rhetorical devices in zelensky speech

• Analysis of a Speech

Analysis of a Speech by Volodymyr Zelensky

• March 1, 2022

As I write this post, the war in Ukraine continues. Ukrainian forces, under the courageous leadership of President Volodymyr Zelensky, are putting up incredible resistance to the Russian invasion.

The International community has imposed massive sanctions on Russia because of the brazen and unjustified assault ordered by Vladimir Putin. Weapons and other supplies are being shipped to Ukraine en masse.

But Russia continues to pour thousands of troops into the country. The world hopes and prays that Ukraine can resist.

A couple of days ago, I analyzed the 24 February 2022 speech of Vladimir Putin announcing the invasion of Ukraine. As repugnant as it might be to listen to a speech filled with half-truths and outright lies, it is important to understand the speaking style and techniques of tyrants so that we can recognize such speeches for what they truly are.

Today, I look at the 24 February 2022 speech of Volodymyr Zelensky. It was a brilliant speech that will find its place among the most powerful and inspiring political speeches in recent history.

The speech of Volodymyr Zelensky

Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech is just over 11 minutes in length. The first two minutes are in Ukrainian and the final nine are in Russian. Unfortunately, I could only find the portion in Russian with English subtitles. That video is below. However, you can watch the entire speech, without subtitles, on Zelensky’s Facebook page . I watched it while cross-referencing the speech with a very helpful translation of the entire speech by Dominic Cruz Bustillos .

(a) In Ukrainian

• Zelensky begins, “Great people of a great country!” He then talks about the soldiers protecting Ukraine, the parliamentary deputies who are going to the regions to support the people, and all of the international support that Ukraine has thus far received. (Since the speech, far more help has been forthcoming.)
• Zelensky also speaks of a meeting in Kyiv with the Presidents of Poland and Lithuania and how they will support granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for membership in the European Union. EU membership would be a huge boost for Ukraine in many ways so this is a hopeful message for his people.
• He speaks of meeting with representatives of major Ukrainian businesses and how everyone is unified.
• He concludes this part of the speech by urging everyone to keep working.

(b) In Russian

The rest of Zelensky’s speech is in Russian and begins at the 2-minute mark. The video is below and I encourage you to watch it in its entirety. The analysis follows.

Two technical notes: (1) Where I quote Zelensky, I sometimes use the above-mentioned translation by Dominic Cruz Bustillos, which is not, word for word, the same as the subtitles on the YouTube video. (2) All time references are to the 9-minute video below, not the entire speech.

• The staging for the speech is excellent. Zelensky stands in a suit. He is not behind a lectern or a desk. Behind him are the flag of Ukraine, the flag of the President of Ukraine and the map of Ukraine which, importantly, includes Crimea .
• Notice how Zelensky stands: tall, with his arms at his sides. It is the most natural position in the world. Of course, it is good to gesture, but when not gesturing, let gravity do the work for you. Don’t keep your arms up like you are a waiter carrying a tray of drinks or, as my friend Florian Mueck says, like you are T-Rex. Just imagine that you are are carrying two suitcases.
• Zelensky speaks with  conviction . The situation is dire and it shows on his face. His voice is gravelly – undoubtedly from many long days and sleepless nights – but he is firm and resolute for his people.
• He takes his time to emphasize key points and to pause to let his words sink in.
• His look at the camera is unwavering.
• Zelensky’s decision to speak in Russian was a brilliant move. He already has the Ukrainian people and the international community on his side. In this video, his audience is the Russian people and he speaks to them, “not as President” but “as a citizen of Ukraine” (0:18). He knows that many, if not most, of them do not support Putin. And even though Zelensky knows that his speech will not appear on Russian TV (8:15), it will appear on the Internet and social media.
• Throughout his speech, Zelensky uses a number of rhetorical devices and he uses them effectively.
• Hypophora : asking a question and immediately answering it

0:03 – “Today, I initiated a phone call with the president of the Russian Federation. The result? Silence.”

4:25 – “We are not alone. Many countries support Ukraine in this. Why? Because we are not talking about peace at any cost. We are talking about both peace and principles. About justice. About international law. About the right to self to self-determination, the right to determine your own future, every society’s right to security, and every person’s right to live without threats.

• Rhetorical question : a question asked for a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer. The quotes below are particularly powerful because Zelensky shows the absurdity of Putin’s allegations by drawing on his personal experience. In the second quote, he asks no fewer than ten rhetorical questions in rapid succession.

1:39 – “You are told that we are Nazis. But how can a people who gave more than eight million lives for the victory over Nazism support Nazism? How could I be a Nazi? Tell that to my grandfather, who went through the entire war in the infantry of the Soviet Army and died as a colonel in independent Ukraine.” (NB – It is interesting that Zelensky does not mention that he is Jewish or that he lost family in the Holocaust. Undoubtedly, he and his advisors calculated that focusing on his grandfather fighting in the Soviet Army would be more effective for his intended audience. The lesson? It is always about the audience .)

