Here's why this is crucial:
* Purpose: Understanding the speaker's goal helps you interpret their message. Are they trying to persuade, inform, inspire, entertain, or something else?
* Context: Knowing the situation surrounding the speech provides valuable insight. Consider:
* Audience: Who was the speech intended for? What are their beliefs and values?
* Occasion: Was it a formal event, a casual gathering, or something else?
* Time period: When was the speech given? What were the historical and social circumstances?
Once you understand the speaker's purpose and context, you can delve deeper into analyzing the content, delivery, and effectiveness of the speech.