Speechwriter's Fundamentals

Identify the Purpose: 

The main purpose of Jesse Jackson's 1984 DNC speech was to rally support for his presidential campaign and to promote his platform of social justice, civil rights, and economic equality. Additionally, Jackson aimed to inspire and mobilize his audience, encouraging them to actively participate in the political process and to support the Democratic Party's goals and candidates.

Examine the Structure: 

Jackson's speech likely followed a structured format, beginning with a compelling introduction to capture the audience's attention, followed by a substantive body where he presented his key ideas and arguments, and concluding with a memorable closing statement that reinforced his message and called for action. Within this structure, Jackson may have utilized storytelling, anecdotes, and historical references to engage his audience and make his points more relatable and persuasive.

Evaluate the Language: 

Jackson's choice of language in his speech would have been strategic, aiming to evoke emotion, inspire action, and convey his message effectively. He may have used powerful and emotive language to emphasize key points, employing rhetorical devices such as repetition, parallelism, and metaphor to enhance the speech's impact and resonance with the audience.

Analyze Rhetorical Devices

Parallelism: 

Jackson may have employed parallelism, a rhetorical device where successive phrases or clauses have a similar structure, to create rhythm and emphasis. For example, he might have used parallelism to repeat phrases like "I am somebody" or "Keep hope alive," reinforcing his message of empowerment and resilience.

Anaphora: 

Anaphora involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. Jackson may have used anaphora to create a sense of urgency and emphasis. For instance, he might have repeated phrases like "We must..." or "It is time to..." to underscore his calls to action and policy proposals.

Metaphor and Imagery: 

Jackson likely used metaphor and vivid imagery to make abstract concepts more concrete and engaging. By employing metaphors that resonate with the audience's experiences and emotions, he could effectively convey complex ideas in a memorable way. For instance, he might have used metaphors likening the struggle for civil rights to a journey or a battle, evoking powerful imagery that resonated with his audience.

Emotional Appeals: 

Jackson likely appealed to the emotions of his audience, using language that stirred feelings of hope, pride, and solidarity. By tapping into shared values and experiences, he could forge a strong emotional connection with his listeners, inspiring them to action. He may have shared personal anecdotes or stories of individuals facing adversity, evoking empathy and rallying support for his cause.

Rhythm and Cadence: 

Jackson's speech likely had a distinct rhythm and cadence, influenced by the oral traditions of African-American rhetoric. By varying the pace and delivery of his speech, he could maintain the audience's attention and create dramatic impact. Through strategic pauses, changes in tone, and modulation of voice, he could effectively convey the urgency and passion of his message.