How Does J. K Rowling's Speech: Can We Make A Difference?

The concept of creating a better future is often perceived as an immense task that is beyond the average human’s ability however, in reality, it is an individual’s understanding of others which influences contributions towards a wider project, subsequently resulting in great changes in society. Speeches such as J.K Rowling’s The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination and President Barack Obama’s Remarks to the People of Israel promote timeless ideas which reinforces the enduring power of these speeches to inspire individuals to pursue change. Society often underestimates the potential of normal people to hold power but by just envisioning lives of others, one can discover the ability for their power to ultimately make a difference.
Individuals hold the possibility of creating a better world as all humans equally have the potential to make a difference. JK Rowling’s address aims to influence the audience to recognise their high positions in society and to take advantage of their power to better the lives of those who are unable to themselves. Her rhetoric confronts the audience through her contrast with the privileged lives of Harvard graduates, where “ordinary people” and particularly herself with an “impoverish background” are able to contribute to the construction of a better world. This contrast allows the audience to realise their potential and work towards a difference. She delves into her first idea by connecting her anecdotes from the exordium to the audience by employing rhetorical questions asking “Why do I talk about the benefits of failure?” in order to emphasise

Rowling and Obama’s ideas still holds true in today’s society, reinforcing the theme of individuals using their power to better lives of those outside their bubble. A small progression towards a larger goal consequently results in a significant impact in the