rhetorical analysis zelensky speech

• Analysis of a Speech

Analysis of a Speech by Volodymyr Zelensky

• March 1, 2022

As I write this post, the war in Ukraine continues. Ukrainian forces, under the courageous leadership of President Volodymyr Zelensky, are putting up incredible resistance to the Russian invasion.

The International community has imposed massive sanctions on Russia because of the brazen and unjustified assault ordered by Vladimir Putin. Weapons and other supplies are being shipped to Ukraine en masse.

But Russia continues to pour thousands of troops into the country. The world hopes and prays that Ukraine can resist.

A couple of days ago, I analyzed the 24 February 2022 speech of Vladimir Putin announcing the invasion of Ukraine. As repugnant as it might be to listen to a speech filled with half-truths and outright lies, it is important to understand the speaking style and techniques of tyrants so that we can recognize such speeches for what they truly are.

Today, I look at the 24 February 2022 speech of Volodymyr Zelensky. It was a brilliant speech that will find its place among the most powerful and inspiring political speeches in recent history.

The speech of Volodymyr Zelensky

Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech is just over 11 minutes in length. The first two minutes are in Ukrainian and the final nine are in Russian. Unfortunately, I could only find the portion in Russian with English subtitles. That video is below. However, you can watch the entire speech, without subtitles, on Zelensky’s Facebook page . I watched it while cross-referencing the speech with a very helpful translation of the entire speech by Dominic Cruz Bustillos .

(a) In Ukrainian

• Zelensky begins, “Great people of a great country!” He then talks about the soldiers protecting Ukraine, the parliamentary deputies who are going to the regions to support the people, and all of the international support that Ukraine has thus far received. (Since the speech, far more help has been forthcoming.)
• Zelensky also speaks of a meeting in Kyiv with the Presidents of Poland and Lithuania and how they will support granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for membership in the European Union. EU membership would be a huge boost for Ukraine in many ways so this is a hopeful message for his people.
• He speaks of meeting with representatives of major Ukrainian businesses and how everyone is unified.
• He concludes this part of the speech by urging everyone to keep working.

(b) In Russian

The rest of Zelensky’s speech is in Russian and begins at the 2-minute mark. The video is below and I encourage you to watch it in its entirety. The analysis follows.

Two technical notes: (1) Where I quote Zelensky, I sometimes use the above-mentioned translation by Dominic Cruz Bustillos, which is not, word for word, the same as the subtitles on the YouTube video. (2) All time references are to the 9-minute video below, not the entire speech.

• The staging for the speech is excellent. Zelensky stands in a suit. He is not behind a lectern or a desk. Behind him are the flag of Ukraine, the flag of the President of Ukraine and the map of Ukraine which, importantly, includes Crimea .
• Notice how Zelensky stands: tall, with his arms at his sides. It is the most natural position in the world. Of course, it is good to gesture, but when not gesturing, let gravity do the work for you. Don’t keep your arms up like you are a waiter carrying a tray of drinks or, as my friend Florian Mueck says, like you are T-Rex. Just imagine that you are are carrying two suitcases.
• Zelensky speaks with  conviction . The situation is dire and it shows on his face. His voice is gravelly – undoubtedly from many long days and sleepless nights – but he is firm and resolute for his people.
• He takes his time to emphasize key points and to pause to let his words sink in.
• His look at the camera is unwavering.
• Zelensky’s decision to speak in Russian was a brilliant move. He already has the Ukrainian people and the international community on his side. In this video, his audience is the Russian people and he speaks to them, “not as President” but “as a citizen of Ukraine” (0:18). He knows that many, if not most, of them do not support Putin. And even though Zelensky knows that his speech will not appear on Russian TV (8:15), it will appear on the Internet and social media.
• Throughout his speech, Zelensky uses a number of rhetorical devices and he uses them effectively.
• Hypophora : asking a question and immediately answering it

0:03 – “Today, I initiated a phone call with the president of the Russian Federation. The result? Silence.”

4:25 – “We are not alone. Many countries support Ukraine in this. Why? Because we are not talking about peace at any cost. We are talking about both peace and principles. About justice. About international law. About the right to self to self-determination, the right to determine your own future, every society’s right to security, and every person’s right to live without threats.

• Rhetorical question : a question asked for a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer. The quotes below are particularly powerful because Zelensky shows the absurdity of Putin’s allegations by drawing on his personal experience. In the second quote, he asks no fewer than ten rhetorical questions in rapid succession.

1:39 – “You are told that we are Nazis. But how can a people who gave more than eight million lives for the victory over Nazism support Nazism? How could I be a Nazi? Tell that to my grandfather, who went through the entire war in the infantry of the Soviet Army and died as a colonel in independent Ukraine.” (NB – It is interesting that Zelensky does not mention that he is Jewish or that he lost family in the Holocaust. Undoubtedly, he and his advisors calculated that focusing on his grandfather fighting in the Soviet Army would be more effective for his intended audience. The lesson? It is always about the audience .)

2:40 – “You are told that I will order an attack on the Donbas, to shoot and bomb without questions. Although there are questions, and very simple ones. Shoot at whom? Bomb what? Donetsk, where I have been dozens of times? Where I have seen people’s eyes and faces? Artyom street, where I walked with friends? Donbas Arena, where I rooted with the locals for our Ukrainian guys at the Euro  [the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship] ? Sherbakova Park, where we drank together when our guys lost? Luhansk? The home where my best friend’s mother lives? The place where my best friend’s father is buried?

• Tricolon : a series of the three words or phrases

2:30 – “We want to define and build our history ourselves. Peacefully. Calmly. Honestly.”

5:05 – “We know for sure that we don’t want war. Not cold, not hot, not hybrid.”

• Symploce : repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive sentences or clauses and repetition of another word or phrase at the end of those same sentences or clauses. In fact, the quote below is an absolutely brilliant combination of hypophora, tricolon and symploce.

7:18 – “Who will suffer the most from this? People. Who does not want this more than anyone? People. Who can prevent this? People.”

