SPEECH ANALYSIS

Communication Skills

SUBMITTED TO:
MA’AM BUSHRA MALIK

SUBMITTED BY:
HUSNA JAVED (2020-CH-10)
WARIAH (2020-CH-46)
 I HAVE A DREAM
BY:
MARTIN LUTHER KING Jr
Speech Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP4iY1TtS3s

Introduction:
“I have a dream” is one of the famous speeches of history by Martin Luther King Jr. It is a
passionate speech reminding the world of unspeakable and heinous crimes committed against the
Black society in America. Much of the importance of this speech is related to its historical
background, here we’ll discuss only the key lessons in communication that can be extracted from
this rhetorical masterpiece.

Verbal Communication Analysis:

 Use of allusions:
Dr. King opened the speech with these exact words, “Five score years ago”. This sentence is
a perfect example of allusion. Here he is alluding to Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address
speech while standing at Lincoln’s memorial. He has also used several biblical allusions
throughout the speech, for example:
“Every valley shall be exalted and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made
straight, and the rough places plain…”
Isaiah 40:45

 Use of metaphors:
Several contrasting metaphors are also used by Dr. King, for example:
 “joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity”
 “rise from dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial
justice”
 Use of Anaphora:
The subtle use of repetition gives a sense of importance and coherence in speech. For
example:
 “I have a dream…”
 “We can never be satisfied…”
 “One hundred years later…”

 Use of figurative language:

There are many examples of symbolism that can be found in this speech.
 “heat of oppression”
 “oasis of freedom”

 Musical and poetic influence:

We can sense a poetic influence in speech when Dr. King says:
“My country ‘tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing,
Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim’s pride,
From every mountainside, let freedom ring!”

 Engaging the audience:

The way Dr. King mentioned different states names like Alabama, Pennsylvania, and
Georgia, he’s connecting with the audience smoothly. So we should always know how to
connect with the audience effectively.

 Conciseness and articulation:

Dr. King has opted for a very descriptive but concise language for conveying his message.
He has a good sense of articulation and pronunciation.
Non-verbal communication Analysis:
 Body language:
Martin Luther King’s body language is calm and reaffirms his passion. He can be seen
standing confidently with his chin up because looking downward during a conversation
implies that the speaker lacks certainty.

 Eye contact:
He has maintained eye contact with the public throughout the speech. This behavior
highlights that he has firm faith in his beliefs.

 Voice tone:
Dr. King’s voice tone is really passionate and deep which gives an overall feel of
reassurance and hope. His voice tone varies throughout the speech. He has used both soft and
harsh tones depending upon the gravity of his message. But at all times, he has used the
volume which is appropriate with his tone.

 Speaking rate:
Speaking rate has a great significance in making a speech successful. In this speech, Dr. King
gives a pause after every word or sentence, and his speaking rate is quite natural, making it
easy for the audience to grab and comprehend the message.

 Facial expressions:
Dr. King seems quite serious and determined while delivering the speech, backing the
importance of his message.

Conclusion:
Overall this speech is one of the most powerful and memorable speeches ever made in history.
The right use of verbal and non-verbal techniques has enabled it become very influential. Thus,
not only its meaningful content is remembered widely but also the delivery of the content.