WWII Leader Speech Comparison

Churchill and Goebbels both effectively have a strong hold over their respective audiences.  Though Churchill was the newly selected Prime Minister of Great Britain, he showcases his credibility throughout his speech.  Goebbels, on the other hand, uses force disguised as patriotism and pressure in order to control his audience.

Although Churchill and Goebbels were on the complete opposite sides of the war, they both use similar techniques in their speeches.  Both preach of, “Victory at all costs!” as well as their respective empires not being able to survive if they lose, or they will forfeit the futures and the history of their cultures which would be subject to the winners jurisdiction. Both men utilise persuasive techniques like ethos and pathos.  However, in my opinion, I think that Goebbels does a much better job at using pathos because he is constantly poking patriotism to the Germans.  If they feel proud of their country, then the more willing they would be to defend and work hard for it, which is really what Goebbels wants; to get every citizen to do something to help the war effort.  Churchill utilizes more ethos than pathos due to the fact that he needs to convince his audience of his authority and credibility before he can make them emotional. 

Both leaders have a tight hold over their audiences.  Despite the fact that Churchill is a new Prime Minister, he established his credibility early on by describing all of the things that he’s already done in the government, like forming a new administration as well as a war cabinet, which represents the different parties so as to unite the nation.  He says that this happened because they’re in war and there isn’t any time to dilly-dally. Goebbels on the other hand compliments his German audience by relishing their distinct and fine culture and saying that it must be preserved.  Goebbels also addresses the different social groups of German society, including women, the poor, the wealthy, and soldiers. He says women must work in any way possible in order to add to the war effort.  He uses force and underhanded threats that basically all say, “If you don’t help, we will come after you and make sure that you do.”

Both Churchill and Goebbels both have power and control over their audiences by using similar techniques, but in different ways.  Goebbels uses force, threats, and pathos, whereas Churchill uses ethos and his newly instated authority.  Despite their different methods for achieving victory and their manners of persuasion, they ultimately have the same: victory.