The Choice

- chose to stay with her people - prisoner of conscious - engage with former captures Purpose and how Aung engages audience - military dictatorship - political movement to change the system of government - repression of ethnic minorities - drive for democratic society

With her experience in democratic societies, for example Oxford, Aung wishes to free the Burmese from military dictatorship. She sacrifices her personal life and the upbringing of her children to rid herself of being a prisoner of conscience. Aung ultimately wants to free Burma from military control which are suppressive towards women. Through her speech she empowers women, motivating them to share these ideals. She urges women to seek more opportunities and not waste their potential. Aung challenges outdated generalisations e.g. the superiority of men through the Burmese proverb and advocates that women should be valued. This liberation will only occur if women take on higher roles especially in governance where they have power over the reforms that shape their lives. Aung engages her audience mainly through the ethos she exhibits. For the purpose of benefitting the Burmese she sacrifices her structured life, leaving her husband and two young children. With knowledge of her female audience she engages them by presenting them with logical arguments. As humans are conditioned to pay closer attention to what they desire Aung demonstrates an awareness of this by empowering women and constantly referring to the freedom motif. Aung further appeals to the audience through her modesty where she claims to make a "small contribution" by voicing "some of the common hopes which firmly unites us". The humility presented allows the audience to admire her, paying closer attention to her message. Rhetoric is also used in Aung's speech. She poses the rhetorical question" But is this really a weakness? Could this not be in fact a strength?". This causes her audience to question the conventional beliefs towards themselves and the nature of its construction. The female audience thus becomes engaged and empowered by seeing their flaws in positive perspective. Light humour is also present in the opening of her speech where she welcomes the women who are "joined by a few brave men". The address denotes herself as open minded where she is flexible to other's opinions. This in turn lightens the mood and also brings the audience to loosen their firm beliefs. Aung further draws the attention of her female audience by intentionally placing men in the minority. Aung provokes her audience by referencing outdated generalisation. She recites the Burmese proverb " the dawn rises only when the rooster crows". She later supports her claim with scientific evidence which disproves the proverb adding to the logos of her argument. The audience becomes more engaged as they learn the facts behind the proverbs constructed by men. Finally, inclusive language "we" and "us" engages the audience to share her passion for equality. It does this by unifying women. The motif of freedom is constantly mentioned. This engages her female audience as it reminds them of the overall purpose of the speech and the ambition of women.