Analysis of Rhetoric Appeals Used by Steve Jobs in His Commencement Speech

Steve Jobs is a monumental figure in today's society. He is primarily known as the original co-founder of Apple Inc., one of the largest, if not the largest, companies in existence today. Jobs is a highly successful and respected individual, which is why his speech at Stanford University during Commencement Day captured the public's attention and motivated the students of Stanford University to listen intently and take action.

Examination of Rhetorical Strategies Employed by Steve Jobs in His Graduation Speech

The aim of Steve Jobs’ speech was to inspire Stanford University students to discover their passions through engaging activities. Jobs effectively communicates his message to everyone listening by carefully structuring his speech. The rhetorical appeals in Jobs' speech are evident through his use of persuasion to draw students' attention to significant questions that can lead to life-changing experiences. He uses pathos by sharing personal stories, ethos through his credibility, and logos in the logical conclusions of his narratives.

Ethos is prominently featured when Jobs remarks, “I never graduated from college. Truth be told, this is the closest I’ve ever gotten to a college graduation” (Jobs, 2005). This statement establishes a connection with the audience by sharing his unconventional journey. The three stories Jobs includes in his speech are crafted to highlight the importance of finding and pursuing one's passions. The first story introduces pathos by mentioning child adoption, happiness, and posing the question, “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” These elements evoke emotion by revealing his personal feelings and experiences.

Jobs further supports his ideas with personal anecdotes, such as his decision to drop out of college, which led to attending a calligraphy class that influenced the typography of personal computers. He states, “If I had never dropped out, I would have never dropped in on this calligraphy class, and personal computers might not have the wonderful typography that they do” (Jobs, 2005). Additionally, he shares a deeply personal revelation: “About a year ago I was diagnosed with cancer,” illustrating both ethos and pathos by openly discussing his vulnerabilities and challenges.

Conclusion

In summary, Jobs’ primary objective in his speech is to persuade graduates to pursue what they love and focus on it. He reinforces his argument by asserting, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work” (Jobs, 2005). This sentiment is derived from Jobs' own experiences, which he shares to inspire and motivate his audience. By integrating personal stories and rhetorical appeals, Jobs delivers a powerful message that resonates with the audience and encourages them to seek fulfillment through their passions.

References

• Jobs, S. (2005). Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford Commencement Address. Stanford University.