Persuasive Speech Animal Farm

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With the power of words, people can efficiently persuade listeners to agree with their side or position. In the book Animal Farm by George Orwell, different characters use the power of words to create persuasive speeches to effectively lure the audience to their side. Words are so powerful that they can have effects such as changing our perception of someone or persuading us to do something we never thought about. In Animal Farm, Major uses the power of words to ultimately start a massive rebellion that changes the whole condition of the farm, while Squealer convinces the animals to believe in a lot of false information. Even though Major has only one speech in the book, he proves that words can be so inspiring that they can start a revolution. …show more content…

For example, when Boxer is sent to the “vet,” they question Squealer about their suspicions, and he manages to lie very quickly. He claims, “‘It was the most affecting sight I had ever seen!’…’Forward in the name of the Rebellion. Long live Animal Farm! Long live Captain Napoleon! Napoleon is always right’” (124). By quickly making a very believable lie on the spot, Squealer manages to cleverly deceive them. This is an example of the power of words because, even with a few simple words, he is incredibly persuasive. Squealer also demonstrates the power of words when he uses confusing words or ideas in a speech. For instance, during Snowball’s expulsion, Squealer states, “No one believes more firmly than Comrade Napoleon that all animals are equal. He would be only too happy to let you make your decisions for yourselves. But sometimes you might make the wrong decisions, comrades, and then where should we be” (55). By making contradictory statements, Squealer is very confusing to understand to these ignorant animals, yet Squealer is very believable, he is basically just brainwashing them to believe whatever he wants by tricking them, proving the power of words. Squealer uses the power of words by having a quick-thinking mind and using tricky and effective word choice to achieve his goal of deceiving the animals to create a large number of followers for