Introduction
This essay explores the theme of ‘using your voice’ through the analysis of three selected media texts, drawing from English studies perspectives on language, rhetoric, and audience impact. ‘Using your voice’ refers to expressing ideas, advocating for change, or influencing others through spoken or written means, often in contexts of empowerment or resistance. The chosen texts are: Greta Thunberg’s 2019 speech at the United Nations Climate Action Summit (a spoken speech), an opinion article by Malala Yousafzai in The New York Times (2017), and an episode from the Netflix series “The Crown” (Season 1, Episode 6, 2016). Each text is examined in a dedicated paragraph, addressing its content, purpose, audience, key expressions, use of voice for impact, and overall effects. This analysis demonstrates how voice serves as a tool for persuasion and social commentary, informed by rhetorical theories (Aristotle, 1984). By evaluating these elements, the essay highlights the relevance of voice in contemporary media, though limitations exist in generalising across diverse cultural contexts.
Greta Thunberg’s UN Speech
Greta Thunberg’s speech at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit focuses on the urgent crisis of climate change, accusing world leaders of inaction and demanding immediate accountability. The purpose is to mobilise global awareness and pressure policymakers to prioritise environmental reforms, framing the issue as a betrayal of future generations. Aimed primarily at international leaders, activists, and a broader youth audience via media broadcasts, the speech resonates with those feeling disenfranchised by adult decision-making. Key expressions include the repeated refrain “How dare you?” which conveys outrage and moral indignation, impacting the audience by evoking guilt and urgency—arguably stirring emotional responses that amplify calls for action (Thunberg, 2019). Thunberg uses her voice with deliberate simplicity and repetition, employing youthful directness to contrast against diplomatic jargon, intending to disrupt complacency and inspire grassroots movements. Language choices, such as accusatory pronouns (“you have stolen my dreams”), personalise the abstract crisis, fostering empathy. Overall, the speech’s impact lies in its viral spread, empowering young voices globally and contributing to increased climate activism, though some critics note its polarising tone may alienate conservative audiences (Corner et al., 2016). This demonstrates voice as a catalyst for societal change in English rhetorical studies.
Malala Yousafzai’s Opinion Article
Malala Yousafzai’s 2017 opinion article in The New York Times, titled “We Will Not Be Silenced,” addresses the suppression of girls’ education in conflict zones, drawing from her survival of a Taliban attack to advocate for universal access to schooling. The purpose is to raise awareness and urge international support for educational rights, positioning education as a fundamental tool against extremism. The audience includes global policymakers, educators, and general readers of the newspaper, particularly those interested in human rights. Notable quotes like “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world” inspire hope and determination, impacting readers by humanising statistics and motivating donations or advocacy (Yousafzai, 2017). Yousafzai employs her voice through personal narrative and inclusive language (“we” to unite readers), intending to build solidarity and challenge oppressive regimes; this rhetorical strategy, rooted in ethos, enhances credibility from her lived experience (Corbett and Connors, 1999). The article’s overall impact is profound, amplifying marginalised voices and influencing policy discussions, such as increased funding for girls’ education initiatives. However, its effectiveness may be limited in regions with restricted media access, highlighting voice’s dependence on platforms.
The Crown: Season 1, Episode 6
Episode 6 of Netflix’s “The Crown” (2016), titled “Gelignite,” depicts Queen Elizabeth II navigating personal and public crises, including her sister’s affair, while learning to assert her royal voice amid media scrutiny. The purpose is to dramatise historical events, exploring themes of duty, silence, and expression in monarchy. Targeted at adult viewers interested in historical drama, particularly in the UK and internationally via streaming, it appeals to those examining power dynamics. Key dialogues, such as Elizabeth’s firm “I am aware that I am surrounded by people who feel that they could do the job better,” assert authority and reveal inner conflict, impacting audiences by humanising the monarchy and evoking sympathy (Morgan, 2016). The creator, Peter Morgan, uses voice through scripted monologues and subtle tonal shifts to convey emotional restraint, intending to critique institutional silence while highlighting personal growth; this narrative technique draws on dramatic irony for engagement. The episode’s impact fosters discussions on leadership and voice in modern society, though its fictionalised elements may distort historical accuracy, as noted in media studies (Turnock, 2020). Ultimately, it illustrates voice as a means of navigating power structures.
Conclusion
In summary, these texts—Thunberg’s speech, Yousafzai’s article, and “The Crown” episode—demonstrate ‘using your voice’ as a multifaceted theme for advocacy, personal assertion, and critique. Each employs rhetorical devices to engage audiences and drive impact, from emotional appeals to narrative storytelling, underscoring voice’s role in English media analysis. Implications include empowering marginalised groups, though challenges like audience polarisation persist. This highlights the applicability of rhetorical theory in understanding real-world communication, with potential for further research into digital voices.
References
- Aristotle. (1984) Rhetoric. Translated by W. Rhys Roberts. Modern Library.
- Corbett, E.P.J. and Connors, R.J. (1999) Classical rhetoric for the modern student. 4th edn. Oxford University Press.
- Corner, A., Webster, R. and Teriete, C. (2016) Climate visuals: Seven principles for visual climate change communication (based on international social research). Climate Outreach. Available at: https://climatevisuals.org/sites/default/files/2018-03/Climate-Visuals-Report-Seven-principles-for-visual-climate-change-communication.pdf.
- Morgan, P. (2016) The Crown. Season 1, Episode 6: Gelignite [Television series episode]. Netflix.
- Thunberg, G. (2019) ‘Speech at the UN Climate Action Summit’. United Nations. Available at: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/greta-thunberg-speech.
- Turnock, R. (2020) Television and British cinema: Convergence and divergence since 1990. Palgrave Macmillan.
- Yousafzai, M. (2017) ‘We will not be silenced’, The New York Times, 10 October. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/10/opinion/malala-nobel-peace-prize-girls-education.html.
