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Essay / Comparison of Leonardo Dicaprio's speech with that of George Bush
Table of contentsIntroductionThe persuasion techniques of George W. BushThe persuasion techniques of Leonardo DiCaprioConclusionIntroductionThis essay looks at the rhetorical techniques employed by two influential figures, George W. Bush and Leonardo DiCaprio, in their respective speeches. Bush's speech, delivered in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, aimed to rally and unite the American people against terrorism, while DiCaprio's spontaneous speech at the 2016 Oscars focused on raising awareness about climate change. By examining these discourses through the lens of antithesis, pathos, logos, ethos, analogies, metaphors, propaganda, imagery, personal pronouns, and rhetorical devices, we can better understand the power of persuasion and the impact of their words. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayThe Persuasion Techniques of George W. BushGeorge W. Bush's post-9/11 speech is characterized by a range of persuasion techniques persuasion. It begins in a calm and empathetic tone, addressing the tragic events and expressing solidarity with the American people. As a world leader, he maintains an authoritarian posture, sitting upright at his desk in the White House, projecting strength. His choice of clothing, a business suit, adds to his professionalism. Pathos plays a central role in Bush's speech, as he strives to emotionally connect with his audience. He uses the antithesis when he says, “terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our greatest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundations of America.” This powerful metaphor highlights America's resilience and unity, appealing to the audience's emotions. Bush also uses logos to convey facts and urgency, referring to tragic events with phrases such as "pictures of planes flying into buildings." He reassured the public by mentioning the rapid implementation of the government's emergency response plan, promoting confidence. Ethos is used strategically by Bush to appeal to the public's ethical values. It speaks of America's human values and freedom, invoking a sense of shared ethics (Wang, 2012). Anaphora is used to emphasize the collective impact of tragedy, using “our” as a personal pronoun to emphasize the shared experience (Crutcher, 2012). Analogies and metaphors enrich Bush's speech, such as the description of America as "the brightest beacon of freedom." and asserting: “they cannot shake American resolve.” These literary devices make his speech more engaging and evoke hope in the face of adversity. Additionally, Bush uses propaganda by mentioning military and federal agents, reassuring the public of their safety. His use of imagery, such as “pictures of planes flying into buildings,” paints a vivid mental picture of events. The inclusion of a Bible verse, "Psalm 23: Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me," adds a personal touch and offers comfort, making appeal to the emotions of the audience. By consistently using personal pronouns like “our nation,” Bush ensures the personal connection of his speech to the audience. This fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility, as demonstrated by his statement: “we are united to win the war against terrorism.” awareness of climate change. His tone is confident but humble, with a calm and relaxed delivery,..