Conan O Brien is my go-to choice of late night host whenever Im in need of a laugh. Although commencement speeches are not necessarily what hes known for, his use of language as well as speech structure makes this performance in my opinion a very effective one.
Why is this speech good? Other than thoroughly enjoying this speech for the sheer comedic talent that is Conan, I looked at this speech from the perspective of the Isaacson article that we were told to read.
The evidence that corroborates his claims and makes this speech powerful mostly stems from Conans own life story. This phenomenon is noted in Isaacsons article as the resonance theory, which is the use of narratives and short stories to establish common ground with an audience. In addition, Conan is a big fan of vivid language. His extended metaphors sometimes (intentionally) get out of hand in a hilarious sort of way, but aside from the shenanigans, he illustrates time and time again with his expansive Ivy-league vocabulary that hes a masterful story-teller. Of course, there is also his top-notch use humor, which is a great way to generate empathy with the audience. Humor is a great device to build rapport with the audience, and Conan is in his natural environment when it comes to getting people to laugh. The punchlines or advice that he gives the graduating class could come across as clich or generic, but due to the evidence and well crafted structure of the speech, the phrases that would have been cheesy are instead quite profound. He also talks about his life story in a very matter-of-fact kind of way without much emotion; he lets the events and descriptions explain themselves. Ironically, I felt that this technique allowed an even better connection of empathy. Last but not least, the artistic construction and structure of this speech made it memorable. He carefully tapered the formula of his style, going from facetious and strictly funny to becoming more and more profound. It was great watching an artist at work.
How was he dressed? How was his speech structure? What vocabulary range? How was it effective?
Do not focus on the content!
(Resonance Theory) Personal life story. Use of vivid language. o Plenty of imagery of all types Obvious use of humor o Self-deprecating at times Empathy with audience Use of generic clichs in a way that is somehow effective when tied in with plenty of background information
Resonance Theory: Use of narrative or short story to establish common ground experienced by both speaker and audience
Lack or very scarce use of Emotional Appeal when talking about things that would appear to elicit much emotion
Artistic Construction of Speech (starts with almost complete nonsense, and gradually lays down the framework of actual, serious, and powerful message)
Humor (build rapport, reduces stress)
Influence of Organization Patterns of Speech (similar to Artistic Construction, carefully crafted) makes the speech very effective
How To Speak In Public - The Exercise of Power (Including Greatest Speeches and Eloquence Examples): Wit and Methods of Great Orators and Lecturers, Self-Improvement Through Public Speaking, How to Make Speeches That Will Have Effect, Debating, How to be Heard When Speaking in Public...