Literary Nonfiction (Speeches)

What type of writing tells about real people, places and events?

NONFICTION There are different types of nonfiction, BUT LITERARY NONFICTIO N. we are learning about LITERARY NONFICTIO N.

LITERARY NONFICTION Nonfiction that reads like fiction and includes literary devices. (such as figurative language) The difference is that it didn’t come from the writer’s imagination. It’s real information.

SPEECHES What is a speech?

SPEECH Type of literary nonfiction Meant to be delivered to an audience. It’s a kind of formal talk about a subject Can you think of examples of speeches you have heard or seen?

Speeches are written for an audience. Good speeches are carefully written to engage the crowd. They are well thought out and prepared for the audience.

We are going to analyze speeches. There are 4 steps in this process.

1. Identify the topic A speech can focus on any topic. The title often tells the subject. Figure out what it’s about before you begin reading or listening to it.

2. Determine the writer or speaker’s viewpoint The writer or speaker’s viewpoint is his or her perspective on the topic. It’s how they feel about it.

EXAMPLES: Speech to inform- speaker talks to a group of students about staying in school Speech to persuade- during the Presidential elections, when the candidate talks to a groups of people Speech to entertain or congratulate- when someone makes a speech at a wedding

3. Determine the writer’s (speaker) purpose for the speech Why did they write it? It could be to inform, or it could be to persuade the audience to do something or feel a certain way. It may be to simply entertain or to congratulate

4. Determine the audience and the occasion The audience is the group of people to whom the speech is being delivered. The occasion is the event. For example, if a speaker is talking to Collins students about staying in school--- Audience = 8 th graders Occasion = assembly for motivation

What do you think is most likely to be the purpose of a short speech give at a wedding dinner? What do you think is most likely to be the purpose of a short speech give at a wedding dinner?

You must also analyze the word choices and literary techniques the writer used Words can be formal or informal. They can create a serious tone or light hearted tone. Speakers must choose words carefully to match their AUDIENCE, OCCASION, and PURPOSE. HOW? THEY USE LITERARY DEVICES

PARALLELISM the deliberate repetition of similar or identical words and phrases in neighboring lines, sentences or paragraphs I like to read books over watching movies. I like reading books over watching movies. This car is not only fast but also it is safe to drive. This car is not only fast but also safe.

Example of parallelism in speech We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender…………. Winston Churchill

allusion When a writer references a place, person, or something that happened It’s kind of like déjà vu…it will seem like you have heard it before Look at an example:

My mom became a Scrooge because my room wasn’t clean. Interpret (where does it come from) A Christmas Carol movie Explain (what does it mean) It means my mom was in a bad mood.

EPIGRAPH short witty phrase, quotation, or poem that is set at the beginning of literary work “ I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read on the train.” – Oscar Wilde

Aphorism A statement that expresses a general truth or a moral principle Example- “Truth is a funny thing; you never really know if you can trust someone, until you find out you can’t.

repetition The act of repeating the same word or phrase A horse is a horse, of course, of course, And no one can talk to a horse of course That is, of course, unless the horse is the famous Mister Ed

Figurative language use of words that go beyond their ordinary meaning. It requires you to use your imagination to figure out the author's meaning. For example, if someone tells you that it is raining cats and dogs, you know that there are not actually cats and dogs falling from the sky. You know it really means that it is raining very hard.

EXAMPLES Imagery Simile Metaphor Alliteration Personification Onomatopoeia Hyperbole Idioms