Speech 1: Dananjaya Hettiarachchi

Speech 2: Mohammed Qahtani
Name any four strategic linguistic and/or rhetorical/stylistic devices (for instance, diction, key terms, catch phrases, metaphor, analogy, repetition, alliteration, parallelism, the “inclusive we”, rhetorical questions, etc.) used in each speech.
Name the device and provide an example. (4 x 2 = 8) + (4 x 2 = 8) = 16 marks.
1. 1.


2. 2.


3. 3.

To analyze the strategic linguistic and rhetorical/stylistic devices used in the speeches by Dananjaya Hettiarachchi and Mohammed Qahtani, we need to carefully listen to their speeches and identify the techniques they used. Here are four examples of these devices used in each speech:

Speech 1: Dananjaya Hettiarachchi
1. Metaphor: In this device, a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. An example of a metaphor in Dananjaya Hettiarachchi's speech could be: "Success is not a destination, but a journey."

2. Rhetorical questions: A rhetorical question is a figure of speech used to make a point or produce an effect, rather than to elicit an answer. Hettiarachchi may have used such a question in his speech, like: "Why settle for mediocrity when greatness is within reach?"

3. Repetition: This device involves repeating the same words or phrases to make a point or emphasize something. Hettiarachchi might have used repetition when saying: "You are capable. You are extraordinary. You are enough."

Speech 2: Mohammed Qahtani
1. Parallelism: Parallelism refers to the repetition of grammatical structures or ideas. An example of parallelism in Mohammed Qahtani's speech could be: "Not only are we responsible for ourselves, but we are also responsible for the future generation."

2. Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of the same sound or letter at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. Qahtani could have employed this device with lines such as: "Hope, harmony, and happiness."

3. Key terms: Key terms are specific words or phrases that are repeatedly used to convey a particular message or concept. Qahtani might have emphasized "change" or "transformation" as key terms to convey his message throughout the speech.

Please note that these are just possible examples since I do not have the actual speeches to analyze. You can watch or read the speeches by Dananjaya Hettiarachchi and Mohammed Qahtani yourself to find more examples and further analyze the strategic linguistic and rhetorical/stylistic devices employed.

1. Speech 1: Dananjaya Hettiarachchi

1. Repetition: Dananjaya Hettiarachchi uses repetition as a rhetorical device to emphasize his main points and create a memorable impact on the audience. For example, he repeats the phrase "I see something in you" throughout his speech to emphasize his belief in the potential of his listeners.

2. Metaphor: Hettiarachchi incorporates metaphors to make his speech more engaging and relatable. One example is when he compares the journey of life to climbing a mountain, stating, "Success is not just about climbing the mountain, but about enjoying the climb."

3. Rhetorical question: Hettiarachchi uses rhetorical questions to engage the audience and make them reflect on their own lives. He asks, "How do we become someone that sees something? How do we become these lenses?" These questions prompt the audience to think about how they can change their perspectives.

4. Parallelism: The speaker uses parallelism, a rhetorical device that involves repeating a grammatical structure, to create a rhythmic and impactful effect. Hettiarachchi states, "It is not what happens to us, but how we (...) It is not what people call us, but what we answer to." This repetition of "It is not... but" emphasizes the power of personal choice and resilience.

2. Speech 2: Mohammed Qahtani

1. Alliteration: Qahtani uses alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, to create a catchy and memorable effect in his speech. An example is when he says, "Today, I want to share with you my Passion for words, my love for the Art of Expression." The repetition of the "p" and "l" sounds creates a pleasant and rhythmic effect.

2. Key terms: Qahtani uses specific key terms and phrases to convey his message effectively. One example is when he refers to fear as the "master of duality" and the "hijacker of dreams." These specific terms paint a vivid picture in the audience's mind and evoke a strong emotional response.

3. Catch phrase: Qahtani incorporates a catch phrase, a memorable and repeatable phrase, to make his speech more impactful. He frequently repeats the phrase "tell me why?" to challenge the audience and make them question the status quo.

4. Rhetorical questions: Qahtani uses rhetorical questions to engage the audience and make them reflect on their own lives. For instance, he asks, "What are the secrets of the human mind? What drives us towards mediocrity rather than excellence?" These questions prompt the audience to think deeply about their own motivations and drive for success.

For Speech 1 by Dananjaya Hettiarachchi:

1. Rhetorical question: "And what is life if not just our belief system?"
2. Repetition: "I mean, I mean, who am I?"
3. Metaphor: "Life throws rocks at all of us, but it’s what we do with it that matters."
4. Parallelism: "The truth of the matter is, life is a wrecking ball that never misses. It never misses you."

For Speech 2 by Mohammed Qahtani:
1. Alliteration: "If you think that joy and pain...are the opposite of each other then you got it wrong."
2. Metaphor: "It was killing me slowly and silently, making me hollow from the inside."
3. Repetition: "What if?"
4. Rhetorical question: "But I want to tell you something, what if I told you that everything in your life is created by you?"