Intention

Jacinda Ardern’s intention with her “Harvard Commencement Speech – Democracy, disinformation and kindness” is to inform listeners about dangers to democracy and how to defend against them. This is also suggested from the title, which mentions democracy, as well as disinformation and kindness. Ardern argues that disinformation is a threat to democracy, and advocates for kindness which is one of the ways to strengthen democracy. 

The first intention of the speech is to inform the listeners about what a strong democracy looks like. Additionally, Ardern wants to inform the listeners about the threats to democracy. Ardern outlines the main features of a strong democracy, and how they can be threatened. She uses examples from her own experience as a Member of Parliament in New Zealand to do so.

The second intention of the speech is to persuade the listeners to help preserve democracy. Ardern first highlights the importance of connection,...