New
New
Year 9

Understanding what makes a persuasive speech

I can identify and explain what makes a powerful speech.

New
New
Year 9

Understanding what makes a persuasive speech

I can identify and explain what makes a powerful speech.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Emma Watson adapts her tone and language to suit the audience and purpose of her speech.
  2. Watson’s speech emphasises men’s involvement, challenges gender stereotypes and critiques social perception of feminism.
  3. The speech uses a range of well chosen rhetorical devices for effect.
  4. Rhetorical devices should be used to engage the audience and help achieve the purpose of the speech.

Common misconception

A persuasive speech needs to be angry and aggressive.

What is Watson's tone? How does she motivate and persuade her audience without being confrontational? You don't want to alienate any audience members.

Keywords

  • Galvanise - to inspire or stimulate change

  • Equality - treating everyone fairly and giving them the same opportunities, rights, and respect

  • Advocacy - speaking up or supporting a cause, idea or group of people to bring about change

  • Feminsim - the belief in and advocacy for the social, political, and economic equality of all genders

  • Form - in this context refers to the type of text e.g speech or article

You may wish to share the video of Watson giving this speech to emphasise the importance of tone and give some context to the speech.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need a copy of Emma Watson's 'HeForShe' speech which can be found in the additional materials

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
In which sentence is there a subordinate clause?
It's now or never.
Don't you want to be the voice for change?
It's time to take a stand.
Correct answer: I urge all of you, men and women, to come together to take a stand.
Q2.
Which word can be described as 'to command respect or seem knowledgeable'?
motivational
Correct answer: authoritative
aggressive
Q3.
Which of these is an imperative sentence?
Only 30 percent of her audience were male.
I believe that we can all work towards the same goal.
Correct answer: Take action now.
When are you going to acknowledge the problem?
Q4.
Which of these words are modal verbs?
Correct answer: must
Correct answer: might
Correct answer: could
and
they
Q5.
Which of the following sentences is an example of a compound sentence created by using a conjunction?
Correct answer: The time to act is now, or our children will suffer.
The time is now.
15.5 millions girls will no longer have access to education.
Investing in education, which opens doors to opportunity, is crucial for all.
Q6.
In a compound sentence, a conjunction is used to:
combine two dependent clauses.
Correct answer: separate independent clauses.
introduce a subordinate clause.
modify a verb.

6 Questions

Q1.
Which word beginning with 'f' refers to the type or style of a text e.g speech or letter?
Correct Answer: form
Q2.
Which definition best describes the word advocacy?
to inspire or stimulate change
treating everyone fairly and giving them the same opportunities and rights
Correct answer: speaking up or supporting a cause, idea or group of people to bring about change
the belief in the social, political, and economic equality of all genders
Q3.
Which of these words best describes Watson's use of tone in her 'HeForShe' speech?
confrontational
Correct answer: motivating
angry
sarcarstic
Q4.
Which of these quotes best demonstrates Watson challenging gender stereotypes in her 'HeForShe' speech?
Correct answer: “Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive."
“When at 14 I started being sexualized by certain elements of the press.”
“Gender equality is your issue too.”
"Why is the word such an uncomfortable one?"
Correct answer: "Both men and women should feel free to be strong.”
Q5.
Which of these quotes from Watson's 'HeForShe' speech uses a personal pronoun to create a personal and inclusive tone and give a sense of collective responsibility?
Correct answer: “We want to end gender inequality”
“When at 14 I started being sexualized by certain elements of the press.”
“15.5 million girls will be married in the next 16 years as children.”
“If not now, when?”
Q6.
Which sentence best explains Watson's use of rhetorical questions in her "HeForShe" speech?
They are used to confuse the reader.
Correct answer: They provoke thought and create a call to action.
They are used to give credible evidence in the form of numbers.
They reveal Watson's personal experiences.

Additional material

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