How Bernie Sanders engages the audience

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Style and level of formality

Bernie Sanders uses both formal and informal styles when delivering his speech. For example, in the beginning of the speech he is rather formal: “I am greatly appreciative of the honorary degree which you bestow on me today” (ll. 6-7). This formality is appropriate to an official event such as a college graduation ceremony.

However, as the speech unfolds, Sanders becomes less formal: “And what does that mean, briefly in concre…

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Tone

Bernie Sanders uses a mix of different tones in his commencement speech from triumphant to determined, concerned, and critical.

In the beginning of the speech, his tone is triumphant: “Today is an important day in your lives, something that you’ve worked hard to attain, and I want to wish all of you the very best of luck…” (ll. 1-2). Here, he wants to share with the young graduates their pride of finishing college and show his appreciation of their efforts. Through this, Sanders empowers his audience and flatters them because they are given credit for their efforts.

The triumphant tone only returns towards the end when Sanders mentions: “… if we refuse to allow demagogues to divide us up there is no end to what the great people of our nation can accomplish.” (ll. 97-98). The speaker talks about future greatness and success and empowers the audience to pursue this goal as something certain.

Throughout the speech, Sanders also takes on a determined tone: “No, we’re not going to defund Planned Parenthood. We’re going to vigorousl…