Randy Pausch Last Lecture Outline
- Introduction
Randy Pausch was an American professor from Carnegie Melon University and had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Pausch was in his last days since he was undoubtedly dying due to the tumor and had the chance to give the last lecture to his students before his death. Pausch’s speech was not as many would have expected since he did not appear to sympathize with the fact that he was dying and instead used the chance given to him to talk to his students.
- Choosing to accept one’s condition is essential to enjoying life.
Pausch is aware that he only has a few months to live. Pausch uses the explanation on his darkest moments to show his audience the importance of enjoying every moment given the uncertainty in life. Pausch has chosen to focus on enjoying the remaining days instead of focusing on the death ahead of him.
- The use of Pathos to engage audience ensures that the intended message is compelling.
Pausch engages his audience and challenges them concerning the simple life issues that he knows are common among people. Pausch compares his body fitness to that of the audience by doing some press ups and challenges them on getting stressed up in life. The audience can put themselves in the shoes of Pausch, his children, or even his wife.
- The weakest moments in the speech were when Pausch had to remind the audience that he was dying.
The attention of the audience would then be shifted from paying attention to the message to sympathizing with Pausch. Pausch appears to be torn between feeling sad for his impending death or staying positive and accepting his condition.
- Pausch should not appear to be happy that he is dying.
The audience should learn that cancer is a disaster. Pausch should prove to the audience that he is unhappy that he is dying. Pausch should, however, tell the audience the importance of enjoying life regardless of the prevailing circumstances.
- In delivering a speech, proper planning should be done in advance.
The expected audience should be known in advance. Second, the setting of the speech in terms of language and timelines should be considered in advance. The main points should be summarized in advance to allow enough time for researching on the topic of discussion. The speaker should be up to date with the current trends associated with the speech to be given.
Reference
Pausch, R. (2008). The last lecture. Hachette UK.