Can you help me create a persuasive speech based on one character’s (David Copperfield) important decision in; The Personal History of David Copperfield.
In response to a social or ethical issue in the film, you will persuade an audience of the ‘Bellbird Book Club’ that the decision either can or cannot be justified, and why you feel this way.
Language features - eg ethos, pathos, logos, hyperbole, connotation, tricolon, call to action, figurative language etc
Grammar - eg simple, complex, and compound sentences, tense, variety of sentence styles
Verbal techniques voice tone, pitch, pace, volume, pause
Non-verbal techniques stance, expression, and gesture for specific effects
Effective meeting the assigned purpose in an efficient manner to produce a desired or intended result
Purposeful done by design; focused and clearly linked to the goals of the task
Answer (1)
Hello everyone,Today, I want to talk about an important decision made by David Copperfield in The Personal History of David Copperfield. In the film, David decides to leave his difficult past behind and follow his dream of becoming a writer, even though this choice means facing uncertainty and hardship. I believe this decision can be strongly justified, and I want to explain why.First, David’s choice shows great courage. He could have stayed safe and comfortable, but he chooses to face challenges because he believes in his dream. This reminds me of how sometimes in life, we have to take risks to grow and become better people. His decision carries a strong emotional appeal, showing us that hope and determination can guide us through tough times. This is an example of pathos—it makes us feel inspired and connected to David’s struggle.Also, David’s decision is logical. He knows that staying stuck in an unhappy situation won’t bring him fulfillment. By choosing to pursue his passion, he opens a new door for himself. This appeals to logos, because it is a sensible choice based on what he wants in life, not just what is easy or safe.Moreover, his choice reflects good ethics, or ethos. He decides to live honestly and work hard rather than take shortcuts or rely on others to solve his problems. This shows he values integrity and self-respect, which are important values for all of us.Some people might say David is being too naive or reckless. They might think he should have stayed in a secure job. But I believe his decision is justified because life is not just about safety; it’s about happiness and purpose too. His adventure teaches us a powerful lesson: following your dreams, even if it is hard, can lead to true fulfillment.In closing, I want to encourage all of us in the Bellbird Book Club to think about our own dreams and choices. Like David, maybe we need courage and faith to pursue what matters most. It is a decision full of heart and logic, and that is why I believe David’s important choice really can be justified.Thank you. Here are some short persuasive tips for using voice tone and gestures:Use a confident and passionate tone to show you believe in what you say. Vary your pitch—raise it slightly to show excitement and lower it for serious points. Speak at a pace that lets your audience absorb important ideas, and pause before key statements to make them stand out.Use gestures like open hands to show honesty and connection. Stand tall with relaxed shoulders to appear confident. Smile or use facial expressions to show emotion, and make eye contact to keep your audience engaged[tex].[/tex]