• Last year, I wrote about the three key words for every public speaker: I, You and We . Zelensky uses each of these words masterfully at different moments.

1:39 and 2:40 – When speaking of his personal experiences as noted above.

3:45 – When appealing to Russians and their experiences with Ukraine. “Many of you have been to Ukraine. Many of you have relatives in Ukraine. Some of you studied in Ukrainian universities, befriended Ukrainian people. You know our character. You know our people. You know our principles. You are aware of what we cherish. So please listen to yourselves. To the voice of reason. To common sense.”

7:35 – “Are these people present among you? I am sure there are. Public figures, journalists, musicians, actors, athletes, scientists, doctors, bloggers, stand-up comedians, Tik-Tokers and many more. Regular people. Regular, normal people. Men, women, the elderly, children, fathers, and most importantly, mothers. Just like people in Ukraine.”

2:20 – When speaking of Ukraine and Russia together. “Neighbours always enrich one another culturally. However, this does not make them a single entity. It does not separate people into “us” and “them”. We are different. But this is not a reason to be enemies.

• Zelensky has memorable lines. For me the most memorable occurs at 5:10. He tells the Russians that Ukrainians will not run, they will fight. The emphasized part of the quote below is a great soundbite. Tweetable, Instagrammable, memorable. If you can have a phrase or two like that in your speeches, it will stick with your audience.

5:10 – “If we are attacked,  if someone tries to take away our country, our freedom, our lives, the lives of our children—we will defend ourselves. Not attack. Defend. While attacking, you will see our faces. Not our backs. Our faces .”

• He ends his speech with a question for the Russian people. Ending a speech with a question for the audience can be powerful and provocative as we can see in Zelensky’s speech.

8:44 – “Do Russians want war? I would very much like to answer this question. But the answer depends only on you, the citizens of the Russian Federation.”

Again, I encourage you to watch the entire video. Share it so that others can be inspired. The Ukrainians have shown remarkable courage in the face of significant odds, but the situation is precarious and the challenge is incredibly daunting. However in Zelensky, Ukrainians have a true leader.

In his play Twelfth Night , William Shakespeare wrote, “Some are born great. Some achieve greatness. And some have greatness thrust upon them.”

Volodymyr Zelensky understands what those words mean.

Like this article?

Awesome, timely, and poignant. Zelensky truly defines leadership by his actions and words. I hope the Russians take note.

Thanks, Bill. Sadly, it seems that the Russians have utterly disregarded it.

Great analysis raising my curiosity of watching this video again and again.

Let’s learn from the best speakers, and from the best analyses. Thanks John!

Many thanks, Stephen. There is a lot to learn from Zelenksky.

Brilliant analysis. Relevant to everyone who loves rhetoric and public speaking. Well done, my friend!

Thank you, Flo. He has had several others since then – mainly to western audiences from whom he is requesting help – and they all show that he is shrewd when it comes to speaking. You can tell that he really tailors his messages for his audiences.

Thank you John, deep clarity now on a speech that will continue to be analyzed 1000 years from now.

Thanks, Kevin!

Really insightful article. It seems that there is another parallel between Zelensky and Churchill beyond their wartime leadership in their masterful use of language.

Thank you, John.

Importantly, Zelenskyy’s use of the phrase “Do Russians want war?” is a reference to a famous protest song of Yevtushenko: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Do_the_Russians_Want_War%3F . Every Russian knows this song, which is a paean to the desire for peace between the USSR and the West during the Cold War

Thanks for that insight, Nick. It makes the line even more powerful!

Thank you very much for your excellent and educative analysis.

President Zelensky(y)’s charisma, supported by knowing, understanding, using “the rules” of successful embracement (referring to his ability to show just the right amount of genuine emotions) of the audience – unforgettable. (Sorry, English is not my first language).

Thank you for the comment, Melita. And do not worry about your English; it is excellent.

• Pingback: 3 Good Life Classes From A Decade Of Running a blog – Rethinking Enterprise Communications Weblog - IPROJECT LEADER
• Pingback: 3 Brilliant Life Lessons From A Decade Of Blogging – Rethinking Business Communications Blog - Edgewise-Media
• Pingback: 3 Brilliant Life Lessons From A Decade Of Blogging – Rethinking Business Communications Blog - NewsMailService

Excellent analysis. This is essential reading for every rhetorician or public speaker. Congratulations, my buddy!

Much appreciated.

Thanks for this useful information.

Zelensky is the man who is multitalented.

Indeed he is.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Please enter an answer in digits: twenty − 3 =

Testimonials

John delivered a keynote address about the importance of public speaking to 80 senior members of Gore’s Medical Device Europe team at an important sales event. He was informative, engaging and inspirational. Everyone was motivated to improve their public speaking skills. Following his keynote, John has led public speaking workshops for Gore in Barcelona and Munich. He is an outstanding speaker who thinks carefully about the needs of his audience well before he steps on stage.

Karsta Goetze

TA Leader, Gore and Associates

I first got in touch with John while preparing to speak at TED Global about my work on ProtonMail. John helped me to sharpen the presentation and get on point faster, making the talk more focused and impactful. My speech was very well received, has since reached almost 1.8 million people and was successful in explaining a complex subject (email encryption) to a general audience.

CEO, Proton Technologies

John gave the opening keynote on the second day of our unit’s recent offsite in Geneva, addressing an audience of 100+ attendees with a wealth of tips and techniques to deliver powerful, memorable presentations. I applied some of these techniques the very next week in an internal presentation, and I’ve been asked to give that presentation again to senior management, which has NEVER happened before. John is one of the greatest speakers I know and I can recommend his services without reservation.

David Lindelöf

Senior Data Scientist, Expedia Group

After a morning of team building activities using improvisation as the conduit, John came on stage to close the staff event which was organised in Chamonix, France. His energy and presence were immediately felt by all the members of staff. The work put into the preparation of his speech was evident and by sharing some his own stories, he was able to conduct a closing inspirational speech which was relevant, powerful and impactful for all at IRU. The whole team left feeling engaged and motivated to tackle the 2019 objectives ahead. Thank you, John.