2:40 – “You are told that I will order an attack on the Donbas, to shoot and bomb without questions. Although there are questions, and very simple ones. Shoot at whom? Bomb what? Donetsk, where I have been dozens of times? Where I have seen people’s eyes and faces? Artyom street, where I walked with friends? Donbas Arena, where I rooted with the locals for our Ukrainian guys at the Euro  [the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship] ? Sherbakova Park, where we drank together when our guys lost? Luhansk? The home where my best friend’s mother lives? The place where my best friend’s father is buried?

• Tricolon : a series of the three words or phrases

2:30 – “We want to define and build our history ourselves. Peacefully. Calmly. Honestly.”

5:05 – “We know for sure that we don’t want war. Not cold, not hot, not hybrid.”

• Symploce : repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive sentences or clauses and repetition of another word or phrase at the end of those same sentences or clauses. In fact, the quote below is an absolutely brilliant combination of hypophora, tricolon and symploce.

7:18 – “Who will suffer the most from this? People. Who does not want this more than anyone? People. Who can prevent this? People.”

• Last year, I wrote about the three key words for every public speaker: I, You and We . Zelensky uses each of these words masterfully at different moments.

1:39 and 2:40 – When speaking of his personal experiences as noted above.

3:45 – When appealing to Russians and their experiences with Ukraine. “Many of you have been to Ukraine. Many of you have relatives in Ukraine. Some of you studied in Ukrainian universities, befriended Ukrainian people. You know our character. You know our people. You know our principles. You are aware of what we cherish. So please listen to yourselves. To the voice of reason. To common sense.”

7:35 – “Are these people present among you? I am sure there are. Public figures, journalists, musicians, actors, athletes, scientists, doctors, bloggers, stand-up comedians, Tik-Tokers and many more. Regular people. Regular, normal people. Men, women, the elderly, children, fathers, and most importantly, mothers. Just like people in Ukraine.”

2:20 – When speaking of Ukraine and Russia together. “Neighbours always enrich one another culturally. However, this does not make them a single entity. It does not separate people into “us” and “them”. We are different. But this is not a reason to be enemies.

• Zelensky has memorable lines. For me the most memorable occurs at 5:10. He tells the Russians that Ukrainians will not run, they will fight. The emphasized part of the quote below is a great soundbite. Tweetable, Instagrammable, memorable. If you can have a phrase or two like that in your speeches, it will stick with your audience.

5:10 – “If we are attacked,  if someone tries to take away our country, our freedom, our lives, the lives of our children—we will defend ourselves. Not attack. Defend. While attacking, you will see our faces. Not our backs. Our faces .”

• He ends his speech with a question for the Russian people. Ending a speech with a question for the audience can be powerful and provocative as we can see in Zelensky’s speech.

8:44 – “Do Russians want war? I would very much like to answer this question. But the answer depends only on you, the citizens of the Russian Federation.”

Again, I encourage you to watch the entire video. Share it so that others can be inspired. The Ukrainians have shown remarkable courage in the face of significant odds, but the situation is precarious and the challenge is incredibly daunting. However in Zelensky, Ukrainians have a true leader.

In his play Twelfth Night , William Shakespeare wrote, “Some are born great. Some achieve greatness. And some have greatness thrust upon them.”

Volodymyr Zelensky understands what those words mean.

Like this article?

Awesome, timely, and poignant. Zelensky truly defines leadership by his actions and words. I hope the Russians take note.

Thanks, Bill. Sadly, it seems that the Russians have utterly disregarded it.

Great analysis raising my curiosity of watching this video again and again.

Let’s learn from the best speakers, and from the best analyses. Thanks John!

Many thanks, Stephen. There is a lot to learn from Zelenksky.

Brilliant analysis. Relevant to everyone who loves rhetoric and public speaking. Well done, my friend!

Thank you, Flo. He has had several others since then – mainly to western audiences from whom he is requesting help – and they all show that he is shrewd when it comes to speaking. You can tell that he really tailors his messages for his audiences.

Thank you John, deep clarity now on a speech that will continue to be analyzed 1000 years from now.

Thanks, Kevin!

Really insightful article. It seems that there is another parallel between Zelensky and Churchill beyond their wartime leadership in their masterful use of language.

Thank you, John.

Importantly, Zelenskyy’s use of the phrase “Do Russians want war?” is a reference to a famous protest song of Yevtushenko: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Do_the_Russians_Want_War%3F . Every Russian knows this song, which is a paean to the desire for peace between the USSR and the West during the Cold War

Thanks for that insight, Nick. It makes the line even more powerful!

