literary devices in steve jobs commencement speech

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Steve Jobs Stanford Speech: Pathos, Ethos and Logos

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Words: 1253 |

Published: Dec 16, 2021

Words: 1253 | Pages: 3 | 7 min read

Steve Jobs' Stanford commencement speech masterfully employs pathos as its primary rhetorical device, with occasional touches of ethos and logos, to effectively convey the message of embracing the limited time we have. Pathos, the emotional connection between speaker and audience, is the cornerstone of Jobs' speech. Through the three poignant stories he shares, Jobs allows the audience to emotionally connect with his experiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for his message. This emotional connection enhances the clarity of his message and its profound impact on the audience.

While ethos plays a supporting role, it is crucial in gaining the audience's trust and acceptance of Jobs' speech. It underpins the credibility of his message and the audience's willingness to embrace it. Logos, though sparingly used, is deliberate in its limited appearance. Excessive reliance on logic and reasoning would overshadow the core idea encapsulated in Jobs' famous words, "Stay hungry. Stay foolish."

Steve Jobs' awareness of his audience's aspirations and expectations is evident in his strategic use of rhetorical appeals. He tailors his speech to resonate directly with his audience, ensuring that the tools of rhetoric serve a specific purpose. Ultimately, Jobs successfully accomplishes his intended goal, leaving a lasting impact through his compelling and emotionally charged address.

Introduction, steve jobs commencement speech analysis, works cited.

Jobs, Steve. “2005 Stanford University Commencement Address.” Stanford News, June 12, 2005. https://news.stanford.edu/2005/06/14/jobs-061505/

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