As part of the “diversity and inclusion” chapter in English class, we studied different speeches like Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy’s timeless speeches on civil rights and poverty, as well as those delivered by Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, Emma Watson or Greta Thunberg. Thus, for the final task, we delivered a speech about the importance of youth for society today and in the future.

This rhetorical exercise enabled us to put what we studied into practice to convince an audience, namely to succeed in combining optimism, conviction, dynamism, intonation and intensity variations, literary devices, references, fluency, breath control, eye-contact, body language and stable posture. These elements (of form and substance) enable us to make a more convincing and persuasive speech and to prepare ourselves for the final oral exam.

We found this experience very stimulating and enriching. Moreover, it gave us the opportunity to practice discourse strategies and rhetorical devices, which allow us to enthrall an audience. We may use it again in the future. Good viewing !
Apolline Loiseau, Alexandre Porchet and Célia Corbin

Crédit photo : Robert F. Kennedy - Echoes of 1968

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