Umberto de Pretto

Secretary General, World Road Transport Organization

I was expecting a few speaking tips and tricks and a few fun exercises, but you went above and beyond – and sideways. You taught me to stand tall. You taught me to anchor myself. You taught me to breathe. You taught me to open up. You taught me to look people in the eye. You taught me to tell the truth. You taught me to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. I got more than I bargained for in the best possible way.

Thuy Khoc-Bilon

World Cancer Day Campaign Manager, Union for International Cancer Control

John gave a brilliant presentation on public speaking during the UN EMERGE programme in Geneva (a two days workshop on leadership development for a group of female staff members working in the UN organizations in Geneva). His talk was inspirational and practical, thanks to the many techniques and tips he shared with the audience. His teaching can dramatically change our public speaking performance and enable us as presenters to have a real and powerful impact. Thank you, John, for your great contribution!

HR Specialist, World Health Organization

John is a genuine communication innovator. His seminars on gamification of public speaking learning and his interactive Rhetoric game at our conference set the tone for change and improvement in our organisation. The quality of his input, the impact he made with his audience and his effortlessly engaging style made it easy to get on board with his core messages and won over some delegates who were extremely skeptical as to the efficacy of games for learning. I simply cannot recommend him highly enough.

Thomas Scott

National Education Director, Association of Speakers Clubs UK

John joined our Global Sales Meeting in Segovia, Spain and we all participated in his "Improv(e) your Work!" session. I say “all” because it really was all interactive, participatory, learning and enjoyable. The session surprised everybody and was a fresh-air activity that brought a lot of self-reflection and insights to improve trust and confidence in each other inside our team. It´s all about communication and a good manner of speaking!"

General Manager Europe, Hayward Industries

Thank you very much for the excellent presentation skills session. The feedback I received was very positive. Everyone enjoyed the good mix of listening to your speech, co-developing a concrete take-away and the personal learning experience. We all feel more devoted to the task ahead, more able to succeed and an elevated team spirit. Delivering this in a short time, both in session and in preparation, is outstanding!

Henning Dehler

CFO European Dairy Supply Chain & Operations, Danone

Thanks to John’s excellent workshop, I have learned many important tips and techniques to become an effective public speaker. John is a fantastic speaker and teacher, with extensive knowledge of the field. His workshop was a great experience and has proven extremely useful for me in my professional and personal life.

Eric Thuillard

Senior Sales Manager, Sunrise Communications

John’s presentation skills training was a terrific investment of my time. I increased my skills in this important area and feel more comfortable when speaking to an audience. John provided the right mix between theory and practice.

Diego Brait

Director of the Jura Region, BKW Energie AG

Be BOLD. Those two words got stuck in my head and in the heads of all those ADP leaders and associates that had the privilege to see John on stage. He was our keynote speaker at our annual convention in Barcelona, and his message still remains! John puts his heart in every word. Few speakers are so credible, humble and yet super strong with large audiences!

Guadalupe Garcia

Senior Director and Talent Partner, ADP International

Wartime rhetoric: How Zelensky's address compares with other speeches by foreign leaders

Third ukrainian president to address parliament, first leader to do so virtually.

Social Sharing

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address to Parliament this week was the latest in a long line of speeches by foreign leaders hoping to build ties with Canada, promote policies or plead for aid.

Dozens of prime ministers, presidents and other key figures are part of a tradition of addressing Canada's House of Commons, but Zelensky's speech was remarkable for its timing, context and virtual delivery.

"These are all players, when they're addressing the House of Commons, who are at the height of their powers and have their greatest influence on the world agenda and international relations," said Patrick Boyer, a historian and former MP who wrote a book on addresses by world leaders,  Foreign Voices in the House.

"And that's true of the most recent speech," Boyer said. "But that's not unique."

Zelensky pleads for more help from Canada as Trudeau blacklisted by Russia

Canadian historian Robert Bothwell is more skeptical of the lasting impact of the addresses: "I could come up with four or five that were actually important, where there's something more than ceremonial."

He said that for much of its history, as a colony of the United Kingdom, Canada hosted few foreign visitors.

"When we did have foreign visitors, they never came to Ottawa because there was no point," he said.

Third Ukrainian president to address Parliament

Prior to Zelensky's speech, the House of Commons lists 58 addresses by foreign dignitaries since 1941, starting with Winston Churchill. But you don't have to go back that far to find some interesting parallels to Zelensky's address.

Two other Ukrainian presidents have spoken to the House of Commons. Boyer, who led a Canadian delegation that helped monitor Ukraine's independence referendum in 1991, said it's clear that the dynamics we're witnessing today were already present in 2014, when Petro Poroshenko came to Ottawa, and in 2008, when then-president Viktor Yushchenko spoke.

"Ukraine's admission to NATO is not a step meant to challenge anybody or to inconvenience any of our neighbours, immediate or distant. We are governed solely by the national interests of Ukraine," Yushchenko said, not naming Russia. Just months before, Ukraine had applied to the alliance, asking it to consider Ukrainian membership.

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses Parliament as Russian forces edge toward Kyiv
• Foreign affairs minister says Russia's invasion of Ukraine has unified the West

Only six years later, the ground had shifted substantially.

"Today Ukraine pays a very high price for defending what we believe in: democracy and the freedom to choose our own future," Poroshenko said, speaking six months after Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and the beginning of the war in the Donbas region of southeastern Ukraine.

"For more than two decades, we proudly stated that Ukraine gained its independence without shedding a single drop of blood. Now that is no longer true. Now we are engaged in a true battle for our independence. Now we are paying the real price."

Poroshenko addresses Parliament

Those speeches are jarring when read beside another address by a foreign leader, that of the president of the newly constituted Russian Federation, Boris Yeltsin, who spoke to the House in June 1992, just six months after the Soviet Union dissolved.

