D269 Task 1 Template

Student Name

Western Governors University

D269 Composition: Writing with a Strategy

Prof. Name

Date

Steve Jobs: ‘You’ve Got to Find What You Love,’ Jobs Says

Summary

In his 2005 commencement speech at Stanford University, Steve Jobs shares deeply personal and motivating stories that reflect the core of his philosophy on life and success. Jobs begins by recounting his decision to leave college, a choice that at first seemed unconventional but ultimately opened doors to unexpected opportunities. For example, attending a calligraphy class influenced the elegant typography of the Macintosh computer, demonstrating how seemingly unrelated experiences can have profound impacts.

The second story focuses on his surprising dismissal from Apple, the company he helped build. Although initially devastating, this setback became a catalyst for Jobs to found NeXT and Pixar, ventures that not only revived his career but also played a critical role in Apple’s resurgence. The final story revolves around his battle with cancer, which brought him face-to-face with mortality and reinforced the urgency of living an authentic, purpose-driven life.

Through these three narratives, Jobs underscores essential lessons: follow your passion, trust your instincts even when the path is uncertain, and do not let others dictate your life. His message is clear—embracing what you love is key to fulfillment and success.

What is the Purpose of Steve Jobs’ Speech?

The speech’s main goal is to inspire graduates to embrace their uniqueness and pursue what genuinely excites them. By candidly sharing his personal triumphs and failures, Jobs encourages resilience and a focus on what truly matters in life. The address serves as a motivational call for young people to live bravely and authentically, rather than conforming to societal expectations that may not align with their inner desires.

What Was the Context of the Speech?

Delivered in 2005, during a period of rapid technological advancement and cultural shifts regarding career and fulfillment, the speech resonated strongly with its audience. Apple was in the midst of a significant transformation, reshaping technology and design with its groundbreaking products. Simultaneously, societal values were evolving, with increasing emphasis on creativity, purpose, and meaning over conventional definitions of success. Jobs’ address perfectly captured this spirit, guiding a generation eager to find deeper significance in their lives.

Who Was the Intended Audience?

The primary audience for Jobs’ speech was the graduating class of Stanford University, along with their families and faculty members. The message was specifically tailored to young adults preparing to enter the workforce and make pivotal life choices. However, its broader appeal extends to anyone interested in personal growth, overcoming adversity, and blending creativity with technology. Jobs’ words particularly speak to those willing to take risks and pursue fulfilling careers aligned with their passions.

How Does Steve Jobs Use Rhetorical Appeals in His Speech?

Jobs skillfully employs rhetorical appeals—ethos, pathos, and logos—to connect with and persuade his audience. The following table summarizes these techniques:

Rhetorical Appeal	Examples from Speech	Explanation
Ethos (Credibility)	Jobs openly discusses his setbacks, such as being fired from Apple, and his decision to drop out of college.	This honesty builds trust and positions Jobs as a credible figure who has faced real challenges and learned from them.
Pathos (Emotion)	He shares the emotional impact of confronting his mortality and the joy he found in pursuing his passions.	Emotional storytelling creates a strong connection, inspiring listeners to live authentically and with urgency.
Logos (Logic)	Jobs explains how failure and unexpected experiences (like his calligraphy class) contributed to later success.	Logical reasoning supports his argument that embracing uncertainty and following passion leads to growth and innovation.

By integrating these appeals, Jobs crafts a compelling narrative that motivates his audience to seek meaningful, authentic lives rather than simply conforming to expectations.

D269 Task 1 Template

References

Jobs, S. (2005, June 12). ‘You’ve got to find what you love,’ Jobs says. Stanford Report. https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2005/06/youve-got-find-love-jobs-says