Thank you very much for your excellent and educative analysis.

President Zelensky(y)’s charisma, supported by knowing, understanding, using “the rules” of successful embracement (referring to his ability to show just the right amount of genuine emotions) of the audience – unforgettable. (Sorry, English is not my first language).

Thank you for the comment, Melita. And do not worry about your English; it is excellent.

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Excellent analysis. This is essential reading for every rhetorician or public speaker. Congratulations, my buddy!

Much appreciated.

Thanks for this useful information.

Zelensky is the man who is multitalented.

Indeed he is.

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Wartime rhetoric: How Zelensky's address compares with other speeches by foreign leaders

Third ukrainian president to address parliament, first leader to do so virtually.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address to Parliament this week was the latest in a long line of speeches by foreign leaders hoping to build ties with Canada, promote policies or plead for aid.

Dozens of prime ministers, presidents and other key figures are part of a tradition of addressing Canada's House of Commons, but Zelensky's speech was remarkable for its timing, context and virtual delivery.

"These are all players, when they're addressing the House of Commons, who are at the height of their powers and have their greatest influence on the world agenda and international relations," said Patrick Boyer, a historian and former MP who wrote a book on addresses by world leaders,  Foreign Voices in the House.

"And that's true of the most recent speech," Boyer said. "But that's not unique."

Zelensky pleads for more help from Canada as Trudeau blacklisted by Russia

Canadian historian Robert Bothwell is more skeptical of the lasting impact of the addresses: "I could come up with four or five that were actually important, where there's something more than ceremonial."

He said that for much of its history, as a colony of the United Kingdom, Canada hosted few foreign visitors.

"When we did have foreign visitors, they never came to Ottawa because there was no point," he said.

Third Ukrainian president to address Parliament

Prior to Zelensky's speech, the House of Commons lists 58 addresses by foreign dignitaries since 1941, starting with Winston Churchill. But you don't have to go back that far to find some interesting parallels to Zelensky's address.

Two other Ukrainian presidents have spoken to the House of Commons. Boyer, who led a Canadian delegation that helped monitor Ukraine's independence referendum in 1991, said it's clear that the dynamics we're witnessing today were already present in 2014, when Petro Poroshenko came to Ottawa, and in 2008, when then-president Viktor Yushchenko spoke.

"Ukraine's admission to NATO is not a step meant to challenge anybody or to inconvenience any of our neighbours, immediate or distant. We are governed solely by the national interests of Ukraine," Yushchenko said, not naming Russia. Just months before, Ukraine had applied to the alliance, asking it to consider Ukrainian membership.

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses Parliament as Russian forces edge toward Kyiv
• Foreign affairs minister says Russia's invasion of Ukraine has unified the West

Only six years later, the ground had shifted substantially.

"Today Ukraine pays a very high price for defending what we believe in: democracy and the freedom to choose our own future," Poroshenko said, speaking six months after Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and the beginning of the war in the Donbas region of southeastern Ukraine.

"For more than two decades, we proudly stated that Ukraine gained its independence without shedding a single drop of blood. Now that is no longer true. Now we are engaged in a true battle for our independence. Now we are paying the real price."

Poroshenko addresses Parliament

Those speeches are jarring when read beside another address by a foreign leader, that of the president of the newly constituted Russian Federation, Boris Yeltsin, who spoke to the House in June 1992, just six months after the Soviet Union dissolved.

"When people speak about Russia and Canada, they generally comment on how similar our countries are. Canada is probably the only place where a Russian could forget that he is in a different country," Yeltsin told members of Parliament, appealing for co-operation and mutual investment while promoting a reformist, internationalist and democratic Russia.

"Our intentions are not secret. We are prepared for hard work, which is the very essence of any partnership. We have a long and difficult road ahead of us. I am convinced that our peoples must travel together if they are to attain the best results."

Wartime calls for aid

Another parallel between Zelensky's address and others, Boyer said, is the wartime nature of the speech. Churchill's 1941 appearance was one such address. Boyer likened it to other speeches in Canada by foreign leaders, going back to the First World War in 1917.

"In each case, their speech was totally riveting on the war, on Canada's role, what Canada could do," he said, with the message often being: "Really great, but more needs to be done."

The same theme is echoed in Zelensky's address, praising Canada's efforts so far as Ukraine battles Russian troops but simultaneously urging Canadians to understand the severity of the situation, intensify sanctions and enforce a no-fly zone.

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Churchill's speech — significantly longer than Zelensky's roughly 13-minute address — outlined how he saw the course of the war so far and his proposed pathway to victory, praising Canada's contribution and calling for unity and continued struggle.