"When people speak about Russia and Canada, they generally comment on how similar our countries are. Canada is probably the only place where a Russian could forget that he is in a different country," Yeltsin told members of Parliament, appealing for co-operation and mutual investment while promoting a reformist, internationalist and democratic Russia.

"Our intentions are not secret. We are prepared for hard work, which is the very essence of any partnership. We have a long and difficult road ahead of us. I am convinced that our peoples must travel together if they are to attain the best results."

Wartime calls for aid

Another parallel between Zelensky's address and others, Boyer said, is the wartime nature of the speech. Churchill's 1941 appearance was one such address. Boyer likened it to other speeches in Canada by foreign leaders, going back to the First World War in 1917.

"In each case, their speech was totally riveting on the war, on Canada's role, what Canada could do," he said, with the message often being: "Really great, but more needs to be done."

The same theme is echoed in Zelensky's address, praising Canada's efforts so far as Ukraine battles Russian troops but simultaneously urging Canadians to understand the severity of the situation, intensify sanctions and enforce a no-fly zone.

• Analysis How the war in Ukraine showed that Canada is ill-equipped to fight a modern army
• Putin holds rally in Moscow, praises Russian troops as Ukraine fights back invasion

Churchill's speech — significantly longer than Zelensky's roughly 13-minute address — outlined how he saw the course of the war so far and his proposed pathway to victory, praising Canada's contribution and calling for unity and continued struggle.

"Let us then address ourselves to our task, not in any way underrating its tremendous difficulties and perils, but in good heart and sober confidence, resolved that, whatever the cost, whatever the suffering, we shall stand by one another, true and faithful comrades, and do our duty, God helping us, to the end," Churchill concluded.

The style of rhetoric has clearly changed. But that wartime message, notably different given Canada's direct role at the time, still provides an interesting parallel.

Bothwell compared Zelensky's pleas with another famous international speech — though one that does not provide a particularly hopeful example for Ukraine.

"I think the only comparison I could make was Haile Selassie coming to the League of Nations in 1936. That was a very similar exercise," he said. Selassie, emperor of Ethiopia from 1930-74, urged the international community to sanction Italy for its ongoing invasion of his country — but his attempt was largely unsuccessful.

• Ukraine's Zelensky says siege of Mariupol 'a terror that will be remembered for centuries to come'

Bothwell said Zelensky's address to Canada's Parliament was interesting because it was part of a series of speeches in foreign legislatures, including the U.S. Congress and the the British Parliament.

"The point is showing Canadians that Ukraine is a serious place, putting it on the map for us, and he did that. There was a purpose," he said.

Unifying events for Canada

Since Churchill, many other leaders have come to this country to praise bilateral relations or call for policy change. When he was U.S. president, John F. Kennedy, for example, talked up the need for a renewed commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization during his 1961 address.

The presence of other leaders marked shifts in Canadian foreign policy and world history: an address by then-Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1949, for example, or a speech by Chinese state council premier Zhao Ziyang in 1984.

• Video 'West has to keep Zelensky in Ukraine in fight against Putin,' says fmr. NATO Supreme Allied Commander of Europe

One striking aspect of Zelensky's speech to Parliament this week was the overwhelming support he received from members on all sides of the House, with lengthy ovations and outward displays of support. Such unanimity is difficult to find in domestic politics, but, Boyer says, it's not uncommon when foreign leaders visit.

"I can say safely that the single most unifying event for Canadian politics over the past century and a quarter has been the hour in which a foreign leader has addressed or spoken in our House of Commons," he said.

Ronald Reagan heckled during second visit to Parliament

Still, there are instances of disruption. In 1988, for example, then-U.S. president Ronald Reagan was heckled by NDP MPs, including Svend Robinson.

Others, like Nelson Mandela, received an awed reception. The South African anti-apartheid leader appeared before the House in June 1990, just a few months after being released from prison.

Boyer said that was one address where the need for a unified, respectful response was obvious.

"Why? Because we are witnessing history."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christian Paas-Lang covers federal politics for CBC News in Ottawa as an associate producer with The House and a digital writer with CBC Politics. You can reach him at [email protected].

Related Stories

Add some “good” to your morning and evening.

Your weekly guide to what you need to know about federal politics and the minority Liberal government. Get the latest news and sharp analysis delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service apply.

Analysis Essay of Volodymyr Zelensky’s Speech “I Call for You to Do More”

• Icon Calendar 16 May 2024
• Icon Page 2032 words
• Icon Clock 10 min read

Receive a high-quality essay without plagiarism

Volodymyr Zelensky’s Speech “I Call for You to Do More,” streamed live on March 16, 2022, compels the United States (US) to take immediate action to support Ukrainians in defending their country from the Russian invasion. President Zelensky uses facts and historical evidence to show the extent of damage that the Russian Federation continues to cause on Ukrainians in the ongoing war. The emotional speech to Congress justifies the need for countries, like the US, to take an intervention for a no-fly zone in the Ukrainian sky and assist in ending the war. The Ukrainian president focuses on a central message and uses a professional, caring, and authoritative tone throughout his address. This strategy allows President Zelensky to present himself as a responsible leader, determined to protect his country’s political and humanitarian interests. These traits make President Zelensky’s discourse credible, emotional, and convincing to the audience. In particular, this rhetorical analysis of Zelensky’s speech “I Call for You to Do More” is an example of an essay that covers the summary of his address using ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos.

Introduction

Persuasive speeches effectively convey a specific message since they compel the audience to resonate with the speaker. Ukrainian President Zelensky addresses the US Congress and explains the situation in his country due to the ongoing war with Russia. President Zelensky provides an emotional speech that reveals how Ukrainians continue to suffer from the current conflict using credible and logical arguments. Besides, he justifies the need for the US government to intervene in the Russia-Ukraine war. Although President Zelensky addresses US Congressmen remotely in his speech “I Call for You to Do More,” he uses ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos to articulate the current situation in Ukraine and convince the audience that his country requires adequate and immediate military support.    

