Structure

Jacinda Ardern’s “Harvard Commencement Speech – Democracy, disinformation and kindness” is structured around the topic of democracy. Ardern outlines the threats to democracy, as well as several ideas of how it can be preserved. At the end of her spech, she urges the listeners to put her ideas into practice. 

The title “Democracy, disinformation and kindness” outlines what the speech is about. The audience expects to hear about democracy, and the role that kindness can play in a democratic system, especially when it is under threat from disinformation. 

The speech is divided into six parts. The first part is an introduction, in which Ardern greets the audience in both Māori and English. She expresses her gratitude at being invited to speak on this occasion, and thanks the audience for their attention. 

The second part is ...