Analysis Of Coronel Colin Powell's Commencement Speech

Commencement Speech, Howard University, 1994. “Climb on one’s back and stand on their shoulders to reach the top” this is what the Coronel Colin Powell hints to recent graduating students from the Howard University in 1994. The Commencement Speech was long enough to motivate the graduating students. In addition, it was proper and formal. When the speech began, Powell was excited by ending on sharing his own experiences and giving great advices for those future professionals. Powell´s Commencement Speech demonstrates his interest by sharing his thoughts, and its language was uplifting and captivating. (502). Beginning a "Commencement speech" is tough, but once Powell gets confidence the words flowed normally. He said that making a Commencement Speech is a challenge. He mentioned that Commencement speaker always tries to figure out how long they would speak or what would talk about. However, the result will depend on how the audience will respond.

He is a direct descendent of The Buffalo Soldiers formed in 1867. He shared to graduating students that Ambassador Annenberg helped him to build a memorial for The Buffalo Soldiers right away once the coronel asked for it. The Howard University was the same time formed with the Soldiers; therefore, both owe their success to the white military officer who served on the civil war (504). They proofed that Black Americans are able to do anything as any other person. Powell encouraged the students to breakdown the discrimination and help those who are coming after them. At this point, the plot is becoming honorable and sentimental. Powel said I climbed on their back of those who helped me, and I stayed on their shoulder to reach the top. “Powell was the first African- American Chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff” (502). Everyone may enhance his or her life by helping other or being