Summary of Zelensky’s Speech

On March 16, 2022, President Zelensky addressed the US Congress to present current issues on the Russia-Ukraine war and asked for military support and intervention. President Zelensky explained how Russia continued to attack Ukraine with missiles and airstrikes daily (02:00-02:27). These statements set the stage for President Zelensky’s speech, where he explains the need for the US to close the Ukrainian airspace. Moreover, President Zelensky presents a video showing emotional scenes as missiles strike buildings and public spaces in Ukraine (13:16-15:28). The president uses the video to justify the damage and mutilation caused by the Russian forces due to the open Ukrainian airspace. Thus, the Ukrainian president articulates the issues surrounding the current Russia-Ukraine war while justifying the importance of closing airspace as a containment measure.       

2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine

President Zelensky uses ethos to present a believable speech to the US Congress. For example, President Zelensky states that Russia attacks Kyiv City with missiles daily (02:00-02:27). This quantification reveals the frequency of attacks that Russia makes towards Ukraine. From a practical perspective, President Zelensky provides details on Russian activities in Ukraine that undermine overall security. Besides, the Ukrainian leader notes that the current war is the worst disaster that a European country has faced since independence (02:25-02:27). This statement justifies that Russia continues to use excessive force in attacking innocent Ukrainians, which is a violation of human rights. Thus, President Zelensky uses quantifiable and believable information in his speech “I Call for You to Do More,” making it plausible.

The United States and Ukraine

President Zelensky uses historical evidence to justify his primary arguments. For instance, President Zelensky relates the national memorial in Rushmore to the current situation in Ukraine (03:55-04:29). The president argues that Ukrainians continue to fight for their independence and democracy in the 21st century, losing their lives. This statement justifies why Ukrainians continue to defend their country fearlessly regardless of the severe military attacks by the Russian soldiers. President Zelensky reminds the US Congress about the Pearl Harbor attacks and the September 11 terror assault (04:45-05:16). The president cites these past but significant events to justify that the US experienced similar attacks, like Ukraine. The strategy makes President Zelensky’s arguments more plausible to the US Congressmen since they can relate the current war in Ukraine with past events that tested American democracy and sovereignty.

I Have a Need to Protect Our Sky

President Zelensky refers to a famous thinker and activist, Martin Luther King Jr., and his speech “I Have a Dream” to make his speech more credible. For example, President Zelensky states that every American in the US knows about King’s speech “I Have a Dream,” but he also has a dream that is protecting his sky (07:16-07:37). This evidence shows that the Ukrainian president played an important role in sourcing adequate evidence to prove the undemocratic military activities by the Russian soldiers in Ukrainian cities. Thus, the speaker’s reference to King’s words and uniting them to his situation in the country makes his appeal trustworthy.  

National Dreams and Values

President Zelensky makes an emotional appeal when describing Russian activities in Ukraine. For instance, President Zelensky argues that Russia violates human values by attacking Ukraine (03:10-04:09). The speaker reveals that Ukrainians continue to lose their social and political values because of the daunting war by Russians. The description invokes a sense of sympathy as one contemplates the devastating experience in Ukraine. The statement that the current Russia-Ukraine war kills their national dreams reveals that the country is on the verge of collapsing (Zelensky 03:40-03:50). The Ukrainian president uses these words to show that Ukraine is in dire need of military support from dominant countries, like the US. From a critical point of view, the statement depicts Ukraine as a vulnerable country that requires adequate support from the international community. Therefore, President Zelensky presents an emotional speech to justify that Ukraine needs immediate help from the US.

Ukraine’s Courage and Resilience

President Zelensky uses pathos in his speech “I Call for You to Do More” to justify Ukraine’s courage and resilience. For example, President Zelensky notes that Ukrainians should fight for their rights and freedom (04:25-04:47). The speaker notes how American leaders fought for the citizens’ rights and liberties. Like Ukrainians, Americans defended their country when attacked by their enemies. Therefore, President Zelensky used American beliefs and values to explain why Ukrainians continue to demonstrate courage and resilience despite the ongoing war.

A Source of Death

President Zelensky invokes unique emotions of sympathy among the audience by presenting the situation in Ukraine due to the ongoing war. For example, President Zelensky explains how Russian troops turn the Ukrainian sky into a source of death by shooting thousands of missiles to all Ukrainian cities (05:47-06:04). The Ukrainian leader argues that Russia attacks Ukraine with high-precision weapons, like drones and technological bombs, which threaten the lives of millions of people. Therefore, President Zelensky presents emotional facts about the Russia-Ukraine war that provokes the audience’s sympathy.     

1000 Missiles in the Ukrainian Sky

President Zelensky uses data to support his statements about the Russia-Ukraine war. For example, President Zelensky notes that Ukrainians resisted the Russian aggression for eight years before the active phase of the war (02:34-02:43). In this case, the speaker quantifies the period that Ukrainians resisted the Russian invasion since they valued peace and democracy. The president quantifies the Ukrainian’s effort to avoid a full-scale invasion by Russians. President Zelensky notes that Russians fired approximately 1000 missiles over Ukrainian cities (05:56-06:00). The Ukrainian leader covers this data to approximate the value of ammunition used against Ukrainians, making his arguments logical for the no-fly zone in the Ukrainian sky. Thus, President Zelensky uses data to justify his opinions on why the US government should assist and protect Ukrainians.

No-Fly Zone

President Zelensky uses valid reasons to convince the US Congressmen that Ukraine needs immediate support and assistance. For example, President Zelensky requests other countries and humanitarian groups to declare the Ukrainian sky the no-fly zone to protect the innocent citizens from unnecessary aggression (06:07-06:41). The speaker notes that the failure to declare the Ukrainian sky the no-fly zone puts the lives of innocent citizens at risk. Besides, President Zelensky argues that the US should provide powerful weapons as an alternative measure for Ukraine if declaring the no-fly area becomes a significant problem (06:41-07:12). The Ukrainian leader gives the US and European countries the alternative option to allow Ukrainians to defend themselves from the Russian air attacks. These examples show how President Zelensky applies logic to convince the US Congress on why Ukraine requires intervention by the international community.