"Let us then address ourselves to our task, not in any way underrating its tremendous difficulties and perils, but in good heart and sober confidence, resolved that, whatever the cost, whatever the suffering, we shall stand by one another, true and faithful comrades, and do our duty, God helping us, to the end," Churchill concluded.

The style of rhetoric has clearly changed. But that wartime message, notably different given Canada's direct role at the time, still provides an interesting parallel.

Bothwell compared Zelensky's pleas with another famous international speech — though one that does not provide a particularly hopeful example for Ukraine.

"I think the only comparison I could make was Haile Selassie coming to the League of Nations in 1936. That was a very similar exercise," he said. Selassie, emperor of Ethiopia from 1930-74, urged the international community to sanction Italy for its ongoing invasion of his country — but his attempt was largely unsuccessful.

• Ukraine's Zelensky says siege of Mariupol 'a terror that will be remembered for centuries to come'

Bothwell said Zelensky's address to Canada's Parliament was interesting because it was part of a series of speeches in foreign legislatures, including the U.S. Congress and the the British Parliament.

"The point is showing Canadians that Ukraine is a serious place, putting it on the map for us, and he did that. There was a purpose," he said.

Unifying events for Canada

Since Churchill, many other leaders have come to this country to praise bilateral relations or call for policy change. When he was U.S. president, John F. Kennedy, for example, talked up the need for a renewed commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization during his 1961 address.

The presence of other leaders marked shifts in Canadian foreign policy and world history: an address by then-Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1949, for example, or a speech by Chinese state council premier Zhao Ziyang in 1984.

• Video 'West has to keep Zelensky in Ukraine in fight against Putin,' says fmr. NATO Supreme Allied Commander of Europe

One striking aspect of Zelensky's speech to Parliament this week was the overwhelming support he received from members on all sides of the House, with lengthy ovations and outward displays of support. Such unanimity is difficult to find in domestic politics, but, Boyer says, it's not uncommon when foreign leaders visit.

"I can say safely that the single most unifying event for Canadian politics over the past century and a quarter has been the hour in which a foreign leader has addressed or spoken in our House of Commons," he said.

Ronald Reagan heckled during second visit to Parliament

Still, there are instances of disruption. In 1988, for example, then-U.S. president Ronald Reagan was heckled by NDP MPs, including Svend Robinson.

Others, like Nelson Mandela, received an awed reception. The South African anti-apartheid leader appeared before the House in June 1990, just a few months after being released from prison.

Boyer said that was one address where the need for a unified, respectful response was obvious.

"Why? Because we are witnessing history."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christian Paas-Lang covers federal politics for CBC News in Ottawa as an associate producer with The House and a digital writer with CBC Politics. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Volodymyr zelensky's lessons in oratory.

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The speech that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered on the eve of the invasion of his mother country is being hailed as a classic with very good reason. At the highest level, he demonstrated bravery in the face of a David-and-Goliath contest.

He has gone on to show bravery throughout this crisis. In response to a U.S. offer to evacuate, he replied , “The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride.” In doing so, he evoked the spirit of the famous quote attributed to a U.S. Marine officer in World War I: “Retreat? Hell! We just got here!”

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 16: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) introduces Ukrainian President ... [+] Volodymyr Zelenskyy to speak to the U.S. Congress at the U.S. Capitol on March 16, 2022 in Washington, DC. Zelenskyy addressed Congress as Ukraine continues to defend itself from an ongoing Russian invasion. (Photo by J. Scott Applewhite-Pool/Getty Images)

The nine-minute speech itself, broadcast throughout the world to great acclaim, contained five powerful rhetorical techniques:

1. Strong opening

Zelensky’s first four sentences achieved what any speech must, but few do. The first two succinctly seized attention with blunt facts that landed like drumbeats:

Today I initiated a phone call with the president of the Russian federation. The result was silence.

The third sentence was his call-to-action:

Though the silence should be in Donbass. [The pro-Russian enclave within the Ukraine]

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The fourth connected with the audience:

I would like to address the citizens of Russia directly, not as president but as a citizen of Ukraine, and I address the citizens of Russia as I would the citizens of Ukraine.

In a subsequent video speech Zelensky gave to the British Parliament, he also created an extraordinarily strong opening by citing the classic Hamlet soliloquy saying :

The question for us now is to be or not to be…This is the Shakespearean question. For 13 days, this question could have been asked. But now I can give you a definitive answer.

New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd, a very talented wordsmith on her own, lauded the speech for its powerful expression of courage. Dowd also went on to note that unlike Hamlet, Zelensky had an answer to the existential question:

It’s definitely yes, to be.

2. Point counterpoint

In a response to the incendiary charges made by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelensky rebutted each of the charges one-by-one:

You have been told that this flame will bring liberation to Ukraine’s people. But the Ukrainian people are free.

