Malala Yousafzai's UN Speech

Definition

Malala Yousafzai's UN Speech is a powerful address delivered on July 12, 2013, advocating for global access to education, particularly for girls. In this speech, Malala uses personal experiences and appeals to emotion, credibility, and logic to highlight the importance of education and the need to fight against extremism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Malala delivered her speech on her 16th birthday, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as her 'Girl's Right to Education' speech.
2. She addressed world leaders, emphasizing that education is a fundamental right for every child and should be prioritized globally.
3. Malala's speech included her own story of surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban for advocating education for girls in Pakistan.
4. Throughout her speech, Malala utilized rhetorical devices such as repetition and anecdotes to reinforce her message and connect with her audience emotionally.
5. Her speech concluded with a call to action, urging individuals and governments to take a stand for education and speak out against injustices faced by children around the world.

Review Questions

• How does Malala Yousafzai establish her credibility in her UN speech?
  • Malala establishes her credibility by sharing her personal story of surviving a Taliban attack due to her advocacy for girls' education. By recounting her experiences, she connects with the audience on a personal level, showing her commitment to the cause. This use of ethos not only bolsters her authority as a speaker but also underscores the seriousness of the issue she addresses.
• In what ways does Malala's speech appeal to the emotions of her audience?
  • Malala's speech appeals to emotions through poignant anecdotes about the struggles faced by girls seeking education in conflict zones. She evokes sympathy by sharing stories of those who have suffered extreme consequences for their right to learn. Additionally, her passionate delivery and heartfelt calls for compassion and action resonate deeply, encouraging listeners to feel a sense of responsibility toward ensuring education for all children.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Malala Yousafzai's use of rhetorical appeals in her UN speech and their impact on the audience's response.
  • Malala Yousafzai's effective use of rhetorical appeals—ethos, pathos, and logos—greatly enhanced the impact of her UN speech. By establishing credibility through her personal narrative (ethos), evoking strong emotions about injustice (pathos), and presenting logical arguments regarding the necessity of education (logos), she inspired a global audience. The combination of these appeals not only engaged listeners but also mobilized support for educational initiatives worldwide, demonstrating how powerful rhetoric can lead to tangible change.

Related terms

Rhetoric: The art of persuasive speaking or writing, often using various techniques to influence an audience.

Activism: The policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change, especially in relation to human rights and education.

Empowerment: The process of gaining freedom and power to do what you want or to control what happens to you, often linked to social and political movements.