The Dream of Freedom

President Zelensky focuses on a central message of seeking military intervention from the US. The Ukrainian president states that he has a dream that reflects his citizens’ security and democracy needs (07:25-07:39). Throughout his speech “I Call for You to Do More,” the speaker provides facts to justify why he believes that Ukrainians should defend their democracy and autonomy from the Russian invasion. In turn, President Zelensky explains that Ukraine needs support from the developed countries to cater to their security needs and realize the dream of political freedom.              

Being With Ukrainians

President Zelensky makes a timely speech to the US Congress. President Zelensky states that he addresses the US Congressmen from Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, which is under attack by missiles and airstrikes by the Russian troops (01:54-02:06). In this case, the speaker makes a timely message by addressing the US Congress from an insecure location. President Zelensky’s actions justify Ukraine’s need for urgent support from the US. Therefore, the Ukrainian leader makes a suitable message to explain why his country requires military aid from the US.

Saving Lives of Ukrainians

President Zelensky gives a timeliness message to the global audience. For example, the Ukrainian leader explains how different governments made haste to vaccinate people against Covid-19 while preventing the emergence of new strains (President Zelensky 12:00-12:34). The president uses this message to remind countries that they continue to overlook the need to provide Ukraine with the necessary military support. This right message helps to convince the audience, while other countries, like the US, have a political and economic obligation to assist Ukraine in achieving in protecting its citizens. Therefore, President Zelensky makes an appropriate message to convince the US Congress that the international community should support Ukrainians who defend their country from the terroristic aggression of Russia.

Protecting Peace and Human Life

President Zelensky uses an appropriate tone to present his speech “I Call for You to Do More” to the US Congress. For instance, President Zelensky states that Ukrainians have a resolute determination to defend their country despite facing the greatest war after World War II (02:11-02:26). The Ukrainian president uses a professional and caring tone to put his primary message across. In this case, the president remains composed as he explains how his government remains focused on defending its citizens despite having inadequate weapons. President Zelensky argues that global leaders should strive to promote peace, protect people from all enemies, and defend human life (15:54-16:37). This statement reveals an authoritative tone as President Zelensky reminds the US Congressmen about their primary duty of defending Ukrainians. Therefore, the president relies on his unique technique to justify that the US should support and protect Ukrainians.

In his speech “I Call for You to Do More,” President Zelensky presents a compelling and emotional appeal on why the US should support Ukrainians who defend their country from the Russian invasion. By considering this rhetorical analysis, President Zelensky relies on ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos to explain why the US and other countries should declare the Ukrainian sky the no-fly zone or provide the necessary weapons for resisting the Russian troops. In this case, the Ukrainian leader makes a timely and valuable message that challenges the US government to execute its mandate of protecting innocent Ukrainians. Besides, he uses a professional, caring, and authoritative tone throughout his speech. Other unique traits described in this essay example include citations of the relevant facts regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, references to authorities, like King and his speech, and historical experiences where the US faced similar security threats.

Zelensky, Volodymyr. “‘I Call for You to Do More:’ Ukrainian President Zelensky Addresses US Congress | WSJ.” YouTube , March 16, 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-kuGHPs4TU.

To Learn More, Read Relevant Articles

Essay on The Next Outbreak? We’re Not Ready

• Icon Calendar 13 April 2022
• Icon Page 839 words

Essay on My Son Was a Columbine Shooter. This Is My Story.

• Icon Calendar 11 March 2022
• Icon Page 811 words

• Newsletters
• Best Industries
• Business Plans
• Home-Based Business
• The UPS Store
• Customer Service
• Black in Business
• Your Next Move
• Female Founders
• Best Workplaces
• Company Culture
• Public Speaking
• HR/Benefits
• Productivity
• All the Hats
• Digital Transformation
• Artificial Intelligence
• Bringing Innovation to Market
• Cloud Computing
• Social Media
• Data Detectives
• Exit Interview
• Bootstrapping
• Crowdfunding
• Venture Capital
• Business Models
• Personal Finance
• Founder-Friendly Investors
• Upcoming Events
• Inc. 5000 Vision Conference
• Become a Sponsor
• Cox Business
• Verizon Business
• Branded Content
• Apply Inc. 5000 US

Inc. Premium

Ukrainian President Zelensky's Brilliant Public-Speaking Tactic That Inspires His Audiences

Relate to your audience by citing people, places, and events they know..

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a rousing speech to the U.S. Congress on Wednesday night, triggering a wave of trending hashtags on Twitter such as "Ukraine" and "Zelensky." In addition, two phrases also grabbed the attention of social media: the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Saratoga, two historical references that Zelensky brought up in his speech.

Zelensky's historical references to events that transformed America are no accident. Zelensky uses an advanced communication tool to persuade his listeners: allusions. An allusion is a rhetorical device that makes a speaker relatable by referring to a person, place, or event that's familiar to the audience.

After entering the U.S. Capitol wearing a green sweatshirt and military fatigues, Zelensky didn't start his speech for a full two minutes until the standing ovation subsided. In his 25-minute address, Zelensky attempted to make his country's cause the cause of all Americans "who value freedom and justice."

According to Zelensky, "Russians use everything they have ... the occupiers have a significant advantage in artillery, they have an advantage in ammunition. They have much more missiles and planes than we ever had. But our defense forces stand."

Zelensky then compared Ukraine's fight to the Battle of the Bulge, Hitler's last-ditch offense in the Ardennes Forest that claimed the lives of 19,000 American soldiers in World War II.

"Just like the brave American soldiers who held their lines and fought back Hitler's forces during Christmas of 1944 ... Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender," Zelensky said.

Later, when describing how Ukrainian forces held off Russia's assault in the Donbas region, Zelensky compared the success to the Battle of Saratoga, the turning point of the American Revolution.

