Martin Luther King: I Have a Dream & the Power of Rhetoric

Martin Luther King’s "I Have a Dream" speech continues to inspire, half a century after he first delivered it. Not only did he have an important message, but he had a powerful method of delivery. His understanding of the art of rhetoric helped him create a speech that moved those who heard it, as well as the generations that continue to listen to his words.

Use this lesson to help your students learn about and harness the power of persuasive speaking.

The lesson includes:

-A handout on rhetorical devices

-Graphic organizers that ask students to identify the rhetoric used in the speech. There are two options to allow for differentiation.

-Two writing exercises that allow students to take a closer look at author technique.

-A public speaking assignment that requires students to use what they have learned about rhetoric.

When they are done, students will have a better understanding of the use of rhetoric for persuasion.

Included: graphic organizers, answer keys and a rubric for the students' speeches.

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