Introduction: Rhetorical Analysis of Commencement Speech of Bernard Harris
The delivery of the Commencement Speech of Bernard Harris at Worcester Polytechnic Institute was a historic moment is akin to his achievements in space exploration, particularly his spacewalking. It is a rare occurrence for a figure who has made history to visit an institute and candidly reflect on his career. Even more uncommon is the journey of an African-American, often perceived as having limited access to technical education, to achieve the heights that Bernard Harris reached in his lifetime. The Commencement Speech not only imparts lessons from his career but also encapsulates the essence of his hard work, self-assessment, and an evaluation of his capabilities. In doing so, he emphasizes the boundless potential within every individual. Bernard Harris is attuned to his audience and the purpose of his speech, evident in his adept use of ethos, logos, and pathos. Additionally, he employs rhetorical devices like repetition and rhetorical questions to effectively persuade the students regarding his argument on the infinite abilities of humanity.
Delivery of Commencement Speech of Bernard Harris
Bernard Harris delivered this Commencement Speech to the graduates of Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 2015, a group of students specializing in technical education. Harris, being an astronaut with NASA and possessing a technical educational background, was well-suited for this audience. In his commencement address, he shares life lessons centered on the belief that “there is no limit to human ingenuity” and that individuals are “infinite beings with infinite possibilities” (1). Drawing from his personal journey and the passion driving his career, Harris emphasizes that failure should be seen not as an obstacle but as an opportunity to reassess one’s capabilities. He advises students not to be disheartened by initial failures but rather to use them as a means of refining their skills.
Harris provides vivid descriptions of his experiences, including his journey to the moon and the challenges faced, such as encountering 3.5G force during a six-minute travel. He shares an anecdote about guiding engineers to design leg straps that could withstand the forces of space travel. The speech concludes on an empowering note, urging students to embrace their capabilities and encouraging them to echo his message of “infinite abilities” for all human beings (9). Harris’s deliberate use of his authority and expertise in the field, known as ethos, illustrates his awareness of both his audience and the purpose behind addressing them.
Classical Rhetoric in Commencement Speech of Bernard Harris
Bernard Harris effectively employs the classical rhetorical term ethos in his speech, leveraging his character and personal experience as an authority to persuade his audience. As a career astronaut and space-walker, he stands as a credible source to share insights on becoming astronauts or engineers. Harris, possessing both scientific knowledge and first-hand experience, imparts valuable lessons and emphasizes his intent to share his journey, stating, “I want to share that with you, but also some lessons that I’ve learned along the way” (2).
Acknowledging his own capabilities, Harris reflects on his talents discovered during his journey, stating, “I also during that period discovered my talents” (4). He candidly discusses his background as an African-American, highlighting the challenges he faced, his diligent efforts, and eventual success following a setback in his initial NASA interview. By weaving these personal narratives into his speech, Harris strengthens his argument, emphasizing the importance of relying on one’s abilities. Moreover, Harris skillfully incorporates logos, adding another layer to his persuasive approach.
Logos in Commencement Speech of Bernard Harris
Bernard Harris adeptly utilizes logos, the appeal to logic or reason, in his speech. As an authority in space studies and programs, Harris provides detailed narratives about his selection process and the valuable lessons he gained. Incorporating relevant statistics and data, he reinforces his technical expertise, stating, “I finished Mayo Clinic and I ended up at NASA Ames Research Center” (5). Additionally, he shares specifics about the speed of the spaceship, the experienced G force, and the weight of the suit during travel, adding factual details that enhance the overall argument of relying on one’s abilities.
While logos plays a significant role in bolstering his credibility, Harris recognizes the importance of emotional appeal, or pathos, in making his speech impactful. Balancing these elements contributes to a persuasive and engaging delivery that resonates with the audience.
Pathos in Commencement Speech of Bernard Harris
Bernard Harris effectively employs pathos, the appeal to emotions, by sharing his personal journey as an individual from a modest background, emphasizing his identity as an African-American. Throughout his speech, he articulates the emotional highs and lows he experienced, creating a connection with the audience. When faced with failure in the initial NASA interview, he openly expresses his emotional response, highlighting vulnerability and resilience. His recounting of personal struggles and triumphs serves to evoke empathy and a shared sense of emotional experience.
Moreover, Harris integrates rhetorical devices such as repetition and rhetorical questions, enhancing the emotional impact of his message. By emphasizing the importance of passion and encouraging the audience to remember this key element, he employs repetition to underscore a crucial point. The use of rhetorical questions prompts reflection and engagement from the listeners, fostering a deeper connection with the speech’s themes. These rhetorical devices, combined with the emotional appeal, contribute to the overall effectiveness of Harris’s speech.
Rhetorical Strategies in Commencement Speech of Bernard Harris
Bernard Harris strategically employs repetition and rhetorical questions throughout his speech, contributing to the overall effectiveness of his message. The repetition of the statement “I am an infinite being with infinite possibilities” at the beginning and end of his speech serves to reinforce and emphasize the central theme of human potential and limitless capabilities. This technique not only adds rhetorical strength but also aids in audience retention, ensuring that the key message lingers in the minds of the graduates. The use of rhetorical questions, such as “What do you think is a lot of money?” and “Do we have any Star Trek fans out here?” serves multiple purposes. Firstly, these questions engage the audience, prompting them to actively think and respond mentally. Secondly, rhetorical questions can create a conversational tone, making the speech more relatable and dynamic. By posing questions about innate abilities, Harris stimulates contemplation among the graduates, encouraging them to reflect on their own potential. The combination of these rhetorical strategies aligns with Harris’s overarching message that failure is not a setback but an opportunity for self-reflection and growth. His ability to effectively employ these techniques contributes to the persuasiveness of his argument, making a compelling case for embracing passion, resilience, and recognizing one’s infinite abilities.
Works Cited: Commencement Speech of Bernard Harris
- Harris, Bernard. “Commencement Address.” 2015. Web. 12 Feb. 2022.
Relevant Questions about Rhetorical Analysis of Commencement Speech of Bernard Harris
- How does Bernard Harris effectively use personal anecdotes and experiences to establish ethos and connect with the audience in his commencement speech at Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
- In what ways does Bernard Harris employ rhetorical strategies such as repetition and rhetorical questions to emphasize key messages and engage the audience during his address?
- How does Harris balance appeals to ethos, logos, and pathos in delivering his central message about human potential, resilience, and the pursuit of passion during the commencement speech?
