Essential interpersonal communication Analysis 2022

Running head: SPEECH ANALYSIS 1
Essential interpersonal communication
Student
Institution

SPEECH ANALYSIS 2
“Less Stuff, More Happiness” by Graham Hill
Objective
Identify if the speaker’s objective is to inform, or to persuade
In his TED talk of the week, Graham Hill gave a real-life example of quality over
quantity. In his speech, Graham Hill seeks to persuade people that having less stuff creates more
time, freedom, space, and incredible happiness. In simple terms, the speech “Less Stuff, More
Happiness” persuades people to live simple life with the little they have.
Introduction
How the speaker drawn audience in, what ‘hook’ is used
The title of the speech, “Less Talk, More Happiness” captures audience’s attention. In the
start, Graham says, “What’s in the box? Whatever it is must be pretty important, because I’ve
traveled with it, moved it, from apartment to apartment to apartment”. Such a humor draws
audience attention, who responds with laughter.
Has the speaker established credibility for the subject?
In establishing credibility for the subject, “Less Talk, More Happiness”, Graham
rhetorically asserts that Americans have three times amount of space they had five decades ago.
In this case, Graham values quality for life rather than quantity. The credibility of the speech title
comes clear when Graham justifies that with less stuff comes more freedom, time, and space.
Did the speaker clearly identify the purpose of the speech?
The speaker, Graham clearly identified the purpose of the speech. In the speech, Graham
Hill urges audience to eliminate the unnecessary, optimize space, and build multifunctional
homes. With less, people can accomplish more.
Did the speaker give a preview of the speech?
Graham previewed the speech before its presentations. Ideas of the speech are well
arranged from the first second to the last. The speech begins with a humorous question, and ends

SPEECH ANALYSIS 3
with a thank you, which are elements of a good speech. How he compares Life Edited
company’s approaches to motivating people in the context of real life justifies that people can
really be happy even with less earnings.
Body
Were the transitions between sections/ points in the speech clear?
In persuading people the ways of living little, Graham clearly makes use of transition
words. Living little has three approaches. First of all is editing ruthlessly. Secondly is our new
mantra, and finally is having multifunctional housewares and spaces. These transitions are
clearly used between the points.
Was the speech focused?
Graham Hill’s speech was focused on persuading people the ways of living little and still
maintaining happiness. Using Life Edited as an example shows Graham’s tireless efforts are to
see people who can be happy with what is within their means. The speech provokes all viewers
to want a simpler life. A simpler life is all about surrounding oneself with more opportunities.
Were the arguments supported?
Graham’s arguments, “Less Stuff, More Happiness” are supported by his reference to
Life Edited. Graham says crowd-sourcing can always be corrected. Also, experiencing the joy of
less is something that all people have had in camping, college at dormitory, and traveling in an
hotel. No matter the luggage, we all had a little more freedom and time in it.
Was the speech well organized?
The speech was well organized. The flow of ideas, the presentation of ideas, and the
response/ attentiveness of the audience clearly justify this. In the start, Graham reflects upon all
American people and sees a new industry in the cities. Reflecting life in college, hotel, and travel
grasps attentiveness of viewers. And in all this, Graham drives the audience to the question, “so
how can you live little?”
Conclusion