"Just like the Battle of Saratoga, the fight for Bakhmut [a city on the front lines] will change the trajectory of our war and battle for freedom," Zelensky concluded.

Zelensky made historical allusions to the fight for democracy to remind Americans that financial and military support for Ukraine "is not charity. It's an investment in global democracy and security."

Zelensky's bravery has made him a hero to people around the world. However, Zelensky also knows that words matter, and the words he chooses are intended to inspire his audiences and rally them to action.

A refreshed look at leadership from the desk of CEO and chief content officer Stephanie Mehta

Privacy Policy

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

What the rhetoric used by Zelenskyy and Putin can tell us about the war in Ukraine

Ayesha Rascoe

NPR's Ayesha Rascoe talks with Nina Jankowicz, an expert on information wars, about how Presidents Zelenskyy and Putin are talking about Ukraine, for both domestic and international audiences.

Copyright © 2022 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

Why Some Teachers Have Students Studying Zelensky’s Speech to Congress

• Share article

When Ruth Squillace saw that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had addressed the U.S. Congress Wednesday morning, she knew that she wanted to talk about it with her students. But she also knew she wasn’t going to put it up on the screen right away.

In the speech, delivered virtually, Zelensky made an emotional plea for U.S. assistance in combatting the Russian invasion, invoking Pearl Harbor and 9/11. He asked for the United States to declare a no-fly zone in Ukrainian airspace, to send military support, and to impose new sanctions on Russia.

His remarks ended with a compilation of video footage from the war, showing graphic images of bombings, injured people, and bodies in graves.

Squillace teaches seniors in her social studies classes at Shoreham-Wading River High School in Shoreham, N.Y., and they have already had conversations over the past few weeks about the unfolding crisis in Ukraine. But even though her students are older and relatively well-informed, Squillace wanted to be thoughtful about how she approached the speech and its distressing imagery with them.

“I’m not somebody who would have done it in real time,” Squillace said of showing the speech.

This dilemma, of how and when to discuss painful or traumatic events in class, has become more complex for teachers over the past few years.

Teachers have heard students’ fears about the COVID-19 pandemic. They’ve talked to their classes about the murder of George Floyd and the ensuing protests against racism and police brutality. And they helped students understand the facts when thousands of people stormed the Capitol in January of last year .

When these kinds of events happen, Squillace said, teachers need time to process and decide how they can approach them in a way that’s comprehensible and helpful for students. “The older you get, the more experienced you get in education, the more you realize that you have to take a beat, to give a moment’s pause,” said Squillace, who is in her 24th year of teaching.

She keeps providing updates on Ukraine in her class because she believes it’s important for her students to stay informed and not “emotionally detached” from the wider world. But doing that while also attending to students’ mental health is a delicate balance, especially as teenagers are still dealing with the ongoing effects of the pandemic.

“The mental health crisis is real, and the anxiety we are witnessing in our students is real,” Squillace said. “We have to be mindful that this crisis, this international crisis, is coming on the heels of another crisis that they felt so intimately.”

Analyze the rhetoric, make historical connections

Squillace said she’s not planning to show her students the video footage of the invasion that was featured during the speech. Anton Schulzki, an International Baccalaureate history teacher at William J. Palmer High School in Colorado Springs, Colo., said he likely wouldn’t do so either.

“We know why [Zelensky] chose to show that; it was clearly impactful for the adults who watched it. … But even high school students could have visceral reactions to the images,” said Schulzki, who is also the president of the National Council for the Social Studies.

“This is where teachers have to know their students, have to know school policy on how they would show those types of videos,” he said.

Instead, Squillace plans to talk about why Zelensky showed the footage he did, and why he made comparisons to Pearl Harbor and 9/11. “There is rhetoric here,” Squillace said. “Zelensky is going to provide a narrative,” she said, in attempts to convince the United States to impose a no-fly zone.

She’ll ask her students to read and annotate the transcript, pulling out Zelensky’s objectives. She thinks that they’ll identify that he was “pulling on American heartstrings” by comparing what’s going on in Ukraine to past attacks on the United States, and showing emotional footage to move lawmakers.

This focus on analyzing persuasive communication could work across different subjects, said Schulzki. “You could talk about how politicians communicate with the public, how they get their message across.”

Teachers could also analyze the speech with their students from a historical and civic perspective, said Andy Blackadar, the director of curriculum development for the Choices Program, a history and current events curriculum and professional development organization affiliated with Brown University.

“This is a chance for teachers to review with students: What does Congress have the power to do here? Who has the power to deploy U.S. military forces? What are the processes of government?” Blackadar said.

There are historical examples of leaders of foreign countries addressing a joint session of Congress that students can examine, too, said Schulzki, noting that British Prime Minister Winston Churchill spoke to lawmakers in December 1941, just weeks after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

In order to make these connections and process world events in real time, teachers need to have some flexibility in their lesson planning, Schulzki said. He raised concerns that recently proposed legislation in at least 10 states , which would require teachers to post curricular plans in advance, could hamper this kind of instruction.

“If we limit those discussions, then we do our students a disservice,” he said. “I think the worst thing we could do is limit those conversations.”

Sign Up for EdWeek Update

Edweek top school jobs.

Sign Up & Sign In

Advertisement

Supported by

Full Transcript of Zelensky’s Speech Before Congress

The Ukrainian president delivered an emotional appeal for further American support, vowing that his country would prevail in its war with Russia.

• Share full article

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine spoke before a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday night, delivering in halting but forceful English an impassioned speech that thanked the United States for its support in his nation’s war against Russia and vowed victory as he pleaded for further aid. The following is a transcript of his remarks, as recorded by The New York Times.

Thank you so much. Thank you so much for that. Thank you. It’s too much for me. All this for our great people. Thank you so much.

Dear Americans, in all states, cities and communities, all those who value freedom and justice, who cherish it as strongly as we Ukrainians in our cities, in each and every family, I hope my words of respect and gratitude resonate in each American heart.

