Distinctive_Voices_-_Severn_Suzuki's_Address

Distinctive voices are those that resonate strongly with their audience and have a strong and lasting emotional impact. Distinctive voices have unique and extraordinary qualities – presenting powerful ideas and messages or an ideal vision of a world or society of the future. Distinctive voices can be seen in Severn Cullis-Suzuki’s ‘Address to the Plenary Session Earth Summit’ and Martin Luther King’s speech ‘I have a dream’. Both of these speeches challenged societal norms at the time and they both addressed problems that were actually happening, and still happen to this day. They speak about universal racism and environmental issues which are still in a primitive phase of repair. However don’t you think the damage is quite severe and is everlasting on those who experience racism or have great care for the environment' The purpose of Suzuki’s speech was to raise awareness of man kind’s treatment on the environment, how the environment has been degraded. Suzuki uses highly effective language techniques to engage her audience. The use of inclusive language unites the audience with Suzuki by using words such as ‘us’, ‘we’ and ‘our’ e.g. ‘Are we even on the list of priorities'’ Emotive language draws emotion and sympathy from the audience in favour of the goal she wants to achieve, as she is a child herself it creates pathos. Repetition emphasises and reinforces Suzuki’s point of the speech and brings upon the need for action. First person tone is used to personalise the issues that she is concerned about ‘I am here to speak on behalf of the starving children around the world, to speak for the countless animals dying across this planet because they have nowhere to go’ Have you experienced racism in your life, have you ever been bullied' Think about it for a second, how did it make you feel' How did you feel after listening to these speeches' Did they empower you to make a difference in someone’s life, in addition to your own' MLK’s “I Have a Dream” is an engaging and inspiring speech. The main purpose of the Kings speech is to challenge White Americans to extend genuine freedom to African-Americans. In doing so, he hopes to inspire African Americans to believe that such freedom is possible. MLK feels the urge to present this issue to the nation. King wants to bring them to justice, bring them to equality and give them the life they deserve with zero discrimination that will continue into future generations. “Little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as brothers and sisters”. Inclusive language is used throughout MLK’s speech to connect strongly with the audience that they may feel “apart” of his concern of the nation and share his dream as a common vision for society. ‘So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition”, “We have come to our nation’s capital to cash a cheque”, “We refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt”. Just for a minute, put yourself in their shoes, imagine you had no rights, you were treated unfairly, inhumane. Metaphorical language is continually used throughout the text. Using metaphorical language strongly engages the audience with imagery that allows them to visualise and understand the message more effectively. MLK achieves this. “Justice rolls down like waters, righteousness like a mighty stream”. King uses anaphora, by repeating the phrase, ‘I have a dream’ this reinforces what his declaring and brings upon the need for action, it therefore makes his speech a memorable one. MLK was brought up in Christian tradition. He used this to his advantage in his speech by regularly relating to the bible using specific scriptures to convey his message. Examples of biblical imagery were, “Thank God Almighty”, “The glory of the Lord shall be revealed”. This connects with the audience by suggesting that his cause is required even from a higher power. Distinctive voices are revealed in texts as unique and exceptional ideas and experiences, conveyed using highly effective language techniques. Both Severn Cullis-Suzuki’s, and Martin Luther King’s speeches strongly explores aspects of human experiences and have a powerful impact upon the responder. Each of these texts conveys challenges viewpoints and ideas for humanity’s failure. Imagine if we continued to challenge the mistakes of humanity today, what do you think we would achieve'