Normalcy Never Again Speech Analysis

The iconic speech “I have a Dream”, originally named “Normalcy, Never Again”, is dubbed to be one of the greatest speech of all time. It was expertly delivered by civil rights activist Dr Martin Luther King, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. The speech was delivered during the March on Washington on the 28th of August, 1963. Dr King urgently called for the end of discrimination and racial prejudice between the Americans with different colour. He delivered his speech with finesse, inspiring and persuading his audience through the use of written, audio codes and body language. The written techniques Dr King utilized were repetition and metaphor and in addition, audio codes, which were volume and pace.

To begin with, Dr Martin Luther King influenced his audience through the use of written techniques. A written technique applied in the speech is repetition, which is the restatement of words or phrases.

Body language are non-verbal signals or movements such as the posture and gestures of the person delivering the speech. Intentional body language is used to reinforce the central idea of the author as certain body languages are associated with different thoughts or emotions. An example of body language displayed by Dr King is when he recites, “Let freedom ring” and clenches his fist tightly. This gesture symbolises the urgency of his points, in addition to being associated with determination and signifies defiance. The gesture reveals Dr King’s passion and dedication to the cause. In the end of his speech, Dr King outstretched his arm with an open palm while he cried out, “Free at last” inviting all men, disregarding denomination or colour. This gesture signifies the acceptance of all Americans including white Americans to his movement. Through the application of body language, the audience is reassured that the Dr King and his message is legitimate and