Applying Techniques in Writing (HSC SSCE English Standard): Revision Notes

Applying Techniques in Writing

Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Speech, "How to Live Before You Die," is a masterclass in persuasive speaking. As an HSC Craft of Writing student, you can adapt his rhetorical techniques to create compelling 400-500 word speeches that inspire action through personal narrative and rhythmic language. This note explores six key techniques Jobs employs and shows you how to apply them in your own oral nonfiction writing.

Adapting rule-of-three structure

The rule-of-three (also called triadic structure) is one of the most powerful organisational tools in persuasive writing. Jobs structures his entire speech around 'three stories,' making complex wisdom memorable and digestible for his audience.

To apply this technique, organise your speech around three personal stories or examples that each prove aspects of your central thesis. For instance, if your thesis is 'courage over comfort,' you might structure your opening like this:

Each story should be concise and vivid. Your first story might describe quitting a safe activity for a risky passion. Your second could explore a significant setback that taught resilience. Your third might connect to mortality or legacy, reminding your audience that time is precious.

The power of this structure lies in its simplicity and memorability. Human brains naturally group information in threes, making your message easier to recall. Close your speech with a triplet mantra (three related phrases) such as: "Stay curious. Stay brave. Stay alive." This creates a satisfying sense of completion whilst reinforcing your central message.

Employing antithesis and juxtaposition

Antithesis is the placement of contrasting ideas side by side to create emphasis and impact. Jobs uses this technique powerfully when he contrasts the 'heaviness of success' with the 'lightness of being a beginner.' This juxtaposition makes his point memorable and emotionally resonant.

In your own writing, identify the key tensions in your narrative. What are the opposing forces you faced? Perhaps it was comfort versus ambition, safety versus risk, or fear versus freedom. Then, express these contrasts in parallel structures to create rhythmic punch.

The technique becomes even more powerful when you pair antithesis with light humour. Jobs' style balances gravity with wit, making serious themes accessible. You might write: "Dropped out? More like dropped in—to ramen nights and real learning." This reframes a negative (dropping out) as a positive (dropping into authentic experience) whilst adding a touch of self-deprecating humour.

Using repetition and anaphora for momentum

Repetition is one of the most hypnotic devices in oral communication, and Jobs wields it expertly. He repeatedly asks, "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" This refrain becomes a personal test, a litmus for authentic living.

Anaphora is a specific type of repetition where you repeat words at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. This technique builds momentum and creates an incantatory quality that imprints your message on your audience's memory.

To apply this in your writing, create a repeated question or phrase that serves as your personal test or mantra.

Continue the pattern with declarative statements: "All doubt melted. All paths cleared. All hunger remained." The repetition of 'All' at the start of each clause creates a sense of totality and transformation.

Balancing ethos, pathos, logos appeals

Ancient Greek rhetoric identified three modes of persuasion, and effective speakers balance all three. Understanding how to sequence these appeals will make your speech more credible and compelling.

Ethos is your credibility as a speaker—your character and authority. Jobs builds ethos through confession and humility: "I never graduated from college." This admission makes him relatable and honest. In your speech, establish ethos by being candid about your position: "I'm no CEO, just a dropout who hustled." Don't oversell yourself; instead, position yourself as someone who learned through experience rather than perfection.

Pathos is emotional appeal—the ability to make your audience feel. Jobs creates pathos through vulnerability: "I was fired from the company I started." He doesn't hide his pain; he shares it. Your emotional core might be: "Gutted, couch-surfing, I questioned everything." Paint vivid pictures of your struggles so your audience can empathise with your journey.

Logos is logical proof—evidence that supports your claims. After building emotional connection, Jobs provides concrete evidence of success: he founded Pixar, which became hugely successful. Your logos might be: "That pivot? Sold my first app at twenty-three." Give your audience tangible proof that your approach works.

Crafting conversational diction and humour

Jobs' language is remarkably plain and direct. He says, "I got fired," not "I experienced an involuntary career transition." This conversational diction creates intimacy with the audience and ensures his message is accessible to everyone.

To achieve this style in your own writing, use short, punchy sentences and everyday vocabulary. Instead of writing, "I commenced my professional journey in a state of financial uncertainty," write, "At twenty, I was jobless, eating instant noodles." The second version is more vivid, more honest, and more engaging.

Self-deprecating humour makes you relatable and prevents your speech from feeling preachy. Jobs uses humour about being fired and even includes a wry line about spending time "on the toilet." You might say: "No billions here, just lessons from bombing pitches." This acknowledges your limitations whilst reframing failure as valuable experience.

Structuring simple storytelling arcs

Jobs' individual stories follow a clear, linear structure: setback, reflection, revelation. This simple arc makes each vignette easy to follow whilst building towards a unified message.

The setback presents a challenge or failure. Jobs was fired from Apple. In your story, this might be: "Safe job? Nah—quit for code." State the problem or risk clearly and concisely.

The reflection shows your response to the setback and what you learned. Jobs realised that being fired freed him to be a beginner again. Your reflection might be: "Dots connected later"—a brief acknowledgment that the risk paid off in unexpected ways.

The revelation connects the specific story to your broader thesis. Jobs' stories all relate to his 'heart' motif—following intuition and passion. Your revelations should connect to your central message: "Heart led each time."

Jobs unifies his three separate stories under recurring motifs (connecting dots, love and loss, death). You should similarly thread your stories together with a repeated idea or phrase. Introduce your mantra early ("Stay hungry. Stay foolish"), reference it throughout, and return to it forcefully in your conclusion: "Stay hungry. Stay foolish—your future self thanks you."