Patrick Henry

Speech in the Virginia Convention

Learn to appreciate oratory Understand persuasive techniques Identify parallelism in literature Create a written persuasive speech using the

persuasive techniques of Patrick Henry

Lesson Objectives

BiographyThe life of Patrick Henry

Patrick Henry

View Patrick Henry's Profile on Biography.com!

Watch the full video online.

Charged words are words with strong connotations beyond their literal meaning that are likely to produce an emotional response.

Tyranny evokes a feeling of fear, suggests living in terror

Liberty suggests an ideal life characterized by freedom

Justice can be associated with freedom and equality

Honor evokes a sense of morality and dignity

Charged Words

Oratory

A form of public speaking A qualified speaker Contents of speech are emphasized by:

Rhetorical questionsRestatementRepetitionParallelismExclamation

Rhetorical question

Rhetorical questions are the questions the speaker asks the audience. Even though nothing is answered orally, the audience internalizes the answer.

Restatement is stating the same idea in different words.

Restatement

Repetition is repeating the exact same words over again.

Repetition

Parallelism refers to the repeated use of phrases, clauses, or sentences that are similar in structure or meaning. Writers use this technique to emphasize important ideas, create rhythm, and make their writing more forceful and direct.

Parallelism

Exclamation

Also used in some speeches is the use of the exclamation (highly emotional or provocative statements).

Things to listen for: Charged words Rhetorical questions Restatement Repetition Parallelism Exclamation

How does he meet the qualifications for a persuasive speaker?

Patrick Henry’s Speech

Faulty Parallelism“For my own part, whatever anguish of spirit it

my cost, I am willing to know the whole truth: to know the worst and I will provide for it.”

Effective Parallelism“For my own part, whatever anguish of spirit it

may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

Understanding Parallelism

Are we disposed to be of the number of those who having eyes see not, and having ears hear not?

Ask yourself how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land.

Identifying Parallel Structure

If we wish to be free, if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges. . .,if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged…,we must fight!

Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded.

Identifying Parallel Structure(continued)

Why does Patrick Henry begin his speech with this statement:

“With all due respect, I have a different opinion”?

Constructed Response Question

Assignment: Your are going to write a rebuttal to Patrick Henry’s speech, taking the side of a British supporter.

1. fill out the graphic organizer.2. create a one-word noun outline.3. your essay must have one example of each of

the following persuasive devices: parallelism, rhetorical question, restatement, repetition, and exclamation.

4. write and edit a rough draft5. write a final draft6. read the final draft in front of the class

Persuasive Essay

Persuasive Essay Graphic OrganizerStatement to be argued

Pros Cons

Conclusion

Scoring Guide• The paper has a clear introduction, body, and

conclusion.• It contains a strong controlling idea.• It clearly addresses the topic and uses the

persuasive devices adequately.• The language is precise and vivid.• Sentences are strong,, have clarity and are varied in

structure.• Effective use of literary and stylistic techniques.• Writer is in control of task and clearly demonstrates

a focused awareness of both audience and purpose.• There are very few errors in grammar/usage,

punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.