th September, 2011. The citizens of America demanded an address by the president as the nation desperately needed direction and aid in dealing with what was the most horrific of terror attacks against US. Emotions and fear were common among persons across. People had numerous questions that needed to be answered and major services in the nation were halting (Washington Post, 2001, Bush, 2001).

The speech by President Bush was effectively communicated to the audience. The general purpose of the speech was persuade and inspire unity, strength and belief among the people of America. The president referenced the togetherness, generosity and helping hand shown towards those in need during the unfortunate event to influence more solidarity, hope and strength going into the future. The specific purpose of the speech was to provide response and direction for the people. In this the president promptly declared major repercussions for terrorists and their supporters. His assurance of more putting more efforts and resources to ensuring security of US citizens, defending their freedom and in dealing with terror threats effectively quelled fears and asserted sense of stability and pride among American people.

Types of Supporting Material, Usage and Evaluation

Some of the main supporting materials President Bush utilized were examples, statistics and testimonies. The president used examples to reinforce ideas and make them more concrete. He used several examples of goodwill from people in the nation and across the globe to emphasize solidarity and support during those uncertain times. Such examples were Todd Beamer who helped in rescuing survivors, the well-wishers who raised 40$ billion for recovery efforts and the massive support that was received from international communities. He also used the examples of past attacks such as one in 1941 and Iraq to show just how serious this terror attack was, and past incidences committed by those terrorists in Tanzania and Kenya. These examples showed that terror threats were global crises and emphasized the importance of getting every help possible in the fight against terrorists. This worked efficiently in giving some much-needed answers and reassuring people of prospering over the tough times (McGaan, 2000).

President Bush used testimonies or statements to further dishonor terrorists and show their flawed ideologies. Examples of such statements are observed in his reference of terrorists’ notion of religion to be fringe form of Islamic extremism that has been even rejected by almost all Muslim clerics. The president’s use of some statements showed how backward terrorists essentially were and why they deserved to face justice. They are appropriately portrayed as persons that don’t allow women to school, disregard democracy and commit murders to satisfy their radical visions. These statements are testimonies from what has been previous experiences with terrorists. These paint a clear picture of the terrorists, their irrational actions, ideas and shows why they should be dealt with accordingly (McGaan, 2000).

The speech had elements of quantitative information, albeit scarcely utilized. The president stated that terrorists were in their thousands in more than 60 countries. This numbers showed that terrorism is a global ordeal, precisely why the war against them would take a lengthy campaign. The massive impact of terrorism on our world was further highlighted through noting that victims of the attack came from 80 different countries. This made the support received worldwide to be of much more value (Washington Post, 2001, Bush, 2001).

Persuasion

The speech was mainly made up of elements of persuasion. An important aspect of the speech was the appeal to emotions of the masses in his presentation. He used people’s names in referring to them. Examples are Todd and Lisa Beamer, George Howard and his mother, Arlene. This was able to touch the emotions of the people and evoked feelings of sympathy and sorrow which effectively drove home the messages. The public was generally angry and frustrated after the terror attacks. The public needed support and stability, and these emotions helped provide a receptive response from the public towards the speech. The beginning of the speech also touches on emotions through reminding people of unfurling of flags, lighting of candles, sacrifices of rescuers and those who were invested in grief of strangers. This was very relatable to the public and got them more involved in the speech (Washington Post, 2001, Bush, 2001).

Ethos was effectively used in the speech to thank the world for massively supporting the US. Great Britain was a major recipient of these appreciation as the prime minister of the nation was present for the occasion. The address to the Muslim community was very ethical. It was necessary to clearly separate terrorists from the rest of Muslim society that correctly practiced their religion. Ethos was further utilized in declaring war to terrorists groups, countries that harbored them and the measures that would put forth to protect people from threats. This was helpful in instilling confidence in the public (Washington Post, 2001, Bush, 2001).

President Bush applied logos in addressing the issues and the faulty ambitions of terror groups. He stated the aims of the terrorists to be in ending lives, disrupting and ending ways that people live while hoping America grows fearful and deserts allies. Denouncing of all that radical movements stand for was crucial to assert to the audiences that the issue of terrorism will be addressed relentlessly (Washington Post, 2001, Bush, 2001).

Part 2: Rhetorical Situation Research Memo

President George Walker Bush addressed the joint session of Congress and the people of United States after the terror attacks that occurred on September 19, 2001. The exigence was the necessity to communicate to the nation’s citizens after the recent case of terror disrupted the peace and calm in US. The president first issued statements of hope and encouragement to the people while stressing on the importance of coming together. He expressed gratitude to a range of dignitaries, nations and other persons before giving detailed information on the terrorists, their activities and the forthcoming retaliation against them. The entire nation rallied together after the occasion and displayed strength.

President Bush directs his speech towards an audience that comprised of the American people who were facing tribulations brought by the terror attacks and the international community which had shown great support for US. The president also addressed the terror groups stating clearly that they would not be tolerated. The audience generally knew of terror threats from radical movements but never before had people experienced such bizarre circumstances.

General purpose for the speech is to strengthen commitment towards addressing the global debacle that is terrorism. The specific purpose of the speech was aimed at both ensuring the safety and security of American people and to declaring war against the terror groups. These form the main claims from the speech which were fitting responses to the rhetoric situation.

The speech by President Bush had little constraints, if any. The type speech was persuasive which fit that particular situation. The location of the speech showed formality and his tone was very appropriate. He addressed issues at hand in ways and with words that helped alleviate the crisis. The terror attacks made it necessary for president to address the situation which he adequately did (Washington Post, 2001, Bush, 2001).

References

Washington Post. (2001). President Bush Addresses the Nation. Retrieved from

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/nation/specials/attacked/transcripts/bushaddress_092001.html

McGaan, L. (2000). Support Material. Retrieved from

http://libguides.lamar.edu/c.php?g=369207&p=2495265

Bush, G. W. (2001). Address to a joint session of Congress and the American people. Harv. JL

& Pub. Pol'y, 25, xviii.