A speech is a formal means of addressing an audience through oral presentation. The written declaration should include an introduction, a body discussing the main points and a conclusion. There are three types of speeches; informative speeches focus on addressing people, places, things, process, or events. Persuasive expressions are the most common as its details can center on anything from politics to arguing with other people. Special occasion speeches, on the other hand, revolve around presentations of praise or paying tribute to people, institutions, events, ideas or place; for example, ceremonial, commemorative and commencement speeches. This essay will focus on a commencement speech given by Steve Jobs to graduating students of Stanford University in 2005, sourced from YouTube, reflect on the presentation, intentions, and articulate its purpose, whether it achieves it.
Topic of the Speech
A commencement speech is a presentation by a notable figure in the society during a graduation ceremony in universities or high schools. Generally, the commencement ceremony is one in which students who are graduating conferred with their diplomas and degrees ( Rowling, 2015) . These speeches, offered by revered alumni, intellectuals or prominent people in the society where they offer advice, experiences and or values learned in their lives. In the case of Steve Jobs’ speech, he gave three stories relating to his life; his birth and education, death and loss, and getting fired at Apple.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Speaker’s Intent – Why?
Steve Jobs intention in this speech is to encourage the graduating students about life, what it means and its purpose. Ideally, he recollects his lack of a college degree, but that does not stop him from achieving success. In the speech, Jobs shares his life experiences and inspires the students on how to find passion in their lives and careers and to always stay focused no matter what happens in life.
Analysis of the Speech
The speech by Jobs to the Stanford University graduating students was a good speech in regards to its delivery, intent, development of the story and transition elements. He discusses three stories about his life all with a common purpose of reflecting on the lessons learned during and after these events. Additionally, his main ideas and points were easy to follow due to the nature of interest he develops in the students as the stories are not long and are relatable.
How was interest gained? How so, or how could it be improved?
The interest gained from the commencement speech is clear and focused. Steve is an excellent orator who starts off with a joke about how he did not finish college and that the event was the closest he got to graduation. In this instance, his focus on making eye contact with the students is evident and articulate. Since his speech is written, he reads the content and when making a point, he looks at the students and emphasis is audible from his tone.
Where the main points developed? How so, or how could it be improved?
The three main points of his speech focus on three stories of his life. His birth mother, adopted family, and his experiences in college, his work at Apple and how he fell out with the board of directors prompting him to start other companies and his death scare when the doctors diagnosed him with pancreatic cancer though he survives it. In each of these stories, there is a lesson learned and through it, he advised and encouraged the students. For example connecting the dots, love, and loss
Main points: Easy to follow? How so, or how could it be improved?
The main points were easy to follow. First is the fact that Jobs is one of the most exceptional entrepreneurs. Secondly, his life experiences, lessons, and achievements resonate well with the gradguants in that they are rare and regard them as free advice. The stories, in their simplicity, and a general overview of his life, people follow the intent and actual performance of this speech.
Transitions Used? How so, or how could it be improved?
Steve Jobs transitions well through the speech as each story ends with a life lesson, what the graduates ought to learn from them. Given that his successes are due to hard work, dedication and passion for what he does, he quickly pulls the audience’s attention through the structure of his speech. Additionally, as the address is about 15 minutes long, it is easy to transition from one point to the other well focusing on what is essential for the current audience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Steve Jobs’ commencement speech to the graduating students at Stanford University is one of the most notable statements. The aim of giving a speech is to inform, explain or persuade an audience on any related topic. Addresses are not any different from regular writing since one has to articulate the issue at hand. Steve Jobs manages to articulate this purpose well as he clarifies that individuals have to find what they love and do it like it is their last day to live.
References
Jobs, S. (2006, March 6). Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Speech 2005 [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1R-jKKp3NA
Rowling, J. K. (2015). Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination . London: Sphere.
