Introduction
Effective public speaking involves good communication, well-chosen words, and engaging the audience. Public speaking is a valuable skill that benefits any field of activity, and it also helps convey one’s thoughts clearly and effectively at all levels of communication. Steve Jobs’ commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005 is considered one of the most powerful and inspiring speeches in modern history. This analysis will examine how Jobs’ speech incorporates five fundamental rhetorical techniques.
Invention: Personal Narrative
Jobs’s speech is a prime example of many that exist, demonstrating the importance of understanding audience interaction possibilities and presenting information effectively. The first canon of rhetoric, Invention, involves the development of persuasive arguments (Jaffe 8). Using an emotional component, Jobs developed his own speech through jokes and personal stories, while maintaining the attention of his listeners and evoking only positive emotions with his words. He begins his speech by recounting his adoption, a poignant and relatable experience that humanizes him (Stanford University 3). He recounts how his biological mother, a young, unmarried graduate student, decided to give him up for adoption, stressing that she insisted on college-educated adoptive parents.
In his address, Jobs shares the story of his early life, explaining that his biological mother, a young and unmarried graduate student, decided to put him up for adoption. She had a strong belief that he should be adopted by parents who were college graduates, and plans were made for his adoption by a lawyer and his wife. This personal anecdote serves the purpose of making the speaker relatable to the audience while also highlighting the importance of embracing life’s uncertainties and opportunities, especially for students.
Arrangement: Structured Storytelling
The second canon, Arrangement, is about the organization of the speech. Jobs’ speech is exceptionally well-structured, adhering to the classical model of introduction, body, and conclusion. He employs a chronological approach to tell his life story, starting with his early days, including his decision to drop out of college, and culminating with his battle with cancer. This chronological arrangement creates a sense of progression and growth, allowing the audience to follow his transformative journey, and, for example, setting the stage for the pivotal moment of being fired from Apple. This arrangement provides a logical flow to his narrative, allowing the audience to grasp the significance of each phase in his life.
Style: Simplicity
Style, another essential part of public speaking, refers to the language and manner of expression used in a speech. Jobs adheres to a conversational style, using simple language and interesting jokes, which allows his speech to be light and creates a kind of rapport with his listeners. This style is a hallmark of his communication, ensuring that complex ideas are conveyed in a way that resonates with diverse audiences (Jaffe 15).
For example, when discussing his decision to drop out of college in his speech, Jobs employs straightforward language to recount his decision. He shares that he made this choice with the belief that things would ultimately work out. He acknowledges that, at the time, it was pretty daunting, but in hindsight, he considers it one of the most pivotal and beneficial decisions he ever made (Stanford University 14). This way of expressing an opinion allows you to build easy communication and even connect with many people during your speech.
Memory: Voice
Memory, the fourth canon, deals with the memorization and delivery of the speech. Jobs, known for his mastery of presentation, delivers his speech with confidence and clarity. What sets him apart is his ability to speak from the heart, eschewing the use of notes. This authenticity adds depth and sincerity to his message, making it more relatable and impactful.
In the section where Jobs discusses his contemplation of mortality, he connects with the audience on an emotional level. He reveals that the idea of facing his own mortality had a profound impact on him. For the past 33 years, he has made it a daily practice to look in the mirror each morning and ask himself whether, if that were his last day, he would want to engage in the activities he had planned for that day (Stanford University, 24). This authentic delivery, void of artificiality, enhances the emotional resonance of his words.
Delivery: Pauses and Presence
The fifth canon, Delivery, pertains to the use of voice, gestures, and body language. Jobs’ delivery is compelling, characterized by his effective use of pauses for emphasis. He engages the audience with his body language, maintains eye contact, and exudes a magnetic presence (Jaffe 10). Jobs underscores the importance of his message by employing a deliberate pause immediately before delivering the iconic phrase: “Stay hungry, stay foolish.” This well-timed pause adds gravitas to his words, offering the audience a moment to contemplate the profound significance of his message. His charismatic delivery captures and maintains the audience’s attention, reinforcing the importance of his message.
Conclusion
Steve Jobs’ 2005 Commencement Address to Stanford University stands as a testament to the power of effective public speaking. By incorporating Jaffe’s “5 Canons of Rhetoric,” Jobs crafts a speech that is persuasive, well-organized, relatable, authentic, and captivating (Jaffe 13). His use of personal narratives, structured storytelling, simplicity in style, authentic delivery, and impactful pauses contributes to the enduring impact of his speech. Jobs’ address is a masterclass in effective communication, reminding us that the art of rhetoric can be a powerful tool for inspiring, motivating, and connecting with an audience.
Work Cited
Jaffe, Clella. Public speaking: Concepts and skills for a diverse society. Cengage Learning, 2016.
Stanford University. “You’ve Got to Find What You Love,” Jobs Says.” Stanford News, 2005.