Example 4

A short transcript from Winston Churchill's speech 'Blood, Toil, Tears & Sweat' from May 13, 1940.

"You ask, what is our policy? I say it is to wage war by land, sea, and air. War with all our might and with all the strength God has given us, and to wage war against a monstrous tyranny never surpassed in the dark and lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy.

You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word. It is victory. Victory at all costs - Victory in spite of all terrors - Victory, however long and hard the road may be, for without victory there is no survival.

Let that be realized. No survival for the British Empire, no survival for all that the British Empire has stood for, no survival for the urge, the impulse of the ages, that mankind shall move forward toward his goal.

I take up my task in buoyancy and hope. I feel sure that our cause will not be suffered to fail among men. I feel entitled at this juncture, at this time, to claim the aid of all and to say, "Come then, let us go forward together with our united strength."

As Churchill's first speech as Prime Minister at the House of Commons during the time of the Battle of France he performed this offering hope to those who needed it and reassuring doubts that he was the right man for the job. 

The target audience for this speech will primarily have been aimed at all who had an interest in the words of Churchill. Of course, this may have not been important to adults but may also have been listened to by children and you adults so it suited to then also, of both genders. 

This speech will have been used to subtly persuade the nation that Churchill himself with ensure all is fine and that people can lay there trust in him. The speech with have mostly been to inform the nation of what their prime minister is doing to ensure the best in such circumstances. 

This speech will also have been used to exert Churchill's authority as prime minister at the time which also works persuasively once again demonstrating how suitable he is for the job in hand. 

There a key aspects of the above speech that can be picked out. Firstly, repetition of the word 'Victory' works persuasively as it is a positive physiological reminder of what outcome should be expected and also gives the listener faith in Winston Churchill.