Cicero's five canons of rhetoric

Full Answer Section

• Delivery: Yousafzai’s delivery style embodies Cicero’s concept of delivery. Her opening statement, “I am proud, but in fact I am very proud,” is emphatic and sets a confident tone. She uses humor to connect with the audience, mentioning her grandfather’s nickname for her, “the happiest girl in the world,” which contrasts with the meaning of her name, "grief-stricken." She shifts to a powerful tone when emphasizing the urgency of action, stating, "it is not time to pity them... it is time to take action." Her voice is strong and clear throughout the speech, effectively conveying her message.

Figures of Speech

• Metaphor: Yousafzai uses a metaphor to describe her purpose. She states, "I am here to stand up for their rights to raise their voice." This metaphor compares her role to that of a physical pillar supporting the voiceless children. This emphasizes her unwavering commitment to their cause.
• Repetition: Yousafzai utilizes repetition for emphasis. She repeats the phrase "it is not time to pity them" to firmly establish that the focus should be on taking action rather than sympathy. She also repeats, "the last time," to create a sense of urgency in ending child deprivation of education.

By effectively using Cicero's canons of rhetoric and figures of speech, Yousafzai crafts a compelling speech that inspires action and raises awareness for children's rights.

Sample Answer

Critique of Malala Yousafzai's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech based on Cicero's Five Canons of Rhetoric and Figures of Speech

This reflection analyzes Malala Yousafzai's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech through the lens of two of Cicero's five canons of rhetoric and two figures of speech.

Cicero's Canons of Rhetoric

• Invention: Yousafzai effectively uses invention by strategically selecting details about her identity and experiences to connect with the audience. She introduces herself as the “first Pakistani” and “youngest person” to receive the award, establishing herself as a history-making figure. She also mentions her ongoing playful rivalry with her brothers, creating a relatable contrast to her world-changing work. By highlighting her collaboration with Kailash Satyarthi, an Indian activist, she reinforces the message of unity despite national differences.