Dialogic monologues: commencement speeches as an evolving genre

The chapter examines the rhetorical strategies and moves deployed in commencement speeches (delivered at graduation ceremonies in North American universities by prominent professional and academic figures) since 1947. The analysis shows that the evolution of this genre has been strongly influenced by the marketization of higher education and by social change. These days the monologues are becoming increasingly dialogic, with speakers actively engaging their audiences and using a wide range of interactive language strategies. Despite this, some of the main characteristics of this genre, such as their traditional framing in the academic setting, have not changed at all over the years.