Analyzing Speec0H Assignment: 2008 Stanford University Commencement Speech
Abstract
Oprah gave the 2008 Stanford University commencement speech focusing on the lessons she learn from her life experiences. The lessons Oprah wanted to share with the 2008 graduating class were be true to who you are, learning from your failures, and finding happiness.
Oprah spoke about the importance of service and her life’s dedication to help less fortunate have some of the same opportunities as her and the Stanford graduates. Oprah also gave the graduates advice on how to move forward from failure and how to deal with change. Oprah’s message to the graduates was fame and fortune does not guarantee happiness; you will find happiness by remaining true to yourself and using life’s lesson to move forward.
ANALYZING THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SPEECH
Oprah started her speech by thanking the school president, faculty, parents, grandparents and Stanford graduates for allowing her to share in the “amazing day.” I thought this opening was very formal but necessary to show respect to all who were included in the graduation ceremonies. By showing respect to all audience participants, Oprah increased the possibility the audience will be attentive and receptive to her message.
Attention-Gaining Opener:
Oprah’s attention getter was sharing with the graduating class her goddaughter Kirby Bumpus, Gayle King’s daughter, was a 2008 Stanford graduate. Oprah shared it was the first time she had been allowed on the Stanford campus since her goddaughter enrolled. Oprah shared her goddaughter wanted to be known on her own merits and not as Oprah’s goddaughter. Oprah went on with more childhood stories about her goddaughter for about 10 minutes. Oprah used the technique of telling a personal story to gain the audience attention. All though the goddaughter story started off as an attention-getter; it was too long and should have been cut down.
Establishing Credibility:
In the opening of Oprah’s speech she spoke about her not being able to walk with her graduating
Oprah gave the 2008 Stanford University commencement speech focusing on the lessons she learn from her life experiences. The lessons Oprah wanted to share with the 2008 graduating class were be true to who you are, learning from your failures, and finding happiness.
Oprah spoke about the importance of service and her life’s dedication to help less fortunate have some of the same opportunities as her and the Stanford graduates. Oprah also gave the graduates advice on how to move forward from failure and how to deal with change. Oprah’s message to the graduates was fame and fortune does not guarantee happiness; you will find happiness by remaining true to yourself and using life’s lesson to move forward.
ANALYZING THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SPEECH
Oprah started her speech by thanking the school president, faculty, parents, grandparents and Stanford graduates for allowing her to share in the “amazing day.” I thought this opening was very formal but necessary to show respect to all who were included in the graduation ceremonies. By showing respect to all audience participants, Oprah increased the possibility the audience will be attentive and receptive to her message.
Attention-Gaining Opener:
Oprah’s attention getter was sharing with the graduating class her goddaughter Kirby Bumpus, Gayle King’s daughter, was a 2008 Stanford graduate. Oprah shared it was the first time she had been allowed on the Stanford campus since her goddaughter enrolled. Oprah shared her goddaughter wanted to be known on her own merits and not as Oprah’s goddaughter. Oprah went on with more childhood stories about her goddaughter for about 10 minutes. Oprah used the technique of telling a personal story to gain the audience attention. All though the goddaughter story started off as an attention-getter; it was too long and should have been cut down.
Establishing Credibility:
In the opening of Oprah’s speech she spoke about her not being able to walk with her graduating
References: "Oprah talks to graduates about feelings, failure and finding happiness." Oprah talks to graduates about feelings, failure and finding happiness. 15 June 2008. Stanford University News. 19 May 2012 . "Stanford University: 2008 Commencement given by Oprah Winfrey." YouTube. 15 June 2008. YouTube. 19 May 2012 .