A Rhetorical Analysis Of The Last Lecture By Randy Pausch

The Last Lecture is a speech given by Professor Randy Pausch at Carnegie Mellon University on September 18, 2007. He gave the speech after being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Since then, the speech has grown legendary, inspiring millions of people all around the world with its universal message of hope and enthusiasm. Randy Pausch was a Carnegie Mellon University computer science professor who pioneered virtual reality research. He was also recognized for his vivacious demeanor, infectious energy, and infectious zest for life. He was given only a few months to live after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The Last Lecture was his last chance to speak to his colleagues, students, and friends before he died. Randy's attitude

According to thefamouspeople.com, “As a dedicated professor who had very little time left, he wanted to take advantage of the time he did have to share with the world one last powerful lecture that went over the value of time management and how to achieve your childhood dreams. The speech included a mix of older men and women but also a good number of students who attended Carnegie Mellon University. While giving the speech, the audience was very entertained and engaged towards the speaker and his topic. The reason I chose this speech was because I was already smiling and eager to hear more about what he wanted his last lecture to the world to be just with his introduction. I had never heard of Randy Pausch until now and watching how passionate he was to inspire the world before leaving it was very touching to me. I know I speak for the audience when I say that this was such an inspirational and moving speech. There was not a single moment where the audience didn’t laugh at his jokes. Not only was he able to target the younger crowd and keep them engaged in the speech but he did a great job of keeping the older crowd interested as well. The audience never failed to give positive feedback during Randy’s speech which included eye contact, nodding, positive face expressions, and laughing. The Last Lecture audience and occasion analysis reveals that Pausch's purpose was to leave a lasting message for his students, coworkers, and family, despite his short time remaining. Pausch presented the lecture in a pleasant but primarily serious tone which included drawing the audience in with his own personal experiences. While the lecture was meant primarily for his students, it connected with millions around the world and is now regarded as a classic motivational and inspiring