They tell you that we’re Nazis. But how can a people that lost 8 million lives to defeat the Nazis support Nazism?

They tell you that we hate Russian culture. How can one hate a culture? Any culture? Neighbors always enrich each other’s cultures.

They told you that I would order an attack on Donbass, order indiscriminate shootings and bombings. This leads to some questions, some very simple ones. Who are we shooting at? What are we bombing? Donetsk, which I have visited dozens of times?

3. Human interest example to support the main theme

My grandfather, who fought in World War II as a Soviet infantryman and died a colonel in an independent Ukraine.

Human interest stories always resonate with audiences because they create identify and evoke empathy.

4. Conclude with a clear Call to Action

It is about peace and principles, of justice, of international law. It is about the right to self-determination, that every person might determine their own future. It is the right of every society, and of every person, to security, to a life without threats.

Every speech must reinforce the main message with a strong close.

5. The messenger delivers the message

Although Zelensky came to fame as an actor and a comedian before entering politics, there was nothing theatrical about his delivery. As you watch his speech , in a language (closed captioning notwithstanding) that you probably do not understand, you will undoubtedly get the full power of his confidence. And although his voice was hoarse—fatigued from the tension, anxiety, and strain in the days leading up to the speech—he sounded forceful. Most impressive were his facial expressions and gestures: serious, severe, concerned, and passionately determined.

Remember this speech. It will endure—as most of the world hopes Ukraine will, too.

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Analysis Essay of Volodymyr Zelensky’s Speech “I Call for You to Do More”

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Volodymyr Zelensky’s Speech “I Call for You to Do More,” streamed live on March 16, 2022, compels the United States (US) to take immediate action to support Ukrainians in defending their country from the Russian invasion. President Zelensky uses facts and historical evidence to show the extent of damage that the Russian Federation continues to cause on Ukrainians in the ongoing war. The emotional speech to Congress justifies the need for countries, like the US, to take an intervention for a no-fly zone in the Ukrainian sky and assist in ending the war. The Ukrainian president focuses on a central message and uses a professional, caring, and authoritative tone throughout his address. This strategy allows President Zelensky to present himself as a responsible leader, determined to protect his country’s political and humanitarian interests. These traits make President Zelensky’s discourse credible, emotional, and convincing to the audience. In particular, this rhetorical analysis of Zelensky’s speech “I Call for You to Do More” is an example of an essay that covers the summary of his address using ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos.

Introduction

Persuasive speeches effectively convey a specific message since they compel the audience to resonate with the speaker. Ukrainian President Zelensky addresses the US Congress and explains the situation in his country due to the ongoing war with Russia. President Zelensky provides an emotional speech that reveals how Ukrainians continue to suffer from the current conflict using credible and logical arguments. Besides, he justifies the need for the US government to intervene in the Russia-Ukraine war. Although President Zelensky addresses US Congressmen remotely in his speech “I Call for You to Do More,” he uses ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos to articulate the current situation in Ukraine and convince the audience that his country requires adequate and immediate military support.    

Summary of Zelensky’s Speech

On March 16, 2022, President Zelensky addressed the US Congress to present current issues on the Russia-Ukraine war and asked for military support and intervention. President Zelensky explained how Russia continued to attack Ukraine with missiles and airstrikes daily (02:00-02:27). These statements set the stage for President Zelensky’s speech, where he explains the need for the US to close the Ukrainian airspace. Moreover, President Zelensky presents a video showing emotional scenes as missiles strike buildings and public spaces in Ukraine (13:16-15:28). The president uses the video to justify the damage and mutilation caused by the Russian forces due to the open Ukrainian airspace. Thus, the Ukrainian president articulates the issues surrounding the current Russia-Ukraine war while justifying the importance of closing airspace as a containment measure.       

2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine

President Zelensky uses ethos to present a believable speech to the US Congress. For example, President Zelensky states that Russia attacks Kyiv City with missiles daily (02:00-02:27). This quantification reveals the frequency of attacks that Russia makes towards Ukraine. From a practical perspective, President Zelensky provides details on Russian activities in Ukraine that undermine overall security. Besides, the Ukrainian leader notes that the current war is the worst disaster that a European country has faced since independence (02:25-02:27). This statement justifies that Russia continues to use excessive force in attacking innocent Ukrainians, which is a violation of human rights. Thus, President Zelensky uses quantifiable and believable information in his speech “I Call for You to Do More,” making it plausible.

