A great speech has the power to provoke thought and stir emotion despite having been delivered in a different

social and historical context. Aristotle once wrote that it is simplicity that makes the uneducated more effective than the educated when addressing popular audiences. Aristotle like many others knew that the spoken word is the most powerful form of communication because the simple, yet effective use of rhetorical language ensures that speakers themes, ideas and values are easily translated to a large audience. This is what allows great speeches such as Margaret Atwoods 1994 speech spotty-handed villainesses, and Paul Keatings 1993 funeral service of the unknown Australian solider, to have the power to provoke thought and stir emotion despite being delivered in a different social and historical context. Margaret Atwood is a feminist writer and is known for her influence she served during the feminist movement in the 1960s. She protested against the oppression of women, and pushes for equal rights in all aspects of life. Atwoods Spotty-handed Villainesses is a casual & entertaining speech that takes us on a journey, of Western Literature, with the topical issues of Feminism & the idea of literature reflecting reality. Atwood explores the changing role of women in society through a study of significant female literary characters. She plays close attention to the fictional character of Lady Macbeth, whom the very title of the speech refers to. The notion of spots which are synonymous with lady Macbeth to not only entertain her audience but to also emphasise the roots of her argument, that it is wrong to deny female characters the right to be evil as it not an accurate reflection of society, for in society there exists both good and evil women. The murderers, the seducers, the cheats, the bad mother By visiting easily recognisable stereotypes, Atwoods audience is able to acknowledge her argument & appreciate its intellectual & artistic qualities due to the execution of rhetorical technique. Atwoods speech is suitable to a contemporary audience as the role of women in society is still a relevant issue, and has not lost its enduring power to persuade people and invoke emotion. Paul Keatings speech the funeral service of the unknown Australian solider was aimed to commemorate and reflect on the selfless sacrifice made by the thousands of unknown Australian soldiers who have died during the war, and value to what we have at the present freedom. Keating presents a memorable belief about war and peace in his speech, as his intentions is not to glorify war over peace, however prefers to emphasise the brutal realities of war being a waste of human life cause by political incompetence. He studies what Australia has lost and gained as a result of war carefully, focusing on the ordinary Australians who fought. His repeated use of statistics such as the 45, 000 Australians who died, gives Keating a sense of authority as a speaker, highlighting Australias loss and to guarantee his audience remembers the price Australia has paid as a result of wars and by suggesting, the importance of peace and remembrance. However Keating also examines what Australia has gained as a result of the wars, a national identity and international legend that we should all be proud to belong to. He creates a personal tone by using the inclusive

language such as we or us throughout his speech; this stirs the audiences patriotism and creates unity as a nation through shared remembrance and values, reinforcing the key theme of Australian identity. This speech was, and is, considered to be one of the greatest speeches delivered in Australia. This is mainly because it recognises and commemorates the great contribution of Australians while still maintaining war as something that should be avoided in every circumstance. Like Atwoods speech, it is, and will be valued to its contemporary audience as the value of peace is reminded, and that freedom from conflicts is a highly valued prize. Whats more it resonates nationally in the ANZAC spirit which will and forever remains. Margaret Atwoods 1994 speech spotty-handed villainesses, and Paul Keatings 1993 funeral service of the unknown Australian solider, both demonstrate that the passion of the speaker comes not only from their ideas, but also in the way they craft and deliver their speech. Therefore, it is the representation of deeply held views and the ability of the speaker to manipulate language so that it recreates their passion to resonate with and captivate the audience.