1. Speech in the Virginia Convention
Patrick Henry

2. In 1765, Patrick Henry was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses
In 1765, Patrick Henry was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses. Shortly after his election, he delivered one of his most powerful speeches in opposition to the Stamp Act. In 1775, Henry delivered his most famous speech at the Virginia Provincial Convention Boldly urging armed resistance To England.
In the years that followed, Henry continued to be an important political leader, serving as governor of Virginia And member of the Virginia General Assembly.
Bio: Example

3. could move His listeners to anger, fear, or laughter
Historical perspective: Example
It was said
that Patrick Henry
could move His listeners to
anger, fear, or laughter
More easily than the most talented actor.
Remembered most for
his fiery battle cry—
“Give me Liberty or Give me death!”
—Henry is considered to be
the most powerful orator
of the
American Revolution.

4. Patrick Henry helped to Inspire Colonists to unite in an effort to win
Impact: Example
Patrick Henry helped to
Inspire Colonists to unite
in an effort to win
their independence from
Great Britain.
His speech had a powerful
impact on the audience,
feeding the Revolutionary spirit that led to the signing
of the
Declaration of Independence.

5. Theme: Example
“For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery.”

6. “different men often see the same subject in different lights...
Main/key Points: Example
“different men often see the same subject
in different lights...
Should I keep back my opinions at such a time,
through fear of Giving offense,
I should consider myself as guilty of treason
Toward my country,
and an act of disloyalty toward
the Majesty Of Heaven.”
Patrick Henry thought that it was his duty to speak his
Honest feelings concerning the tyrannical British rule.

7. “They tell us, sir, that we are weak-unable
Speech segment: Example
“They tell us, sir, that we are weak-unable
to cope with so formidable an adversary.
But when shall we be stronger? Will it be
next week, or the next year? Will it be
when we are totally disarmed, and when a
British guard shall be stationed in every
house? Shall we gather strength by
irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire
the means of effectual resistance by lying
supinely on our backs and hugging the
delusive phantom of hope until our
enemies shall have bound us hand and
foot? Sir, we are not weak, if we make
proper use of those means which the God of
nature hath placed in our power.”

8. Poster: Example
Patrick Henry
Give me Liberty or
Give me Death!”

9. Bonus: Rhetorical Devices - Examples
1.) Parallelism: “We have petitioned; we have remonstrated;
we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne…”
2.) Antithesis: “…I consider it as nothing less than a question of
freedom or slavery.”