The United States and Ukraine

President Zelensky uses historical evidence to justify his primary arguments. For instance, President Zelensky relates the national memorial in Rushmore to the current situation in Ukraine (03:55-04:29). The president argues that Ukrainians continue to fight for their independence and democracy in the 21st century, losing their lives. This statement justifies why Ukrainians continue to defend their country fearlessly regardless of the severe military attacks by the Russian soldiers. President Zelensky reminds the US Congress about the Pearl Harbor attacks and the September 11 terror assault (04:45-05:16). The president cites these past but significant events to justify that the US experienced similar attacks, like Ukraine. The strategy makes President Zelensky’s arguments more plausible to the US Congressmen since they can relate the current war in Ukraine with past events that tested American democracy and sovereignty.

I Have a Need to Protect Our Sky

President Zelensky refers to a famous thinker and activist, Martin Luther King Jr., and his speech “I Have a Dream” to make his speech more credible. For example, President Zelensky states that every American in the US knows about King’s speech “I Have a Dream,” but he also has a dream that is protecting his sky (07:16-07:37). This evidence shows that the Ukrainian president played an important role in sourcing adequate evidence to prove the undemocratic military activities by the Russian soldiers in Ukrainian cities. Thus, the speaker’s reference to King’s words and uniting them to his situation in the country makes his appeal trustworthy.  

National Dreams and Values

President Zelensky makes an emotional appeal when describing Russian activities in Ukraine. For instance, President Zelensky argues that Russia violates human values by attacking Ukraine (03:10-04:09). The speaker reveals that Ukrainians continue to lose their social and political values because of the daunting war by Russians. The description invokes a sense of sympathy as one contemplates the devastating experience in Ukraine. The statement that the current Russia-Ukraine war kills their national dreams reveals that the country is on the verge of collapsing (Zelensky 03:40-03:50). The Ukrainian president uses these words to show that Ukraine is in dire need of military support from dominant countries, like the US. From a critical point of view, the statement depicts Ukraine as a vulnerable country that requires adequate support from the international community. Therefore, President Zelensky presents an emotional speech to justify that Ukraine needs immediate help from the US.

Ukraine’s Courage and Resilience

President Zelensky uses pathos in his speech “I Call for You to Do More” to justify Ukraine’s courage and resilience. For example, President Zelensky notes that Ukrainians should fight for their rights and freedom (04:25-04:47). The speaker notes how American leaders fought for the citizens’ rights and liberties. Like Ukrainians, Americans defended their country when attacked by their enemies. Therefore, President Zelensky used American beliefs and values to explain why Ukrainians continue to demonstrate courage and resilience despite the ongoing war.

A Source of Death

President Zelensky invokes unique emotions of sympathy among the audience by presenting the situation in Ukraine due to the ongoing war. For example, President Zelensky explains how Russian troops turn the Ukrainian sky into a source of death by shooting thousands of missiles to all Ukrainian cities (05:47-06:04). The Ukrainian leader argues that Russia attacks Ukraine with high-precision weapons, like drones and technological bombs, which threaten the lives of millions of people. Therefore, President Zelensky presents emotional facts about the Russia-Ukraine war that provokes the audience’s sympathy.     

1000 Missiles in the Ukrainian Sky

President Zelensky uses data to support his statements about the Russia-Ukraine war. For example, President Zelensky notes that Ukrainians resisted the Russian aggression for eight years before the active phase of the war (02:34-02:43). In this case, the speaker quantifies the period that Ukrainians resisted the Russian invasion since they valued peace and democracy. The president quantifies the Ukrainian’s effort to avoid a full-scale invasion by Russians. President Zelensky notes that Russians fired approximately 1000 missiles over Ukrainian cities (05:56-06:00). The Ukrainian leader covers this data to approximate the value of ammunition used against Ukrainians, making his arguments logical for the no-fly zone in the Ukrainian sky. Thus, President Zelensky uses data to justify his opinions on why the US government should assist and protect Ukrainians.

No-Fly Zone

President Zelensky uses valid reasons to convince the US Congressmen that Ukraine needs immediate support and assistance. For example, President Zelensky requests other countries and humanitarian groups to declare the Ukrainian sky the no-fly zone to protect the innocent citizens from unnecessary aggression (06:07-06:41). The speaker notes that the failure to declare the Ukrainian sky the no-fly zone puts the lives of innocent citizens at risk. Besides, President Zelensky argues that the US should provide powerful weapons as an alternative measure for Ukraine if declaring the no-fly area becomes a significant problem (06:41-07:12). The Ukrainian leader gives the US and European countries the alternative option to allow Ukrainians to defend themselves from the Russian air attacks. These examples show how President Zelensky applies logic to convince the US Congress on why Ukraine requires intervention by the international community.