Madam Vice President, I thank you for your efforts in helping Ukraine. Madam Speaker, you bravely visited Ukraine during the full-fledged war. Thank you very much. Great honor. Thank you.

I am very privileged to be here. Dear members of the Congress, representatives of both parties who also visited Kyiv, esteemed congressmen and senators from both parties who will visit Ukraine, I am sure, in the future; dear representatives of diaspora, present in this chamber, and spread across the country; dear journalists, it’s a great honor for me to be at the U.S. Congress and speak to you and all Americans.

Against all odds and doom-and-gloom scenarios, Ukraine didn’t fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking. Thank you. And it gives me good reason to share with you our first, first joint victory: We defeated Russia in the battle for minds of the world. We have no fear, nor should anyone in the world have it. Ukrainians gained this victory, and it gives us courage which inspires the entire world.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

More From Forbes

Why zelensky’s speech to congress was a masterclass in crisis communication.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 21: U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Vice President ... [+] Kamala Harris hold a Ukrainian flag signed by members of the that country's military given to them by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky as he addresses a joint meeting of Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on December 21, 2022 in Washington, DC. In his first known trip outside of Ukraine since Russia invaded, Zelensky met with U.S. President Joe Biden and outlined Ukraine's request for continued military aid. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech to a joint session of Congress Wednesday night was a masterclass in crisis communication for corporate executives. His televised remarks provides several lessons business leaders should remember when telling their side of the story about a business crisis.

Communication and leadership experts weighed-in with their insights and observations about what Zelensky said and how he said it.

Deliver Your Message In Person

“President Zelensky’s speech to Congress reminds us foremost how important it is for business leaders to be physically present in times of crisis,” Moshe Cohen , who teaches leadership, negotiation, organizational behavior and mediation at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, said via email.

“While he could have delivered the same message electronically or by video, his choice to come to Washington demonstrated commitment, created connection, and increased alignment to his cause. During a crisis, people can feel anxious or lost, and the leader’s physical presence provides them with direction, stability, and hope,” he observed.

Netflix’s Best New Movie Arrives With A Perfect 100% Critic Score

Trump reposts ai-generated images claiming taylor swift fans support him, microsoft issues mandatory 2fa login deadline alert, know your audience.

Zelensky’s speech “demonstrates how important it is for leaders to know their audience and speak with them rather than at them,” Cohen noted.

“Just as Zelensky’s references to our shared values, narratives, and history as well as his use of powerful imagery, made his words resonate with us, business leaders can use their organizations’ core values and mission to reassure their people and guide them through crises,” he concluded.

Capture Attention

“In order to persuade others to join in your cause, you must first capture their attention,,” Josh Wilson , a senior publicist with Otter PR, said via email.

“One of the most powerful parts of his speech was when he compared American troops fighting to hold their lines against Hitler on Christmas of 1944 with the Ukrainian troops who will be fighting against Putin on Christmas this year. This undoubtedly caught the attention of many Americans, many of whom had loved ones that served during WW II,” he observed.

Explain What’s At Stake

“This battle is not only for the territory, for this or another part of Europe,” Zelensky told Congress . “The battle is not only for the life, freedom and security of Ukrainians or any other nation which Russia attempts to conquer. This struggle will define in what world our children and grandchildren will live, and then their children and grandchildren.”

Choose Your Words Carefully

"Zelensky is skilled at making his crisis communication relatable by sharing detailed accounts of the difficulties that his fellow Ukrainians are facing, particularly during the holiday season,” Jordan McAuley , founder of Celebrity/PR, said via email.

He highlighted the “contrast between the challenges Ukrainians are facing and the more comfortable lives of Americans. The saying goes that people don't remember what you said; they remember how you made them feel. Zelensky effectively uses this strategy to connect with his audience and leave a lasting impression,” McCauley pointed out.

Express Gratitude

“Another lesson that others can learn from Zelensky’s speech is the importance of showing gratitude,” Wilson of Otter PR observed.

“He didn't just thank members of Congress for their support of Ukraine but rather sent a loud and clear thank you to every American that was watching at home. In [a] crisis, people want to feel heard and acknowledged. In this area, Zelensky gets an A+.”

Convey A Sense Of Urgency

Zelensky told Congress that “Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender. So, so, here the front line, the tyranny which has no lack of cruelty against the lives of free people—and your support is crucial, not just to stand in such [a] fight but to get to the turning point to win on the battlefield.”

Directly Address Concerns

“When Zelensky stated that ‘your money is not charity. It’s an investment in global security and democracy,’ he not only confirmed Ukraine’s view of America as a true partner but also subtly addressed lingering Republican skepticism of continued financial backing of Ukraine,” Olga Orda , founder and CEO of PR agency Hypemachine.

The Ukraine president obviously wanted to “make it clear that financial support of Ukraine is much more than supporting one country: it’s symbolic of the world’s front line defense against Russia attacking other neighboring countries and starting an even larger global conflict,” Orda commented.

Make Comparisons

Zelensky compared “Russians to Nazis in the Battle of the Bulge . The Nazi comparison is common among many politicians as a persuasive argument in all kinds of issues, perhaps way too common nowadays, but they use it because it works in driving an emotional component,” Baruch Labunski , CEO of Rank Secure, observed via email.

Use Visuals

Battlefield flag.

“The Ukrainian president [employed] another well-used but effective tactic in his speech. He gave a battlefield flag to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi,” Labunski noted. “Presenting a flag from frontline soldiers [offered] another emotional connection, a way to prove the war is real, and a display of gratitude. It shows Congress that Ukrainians are fighting.”

Military Green Activewear

Zelesnky “didn’t wear a suit and tie; he wore military green activewear,” Michelle Burson , president of MarComm, a marketing and communications agency, said via email.

“He didn't wear a suit out of principle. He hasn't worn one since the war started. He's also not wearing a formal military uniform, decorations, or insignias. It's a way to communicate that he's in the trenches with his people, not a bureaucrat who is above them,” she observed.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.