Analysis of Martin Luther King's 

"I
have a dream "

Advanced Communication and Analysis

Assignment - 1

KANTIKA GUPTA

FMG 19 C

191142
 Analysis of Martin Luther King's  "I have a dream "

More than 40 years ago, in August 1963, Martin Luther King electrified
America with his momentous ‘I Have A Dream’ speech, dramatically
delivered from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

It is considered one of the greatest speeches of its time addressing a

vibrant gathering of 200000 white and black Americans collected and
drenched in the emotional appeal of their king. The key message in the
speech is that all people are created equal and, although not the case in
America at the time, King felt it must be the case for the future. He
argued passionately and powerfully. He persuasively argues that all men
are created equal and should be treated equally by all irrespective of
their colour or creed and should be identified, judged and distinguished
on the basis of the content of their character.

The speech uses a number of historical documents to support his

argument and add stress and impact. The king uses many large,
descriptive and explanative words instead of short and direct words in
order to sound more persuasive and impactful. He also uses a number
of metaphors to compare and bring about a feeling of hope and
determination among people, and to drive them towards his sentiments.

Another technique is the use of repetition of phrases such as “i have a

dream” and “ let freedom ring” throughout his speech to add that
impact to his speech and to hammer home the kings inspirational
concepts.

Another important technique is the use words such as “we” and “our”
when referring to others in order to ensure that the speech is addressed
not only to the Americans but the entire country as a whole. Alliterations
have been used from time to time to bang home the key points in his
argument.
The speech also – as it can be observed – follows a stable and a
monotonous pattern in the beginning. It sounds calm and softly
persuasive initially but becomes more aggressive and loudly persuasive
at the end.

The speech is almost a poetic composition that has been masterfully

delivered bursting with biblical language and imagery. The remarkable
emotion of King’s delivery in terms of both voice and body is one of the
facts that add impact to the speech. To add to his delivery skills it is also
the general sentiment in the atmosphere and the audience he is
addressing to that adds to the impact and the relevance of the speech.