Wrote this for one of my sacs... according to my teacher, it's my worst piece yet.
I thought it was a decent piece... (not a masterpiece, but not my worst either)
What do you think?
It's short because the word limit was 600 words.
Written in class without prior exposure to the prompt.
Statement of Intention
A persuasive speech was written in response to the prompt “During times of extreme conflict we realise the depths of our greatness”. It is to be delivered as a motivational speech to young female adults in order to inspire them. It aims to show these young adults the potential they possess and the impact that is possible. Due to the age range of the intended audience, as well as the nature of the persuasive piece, many emotive or dramaticised words have been utilised throughout the speech. This allows the female audience, who are stereotypically prone to emotional appeals, to build an emotional connection with the examples, inviting them to agree with the power of their own abilities.
A connection is also established as the listeners are allowed to revisit the memory of a well-known and hugely publicised movie- Andrew Stanton’s film, ‘Finding Nemo’. This reference draws on parallels to the set text of Bruce Beresford’s ‘Paradise Road’ as the women, like the main character, Nemo, were forcibly removed from their homes and thrown into an unknown, life-threatening situation. Both of their journeys are of survival while forming new relationships and holding onto hope of returning home.
Another link is made as the acclaimed Erin Brockavich is shown as an inspiration. It reminds the young women of the possibility of triumph from the underdog as Brockavich gave hope to the small town of Hurley, California. This is much alike how Margaret Drummond and Adrienne Pargiter of ‘Paradise Road’ gave hope to the other prisoners when all seemed hopeless.
The impact of one person, who had previously done no such things, is also illuminated as symmetry to Susan McCarthy’s transformation into an influential woman. The voice orchestra had united all the prisoners, relating to the formation of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) which aims for a better future. The orchestra gave the prisoners a cause, as does the AYCC. The capacitance of the determination in the women of ‘Paradise Road’, paralleled to other examples, show the audience their power to induce change.
Context Piece- Persuasive Speech
You have the power. Empty words, perhaps. Or perhaps the beginning of your journey. Within each and every one of you lies a great majestic entity; that is, the human spirit. This bright light can shine the way when you feel lost. It grows brighter and brighter and dances more joyfully amongst the darkness as your own determination grows.
When we encounter situations unknown to our first-world luxuries, we are allowed two choices; to give up or to try. The first option we cannot afford, yet the second option seems too difficult at times. Such a situation is timelessly portrayed in Andrew Stanton’s film, ‘Finding Nemo’, where undermined and scared Nemo finds himself ripped away from home and plunged into the artificial fish tank. Facing death and fear, the question for him became: Are you up to the challenge? Nemo’s small demeanour did not deter him as the young fish risked his life to save his friends. He overcame his fear and stepped up to the plate.
Adrienne Pargiter, of Bruce Beresford’s ‘Paradise Road’, is also a great being who rose above her circumstances. Captured and enslaved in a World War Two prisoner of war camp, hope was deteriorating amongst the prisoners. But one idea, one plan, brought back a little of the captives’ faith in their survival. With the initiation of her rebellious and dangerous adventure, the voice orchestra was established. Even as all her rights were forcibly stripped from her, Adrienne still had the power to instil in others an essential element of life; the ambition required to proceed forwards and live.
In fact, we’ve seen examples of these influential women since our childhood. Only, we called them superheroes. A present-day superhero is the famous Erin Brockavich. Despite her lack of a law degree, this modern Wonderwoman found in herself the ability to break through the looming threat from the big manufacturing company and find justice for the citizens of the small town. The impact of one person can only be denied in one’s own thinking. The true extent of your capabilities can only be revealed in times of crises. For it is within these times that we, ordinary people, are required to step up in extraordinary ways.
Our constant protesting of an injustice marvels in the never-ending perseverance of human beings. The remarkable passion within Beresford’s character, Australia Susan McCarthy, illuminated her inner strength. She transforms from the “shyest little thing” into a person confident enough to detest arrogant Mrs. Tippler’s opinion and confront her captors in order to save the life of her friend.
If you think that their efforts are useless, try trapping yourself in a room with a mosquito. We are never too small, or too big, to make an impact. Opposing the Australian government’s inaction over climate change, over 84,000 young Australians united, forming the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC). Together, they aim to repower Australia and publicly pressure parliamentarians into changing Australia’s climate change policies. Right now they have the support of all six State Governments of Australia and only have the Federal Government remaining.
This flame of determination, persistence and courage shines at its brightest in the most dire of situations; when we must call upon it for hope of change. The first part of change lies in you and your actions. So now it’s your choice- what do you want these words to mean to you? You have the power.
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