Experiential Learning #2

Critique on Malcolm X: “The Ballot or the Bullet”
Read from: http://www.americanrhetoric.com/index.htm

Let me start off by saying that this was a purely persuasive speech that I very much enjoyed. It seemed to affect me on a personal level so this is what makes me believe that it is a persuasive speech. I evaluated the speech based on its message, structure, and its similarities to the class content being: speech evaluation, ability to listen effectively, and communication anxiety.

This speech was delivered by Malcolm X on April 12, 1964 in Detroit, Michigan. The purpose of the speech was to discuss the political and economic philosophy of Black Nationalism. He also talked about the suffering of political oppression, economic situation, and social degradation by African Americans. The message was effective through Malcolm X using plenty of examples to further relate the message to his audience. For example, he used Cassius Clay, also known as Muhammad Ali as an example stating that only by swinging did he receive the title of World Champion rather than singing. His point was that the civil rights movement was going nowhere unless further action was taken to change the plight of African Americans. He was disputing the fact that the civil rights movement was based on non-violent actions rather than gaining freedom at any price. This is where the title “The Ballot or the Bullet” came into play. He was expressing the fact that there should be freedom for everybody or freedom for nobody.

In terms of the structure of the speech, he began by making the point that religion should play no part in the struggle because it would only lead to arguments and more separation rather than coming together to reach a common goal, and that was his introduction. He followed with Black Nationalism being a self-help philosophy and followed with yet another example of how African Americans are trapped in their current situation. Afterwards he discussed how the protest needs to be more forceful, Cassius Clay example, how the structure of the government plays an influence on the situation of African Americans, and why it’s the year of “The Ballot or the Bullet” and how this it is now considered a revolution. I also picked up on the fact that he was committed to the subject at hand and really wanted to help make a difference in the situation. His speech also had a clear purpose that was becoming more and more evident throughout the speech. The topic was fresh. It was one that was on the minds of every individual in his audience and he keep it fresh with this examples and by relating it to everybody; and even though the topic appealed to the audiences senses, he made it clear that he was not trying to please them, therefore it was also ethical because it demonstrated the respect for the audience and provided responsible knowledge. It also provided concern for the consequences of receiving the message, which according to the speech should be taken in stride and without concern. These are the things that helped me evaluate the speech effectively.

In terms of listening effectively, I was able to listen critically, appreciatively, and constructively. First off I was trying to both analyze and evaluate the message of the speech. I found that the message had many points to back it up and in total it was very persuasive to reach the goal. When listening appreciatively I found that I was actually enjoying the speech, I wasn’t just listening to it because I was trying to evaluate it, I begin to take interest in what he was saying. It was very inspirational and contained lively, vivid language. Lastly, I was listening constructively, though I felt the value of the message was not hard to detect.

My final point realizes that Malcolm X showed no sign of communication anxiety. Given the fact that I was not able to evaluate his body language because I was listening and reading the speech rather than watching it; I was able to notice that there seemed to be absolutely no sign of stage fright in his voice. He consistently used plenty of variation in his speech which was evident in his voice, such as loudness and rate change. This indicated to me that he was completely comfortable in his surroundings and if that wasn’t the case, then he certainly did a great job disguising the fact.

In conclusion, in addition to the speech affecting me on a personal level its purpose, structure and overall evaluation helped suggest that this speech was very effective and was indeed able to express its message to its audience.

Source:
Osborn, Suzanne. and Osborn, Michael. Public Speaking. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006.