Hey guys!

This week in class we read the piece "This is Water", a speech given by David Wallace. Well actually, I just clicked on the link in the calendar and listened to the entire speech, which I actually found quite helpful as I felt that the information was retained better in my head. Anyway, the speech had an excellent message, and I felt it was also quite hilarious. Wallace's delivery with the fable about the fish was perfect, adding a great sense of humor which helped the audience remember the fable. His walkthrough of adult life is quite relatable, and also helps the message sound less preachy. So often nowadays people tell us that true joy comes from understanding others, but after a while that seems to become just "banal platitude". The way Wallace sets up his speech to make himself seem guilty of the same crime he's talking against, he builds ethos with the audience and doesn't lose them in some "holier than thou" dribble.

If you haven't listened to the speech already, please do. I'm aware that we all have busy schedules and would rather read a speech in five minutes rather than listen to the full 22 minute speech, however listening to the speech gives a whole other level of dimension to the experience. The jokes are set up much betters, and overall feel more humorous listening to the speech rather than reading it. The tones is much clearer, and gives a greater feel to the entire piece. Not only does listening to the speech add a lot to the piece, but it also feels to me like the anecdotes and message stick with you better.