Research Proposal Caroline Lam

Research Project
What key persuasive techniques are used by influential speakers of the 20th Century? Introduction The topic I have chosen to undertake for my research project revolves around the key persuasive techniques employed in influential speeches. This topic particularly appealed to me because it will provide an interesting insight into the mechanisms behind the production and delivery of influential speeches. With a healthy interest in both analytical literature and iconic spokesmen and women of history, this topic will allow me to discover how a few words, perhaps when strung together in a specific fashion, have the ability to alter the course of history forever. Speeches I hope to analyse and dissect include ones delivered by Martin Luther King, President John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan. The scope of this question will mainly focus on the literary and delivery aspects of influential speeches. It will include what is defined as an influential speech and why it is influential. It will not however, discuss the history behind the speakers or other aspects such as what they where or how they present themselves unless it is directly related to the delivery or production of the speech. Refinement of Topic Initially, I was hoping to pursue a topic that pertained to the instinctual behavioural psychology of humans. This then led to the question why every society and community in the history of human kind has deferred to the leadership of a specific individual. I wanted to explore the machinations or traits that defined these individuals that allowed them such authority and influence over others. However, after significant consideration, I concluded that an individuals ability to influence others was strongly proportional to their ability to persuade and inspire their peers, especially in the times of revolt or political instability. Hence the formulation of my research project topic: What key persuasive techniques are used by influential speakers of the 20th Century? Research processes As the research process for this undertaking is lengthy and broad, I will begin by first formulating sub-focus questions that will allow me to effectively and thoroughly address my research topic. The schools well qualified English teachers and debating director represent potentially invaluable primary sources that will also be able to mentor and provide advice as to how to conduct or improve my research project. Along with this guidance, I have access to many secondary sources such as articles, books, websites and videos that will allow me to analyse the iconic speeches. Local political leaders and spokesmen may also be observed and interviewed to further develop an understanding of my research project as they are accustomed to presenting oral deliveries. The research process I plan to undertake will mostly consist of analysing the transcripts of the speeches and determining if there are any recurring traits, whether in the literature or delivery of the speech. The web (especially YouTube.com) will be a highly valuable resource for actual videos of the delivery of the speeches. I will then also analyse these and determine the aspects of successful and influential speech delivery.

Research Proposal Caroline Lam Ethical concerns This project may prove to be highly challenging and everyones opinion on what defines a successful speech is different. Also, the speeches themselves may only be influential due to the context in which they are delivered. For instance, speeches that are designed to strengthen and enforce morale in war times could arguably only be effective due to the then present threat of war. Also, influential speeches may be written and delivered with all the correct techniques but it may always come down to the fact that some are able to better deliver and persuade than others. The topic of the speech is also impossible to please or interest all, so the effect of the speech will always be limited by personal opinion. Capabilities The capability that I have decided upon as the relevant to this research project topic is communication. A successful speech must be able to clearly and effectively deliver a certain idea or moral to an audience. To create an influential speech however, one must achieve the aforementioned and go above and beyond. The ability to communicate and deliver a message through a speech must be highly developed and Research Outcome The planned research outcome I have most seriously considered is an influential speech of my own, comprised of the literary and delivery techniques I will have learnt. The speech may be entered in a competition and the success of the speech may be measured in terms of how well I do in the competition. Focus Questions 1. What are recurring aspects involved in the public delivery of the speech? 2. Which