The Dream of Freedom

President Zelensky focuses on a central message of seeking military intervention from the US. The Ukrainian president states that he has a dream that reflects his citizens’ security and democracy needs (07:25-07:39). Throughout his speech “I Call for You to Do More,” the speaker provides facts to justify why he believes that Ukrainians should defend their democracy and autonomy from the Russian invasion. In turn, President Zelensky explains that Ukraine needs support from the developed countries to cater to their security needs and realize the dream of political freedom.              

Being With Ukrainians

President Zelensky makes a timely speech to the US Congress. President Zelensky states that he addresses the US Congressmen from Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, which is under attack by missiles and airstrikes by the Russian troops (01:54-02:06). In this case, the speaker makes a timely message by addressing the US Congress from an insecure location. President Zelensky’s actions justify Ukraine’s need for urgent support from the US. Therefore, the Ukrainian leader makes a suitable message to explain why his country requires military aid from the US.

Saving Lives of Ukrainians

President Zelensky gives a timeliness message to the global audience. For example, the Ukrainian leader explains how different governments made haste to vaccinate people against Covid-19 while preventing the emergence of new strains (President Zelensky 12:00-12:34). The president uses this message to remind countries that they continue to overlook the need to provide Ukraine with the necessary military support. This right message helps to convince the audience, while other countries, like the US, have a political and economic obligation to assist Ukraine in achieving in protecting its citizens. Therefore, President Zelensky makes an appropriate message to convince the US Congress that the international community should support Ukrainians who defend their country from the terroristic aggression of Russia.

Protecting Peace and Human Life

President Zelensky uses an appropriate tone to present his speech “I Call for You to Do More” to the US Congress. For instance, President Zelensky states that Ukrainians have a resolute determination to defend their country despite facing the greatest war after World War II (02:11-02:26). The Ukrainian president uses a professional and caring tone to put his primary message across. In this case, the president remains composed as he explains how his government remains focused on defending its citizens despite having inadequate weapons. President Zelensky argues that global leaders should strive to promote peace, protect people from all enemies, and defend human life (15:54-16:37). This statement reveals an authoritative tone as President Zelensky reminds the US Congressmen about their primary duty of defending Ukrainians. Therefore, the president relies on his unique technique to justify that the US should support and protect Ukrainians.

In his speech “I Call for You to Do More,” President Zelensky presents a compelling and emotional appeal on why the US should support Ukrainians who defend their country from the Russian invasion. By considering this rhetorical analysis, President Zelensky relies on ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos to explain why the US and other countries should declare the Ukrainian sky the no-fly zone or provide the necessary weapons for resisting the Russian troops. In this case, the Ukrainian leader makes a timely and valuable message that challenges the US government to execute its mandate of protecting innocent Ukrainians. Besides, he uses a professional, caring, and authoritative tone throughout his speech. Other unique traits described in this essay example include citations of the relevant facts regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, references to authorities, like King and his speech, and historical experiences where the US faced similar security threats.

Zelensky, Volodymyr. “‘I Call for You to Do More:’ Ukrainian President Zelensky Addresses US Congress | WSJ.” YouTube , March 16, 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-kuGHPs4TU.

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Ukrainian President Zelensky's Brilliant Public-Speaking Tactic That Inspires His Audiences

Relate to your audience by citing people, places, and events they know..

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a rousing speech to the U.S. Congress on Wednesday night, triggering a wave of trending hashtags on Twitter such as "Ukraine" and "Zelensky." In addition, two phrases also grabbed the attention of social media: the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Saratoga, two historical references that Zelensky brought up in his speech.

Zelensky's historical references to events that transformed America are no accident. Zelensky uses an advanced communication tool to persuade his listeners: allusions. An allusion is a rhetorical device that makes a speaker relatable by referring to a person, place, or event that's familiar to the audience.

After entering the U.S. Capitol wearing a green sweatshirt and military fatigues, Zelensky didn't start his speech for a full two minutes until the standing ovation subsided. In his 25-minute address, Zelensky attempted to make his country's cause the cause of all Americans "who value freedom and justice."

According to Zelensky, "Russians use everything they have ... the occupiers have a significant advantage in artillery, they have an advantage in ammunition. They have much more missiles and planes than we ever had. But our defense forces stand."

Zelensky then compared Ukraine's fight to the Battle of the Bulge, Hitler's last-ditch offense in the Ardennes Forest that claimed the lives of 19,000 American soldiers in World War II.

"Just like the brave American soldiers who held their lines and fought back Hitler's forces during Christmas of 1944 ... Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender," Zelensky said.

Later, when describing how Ukrainian forces held off Russia's assault in the Donbas region, Zelensky compared the success to the Battle of Saratoga, the turning point of the American Revolution.

"Just like the Battle of Saratoga, the fight for Bakhmut [a city on the front lines] will change the trajectory of our war and battle for freedom," Zelensky concluded.

