Steve Jobs Speech Rhetorical Analysis

Shelbi Neidler
Professor Emilie Zickel
English 100
8 November 2013
The Successor That Once Failed Steve Jobs did not fit the norm of being a college graduate when speaking at a college graduation. On June 12th, 2005, Jobs presented “Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford Commencement Address.” Jobs completed only six months of college before deciding that he was unsure how college would help his future, but he audited classes for another 18 months. Jobs is a renowned CEO, but he did not earn this position easily. Throughout Jobs’ speech, he discusses several unknown, personal experiences. Jobs makes a connection with the audience by telling three intimate stories, discussing failure, and using simplistic sentence structure and words. Jobs is chosen
Throughout Jobs’ three stories, he discusses different failures. Jobs is well-known for his success and achievements, but many do not know his journey. Jobs discusses failure at a college commencement to promote success and to teach that failure is not always a dead end. Jobs is also preparing the college graduates for their road ahead; if they follow their hearts, they will succeed. Jobs states that “Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick” (Jobs). By this, Jobs is saying that sometimes people need a reality check. While discussing failure, Jobs uses pathos. Failure is an emotional topic that no one wants to face. Failing before succeeding will only push one to work harder. Sometimes one must fail in order to succeed. Jobs’ strategy of discussing failure helps to achieve his goal of promoting success by giving the entire audience a sense of hope for their futures. Jobs’ stories of failure do not only apply to the graduates, but the entire
Jobs’ speech is directed toward the Stanford Class of 2005, but has relevance to anyone. Because Jobs is a popular public figure, his speech was publicized. The stories and life experiences he shares during his speech can be understood by age because of the simple words and sentence structures Jobs uses. For example, Jobs offers advice such as “Don 't let the noise of others ' opinions drown out your own inner voice” (Jobs). Jobs offers this advice using very simple words. This is one of Jobs’ strategies because he knew that there were going to cameras, parents, professors, administration, and the public eye watching and listening to his speech. His speech is appropriate for all ages because it is written for those with the lowest levels of education. For example, most newspapers and magazines are written at a basic reading level and that is how this speech is written. Jobs receives positive feedback because everyone can understand his simplistic language and purpose. The strategy of using simplistic words helps Jobs achieve his goal of connecting with the audience by allowing them to easily comprehend what he is saying. Jobs’ goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of the public by simply telling them personal stories of failure that did not stop