GP Language & Communication - Week 4

• Mens & Maatschappij
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 3

The power of language

Key concepts

1. Language and persuasion

2. Speech techniques

3. The role of identitiy in communication

4. Critical thinking

Introduction

Have you ever heard someone speak in a way that made you really believe in what they were saying? What do you think made their words so convincing?

Introduction

Language is not just about what we say, but also about how we say it. Some people, especially leaders, use language to influence others’ beliefs and actions. 

Can you give some examples?

Donald Trump's communication style

1. What do you notice about the way Trump speaks?

2. Does he use simple or complex language?

3. How does he address the audience (does he praise them, challenge them, make them feel powerful, angry?)

4. What emotions does his language seem to evoke?

5 key terms

1. Repetition

 Repeating key words or phrases to make a point even more memorable

5 key terms

2. Appeal to emotion

Using language to stir emotions like fear, excitement or anger

5 key terms

3. Simple, direct language

Using easy-to-understand language that makes the speaker seem more relatable

5 key terms

4. Exaggeration

Hyperbole: making statements that are larger-than-life to capture attention

5 key terms

5. Insults/labelling

Giving names to opponents or ideas to discredit them (e.g. fake news etc).

Group assignment

In groups of 3-4 students, you get a speech. Answer the following questions:

1. What is the purpose of this speech?

2. What emotions does it evoke?

3. Which rhetorical devices are used? (repetition, metaphors etc)

4. How does the speaker use language to exert influence or power?

5. How might this speech be received by a critical audience?

Each group presents their analysis in a short 2-minute presentation.

1. Inauguration Trump, 20 january 2017

2. Martin Luther King, I have a dream

3. Wilders, Meer/minder marokkanen 

4. Barack Obama, victory speech 4 november 2008

5. Winston Churchill, We shall fight on the beaches, 1940

6. Nelson Mandela, Inauguration 1994

7. Volodymyr Zelensky – Toespraak tot Europese Parlement (1 maart 2022)

Discussion (1)

 Trumps Twitter (/ X) feed is no more, because it got suspended. Do you agree with the decision to do that?

Discussion (2)

 Why do you think certain leaders like Trump choose to speak in a particular way?

Discussion (3)

How can language influence how we view other people, ideas or even countries?

Discussion (4)

Do you think emotional language is always effective? Can it be harmful?

Discussion (4)

Should everything be allowed in a political speech?

Can someone spread hate without using explicit insults?

What responsibilities do political leaders have in how they use language?

Do you see similarities between past and present-day speeches?

Homework assignment

With your group, write a short speech (approx. 150–200 words) with a clear goal (e.g., to persuade, inspire, unite, or warn).

Requirements:

Use at least 2 rhetorical devices (e.g., repetition, emotional appeal, metaphor, contrast).

Choose a current social issue that matters to you (e.g., climate change, freedom, education, safety).

Start with a strong opening line.

A few students present their speeches at the end. Discuss: What makes a speech powerful or persuasive?