Zelensky made historical allusions to the fight for democracy to remind Americans that financial and military support for Ukraine "is not charity. It's an investment in global democracy and security."

Zelensky's bravery has made him a hero to people around the world. However, Zelensky also knows that words matter, and the words he chooses are intended to inspire his audiences and rally them to action.

A refreshed look at leadership from the desk of CEO and chief content officer Stephanie Mehta

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Walls, Dreams and Genocide: Zelensky’s Speeches Invoke History to Rally Support

The Ukrainian leader, a former actor, has invoked emotional moments in the history of nations from which he is hoping to secure backing. We look at five of his recent speeches.

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By Isabella Kwai

• March 21, 2022

He told U.S. lawmakers that he had a dream , invoking Martin Luther King Jr. to describe Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion. He said to the British Parliament that his country would fight until the end, in forests and fields, a vow resonant of Winston Churchill’s exhortations against Nazism. To members of the German Parliament he spoke of a new wall dividing Europe, echoing the Berlin Wall of the Cold War.

The passionate speeches, delivered remotely by President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine in his now-ubiquitous military-issue shirt, are part of a vigorous rhetorical effort to rally international support — for arms, or aid to his country, or sanctions against Russia.

Mr. Zelensky, a former comedian who ran a populist campaign to become president in 2019, is no stranger to performing, and his social-media missives and speeches have transformed him into a global symbol of his country’s resistance to Russian aggression .

The allusions, metaphors and allegories made by Mr. Zelensky point to a tailored strategy to emotionally appeal to nations and institutions and their histories.

“The goal is, of course, to get his audience on board,” said Henriette van der Blom, an associate professor of ancient history at the University of Birmingham in England who has directed a project examining the writing of political speeches in Britain. “This is a very ancient rhetorical trick.”

Speeches can change the course of history, she added.

United States, ‘leader of peace’

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Wartime Speeches Tell the Story of Ukraine

The Ukrainian president will publish a collection of 16 handpicked addresses later this year

Ella Feldman

Daily Correspondent

Since taking office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has delivered over 1,000 addresses. Soon, a selection of his wartime speeches will be published in a new book, A Message From Ukraine .

“Supporting Ukraine is not a trend, a meme or a viral challenge,” says Zelenskyy in a statement from  Crown Publishing , which will release the book on December 6. “It is not a force to rapidly spread across the planet and then just as rapidly disappear. If you want to understand who we are, where we are from, what we want and where we are going, you need to learn more about who we are.”

The book begins with an introduction from Zelenskyy and a preface by  Arkady Ostrovsky , who edits stories about Russia and Eastern Europe for the  Economist . Then, it launches into a collection of 16 speeches Zelenskyy gave between 2019 and 2022, handpicked by the man himself in order to recount the  Russia-Ukraine War from his eyes. 

A Message from Ukraine: Speeches, 2019-2022

Bringing together a new introduction by Volodymyr Zelensky with his most powerful war speeches, this book recounts Ukraine’s story through the words of its president.

“It is the story of a nation valiantly defending itself from Russian aggression. And it is the story of a people leading the world in the struggle for democracy,” the book’s  description states. “Above all, it is a battle cry for us all to stand up and fight for liberty.”

Proceeds from book sales will go to  United24 , the initiative Zelenskyy created in May in order to collect donations for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy, 44, was born in Ukraine’s industrial city Kryvyy Rih to Jewish parents. He studied law at the  Kryvyy Rih Economic Institute , but pursued an acting and comedy career during and after his studies. He founded Studio Kvartal 95 , which became a successful entertainment studio, and starred in a number of mainstream films.

Zelenskyy found his way from entertainment to politics. In 2015, his studio released the political satire  Servant of the People , which starred Zelenskyy as a high school teacher who delivers a tirade against corruption; the tirade goes viral, eventually landing him a gig as Ukraine’s president. The show resonated with Ukrainians, who rallied behind him when he announced a real life run for president against then-incumbent  Petro Poroshenko .

Zelenskyy was sworn in as Ukraine’s president in May 2019. Now, he is leading the country through a war with Russia , which invaded Ukraine in February. Zelenskyy’s leadership throughout the Russian invasion has earned him comparisons to notable wartime leaders throughout history such as  Winston Churchill . 

Back in March, Zelenskyy channeled Churchill directly , adapting one of his famous speeches to a new era: “We will fight till the end, at sea, in the air,” said Zelenskyy. “We will continue fighting for our land, whatever the cost. We will fight in the forests, in the fields, on the shores, in the streets.”

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Ella Feldman | READ MORE

Ella Malena Feldman is a writer and editor based in Washington, D.C. She examines art, culture and gender in her work, which has appeared in Washington City Paper , DCist and the Austin American-Statesman .