Module : Discussion Forum
To prepare for this discussion, review "Basics of Speechwriting" and "Basics of Giving a Speech" in textbook Chapter 15. Then watch this video of Apple founder and CEO Steve Jobs giving the 2005 Commencement address at Stanford University. The transcript is available on the same link below.
Jobs, S. (2005). Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford University Commencement address [Video file].
For the discussion, analyze Jobs' speech and explain how he did or not follow the basic rules of writing and giving a speech:
Knowing your objective
Structuring the message for the ear
Tailoring the remarks for the audience (knowing his listeners, using their language, using visuals, using humor carefully)
Keeping it timely and short
Incorporating gestures, eye contact, and smiles
What do you think his objectives were? Why do you think this speech is considered by some one of the top speeches of the last 50 years?