Introduction:
Hook: What would you tell the people around you when all hope is lost?
Background of WW2 and the Dunkirk invasion as well as events leading up to the speech.
Thesis: During a daunting period in the history of the United Kingdom, the speech “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” served as an inspiration to the British people due to its kairotic significance, patriotic efforts to influence hope and unity, as well as the tonality and confidence of its speaker.
1st Body: Kairotic significance
Topic sentence: The kairotic element of the speech “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” holds a significant value to the people’s understanding of the speech’s message. Kairos plays a key role in the interpretation of a speech due to a person’s physiological vulnerability during a time of distress.
This speech took place right after the attempted invasion of Dunkirk during WW2. Most information will be about the significance of the speech at the current time and why exactly that plays into its persuasiveness and inspiration.
Quote: “The enemy attacked on all sides with great strength and fierceness … to cast their bombs upon the single pier that remained, and upon the sand dunes upon which the troops had their eyes for shelter.” (source 1)
2nd Body: Patriotic efforts to influence hope and unity
Topic sentence: Through the speech “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” patriotic elements are further developed through the use of nationalistic messages. Even during times of turmoil, patriotism holds a great influence over hope and unity, which would grant the UK a fierce advantage in the war ahead.
Before the quote, the importance of the ideology of nationalism will be explained. After the quote, I will go deeper into the significance of the ideology and the deeper meanings behind some of the key lines in the speech.
Quote: “He’s delivering a stark warning to Britain’s opponents that the country has an entire empire on its side … That threat also serves as a morale booster for his people. Churchill’s telling them that they are not alone and that support will come … He’s shown them that there are those who will fight alongside them to even those odds.” (source 3)
3rd Body: Tonality and confidence of its speaker
Topic sentence: Winston Churchill’s tone and emphasis play a dramatic role in the delivery of the speech and enlighten a sense of confidence within the people through its various appeals.
This part of the paragraph will focus on Churchill’s techniques, specifically his use of innate confidence and almost menacing tonality. Will also touch on his general character and what makes his speaking so great.
Quote: “I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our Island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone. At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do.” (Speech pdf)
In this part of the paragraph, I will go into why Churchill used his techniques and the effect that they had on the listeners. Will also touch upon some of the hidden details such as the speech’s connection to the US.
Quote: “President Roosevelt made clear via secret channels that he wanted a commitment from Britain … if this were done, American intervention could be expected to follow quickly, he promised.” (source 2)
Conclusion
Most of the conclusion will be on the effect that the speech had on the result of the war and on the modern-day world.
Restate Thesis
Finish with a call to action
Works Cited: (I will fully and properly cite in the real paper, this is just for temporary reference)
Speech pdf: https://www.parkwayschools.net/cms/lib/MO01931486/Centricity/Domain/1578/Churchill_Beaches_Speech.pdf
Source 1:
Pixelstorm. “We Shall Fight on the Beaches.” International Churchill Society, 5 Dec. 2021, winstonchurchill.org/resources/speeches/1940-the-finest-hour/we-shall-fight-on-the-beaches/.
Source 2:
Toye, Professor Richard. “‘We Shall Fight on the Beaches’: 3 Things You Never Knew about Churchill’s Most Famous Speech.” History of Government, 2 Dec. 2013, history.blog.gov.uk/2013/12/02/we-shall-fight-on-the-beaches-three-things-you-never-knew-about-churchills-most-famous-speech/.
Source 3:
Institute, Speakers. “Winston Churchill’s ‘We Shall Fight on the Beaches’ Speech (and What You Can Learn from His Voice…” Medium, Medium, 3 Dec. 2018, medium.com/@speakersinstitutesm/winston-churchills-we-shall-fight-on-the-beaches-speech-and-what-you-can-learn-from-his-voice-abc4508a90ac.