Jim Carrey honored the invitation to give an address at the Maharishi University of Management on the 24^th of May, 2014. The address purposed to invigorate the 2014 graduates to take a chance at life and make daring choices that will enable them to live better lives and, touch the world in their different but unique ways. His was to show, in a creative but factual manner the contributions of life experiences to the decisions facing people every day. It is worth noting that he delivered one of the most moving addresses and that to this date, the speech still manages to restart the desire to move forward regardless of fear and lack of self-esteem

In more ways than one, Jim’s speech reflects an efficient and adequate use of Cicero’s principles of rhetoric. Firstly, his speech displays a high level of organization. Although he does not seem to rely on any written material, there is a smooth transition from point to point. There is also evidence of an arrangement, mainly when he introduces the painting. He only raises his hand, as a signal, meaning that the presentation was subject to a high level of rehearsing before it was ready. As Cicero points out, style is the use of analogy, metaphors and other devices that show command of both the language and the topic of discussion. In the speech uses many metaphors such as, “I am the Container” and sayings like “An archer searching for his target in the mirror” (Carrey, 2014). The use of these powerful statements provoked the audience, and the sequential images resulted in a connection between the parties.

It is almost safe to conclude that throughout the speech Jim did not seek guidance from an earlier prepared manuscript. There is sufficient evidence that he committed most, if not all of his message, to his memory; another aspect of Cicero’s principle. From the moment he stepped on stage, saying “I brought one of my paintings to show you today”, to how he presented his painting and his mastery in weaving anecdotes with serious advices, there is some high level of organization that substantiates he memorized most of his message, an excellent quality of public speaking (Carrey, 2014). Additionally, Jim moves up and down the stage, pounds on the podium to emphasize on his points and uses facial expressions in accordance with Cicero’s delivery rule.

This method of delivery, where Jim manages to captivate the audience through intonation in his voice, facial expressions and gestures is also a subscription to Aristotle’s ethos, as a persuasion technique. While saying, “Can I get an Amen?” Jim makes faces and sounds that increase the audience level of attention (Carrey, 2014). There is also evidence of the use of pathos, as he strives throughout the time to connect to the emotional state of the audience. Jim displays a great deal of understanding of the stage that the graduates are in and relates to their experiences in a practical yet honest fashion. In a moment during the commencement address, he says, “I’m going to get emotional because when I tap into this, it really is extraordinary to me” (Carrey, 2014). Logos as a method manifests itself in the ingenuity and genuineness of his message. There seems to be an absolute sense of wisdom in his words that magically connects to all the individuals present.

There are many types of audiences as presented by Hollingsworth. Specifically, Jim needed to gain the interest of the addressees, create an affirmative impression and, demonstrate his commitment to the words he was saying. He achieves all this saying, “so I just want you to relax—that’s my job—relax and dream up a good life (Carrey, 2014).” He then goes further to inspire them with his life stories and even feels emotional in his delivery. Through this he is able to impress the audience and also show the level of commitment to his message. With these factors consideration, it may be safe to conclude that the audience Jim is addressing is a passive one.

References

Carrey, J. (2014). Watch Jim Carrey’s Inspirational Commencement Speech at Maharishi University of Management. Retrieved from https://www.mum.edu/whats-happening/graduation-2014/full-jim-carrey-address-video-and-transcript